Holobody Releases Shimmering Experimental Pop Album "Phosphorus"

Holobody by Laura Donohue

Fuelled by love, light, and an understanding that change is the only constant in life, Holobody has released his record Phosphorus, which has been eight years in the making. Released on his label Gusding, the project fulfills ideas dating back nearly a decade and brought to a head through Saturn's recent run in Capricorn.

Phosphorus opens up the world of Holobody for us, and it feels as if we're being transported through a world of shimmering crystal light, surrounded by flora and reflections of past lives, moving towards a higher self. The album has a light-hearted psychedelic electronic tone, reminiscent of early 2010s indie pop. Soft and gentle melodies carrying beautiful narratives serve as an ode to the archetypal muse, the lightbringer, morning star, recognized variously as Prometheus, Venus, and Lucifer.

Holobody (Luke Loseth) navigates through this iridescent juggernaut by transforming his songs into breathing ecosystems, drawing on pop, electronic, and folk traditions as inspiration.

You can support Holobody by checking out his website, and listening to Phosphorus on Bandcamp.

Malaika Astorga is the co-founder of Also Cool. She is a Mexican-Canadian visual artist, writer, and social media strategist currently based in Montreal.

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Good Grim's "Roommates" is the Perfect Dreamy Shoegaze Track for Your Summer

Good Grim by alcauter.photo styled by Ty Davis

There's something about hazy summer weather that makes me want to listen to slow-burning dream pop. Maybe it's the feeling on the evenings stretching on forever (goodbye Quebec curfew) or the way that the sunset seems to last for hours... But either way, I've found myself wanting more and more synthy shoegaze-y dream pop, and Good Grim's “Roommates” is the perfect antidote.

Good Grim is the art-rock solo project led by Utah-based musician Trevor Free. Known for his previous project, Sister Adolescent, Free has crafted a style rooted in hazy synths combined with post-rock crescendos. While still rooted in reverberated and lush instrumentals, Good Grim finds a darker atmosphere drawing influences from art-rock acts while still maintaining that dreamlike quality to his sound.

"My influences are mostly ambient and jazz," says Free. "I listen to a lot of the modal John Coltrane and find a lot of enjoyment in just about everything Harold Budd (particularly, The Serpent [In Quicksilver]) has done. I also find some inspiration in post-rock artists like Godspeed! You Black Emperor and hip-hop and jazz artists like Freddie Gibbs and BADBADNOTGOOD."

"Roommates" is Good Grim's second single release in preparation for their first upcoming LP 'Enchantment,' with the slow-burning ballad, "Fear of God," being the first to release in March.

Listen to "Roommates" below

Good Grim

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Malaika Astorga is the co-founder of Also Cool. She is a Mexican-Canadian visual artist, writer, and communications specialist currently based in Montreal.

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Montreal's SpiceKiks Releases Glittery Lofi Single "All I see is visuals"

Press photo via SpiceKiks

Have you ever wondered what Clairo would sound like as a lofi hyper pop artist? Introducing SpiceKiks, the Montreal artist intertwining her glittery digital sound with her love for acoustic melodies and melancholy.

Today SpiceKiks releases her single “All I see is visuals” today off of her upcoming EP The Moon's Own Daughter this summer. The project is a collaboration with Nimbus2k, and came out of their friendship during quarantine. The album ranges from a sparkly electronic sound to a more laid-back singer-songwriter vibe, all while expressing the artist's emotional vulnerability.

Keep an eye out for all of Spicekiks' beautiful new tunes, and in the meantime, listen to “All I see is visuals” below.

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Hot Girl Summer Begins with Magi Merlin's "To The Beach"

Magi Merlin by Lawrence Fafard

At this point, you probably already know how much we love Magi Merlin and her incredible artistry. She's quickly become Montreal's up-and-coming musical sweetheart and is set to take on the rest of the music industry very soon. We covered her EP Drug Music earlier this year, as well as her surrealist music video for Mock Meat.

So why am I gushing about Magi again? Well, she's just released “To The Beach,” the first song off of her upcoming EP, which is part of a larger series of releases entitled Weather Music. But don't let the summery title deceive you; this honey-smooth track is yet another peek into the singer's healing process, focusing on the relationship that she has with her father, someone she chose to remove from her life due to a difficult past.

Described as "neo-soul" and "alternative R&B," Magi is paving her way with yet another evolution to her sound. I caught up with her to chat about the track and Hot Magi Summer 2021.

To The Beach artwork via Magi Merlin

Malaika for Also Cool: It seems like with each season, you continue to transform yourself as an artist. Can you tell us about the meaning behind the visuals for the song? 

Magi Merlin: Yes! It honestly comes as a surprise to me. I want to depict metamorphosis and change with each release. It's all active, genuine change. I feel like with every release I become more confident in my work and myself. 

When it comes to the visuals, the concept is to depict power through vulnerability. Removing layers of clothing is a metaphor for taking down protective walls and finding strength in that vulnerability. It was interesting to strip down to nearly nothing in front of an entire crew, a testament to me actively practicing what I am preaching (hehe). 

Also Cool: There's a reoccurring theme throughout your music of growing out of relationships that no longer serve you. Has this been a conscious choice, or is it a natural part of your healing process to turn complicated feelings into your art?

Magi: Turning difficult situations in my life into music has definitely become a part of my healing process. It's funny; when I'm in the middle of dealing with a tough situation, I usually find I'm too emotional to write about it. I've noticed that once I've cleared the initial brunt of my emotions and can look at the situation clearly, I can turn it into something tangible. I know that I am nearing a stage of healing when I am clear-headed enough to write about painful or difficult situations. 

AC: Tell us about your collaborators on the song and the video. Who are they, and how did you start working together?

Magi: Funkywhat produced the song (along with pretty much every other song I have out right now)! I met him through Instagram three years ago (of course) and have been working with him regularly ever since. 

