Retro-soul, think Erykah Badu/Lauryn Hill, but in French. Woodi has the right chocolateness in her voice, the groove, the looks and the solid songs:
San James
French pop with a soft 70s vibe; as you know, I’m all for it. San James, the moniker of Canadienne Marilyse Senecal, hits all the right spots with this Steelydannish groove:
Art Longo remixed
You want a beach, clear water with not that many waves, a nice smoothie nearby and the sun peeking through the palms? But you don’t have those elements nearby? Put on some headphones, close your eyes and listen to this smooth sandy beach remix. Pictured: singer Claudia Jonas, who handles the breathy vocals on this track.
Coline Rio
New song by the beloved Coline Rio. Earlier, she released a song about her mother (HERE), this one is inspired by a dream about a woman that resembled her grand-mère. On her Insta, Coline writes that only after she was send a picture of her grand mother, that she never saw before (the pic, not her mami of course), that she realised who it was that visited her in her dream.
Carla Chanelle
Canadien songstress Carla Chanelle released a song called Juillet a month ago, of course. I missed it then, but in August, and likely beyond, this song works too. It’s breezy, sultry and has an wonderful bassline ( basslines are my thing, yes). It has a nice westcoast-70s vibe. If you’re into the yachty side of Marie-Pierre Arthur, this is for you.
The lyrics are about doubts, wanting to break out of something (a relationship?) but not feeling comfortable enough to push through. Or, I was musing when I heard the song, it’s about wanting to do something deep & meaningful in summer. But, yeah, summer just gets in the way.
Joe La Panic
Always a pleasure to see & hear the pure La Panic pop:
Astral Coyote
Diaspora rhythm cumbia started in Colombia, but has taken over the entire latin music world. And Quebec, because Astral Coyote is a Mexican-Quebecois duo that mix la cumbia with electronics (there’s a world to discover if you like this blend). Astral Coyote wrote French lyrics for the first time, and because lead singer Olivia has a very fine voice, it’s only natural that they’re featured here.
From the press release: ‘The lyrics tell of the journeys we are called to: those we make in the vastness of nature, and the secret ones that transform us from within. Here, we hear the emergence of new identities, the shedding of the old, and that bittersweet feeling that accompanies every rebirth.’
I love that driving rhythm, Manu Chao-fans should take note, the glowing trumpetsounds and that melancholy-filled voice. Here comes the sun, people! The song’s coming out officially on Friday, so this is a scoop!
Leslie Medina
Beautiful contemporary pop by the gifted Leslie Medina:
