Tag: Canada

Canadian singer-songwriter Gena Perala unveils her newest single, ‘Lucky One’.

Canadian singer-songwriter GENA PERALA unveils her latest single, ‘Lucky One’, the fourth release from her upcoming 12-track album ‘Somewhere New’.

Equal parts biting, vulnerable, and defiant, ‘Lucky One’ dives headfirst into the contradictions of being human—too much of everything, not enough of anything, and somehow still finding a way to laugh through it all. With brutally honest lyrics like, “Drink too much, smoke too much, fuck just enough, talk too much,” Perala captures that razor-thin line between self-destruction and self-awareness. It’s raw, it’s self-exposing, and it’s delivered with a dark wit that cuts deep.

The song’s cover art features a striking photograph of Perala’s mother and godmother, taken during their days on the carnival circuit in the 1970s. For Perala—who spent her own childhood traveling with her family from town to town under the lights of the carnival—this image isn’t just a nod to the past. It’s a metaphor. A reminder of what “luck” really means in a place where the games are rigged, the odds are stacked, and people still show up, coin in hand, hoping for a win.

That same tension—between hope, illusion, and survival—runs straight through ‘Lucky One.’

The chorus lands like both confession and anthem:
“I’ve never been a sad girl, turning into such a sad world / I’ve never been the lucky one, count my blessings zero to some.”

While Perala has always acknowledged her blessings, she’s not afraid to admit that optimism doesn’t come easy. In a world that so often feels tragic and unjust, holding on to any kind of hope means confronting grief, loss, and all the spaces in between. ‘Lucky One’ lives in that uneasy emotional terrain—where joy and sorrow coexist without cancelling each other out.

“I’ve never really been the lucky one,” Perala reflects. “But maybe that’s the point—there’s strength in still showing up, still playing, even when the odds are against you.”

Following the momentum of her earlier singles, ‘Lucky One’ further cements Perala’s reputation for fearless storytelling and for finding beauty in life’s hardest truths. It’s not just a song—it’s a statement. One that reminds us that sometimes, showing up is its own kind of win.

Have a listen below…

Connect with Gena Perala via:
FB: https://www.facebook.com/GenaPeralaMusic/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/genaperala
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@genaperala
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@genaperala

by Categories: new singlesTags: , , , , , , , , , , , , Leave a comment

Song of the Day Machete – Gena Perala

Canadian singer-songwriter GENA PERALA unleashes a bold, cinematic anthem with ‘Machete’ — a fearless blend of grit, glamour, and emotional intensity that cuts straight through the noise.

‘Machete’ wasn’t part of the original recording plan. “I already had more than enough songs,” Gena says. “But after our first day in the studio, I played a rough idea for the band. Within 20 minutes they had cooked up this killer arrangement—I knew right away the song had to be on the album.” That night, Gena finished writing the lyrics. By the next day, Machete had fully taken shape.

The track draws from a personal story of subtle but persistent bullying Gena faced as an adult in a sport she loved. “It wasn’t always overt, but the exclusion was real. One night I came home and thought, ‘Do I quit? Or do I fight for myself?’ I wrote this song. Needless to say, I fought.”

Sonically, Machete is a smoky slow burn—badass, brooding, and a little dangerous. With its spaghetti western swagger and femme fatale energy, it’s no surprise fans have said it sounds like it belongs in a Tarantino film. “I love the way it turned out,” Gena says. “There’s nothing else on the album—or anywhere—that quite sounds like it.”

The cover art adds another layer of personal history to the release — a photo taken by Gena’s father somewhere on the carnival in rural Manitoba. It features a young Gena, her brother, and the gypsies, capturing a moment that feels both timeless and dreamlike. “It’s wild how well it fits the spirit of the song,” she says. “Something about that image—the little girls with the guns. It’s a paradox: innocence armed with defiance.”

‘Machete’ follows the release of Gena’s first two singles, ‘I’m Gone’ and ‘Goodbye Friend’ offering a bold new glimpse into her upcoming album.

Connect with Gena Perala via:
FB: https://www.facebook.com/GenaPeralaMusic/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/genaperala
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@genaperala
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@genaperala

Source: Gena Perala

by Categories: Songs of the DayTags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , Leave a comment

Sad Americana singer-songwriter Gena Perala looks to brighter horizon on single, ‘I’m Gone’

Every summer, we look for songs that transcend us to scenes of warm air amidst comfortable settings, a cool evening breeze with a drink in hand, memorable moments with loved ones, and of course, hitting the open road with the windows down.

This – and quite possibly – the prospect of fearlessly ending one chapter of our lives and beginning the next.

Enter GENA PERALA, who released her breezy yet courageous country-flaired single, ‘I’m Gone.’

Sweeping in like the impending summer breeze, ‘I’m Gone’ makes its introduction with a welcoming banjo lick and acoustic guitar that soon gives way into a mellow modern-meets-traditional country groove equipped with pedal steel and all.

Perala’s honeyed vocals swoon from verse to chorus, and create a call to action of simply moving on and looking ahead to brighter horizons. “I don’t like crying / It’s true / I really don’t like crying / Crying over you / I don’t like waiting / It’s true / I sure as hell don’t like waiting / Waiting for you,” she sings, drawing out the “I’s” with impressive vocal precision.