Mailis Roy-Lessard directed the music video. It was my first time working with her and the rest of the team, and it was fantastic! I loved being on set and being guided by Mailis. It was such a cool experience that I'm still hyped about.

AC: I'm personally really interested to know what kind of music you're listening to right now.

Magi: I've been listening to a lot of Wizkid and Burnaboy lately. They've been on repeat for the past few weeks! I think it's the change in weather; warm weather calls for Afrobeat.

AC: Will Summer 2021 be a hot Magi summer? Are you playing any shows? Will we be blessed with more music? 

Magi: Omg, hahaha, HOT MAGI SUMMERRRRR! I hope so! I've got an EP coming out this summer that I am insanely excited about. It's some of my favourite work so far, and I can't wait to share it with you. 

I'm also set to play la Grosse Lamterne in August. After playing Santa Teresa fest, I'm SOOOOO excited to play more live shows! Hot girl summer has commenced.

Watch To The Beach below

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Magi Merlin

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Malaika Astorga is the co-founder of Also Cool. She is a Mexican-Canadian visual artist, writer, and communications specialist currently based in Montreal.

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L'Impératrice Explore the Cause and Cure For Heartbreak On Dazzling Return "Tako Tsubo"

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L’Impératrice, by Gabrielle Riouah

Paris’ grooviest export L’Impératrice are back in full-force with the release of their latest record, Tako Tsubo. The band has kept us (patiently!) on the edge of our seats for a full-length project since their 2019 debut Matahari; building anticipation touring around the world with their bubbling basslines, hypnotic melodies and irresistible danceability.

After three years of internal growth, the band’s return has proven to be worth the wait. Indeed, L’Impératrice’s latest venture is a shimmering think-piece on life’s ever-perplexing phenomenon of broken-heart syndrome, which derived the name Tako Tsubo (meaning “octopus trap” in Japanese).

In thirteen impeccably mastered tracks (graced with the touch of the legendary Neal Pogue, who has worked with the likes of Outkast, Stevie Wonder and Tyler the Creator), L’Impératrice tackles this affliction and it’s many symptoms, from euphoria to emotional burnout and ennui. Impressively, this album offers both a diagnosis and a cure, with full-bodied funk, twinkling vintage accents and a playfulness that dissolves the bitterness of heartbreak’s ache. Read our conversation with L’Impératrice below to get a glimpse into the world of Tako Tsubo, which the band has announced they will take on tour in 2022!

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Tako Tsubo (2021) album cover by Ugo Bienvenu

Zoë Argiropulos-Hunter for Also Cool: Hello L'Impératrice! Thank you so much taking the time to chat with me. Congratulations on the release of Tako Tsubo! To start, let's talk about your evolution as a group since your last release, Matahari. What elements of your creative process have solidified or changed over the last three years, and how have these developments in your dynamic influenced this record? 

L’Impératrice: We’ve spent most of our time touring in France and abroad over the last three years, which has really impacted our dynamic as a band. First of all, we’ve grown closer to each other; we really grew up as a family. We also got to connect with new cultures and audiences; new waves of receiving our music, and it was very enriching. This time touring made us want to produce music in a different way, without making any compromises… Something more sincere and more close to what we feel we really are.

Also Cool: When comparing your two albums, you could say that Tako Tsubo comes across as more critical than Matahari, which emotionally taps into the lightness of a new romance. What led to the band deciding to tackle the phenomenon of heartbreak in its many forms, and was that enhanced by creating during the pandemic? 

L’Impératrice: The album was 90% recorded when the COVID-19 hit, so the pandemic didn’t influence it in a huge way. But, we did write “Submarine” from scratch during lockdown; a love breakup song. 

Nothing was really planned while we wrote the album, and we discovered after recording everything that all the songs were about marginality in various forms. The idea of being alienated from society; different from the others, and accepting it, or having a hard time accepting it, in some cases. The album’s title Tako Tsubo, or “broken heart syndrome,” represents this breach in the system, this sudden rupture in the course of things when an emotion is suddenly too intense to be handled. The album really is all about intense emotions. 

AC: At the same time, it seems as though Tako Tsubo looks at defying, and also rejecting, societal expectations. How did you incorporate this concept into the sound and feel of your album?  

L: The concept can be felt in the lyrics of the songs of course, but also in the sound and the production. Most of the songs have a lot of breaks, brutal key changes and sudden rhythm changes. We always wanted to surprise the listeners and even our own ears, but still keep a coherence in the sound. The idea was that one can never know where the song will go. We made no compromise for this record, so it might sound weird and unusual, but it’s really faithful to what we wanted to express.

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L’Impératrice, by Gabrielle Riouah

AC: Speaking of sound, can you tell me more about the production journey of this album and what it was like working with your right hand Renaud Létang along with the legendary Neal Pogue? 

L: Renaud really pushed us to bring the songs somewhere else and to create all these breaks within the songs. He’s always focusing on emotions and groove, which are crucial in this record. 

Neal was the key person in this new sound we wanted to create. Besides being a living legend, he’s got this very Californian vibe that we’re fascinated with. He’s got this knowledge of low-end production down to a science, which French producers just don’t have. He really brought this physical intensity to the album. You can feel the bass-lines in your belly! 

AC: Branching off of that, this album is accompanied by so many amazing visual projects. Satire has played such a big part in illustrating the messages from this album, in the videos for "Peur de filles" and "Fou" especially. How did these hilarious scenes come to life to enhance the lyrical content of their soundtracks? 

L: It’s a new field we really wanted to explore with this album, using lyrics and also imagery. We’re really inspired by Michael Franks and his ironic song lyrics. We’ve never appeared in our own videos before, so we decided that it could be funny in a “self-mocking” way to try it out. We can’t appear seriously in a clip lip-syncing and wind in our hair, in a cabriolet… It’s just not the way we are! And that’s not the image we want to show.

AC: I’m also curious to know more about the album cover! What is the story behind the artwork created by Ugo Bienvenu? 

L: Ugo is a true genius and we were so excited to have him draw the cover. It’s the first time that an artist has made us an album cover from scratch — we’re so proud! We told him everything about the Tako Tsubo concept and he went further; exploring the myth of the moires, these three divinities holding the strings of humans’ lives, and how this pair of scissors can, in one move, change the course of things... 

AC: To end things off, what are your plans for the future and how do you plan to present Tako Tsubo live once it's possible to tour once again? 

L: Now that the album is out, we’re doing everything we can to promote it. We’re doing a lot of live sessions from our studio in Paris, meeting our fans every Wednesday night on an Instagram live to talk about one song a week, where we play it and then we show old demos, talk about the writing process, and have some guests that worked on the song with us. We are of course more than ready for the next tour… One thing is for sure: 2022 will be a huge touring year full of live music and love! 

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L’Impératrice, by Gabrielle Riouah

L’Impératrice

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Zoë Argiropulos-Hunter (she/her) is the co-founder and managing editor of Also Cool Mag. Aside from the mag, she is a music promoter & booker, and a radio host & DJ.

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Hélène Barbier Debuts Shimmery Post-Punk Single "La Peur"

Photo of Hélène Barbier by Antoine Wibaut

Today one of my favourite Montreal musicians, Hélène Barbier, releases her video for La Peur, the first single off of her sophomore album Regulus. I encountered Hélène's unique sound shortly after moving to Montreal in 2015. After seeing her play a show in the basement of the Durocher lofts with Moss Lime, I was captivated by her upbeat vocals and shimmering, angular guitar. To me, Hélène Barbier's music is emblematic of the Montreal sound I've come to know and love, and so I was thrilled to be able to dive into her world once again with La Peur.

The track is beautifully off-kilter and is just a taste of what's to come with Regulus. The album explores Hélène's world filled with prickly cacti, dimly-lit tunnels and barren country roads. She delivers a bilingual heartening space pop, equal parts unnerving and comforting. 

Barbier enlists talented musicians for the album: Joe Chamandy, Thomas Molander (who we covered earlier this year), Samuel Gougoux, Diana Gerasimov, Ben Lalonde, et Olivier Demeaux. Regulus gets to the heart of the matter: a taunt to the predator of the given ecosystem.

La Peur — with a bleating groove and soliloquy chorus — innocently points out the freeness of letting go while unsolvable math problems work their way into the sediment of the bass and drum groove in the backbone of the song. The video, directed by Olivia Faye Lathuillière, explores the idea found at the heart of the lyrics of ​​living by your principles at the risk of not being understood.

Hélène Barbier seeds melodies that ferment in her head, pairing hummable lines with alien tunes conjured in someone else's psyche across time and space. She embraces imbalance through juxtaposition with La Peur and creates simmering anticipation for Regulus. The album will be released on June 18 via Michel records (digital and CD) and Celluloid Lunch (vinyl).

Watch La Peur below

Hélène Barbier

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Malaika Astorga is the co-founder of Also Cool. She is a Mexican-Canadian visual artist, writer, and communications specialist currently based in Montreal.

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Indie-folk Singer l i l a Unveils Dreamy New EP "recollection"

via l i l a

Today, Quebec singer-songwriter l i l a unveils her EP recollection, ushering in the sweet feeling of springtime in the city. The EP is a breezy and melodic collection of indie-folk songs detailing the singer's personal experiences and introspection. 

l i l a by Kerry Samuels

According to the singer, "Each song is associated with a moment, a feeling, a specific memory that still seems so vivid. Recollection is nostalgia, sadness, friendship, winter, love, fear, life, death; it is the feeling that nothing comes and yet everything happens."

recollection is a follow-up to her album 2018 Quiet as Fire and is reminiscent of acts like Big Thief, Aldous Harding and Helena Deland. l i l a's gentle vocals and poetic lyrics feel like a much needed sigh of relief.

Listen to recollection below

l i l a

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Malaika Astorga is the co-founder of Also Cool. She is a Mexican-Canadian visual artist, writer, and social media specialist, currently based in Montreal.

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Simone Provencher's "Mesures" EP is a Captivating Exercise in Musical Trust

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Mesures cover art, credit to Camille Bertini

Looking for something to spice up that spring cleaning playlist? We’ve got just the trick – Hull-based composer Simone Provencher has just released their debut EP Mesures, and its playful exploration of free jazz and electro-acoustic stands out.

Provencher, the guitarist of Quebec City’s post-punk outfit VICTIME, crafted the EP after their relocation to Gatineau. Their feelings of estrangement unleashed a passion within them to lay the foundations for this project. To enhance what the artist referred to as a “creative conversation”,  Provencher enlisted the percussive stylings of Olivier Fairfield (Fet Nat, Timber Timbre) and the woodwind improvisation of Elyze Venne-Deshaies.

Simone Provencher. Photo credit: Charlotte Savoie

Mesures exists as the outcome of musical trust between the trio, and challenges the listener to embrace new sensations. “Choix multiples” is fittingly named, a landscape of hypnotic patterns and colours. “Et quart,” the latest single from the EP, marries Venne-Deshaies’ curious clarinet with Provencher’s grating feedback, and leads to emotions previously uncharted. 

Mesures awakens the senses from winter’s frost and embraces impulse with open arms. Its confusion serves an intriguing purpose. This avant-garde EP moves the listener through daring acts of dissonance, and proves that Provencher is one to watch in Quebec’s experimental scene.

