It’s come down to the end of the year when we can safely assume the majority of music that is going to be released has already done so. Before we get down to our list of our favourite songs from 2019, we like to give a chance to the experts to have their say on who produced the best tunes this year. We asked musicians from across Atlantic Canada what their favourite tracks for 2019 were and here’s what we heard back.
Sleeping Machines – “Houston”
The return of Sleeping Machines has been something I’ve anticipated for a long time now, and after releasing their first music in 4 years I can assure you they did not disappoint.
“Houston” is such a strong song live and on record, and I feel is the perfect way to showcase Johnny as their newest member. Starting off with the sparkly guitar and smooth yet gritty tone of Johnny’s voice, the song then throws you into my favorite bass riff of the year, that hangs on the whole way through. This song just makes you want to dance, jump around and cry, which is exactly how I want music to feel.
I’ve always been a big fan of this band and what they do, and I feel that adding Johnny to the mix was a huge move. I remember hearing his voice for the first time and being absolutely blown away, then hearing that combined with Adam’s voice creates these unreal harmonies, carrying this sound through to others as they hear the new release.
This band is huge and consists of some of the most talented musicians I know. They’re truly bringing something different to the East Coast, and I feel that is something that really shows in the overall production and execution of these new songs. I’m beyond excited to see what 2020 has for Sleeping Machines. (Rebecca Dalley, Designosaur)
Sleeping Machines: FACEBOOK | TWITTER
Walrus – “Cool To Who”
How is this not the biggest hit right now. Pop music at its finest. Love this whole record, amazing songwriting with great live performances and incredible production & ambience. And like Paul McCartney level bass playing. Holy fuck. It’s one the best songs and records for me in the last while on any coast. (Paul Murphy, Wintersleep)
Walrus: WEB | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM
Jessica Rhaye – “As I Went Out One Morning”
We had known about Jessica’s dream of recording an album of Bob Dylan songs for years before all the pieces started to come together. She has achieved a tremendous feat in taking on so much of his catalogue from little known gems to world famous masterpieces. The first time I heard her interpretation of “As I Went Out One Morning” (1967) was at a live show in Saint John about a year ago. The haunting a capella chanting tuned in open fifths combined with the 60’s era groove, and Jessica’s Jefferson Airplane-esque vocals made it a huge stand out.
I’ve had the pleasure of seeing her perform this live many times now and the recording captures that same energy. The wide range of the melody gives listeners a chance to experience Jessica’s unique ability to both soar in her upper register and command attention with barely a whisper.
The whole album, Just Like a Woman – Songs of Bob Dylan, is Jessica at her best. The Ramshackle Parade is made up of some of Saint John’s most beloved musicians and the combined result is nothing short of magnificent. (Lisa McLaggan, Tomato/Tomato)
Jessica Rhaye: WEB | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | BANDCAMP
The East Pointers – “Elmira”
I remember sitting around Gordie Sampson’s kitchen table while in Nashville a few months ago with The East Pointers, who were in town finishing this record with Gordie producing at the time. I’ve always been a fan of Tim and The East Pointers and I’ve quickly fallen in love with “Elmira”. My favorite kinds of songs are the ones that allow your brain to forget about genre labeling or fitting it into a box and just FEEL something.
Gordie’s brilliance is effortlessly laced through this record and blended with the immediately recognizable sound of The East Pointers, it’s ear candy. As a creator, it fascinates me that every single day us songwriters enter a writing room empty handed and walk out with a completely new song. We make something from nothing. And I think The East Pointers made a dang cool something with this song. (Makayla Lynn)
The East Pointers: WEB | FACEBOOK | TWITTER| INSTAGRAM
Advocates of Truth – “Never Too Late”
The tune I want to talk about is “Never Too Late” by Advocates of Truth! This is one of my favourite tunes of theirs & one of my favourites of the year period! I feel like it perfectly embodies who they are as artists and their sound. Not only that but it’s super fun, upbeat and catchy! I love their cadences and it’s amazing to hear their fresh afrobeat sound here in the east coast! Advocates of Truth are going to be around for a long time and I can’t wait for the world to discover them! (Keonté Beals)
Advocates of Truth: FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM
Marian – “Side Street”
I first heard Marian during a routine day of shooting performance footage for Raynemaker Production’s The Capital Project series. Now, I’ve recorded a lot of bands for this project. I mean, A LOT. So much so, that I really don’t remember specifics about most of them. I remember who was pleasant to work with. I remember respectfully watching the video team fine tune lighting and camera settings to overcome logistical hurdles. I remember nervously crossing my fingers that a song would end before the snare drum channel spills into the red. But ask me to describe the actual music I’d heard from a band that was otherwise unknown to me and you’re basically asking someone the plot of a TV show they had on in the background while they were cooking a meal and at the same time supervising a kids birthday party.