“’I’m Gone’ is about knowing when to walk away,” Perala states. “It’s about refusing to stay where you’re not valued and trusting that something better is waiting—even if you can’t see it yet.”

The track blends heartbreak with quiet strength, and speaks to anyone who’s had to choose themselves over comfort. With its raw lyrics, rich harmonies, and driving acoustic instrumentation, the track balances heartbreak and empowerment in equal measure.

‘I’m Gone’ is the lead single from Perala’s upcoming album, Somewhere New, and it sets the tone for a story rooted in grit, heartache, and self-discovery. Common themes include choosing yourself, trusting that there’s something better ahead, and appreciating the simple things in life. “I think underneath it all, the album is really about resilience, hope, and staying true to who you are,” Perala says. The album is slated for a fall release.

Connect with Gena Perala via:
FB: https://www.facebook.com/GenaPeralaMusic/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/genaperala
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@genaperala
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@genaperala

Source: Gena Perala

by Categories: new singlesTags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , Leave a comment

OUT TODAY: Jozem exposes the moody side to summer with his indie-R&B EP, Summerhaze

A sombre, bed of airy soundscapes introduces JOZEM‘s new EP, ‘Summerhaze’, through track, ‘Foolish Heart’, where the tranquility of Rwanda-born, Toronto-based artist’s vocals offer a place of escapism, introspection and even retrospection during a season that’s associated with having pure unadulterated fun.

Although the EP is described as a body of work that displays ‘a moody side of summer’, which peeks into Jozem’s many life experiences and those who are close to him, personally the five-track project could also be described as a transitional EP from Summer to Autumn – a season that prepare us for hibernation and a period of some serious self-discovery and perhaps reflecting on loss of friendships, relationships strains and heartache of losing a love interest, releasing all those pent up issues and coming out the other end renewed and healed. As these themes of self-discovery and introspection runs potent throughout the EP, ‘Summerhaze’ is also a gentle reminder of recognising the real cheerleaders in your life when times get a little rough.

The perfect example of this is through title track, ‘Summerhaze’, which reflects on an experience with one of Jozem’s close friends, who was going through a rough patch and, like most of us, that person would put on a brave face to mask the pain – even though Jozem could see right through the mask and feel his friend’s pain. He may have felt helpless at the time, but Jozem has learnt a valuable lesson from the experience that ring loud in the track – and that lesson is that it’s not a sign of weakness to reach out and confide in someone who you truly trust.

Soft layers of electronic soundscapes begins to make its presence known in ‘Test’ and ‘Waiting, Soft’ concluding the EP perfectly which, personally, radiates some sense of hope and optimism through the muddy maze, that’s unfortunately called life.

‘Summerhaze’ EP is now out today (29th August), via various music platforms. Why not enter into Jozem’s world below…

Must Listens: Summerhaze

Connect with Jozem via:
FB: https://www.facebook.com/followjozem
IG: https://www.instagram.com/jozem__/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@jozem
Website:https://www.iamjozem.com/

by Categories: New AlbumsTags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , Leave a comment

Thaïs Sala returns with her lusciously layered and immersive brand of electronic pop single ‘Sleeves’.

THAÏS SALA, the Paris-born singer/songwriter and cultural curator, is back with another stunning single, ‘Sleeves’, taken from her forthcoming debut EP, Echo Museum, which is set to release on 21st August.

Having grown up between the enchanting streets of Marrakech and the diverse landscapes of the UK, and now living in Montreal, Thaïs brings a rich, global perspective to her music. From a young age, Thaïs Sala has been immersed in a world of cultural diversity, and it shows in her music. Her unique sound blends electronic rhythms with soulful vocals, moving effortlessly between crystalline highs and husky lows. This mix of vulnerability and strength is a hallmark of her style, making her music resonate on a deeply emotional level.

Following the release of ‘Atonement’, Thaïs Sala now presents ‘Sleeves’, the second instalment from Echo Museum. Produced by Moses Belanger, ‘Sleeves’ is an intricate blend of subtle electronica elements and layers, making it an immediate and compelling listen. The track opens with emotive piano chords seamlessly mixed with Thaïs Sala’s ethereal harmonies, evolving into a rousing synth progression and a four-on-the-floor rhythm. This striking blend of soul and house music showcases her unique ability to merge genres effortlessly.

Lyrically, ‘Sleeves’ explores the theme of emotional honesty, likening the act of putting on and shedding emotions to wearing and removing clothing. Phrases like “uniform of feels” capture the routine of the psyche and the pressures to conform to external expectations. The song is a reflection on the struggle to be true to oneself and others while navigating life’s inherent highs and lows.

In the vein of artists like RY X, James Blake, and BANKS, ‘Sleeves’ is a modernised electronic and pop-infused masterpiece. Its deep, brooding quality soothes and enthuses simultaneously, showcasing the magic of Thaïs Sala’s craft.

As Thaïs Sala gears up for the release of Echo Museum, ‘Sleeves’ solidifies her place as a powerful new voice, with her ability to blend genres and create deeply personal yet universally relatable music making her an artist to watch for 2024 and beyond.

‘Sleeves’ was released on Wednesday (31st July). Why not have a listen below…

Connect with Thaïs Sala via:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/thesoulsphynx/

by Categories: new singlesTags: , , , , , , , , , , , , Leave a comment