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MESURES

Released via Michel Records on March 26, 2021

1. Choix multiples

2. Mesures

3. Pesée

4. Toutes ces réponses

5. Et quart

6. Repus

Produced by Simone Provencher

Recorded by Simone Provencher, François Mackin and Olivier Fairfield

Mastered by Simon Labelle at DAÏMÔN, Hull

Side A

Clarinet and FX by Elyze Venne-Deshaies

Drums, percussions, and acoustic guitar by Olivier Fairfield

Electric guitar and synths by Simone Provencher

Side B

Clarinet and FX by Elyze Venne-Deshaies

Feedback by Simone Provencher

Album visuals by Camille Bertini

Mesures is now available to stream and purchase – take a listen here!

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Simone Provencher

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Rebecca Judd is the features editor of Also Cool Mag.

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Come Along on a Dreamy Adventure with Freck's New Track "222"

via frecks

Wanna get lost in a shoegaze dream? freck's latest track, "222" is the perfect fix. It's a beautiful combination of sparkly guitar strumming, with Mazzy Star-esque vocals, that make us feel like summer is on the way. The track is a follow-up to the Portland-based artist's last single, "Alone Again," which we covered earlier this year.

The music video follows two best friends as they explore a forest, have a picnic, and share predictions of the future for each other. Alternating between shots of melting candles, Tarot cards, and the cloudy sky, freck's honey-smooth vocals bring us along on the adventure in a dreamlike state.

Water rushes around the girls, and sunlight filters through the trees, leaving us with a languid sense of nostalgia. For fans of Mazzy Star, Soccer Mommy, and all those who want to feel something slow and sweet, this one's for you.

Watch the video for 222 below.

frecks

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Malaika Astorga is the co-founder of Also Cool. She is a Mexican-Canadian visual artist, writer, and social media specialist, currently based in Montreal.

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"Shell(e) Pt III" is the Cherry On Top – and Marie-Clo is Taking a Bite

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Marie-Clo. Photo credit: Alex Brault

Not to get all existential on a Friday morning, but what are you looking for? Who are you showing to the world? What more is there to see? Ottawa’s creative chameleon Marie-Clo toys with these questions on Shell(e) Pt III - and we’re hooked.

Shell(e) Pt III is the latest notch in Marie-Clo’s belt, standing as the final chapter of her Shell(e) trilogy – out now for all to stream. This EP boasts indie-pop at its best, enhanced by the magic of Polaris-shortlisted producer Olivier Fairfield (Fet Nat, Timber Timbre). As a whole, the project captivates with its playful curiosity and feminist narrative. Retro groove “At Ease” shines with a punchy attitude, while “Lève tes voiles'' wraps the listener in a sensual, seaside metaphor. 

Marie-Clo · Shell(e) Pt III

But the standout track among the three is “Play Nice” – a sunny indie tune guaranteed to make your toes tap. With “Play Nice,” Marie-Clo provokes the listener to explore their soul and leaves no stone unturned. Her vocals strut with authority as she contemplates: “What are you looking for? / Are you looking for praise? / What are you hiding from? / Sentiments ablaze?” Introspection has never sounded so fun!

Shell(e) Pt III embodies the essence of Marie-Clo – an eclectic and colourful performer who does not shy away from a statement. Throughout this collection, Marie-Clo emerges as a phoenix from the ashes, and a performer is reborn.

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Marie-Clo. Photo credit: Alex Brault

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SHELL(E) PT III

Released on February 12, 2021

1. Play Nice

2. At Ease

3. Lève tes voiles

All songs written and performed by Marie-Clo

Produced by Olivier Fairfield
Mixed by Charles Fairfield
Mastered by Sage Kim
Drums, percussion & pads by Olivier Fairfield
Bass, synth & organ by Greggory Clark
Guitars by Julien Dussault

Photography by Alex Brault

The full Shell(e) trilogy is now available as an LP – complete with one additional bonus track, “Tides of Fools”. Stream and purchase the full album here!

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Marie-Clo

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Rebecca Judd is the features editor of Also Cool Mag.

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Bon Enfant Channels Jodorowsky and Psychedelia in New Single "Magie"

Bon Enfant by Eva-Maude TC

It seems that the longer we've been in isolation, the more we look to art and music as a source of optimism. Enter “Magie,” the latest music video from Bon Enfant directed by Ian Lagarde, and produced by Parce Que Films. For fans of Jodorowsky's The Holy Mountain, this track is for you.

The track is off their self-titled 2019 album via Duprince, and is reminiscent of 70s-style psychedelia. The video emulating David Bowie-esque aesthetics and sci-fi visions of the future. According to the band: "We really wanted our video to be a pure psychedelic and occult delirium with an overdose of colors and optical effects (…) we think Ian and the filming crew really nailed it."

Bon Enfant by Eva-Maude TC

“Magie” looks like what it will feel like to finally be back together again, dancing at shows and music festivals all night long. 

Check out “Magie” below

Catch the Bon Enfant at one of their upcoming (COVID-safe) shows.

04.09.2021 @ Vieux Couvent in Saint-Prime QC

04.10.2021 @ Café du Clocher in Alma QC

09.10.2021 @ Grand Théâtre in Quebec city (with Mon Doux Saigneur)

10.01.2021 + 10.02.2021 @ MTelus in Montreal (with Mon Doux Saigneur) 

Malaika Astorga is the co-founder of Also Cool. She is a Mexican-Canadian visual artist, writer, and social media specialist, currently based in Montreal.

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Yoo Doo Right Releases Title Track From Forthcoming Debut LP "Don't Think You Can Escape Your Purpose"

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Yoo Doo Right by Stacy Lee

Montreal krautrock trio Yoo Doo Right have released the title track from their first full length Don’t Think You Can Escape Your Purpose, out on hometown label Mothland May 21st, 2021. This six-minute slow-burn propels the listener through a metamorphosis of sound; tethering between a surfy trip and an atmospheric, spaced-out drone, while remaining wholly contemplative from start to finish. The single hints at a refined stride for the group, presenting a masterful cocktail of soundscapes and experimentations that make it clear their debut LP will have a strong first impression. On the release, the band comments: "It’s about a person who is losing touch with reality. Who thinks he has a higher purpose, and is supposed to be an ambassador to a higher extraterrestrial race. It’s a looming atmospheric rhythm and crawl."