In spite of all this, somehow one song cut through the fog. Side Street stuck with me. It stuck to my ear holes like the pages of People Magazine stick to Clark Griswold’s sap-covered fingers. It stuck not because it was different, but rather, because it was familiar. It’s one of those songs that you’re sure you’ve heard before on the very first listen. This is Canadian pop rock in its purest form. It’s Vox-y guitars and conversational lyrics that Dylan Ward belts out with a melody that would make Chris Murphy set down his glasses and high kick for joy. I’m not someone who makes a lot of playlists, but by golly, if I was, I’d be sliding this track right in between Sloan and Plaskett and hitting play. (Brad Perry, Grand Theft Bus)
Catherine MacLellan – “The Road is Divided’
Catherine has the ability to paint the most beautiful imagery with her words while still remaining so relatable. Her latest album, Coyote, is filled with songs that hit you in the heartstrings but this song with its play on light and shadow in so many forms grabbed me right away. It’s been on heavy rotation in my home since its October release. (Alicia Toner)
Catherine MacLellan: FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | TWITTER
Sébastien Bérubé – “Héritiers du vent”
Here is a friend of mine from the far northwest of the province, the great city of Edmundston, AKA D’mundstun, AKA land of the porcupine. Sébastien Bérubé is a poet, a painter a writer of three books (là où les chemins de terre finissent, sous la boucane du moulin, MAUDIRE LES ÉTOILES) and a singer/songwriter with two released albums.
His most recent MADOUESCA was recorded last winter in a cabin in the woods far far away. With the help of some Acadien favourites (Marc Chops Arsenault, Dillon Robicheau) Sébastien weaves traditional stories of Acadien, Maliseet and Edmundston’s Brayons heritage together with his own very personal stories. The song i chose is the beautifully dramatic “Héritiers du vent” with the powerful refrain sung with Wolastoqiyik children of the Madawaska Maliseet First Nation. (Paul Bourgoin, Spoutnique)
Sébastien Bérubé: FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM
The East Pointers – “Wintergreen”
I loved Wintergreen from the first 20 seconds. With a beautiful tune, hooky lyrics, and a bust-the-doors-wide-open chorus, this song is unstoppable. It’s no wonder it took almost no time to top the charts. The song was written by The East Pointers with Colin MacDonald (the Trews), and produced by hit machine Gordie Sampson. With a team like that, how could we expect anything less than greatness?
The genius of “Wintergreen“, in my opinion, is how it successfully blends traditional Celtic music with modern Pop. You can hear it in the production – rolling banjo and fiddle alongside tasteful pads, sweeps, and percussion – but it’s also (and maybe more importantly) in Tim Chaisson’s vocal delivery. The lyrics are far from disposable, but oh so easy to get lost in. I would call myself a dummy when it comes to traditional music, but I bet I could sing or play every note of this jam from memory. And isn’t that the mark of a truly great song? Oh, and just try to listen to it without stomping or clapping. (Chris Kirby)
The East Pointers: WEB | FACEBOOK | TWITTER| INSTAGRAM
Maura Whitman – “Roulette”
This was so hard on so many levels. I love so many East Coast artists and this year in particular I feel like everyone just took it up a notch with all the new music that came out!!! One song that really broke through the noise to me was Maura Whitman’s release “Roulette”.
She’s such an amazing singer/songwriter to begin with, but this track rips. It was a huge jam for me this summer/fall and a total ear worm (always getting stuck in my head). This song is super commercially there but also a cool unique thing that showcases this chick’s charisma and personality! Really connected with me as a listener.
Still have yet to see a live show, but my go-to hires for my own band, Cassie Mann and Katelyn Bonomo have performed alongside Maura in her band and I give mega props to the hard work I’ve seen them do together, totally shows!
I have to mention Quiet Parade’s track “Young Hearts”, Kids Losing Sleep’s “Dusty Love” and Walrus’ “Cool to Who”, some of my other faves this year…and I’m not even scraping the surface here hahaha. But definitely recommend these jams and especially Maura’s – keep an eye out for this gal. (Natalie Lynn, Loviet)
Maura Whitman: WEB | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM
Nick Earle – “Lovers Turned Strangers”
I got to hear an early version of “Lovers Turned Strangers” while singing backups on the rest of Nick’s debut record Breaking New Ground. Although every single track on this album is incredibly catchy and superbly written, this one left me instantly in tears. His ability to sum up the remnants of an old relationship hit me at the exact moment that I needed it in my life. It’s a real piece of honesty, very simple but so heart-wrenching. It’s one of those songs that you put on when you need a good cry.
Nick is a great friend and one of the most talented musicians I’ve ever met! I look forward to everything that he releases in the future, but this song will always stand out as something that forever resonates with me. (Jordan Coaker, Quote the Raven)
Nick Earle: WEB | FACEBOOK| INSTAGRAM
Wintersleep – “Soft Focus”
This song is the grooviest! It hits extremely hard right off the top, with beautifully fuzzy guitars pulling you into the first catchy verse. The lyrics are very thought-provoking, all the while being supported by a freight train of groove that makes this song perfect to dance to. The arrangement is well thought out, and the fantastic production ensures that every instrument and voice is heard clearly. This song has it all, and it showcases the amazing talent of one of the best bands to ever come out of Eastern Canada. (Leith Fleming-Smith, Matt Mays)
Wintersleep: WEB | FACEBOOK | TWITTER
Little You Little Me – “By Rights”
This band is the perfect mix of chaos and structure for me. They are as comfortable singing hooks and harmonies as they are with shoe gazer stoner guitar solos and everything all the time blast outs. By Rights reminds me of the best part of 90’s indie rock where it feels like the whole band had a say in the final product and the chorus is something everybody wished they wrote. (Greg Webber, Kill Chicago)
LYLM: WEB | FACEBOOK | BANDCAMP | TWITTER