The Auckland power-pop, alt-rock, multi-hyphenate-indie quartet bring an affable charm and effortless musical virtuosity to ear-wormy, emotionally taut songs you can just as easily mosh or cry to depending on what you pick and the emotions you bring to it.
Speaking Evil Never Sounded So Sweet
Speak Evil is the latest and final EP from Ottawa’s favourite simian namesake rock outfit, Bonobo Backlash. Still, they made sure that their departure was accompanied by a soundtrack to be remembered.
The Astros: Just Around the Corner
On Just Around the Corner, the latest album from The Astros, I can hear the band’s cogs turning; “what does this really mean”.
Two years following the release of their debut album, Sci-Fi Radio, I was strapping myself in for more fuzzed out riffage, tasteful instrumentation, and more jams to jump around to.
Teenage Fiction: Déjà Rêvé
Massive instrumentation, mature arrangements, cerebral lyrics, and oh so many tasty riffs: this is Teenage Fiction at their best. Teenage Fiction’s new EP, “Déjà Rêvé,” is a vibrant exploration of emotional depth and existential questioning, all wrapped up in a diverse sonic landscape.
Positive Charge: How to Fit In and How It Matters
Punk Rock at its finest, Positive Charge’s new album “How to Fit In and Why It Matters” speaks to my little punk heart. Great riffage, vocal delivery, and musicianship bring the poignant lyrics to life in this nine-track album that will leave you wanting more.
Juventud: Remembrance of Things Past In Search of Lost Time
uventud has always been an act that I have been enthralled by: their vision, attitude, and most importantly vibe. Their sound perfectly encapsulates the ennui of late capitalism, while simultaneously appealing to a shared sense of nostalgia.
Nepture: the Colour Album
A blend of House music producer LittleBoiAaron (Aaron Crozier) and metal guitarist Nathan Zinck, Neptune merges the two into one sound.
Tuning In: A data-driven exploration of the Ottawa music scene
Have you been in any of these situations: talking with your bandmates about the next release, chatting with friends at a show about the scene, or talking to your close friends about your favourite recent local releases? Has anyone ever told you that we’re in a “singles era”, while simultaneously talking about how much they loved the most recent local EPs?
Stoby: Reinventing the Waltz
November 13th saw the release of Stoby’s third album “Reinventing the Waltz”. This project started in 2017 as the band was first coming together.
Unsociably High: Oh, The Country Air
Fans of Unsociably High are in for a twist while listening to their new EP Oh, The Country Air.
Different Zoo, Same Old Monkey: Out by Lucy review
What do you get when you cross a goofy, sarcastic sense of humour, with impressive musicianship and songs so catchy that audiences know every word before they’re even released? You get Out by Lucy.
When Music Meets Fashion
On August 18th, 2023, the Rainbow was home to a multidisciplinary music show by the local band, Kaspien. The noticeable sense of camaraderie amongst the guests could be attributed to the crowd, which would grow in size as the night grew older.
Side by Side: Rain or Shine
Side by Side Weekend is “Ottawa’s hottest independent music festival” since the first. iteration in 2018. It has garnered a big buzz and a great reputation for having an incredible selection of bands from all around Canada.
The curious case of Sparrow’s Valley
What do you get when you cross shredding guitar, groovy bass lines and thunderous drums with lush synth pads, ripping keytar solos and a vocoder? You get the debut album “Sparrow’s Valley” from Ottawa rock outfit Sparrow’s Valley.
Celebrating local music at the fourth annual Capital Music Awards
In front of a sold-out crowd of over 500 people, various artists and organizers took the stage to accept their awards at the fourth annual Capital Music Awards.
Pink Cloud Summer: A Band Pre-Decided
Pink Cloud Summer is one of Ottawa’s beloved pop-punk bands, which has recently propelled itself into the live music scene.
Guest Room Status: Like the Weather
Guest Room Status is a four-piece Emo band from Ottawa, Ontario that blends elements from Emo, Pop Punk and Math Rock into a refreshing and exciting sound, uniquely their own.
Blue Eyes & Mountain Skies: just fine’s brand-new alt-rock summer single
just fine is a soft alt-rock band from Ottawa, ON with a very misleading name. They are commonly described as “more than just fine” (or “the nickel back of Ottawa” by some die-hard fans)
Growing Fires: The Band, The Brotherhood
It’s April of 2023, and the Ottawa music scene, teeming with life and zeal, is ramping up for a summer that local music enthusiasts will not forget. Among the talented bands leading the charge is a long-time, beloved Ottawa contributor: Growing Fires.
F!TH breaks out on the scene with self-titled debut EP
F!TH is a 5 piece hard rock group from Ottawa and just released their debut self-titled EP
Welcome to the Noise Hotel
Noise Hotel released their debut single, Tea For One, earlier this year, after almost a full year of playing shows and gaining a following in the Ottawa music scene.
To follow that up Noise hotel is now releasing their second single Caroline, available March 24.
Consider “Consider Two Beers”
Give three cheers and crack two beers everyone, it’s time for the brand new EP from Ottawa indie rockers, Dart Trees: “Consider Two Beers”.
BONES: The “First Chapter” of Authenticity
Started in February 2022 OK Naledi is the newest project for Ottawa Musician Naledi Sunstrum. Teaching themselves how to play guitar, Sunstrum originally produced acoustic folk music, under their English name, Kimberly Sunstrum.
Celebrating Local Art at Star Method 2.0
Il Vicolo’s infamous outdoor patio was closed- reserved for quick smoke breaks, and drawing attendants inside. A narrow front room with homey accents and a long stretch of wooden bar marks the first room of this multi-level locale.
Ottawa’s Contemporary Nostalgia: The Kaladars
With the arrival of the new year, the Ottawa music scene has opened its arms wide to local talent in the form of fresh faces and original sounds. Among Ottawa’s newest musical additions is the upcoming alternative band, The Kaladars.
Drop ‘DEAD’ Debut: F!TH’s Jaw-Dropping Breakout Single
F!TH is the latest hard rock 5-piece band to break into the Ottawa scene with their debut single “DEAD” and they are coming out swinging with no remorse.
What we’re looking forward to in 2023
So we must ask ourselves, “How does Ottawa top 2022?”
Let’s plunge into our scene and get to know a few Artists we are excited to see & hear from in 2023!
Do You Have Any Idea What Is Going On?
With the new year coming, there’s a sense of change and creation in the air. Out with the old and in with the new. A night of incredible art and live music turned out to be exactly what the Ottawa creative scene needed.




