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Yoo Doo Right by Stacy Lee

Alongside this anticipatory single, the band have also released an accompanying music video that is just as immersive as their otherworldly sound.

"In an attempt to achieve a higher purpose in life, the subject instead witnesses their own deteriorating mental posture. As a means of overcoming assumed existential risk (the hurdles of our great filter), the subject looks above and within believing that they alone have been chosen to solve the problems that our species faces. Images of Eva Szasz' 1968 short film Cosmic Zoom, produced by the National Film Board of Canada were cast over foliage to make for fitting imagery, complimenting the narrative."

- Justin Cober from Yoo Doo Right

Watch the video for “Don’t Think You Can Escape Your Purpose” below

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DON'T THINK YOU CAN ESCAPE YOUR PURPOSE

Available in digital, LP & CD formats via Mothland on May 21, 2021

1. A Certain Sense Of Disenchantment
2. 1N914
3. Marché Des Vivants
4. The Moral Compass Of A Self-Driving Car
5. Don't Think You Can Escape Your Purpose
6. Join, Be Curst
7. Presto Presto, Bella's Dream
8. Black Moth

All songs written by Yoo Doo Right.

Tracks 1, 2, 3, 7 and 8 recorded by Guillaume Chiasson at Le Pantoum, Québec City. Tracks 4, 5 and 6 recorded by Sébastien Fournier at Hotel2Tango, Montréal. Mixed By Guillaume Chiasson. Mastered by Harris Newman at Greymarket Mastering, Montréal. Artwork by Louis-Alexandre Beauregard.

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Yoo Doo Right

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Zoë Argiropulos-Hunter (She/Her) is the Co-Founder and Editor of Also Cool Mag. Aside from the mag, she is a music promoter & booker, radio host & DJ, and a musician.

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Premiere: Magi Merlin Sets the Record Straight With New EP "Drug Music"

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Drug Music cover by Laurent E. Malo

Magi Merlin has arrived with her highly anticipated sophomore EP Drug Music. Produced by her right-hand collaborator Funkywhat, Drug Music settles the dust around Magi Merlin’s reservations on themes of racial identity, love and personal growth, to which she comments: “I wrote the Drug Music EP as a way to process and reflect on some of my heavier emotions. It is some of my favourite writing and I think that it grew into a piece of work that successfully embodies feelings of affliction and confusion but ultimately acceptance.”

Throughout Drug Music, Magi Merlin owns her truth between entrancing beats and smokey basslines, while getting hot and heavy with lush vocal harmonies and a playful raspiness. We love nothing more than a sound that stands its ground while flirting with the listener to come a little closer; and such is the dance of Drug Music.

TDLR: This album is hot and if you don’t immediately listen to it after reading our review, it’s your loss. Thank you Magi Merlin for melting away the grey Winter slush, even just inside our shivering apartments — for this we are indebted to you.

Listen to Drug Music below

Magi Merlin

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Zoë Argiropulos-Hunter (She/Her) is the Co-Founder and Editor of Also Cool Mag. Aside from the mag, she is a music promoter & booker, radio host & DJ, and a musician.

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Braids Team-Up with DJ Python to Release "Young Buck" Remixed

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Montreal outfit Braids offer a midweek energy boost with the re-release of their bittersweet track “Young Buck,” remixed by NYC’s renowned DJ Python. Hailing from their anticipated comeback album Shadow Offering, “Young Buck” was originally praised for it’s fervorous danceability; enhanced by lead singer Raphaelle Standell-Preston’s blazing performance. In the hands of DJ Python, “Young Buck” is no less commanding and reminisces breathless dancefloors and locking eyes with a handsome stranger. For these Calgary-turned-Montreal art-rockers, we give this pulsing sonic-makeover a 10/10.

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Braids by Mélissa Gamache

On the remix, Braids commented:

“Upon receiving DJ Python’s remix of our track ‘Young Buck,’ my pining for the dance floor kicked in. I pulled my car over to an empty parking lot and turned the volume up as far as it could go. Alone beside the concrete barriers of a now desolate shopping mall, I was reminded of bodies beside bodies, of a night that you never want to end, of sweat, of joy. For a moment I was transported from my new and uncomfortable reality: distanced, living through a pandemic, to memories streaming behind my closed eyes, of a life lived prior, and one that will be lived again. This track offers the fuel needed to keep going, the energy needed to stay hopeful. When I close my eyes and dance to it in my living room, I am at the club and the club is with me.”

Stream “Young Buck” remixed by DJ Python below

Braids

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DJ Python

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Zoë Argiropulos-Hunter (She/Her) is the Co-Founder and Editor of Also Cool Mag. Aside from the mag, she is a music promoter & booker, radio host & DJ, and a musician.

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Magi Merlin's New Track "Mock Meat" is Realer Than You'll Ever Be

Mock Meat cover art via Magi Merlin, by Laurent E. Malo

A little spooky, a little bit sultry, Magi Merlin's "Mock Meat" (prod. Funky What) draws you in with textured sounds and silky vocals. The track is less of a departure from her last single, "Walking to the Dep," and more of an evolution point for Magi Merlin as an artist.

I caught up with Magi about "Mock Meat" and got to dive a little deeper into the song's meaning and her preference for vegan protein alternatives.

While we were chatting about her new track, she explained that it was not only evocative of the heavy wintery energy we've all been feeling but of a failed friendship as well. She shared that the song was her way of processing the hurt it caused while still knowing that she had made the right choice by setting these boundaries.

Via Magi Merlin

We empathized with each other about the process of realizing that a friend may not have the best intentions for you and the sadness of realizing that it's time to let them go for your own good. We're taught to break up with a partner when the relationship goes sour, but when it comes to ending friendships, especially creative ones, things get a little more complicated.

