Local artists continue to release new tunes
These jams are worth adding to your hot summer playlists, Jenny Feniak writes.
Edmonton has always been a dynamic music city. Venues, promoters, studios and fans create a strong space for artists to make their mark and, in turn, the tunes keep flowing
Through the long, quiet of the pandemic, not only did established musicians keep at their craft, many with the creative spark took advantage of this time to realize their own unique sound. And everyone's been ready and waiting to share their work with the world. That time has come. This will be a regular roundup of new, local music being released, and online this column will include links connecting you directly to the music, the artists and some of the amazing videos bring created.
MOURAINE: BIGGER DREAMS EP
Mouraine, mentioned last week as a contributor to Arlo Maverick's latest release, is set to drop his debut album. Mixed by Grammy-nominated producer Mike Snell, who's worked with the likes of Kanye West and Erykah Badu, Bigger Dreams is slated to launch Aug. 6.
The EP'S title lays the stage for an album anchored by lived challenges triumphed over. Badmon, the first single released in May with an accompanying video, offers direct insights into his dreams and wishes as a child from Sudan backed up by positive perseverance while growing up in Edmonton, crushing not only the hip-hop scene, but proving an accomplished skateboarder and soccer player.
Breakout West's Highlight Artist for 2020, Mouraine has already opened up for huge acts like Mac Miller and Pusha T, and frequently collaborates with other local emcees. You can catch him live headlining Taste of Edmonton on July 30.
Do Dat Dance, the second single he dropped a few weeks back, is a groovier enchantment with the opposite sex, taking them from “smoking up on the Henday” to, obviously, doing it on the dance floor. Find his new music and more at mouraine.com.
ANZU: SUGAR CINNAMON EP Speaking of dancing, ANZU added another EP to their healthy stream of 2021 releases. After pumping out a half-dozen Louder & Louder singles between January and May, the DJ duo of Simon Belanger and Jesse Silkie kicked out the Alone Together EP, adding two more tracks to the European dance label Street Tracks, which has included ANZU tracks on its compilation releases in the past.
And on June 25, ANZU set the summer tone with the Sugar Cinnamon
EP, released by Canadian house label Spacedisco records. Two original mixes, each with their own respective edited versions, make for a great harmonic, side-by-side pairing.
Solidly dug into the dope side of disco, Sugar Cinnamon adds a touch of sweetness to their signature French house sound. Definitely the poppier single, lyrics promising all the love laid over an energetic, carefree beat that's hard to deny. The second track, By the Seaside, brings in a lo-fi, ambient ease supported by fresh beats, befitting of the title and all the coolness needed through the summer heat.
ANZU'S bandcamp page has the music, but find updates on Instagram @anzumusic. Better yet, catch the duo's first live sets since before the pandemic at Disco in the Park on July 31 and Aug. 1.
CELEIGH CARDINAL: THERE AIN'T NO WAY (BETTER DAYS VERSION)
Celeigh Cardinal has freshened up one of her most beloved tracks. Hers is a decidedly more traditional fare, yet no less impressive, and her years as a performer have refined her singer-songwriter sensibilities.
The Juno winner first released her roots, soul song, There Ain't No Better Way, back in 2017 on her Everything and Nothing At All album. With a new video to accompany it, Cardinal made a statement explaining why she revisited this piece.
“I poured my heart into this song when I wrote it, and to this day, I feel the magical power of love healing me when I sing it,” she says. “Back in 2017, I didn't have access to the funds to record and orchestrate this song in the way that I wanted to. Now, in 2021 I finally can.”
Cardinal's next live performance in Alberta will be at the Beaumont Roots & Blues Festival on Sept. 3. Dig in at celeighcardinal.com.
COLE MERKOSKY: MOMENTS OF A LIFETIME EP
Following a summer that saw most weddings cancelled, the celebrations are back, and they're one of the biggest money makers for professionals that cater to them.
Local songwriter Cole Merkosky has set his sights in that direction, writing and releasing his own original tunes for those special, matrimonial days. In a setting where canned music is expected, unique songs are an exception and his Moments of a Lifetime EP, released July 16, has entrenched these songs with a hometown flavour. Learn more at colemerkosky.com.