While the song may be evocative of the cold, heavy feelings we're all going through, it's a beacon of promise for the undoubtedly excellent album to come. As Magi Merlin continues to grow as an artist, it's no doubt that her creative career will blossom with her. She's one of our top artists to watch this year, and that's not a compliment we hand out freely.

Oh, and in case you were curious, Magi Merlin has confirmed that Beyond Meat Sausages are her #1 type of mock meat. "I could eat those literally every day, no exaggeration. They have a legit sausage texture and flavour. UNBEATABLE." @ Beyond Meat, we're open to sponsorships.

Listen to Mock Meat below and keep an eye out for Magi Merlin's upcoming EP Drug Music, to be released March 5.

Magi Merlin

Instagram I Facebook I Spotify

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Review: Priors Break-In 2021 With My Punishment on Earth

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If you’re a fan of the Montreal rock n’ roll outfit Priors, you may have been wondering if they were ever going to fulfill their promise of a third release before the close of 2020. Luckily for all of us, they stayed true to their word and saved the New Year with a 10-song LP titled My Punishment on Earth.

The album leans heavily into synth sounds and channels a raw, pent-up energy that feels fitting after a seemingly stagnant year spent in isolation. “Astral” is an especially propulsive track that will have you bouncing off the walls with its avalanche of thumping drums and a driving chorus that exponentially builds up until the end - peak avalanche. The other  stand-out track is “Fox Force Five,” which features a downright menacing guitar riff - and is accompanied by an appropriately murderous music video, to boot. 

As is characteristic of their music, Priors’ My Punishment on Earth is a taut listening experience - and with its clocking in at just over 26 minutes, you’ve got to be committed to the intensity. However, there’s a contemplative air instilled among the controlled chaos. The opener is a punchy psychedelic number alternating between a relentless bass hook and blasts of distortion. A meandering guitar threading its way throughout makes the songs feel unexpectedly experimental, while the lyrics are suitably doom and gloom, taking you on a deep-dive into the sinister subconscious milieu.

A few of the tracks are recognizable from pre-pandemic sets, but are now presented in a more polished digitized form. It’s a matter of personal preference whether you like the clean cut versions over the raw sound of a show, but there’s no arguing that the blend of guttural garage punk with an electronic edge has been a core element of the band’s sound since the start - and it works effortlessly here.

Most of all, this LP makes me miss rubbing shoulders with fellow dive bar aficionados. Here’s hoping for that day to come soon. You can find both digital and vinyl versions of the album on Bandcamp. 

Priors are Chance Hutchison, Stuart Buckley, Alan Hildebrandt, Drew Demers, Seb Godin, and Maxime Desharnais.

Priors

Instagram | Bandcamp | Big Cartel Store

Written by Alex Kerkhoff

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Sounds from Mothland Volume I: Montreal's Music Scene, Refreshed

Via Mothland

As we settle into Montreal winter, music is, once again, one of the only things keeping us going. Lucky for us, Mothland has released Sounds From Mothland: Volume I, a compilation of bangers that provides the optimism needed to get through the season. 

The record features various artists and genres, including Yoo Doo Right, Paul Jacobs, VICTIME, Gladys Lazer (ex-Yonatan Gat trio), Spaceface (mem. of Flaming Lips), Red Mass, and more. It’s a roundup of everything your Spotify playlist has been missing, from disco tracks like Marcheé Pt. 3, to beautiful sparkling melodies by Gladys Lazer, and even krautrock post-punk tunes from Atsuko Chiba.

The compilation came out of a period of uncertainty about what the future might hold for Mothland, with each song touching on significant themes relatable to all of us contemplating our existences and missing our music scene.

"We found ourselves with more questions than answers," says Mothland, "But like the caterpillar-turned-moth we worship, we had to evolve and take flight into the night, trusting a distant light to guide us.

Guided by this light, we started putting together a compilation that would feature inspirational artists and dear friends we've had the pleasure of working with over the years. Because these are truly strange times, it meant the artists would have to further step out of their comfort zone, sharing budding ideas, and creating something new and spontaneous." 

And take flight they did. The compilation offers a fresh look at Montreal-favourites and a welcome introduction to all-new songs, all while supporting Montreal's music community. 

Mothland quotes their inspiration for the project coming from, "Legendary releases like This Mortal Coil's three albums via 4AD, Once Upon A Time In Shaolin by The Wu-Tang Clan, Brian Eno's No New York, and Subterranean Pop's classic Sub Pop cassettezines."

"We aimed for a gritty, community-oriented project. Much like homemade mixtapes consisting four-track demos punks would share amongst friends in an era when mistakes were kept on recordings, Sounds From Mothland Volume I is raw because rock & roll isn't supposed to be perfect. Living in the digital age, we also thought the physical cassette itself was a great way to showcase music as an art piece, the sum of many incredible creators."

Via Mothland

The bands were also able to weigh in on the compilation's significance and the inspiration behind their featured tracks.

Yoo Doo Right: "This track was our response to Mothland's request for an irregular/b-side/demo that would put us outside of our usual comfort zones. With the thought of making a disco song, "Marche Pt. 3" is what came out of it. We immediately knew we wanted to collaborate with Jasmine Trails on this track, adding her breathy, enchanted approach to the song. All in all, we wrote, recorded and finished the track in a couple of weeks."

Spaceface: "For "Chemical Sea (Wash Me Away)", we revisited one of the tunes on our first EP that I wrote when I was 16. The intention for this redo was to give the weight of the lyrics more emphasis. While the original Spaceface version had a great rhythm, we felt the vibe made the content sound as if it were aggrandizing drug use to solve your problems. And while drugs are fun and can be used to expand your worldview, the lyrics from the chorus are meant to point towards a sense of hopelessness amidst chaos and loss while the verses offer small tokens of hope and light in dark times, which felt strangely appropriate in these times. The line "don't drown yourself in worry... even the brightest minds are in the dark" is meant to comfort while accepting the truth, which is often a little bleak. 

Vinyl Williams played bass over a mix of drum machine and standard drum kit. The song also features a blend of three pedal steel takes from three players: Ray Suen, Paul Taylor and Yohei Shikano. It was mixed and produced by Jake Ingalls & Omar Yakar, and engineered by Calvin Lauber."

Paul Jacobs: "I wanted to record some beats in 7/4 and track some bass on top. Figured I'd add some guitar since I have one. 

Then I thought, a shaker would really get this going. Next thing you know I'm singing on the dang thing. After that point, why not add some synth? It's a song about appreciating the moments of creative inspiration and acknowledging the fact that it comes and goes." 

"To us, Mothland exists to whoever needs it. It's a conceptual place where to be free, where to forget our troubled existence, and where to hide when need be. For this project, we've simply captured some of its beautiful and frightening sounds, hoping to share them with the rest of the world." -- Mothland

The compilation is dedicated in loving memory of Claire Vincent Larocque.

Listen to Sounds from Mothland: Volume I on Spotify below, or buy it as a limited edition cassette from the Mothland website. 

Alicia Clara's "Hazemaze" is an Glimmering Ode to Self-Reflection & Growth

Alicia Clara by Tess Roby

“I poured some gold in your cup // to squeeze out some hazy truths // we move on up // and as the afternoon lingers on.” (Alicia Clara, Hazemaze)

Self-awareness is often one of the hardest lessons to learn, and re-learn, especially when it comes to relationships. Alicia Clara sings to this process with her latest single “Hazemaze,” a song about her “obsession with fixing people, and wanting to turn them into (her) idealized version of them(selves).” But according to Alicia, “This often ends in me fooling myself, and, ultimately, in a little bit of a disaster. It’s my little self-deprecating song!”

With silky lyrics, and upbeat instrumentals, this psych-pop folk track is surprisingly upbeat. It’s the kind of song you sway around to in your bedroom, doing your makeup, while you think about how beautiful it will be to be able to dance with friends again.

This is the latest single off of Alicia Clara’s upcoming EP Outsider/Unusual, (prod. Michael Kalman) which is set to release early next year on Hot Tramp Records.

Listen to Hazemaze now.

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With "Fresh Paint," Andria Piperni Creates A World All Her Own

Andria Piperni, “Fresh Paint”. Photo courtesy of Calli Cohen

Montreal-based singer-songwriter Andria Piperni has long proven that she is the one to watch, and her latest track “Fresh Paint” is no exception. 

On this track, the R&B songstress sounds slinky and seductive, telling a story of blissful intimacy as a brand-new world is created. On her Instagram page, Piperni explained that “Fresh Paint” is all about “...getting lost in a moment, and that enchanting feeling of discovering somewhere, something, or someone new.”

The essence of Piperni’s vivid dreamscapes is revealed in clouds of soul and jazz, with delicate vocal melodies floating through. With the right person or the right environment, there is safety – even in floating above the ground, or crashing through waves of the sea.

Piperni enlisted the help of Chris Vincent, member of Montreal electro-soul band Busty and the Bass, to produce and mix “Fresh Paint”. This lush, sensory track is the latest single to be featured leading up to the release of her debut EP, Who’s Counting?, which is slated for release early next year.

“Fresh Paint” is a perfect demonstration of Piperni’s ability to balance indulgence with illusion. If this single is any indication, the rest of the EP will surely follow in such a descriptive and immersive direction. We had the chance to talk with Piperni in the weeks after the release, getting into her influences and perspective on the music industry. Take a read below!

Rebecca Judd for Also Cool: Hi Andria, thank you so much for chatting with us today! “Fresh Paint” is a beautiful track, congratulations on the release. Listening to this track, it feels as though there’s room for multiple interpretations - what’s yours?

Andria Piperni: Thank you! Yeah, I left a bit room for each listener to have their own interpretation of the song. The lyrics are quite metaphorical and hold a lot of imagery — I wanted listeners to envision their own world, the same way a painter would when they paint. It all plays on this idea of creating something new. The scenario I had in mind while writing was two people coming together and creating this magical moment of their own.

AC: It’s an incredibly difficult time to be a creative - how has this year treated you? 

AP: The uncertainty of it all has been hard, and I miss playing live shows. It can be pretty stressful not knowing what’s ahead or how to plan for the future. But in some ways, this pandemic has made room for some great things, too. I spent most of this year writing and recording new music, and it was really nice to be able to put my full focus on that. I’ve also had more time to do some writing for other projects, even outside of music, and got around to doing things like getting my merch online! And I get to wear sweats 95% of the time. Despite everything, I’ve managed to find a silver lining. 

AC: You describe yourself as inspired by  “...everyday human experience, as well as the surreal episodes of … vivid dreams”. Can you elaborate on these inspirations? (I’d love to start having these dreams…)

AP: Those closest to me know that I have the weirdest dreams! For as long as I can remember, I’ve been a vivid dreamer. It’s rare to wake up and not remember my dreams in detail, sometimes several of them. It can be a bit exhausting sometimes. But now and then, I’ll wake up with a certain storyline or melody in my head, and I’ll write it down for later. And I do the same during the day too – I take notes in my phone anytime an idea comes up. They can come from a conversation, a movie, an observation… I always try to pay attention to those little everyday moments, because those are the things that people can really connect to when listening to a song.

AC: Montréal is your hometown, but you briefly lived the ~ Parisian ~ lifestyle and found yourself across the pond. How did this relocation impact your creativity and your music?

AP: Oh man, it was everything. I was studying abroad for about 5 months, and it was amazing. This was before I decided to pursue music full-time, and I think the experience really shifted my perspective and helped me learn more about myself and life in general. Being somewhere completely new, where you don’t know anyone, where there is so much culture and opportunity to travel and meet people from around the world … see[ing] so many beautiful places… It made me realize that life should be lived to the fullest, and your choices should not be based on fears. It gave me courage to do everything I’m doing now.

Andria Piperni. Photo courtesy of Calli Cohen

AC: If you could change anything about the music industry, either in Montréal or at large, what would that be? 

AP: I guess it’s not a secret that it’s very hard for artists to make a good living off of streaming royalties. Don’t get me wrong – as a listener and as a creator, streaming has given me a lot. I discover new music, and listeners can discover my music like never before. But the cost of creating and putting out music (you know, “marketing”) is still very high when you compare it to the streaming payout. It’s just not feasible for independent artists in the long run, especially right now without the ability to play shows. But artists are more and more empowered these days, and I’m hopeful that it will lead to a balanced and fair system. Also… more womxn and minority representation on all fronts! We’re starting to see programs emerge with this goal, and it’s great, but there’s still a long way to go. 

AC: Who is your dream collaborator?

AP: I think my answer changes every time someone asks me this question. It’s hard to pick just one, but someone I would love to collaborate with is John Legend. He’s, well, a legend. And if I happened to meet Chrissy and their adorable children in the process… it would be a dream! 

Thanks again for your time, Andria. Before we let you go, we’ve heard that your debut EP Who’s Counting? is set to release early next year. What can we expect from you in the months to come? 

Yes, [it is], and I’m so excited! I have one more single off the EP coming out before I release the full project. You can also expect some new merch, a music video… and in the meantime, maybe a little holiday cover song or two on my Instagram page before the year wraps up. :) 

Listen to “Fresh Paint” – out now!

Andria Piperni

Instagram | Twitter | Facebook

Website | Spotify | Soundcloud | Bandcamp

Rebecca Judd is the features editor of Also Cool Mag.

This interview was conducted over email and has been condensed and edited for clarity.

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Healing’s Hard To Measure, But Peyton Stilling Gives It A Try

Peyton Stilling, photo courtesy of the artist

Exam seasons, holidays, the pandemic – if you’re exhausted, it makes sense. The chaos that is otherwise known as 2020 is coming to a close, and we are all surely in need of a little healing. Dallas-based singer-songwriter Peyton Stilling would agree, fresh off the release of “Healing” – a brooding testament to her own process.

“Healing was written during quarantine,” the artist explains. “I’d just broken up with my boyfriend and had to move back in with my parents, and I had no money or job. I had all of this time on my hands, but felt no motivation to write anything.” Teaming up with multi-platinum production team locknkey (Moses Elias & Robert Sewell), Stilling wrote this track as a means of release.

The results are infectious (are we allowed to use that word right now?) – balancing soulful vocals with tight production, Stilling paints a picture of resilience. She speaks her survival into existence over a moody baseline and assertive claps: “The doubts and distractions / I will get past them …”  With such conviction, we’re tempted to believe her.

Last week, we were able to catch up with the singer-songwriter and discuss her musical journey, the scene that has fostered it, and some distant dreams for a post-pandemic life. Read our interview with Peyton Stilling below!

Rebecca Judd for Also Cool: “Healing” is a beautiful testament to the post-breakup blues, and comes from a deep place of vulnerability. How does creating your music help you move through life’s challenges?

PS: Music helps me process how I am feeling and gives me the ability to give myself advice. I don’t always listen to my own advice, but at least I am writing songs about it. With “Healing”, I wasn’t able to finish writing that song until I had processed all the emotions I was feeling. 

Songwriting has helped me get through some really hard times, and is definitely my outlet. It will be very funny to listen back to some of my music in 10 years’ time and think “...that was the boy I was upset over?”

AC: You’re a Dallas-based musician - what is the ~ scene ~ like down there, and how does that inform your own musical approach?

PS: Dallas is a great place to grow as a musician. There are so many talented musicians here and it is a great place to get your [musical] start. There are no real labels in Dallas, but when it comes to venues and gigs you can make a great living here. It has helped to grow my confidence as a live performer, and really cement in my head that this is what I want to be doing for the next 20 years – just hopefully on a bigger scale. (No shade to the Dallas coffee shops, I still need to perform there...)

Peyton Stilling, photo courtesy of Hannah Dimmitt

AC: Your debut single, ‘Forest Through The Trees’, came out last February - how has your process changed since then? What have the past couple years taught you as a musician?

PS: My songwriting process is very similar to when it all started. I think the biggest thing that has changed is [that] my team has gotten bigger. When I started a year ago, it was just me; now I have an amazing group of people rallying behind me and my music. I am super thankful to have those people in my corner.

The past couple years have taught me to trust my instincts. I still have self-doubt, but am constantly working towards being confident in my decision-making. That is a big part of being in the music industry – trusting yourself and not letting the opinions of others sway you. 

AC: Are there any songs that you wish you had written?

PS: Yes, 100%. “Green and Gold” by Lianna La Havas or “Carried Away” by H.E.R. Honestly, anything by either of those artists and I would be happy. 

I have actually started rewriting some of my favourite songs on my YouTube channel. So far, I have rewritten Broke by Samm Henshaw, Location by Khalid and of course, Carried Away. I have been uploading a different rewrite the first Sunday of each month.

AC: When the pandemic subsides, what are you most excited to do?

PS: I am excited to have a real concert again. I absolutely love performing, and this year, not being able to do that, has been really tough. Live streams are just not the same. 

[Aside] from music, I can’t wait to travel. The pandemic has made me miss freedom and realize there is so much of the world to see. My manager is originally from London, and has told me that he would love to take me over there for a few weeks. I think that would be awesome. And it is in writing now, so he has to take me…

Listen to “Healing” - out now! 

Peyton Stilling

Instagram | Twitter | Facebook

Official Website | Youtube | Soundcloud

Rebecca Judd is the features editor of Also Cool Mag.

This interview was conducted over email and has been condensed and edited for clarity.

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