New Jersey-based alternative/pop-punk band Good Damage released their third single, 'Just Alive,' on October 24 — a soaring, emotionally charged track that cements the band’s knack for blending catchy hooks with heartfelt urgency. SWOMP caught up with the group to talk about the new song and their steady climb in the East Coast alt scene. The members say 'Just Alive' captures the tension between surviving and truly living — a theme that resonates with anyone trying to hold it together in chaotic times. Formed in 2022, Good Damage have quickly built a reputation for their energetic live shows and dynamic sound that draws comparisons to Paramore, while still carving out their own lane through lush harmonies and anthemic choruses. Their previous single 'Better Off Alone' earned praise from indie reviewers and enjoyed rotation on several college and independent radio stations. So far in 2025, Good Damage have shared the stage with southern rock legend and Rock Hall of Fame member Artimus Pyle’s band Pyle Tribe and college radio favourites La Luz at the House of Independents. They’ve also appeared on podcasts including The Yo Show and Kids In The Pit, and performed a live interview on Maryland’s WKHS. The band’s earliest releases — 2023’s 'Forget November' and 2025’s 'Better Off Alone' — were recorded at Sonic Boom Studio in Raritan, N.J., with producer Anthony Krizan. The debut was hailed by The Yo Show host Jeff Porini as "the perfect song," while 'Better Off Alone' continued to build their reputation as one of the most promising young acts in the region. Good Damage have graced stages from The Stone Pony and The Williams Center in New Jersey to The Delancey in New York City, steadily growing a following that bridges nostalgia-driven pop-punk and modern alternative rock. 'Just Alive' is available now on Spotify and YouTube. Follow the band on Instagram, here.

Acclaimed indie folk band Great Lake Swimmers have released their much-anticipated ninth studio album, Caught Light, now available on all major platforms. Alongside the full record, the Toronto-based group shared live footage of “For You To Come Around,” filmed at Odd Fellows Hall in St. Catharines, Ontario. The band, fronted by Tony Dekker, will support the release with a lengthy tour beginning October 15, featuring stops across Canada and the United States. Supporting acts include Elliott Brood, Rita Visser, Justin Wells and Abe Partridge on select dates. Several shows are already sold out or nearing capacity. SWOMP caught up with Dekker for an interview to discuss the album. Dekker says “For You To Come Around” captures a sense of longing and emotional distance. “It’s about being stuck at the station, in a state between being and becoming,” he said. “It’s about the baggage we carry and the emotional lifting it requires for us to endure, and ultimately, it is about loneliness and longing, and the inability to truly know someone.” Recorded over just three days in the Ganaraska Forest between Peterborough and Port Hope, Caught Light was produced by Darcy Yates of Bahamas and engineered by Jimmy Bowskill of Blue Rodeo. The album draws inspiration from early ’70s folk, pop and rock influences such as Gordon Lightfoot and Dory Previn. Dekker described the process as a renewed embrace of simplicity, saying the experience gave him “a newly found zeal for not being precious and being more direct.” Reflecting on the album’s title, Dekker recalled growing up near a rural airstrip in Niagara Region where skydivers would sometimes land unexpectedly in nearby fields. “That was such a powerful image to me as a kid: What happens when you don’t land where you intended, when life blows you off course?” he said. “The phrase ‘caught light’ refers to an unexpected situation where you don't have as much as you thought you wanted or needed.” The album follows several recent singles, including “Youth Not Wasted,” a reflective acoustic track inspired by the Oscar Wilde quote, “youth is wasted on the young.” Americana UK described the song as “immediately nostalgic; it is reminiscence and memory in musical form.” Other highlights include “One More Dance Around The Sun,” currently the number one song on the CBC Music Top 20, and “Wrong Wrong Wrong,” which Dekker described as “about being on the edge, in deep despair.” Over more than two decades, Great Lake Swimmers have built a reputation for their warm, resonant sound and intimate live performances. The band has twice been nominated for Juno Awards, shortlisted for the Polaris Music Prize, and hailed by the CBC as “a national treasure.” In early 2026, Great Lake Swimmers will perform an official showcase at Folk Alliance International in New Orleans, followed by additional Canadian tour dates through the spring. More information and tickets are available at greatlakeswimmers.com. Photo credit: Robert Georgeff

Canadian music icon Bif Naked will bring her life story and unmistakable voice to The Royal Theatre on November 12 for a one-night-only event featuring the premiere screening of BIF NAKED: A Documentary, an intimate acoustic performance and a live Q&A. The event begins at 7:30 p.m. (doors open at 6:30 p.m.) and promises a three-hour celebration of one of Canada’s most fearless and influential performers. SWOMP caught up with Bif to discuss the doc. Directed by Pollyanna Hardwicke-Brown, the feature-length documentary traces Bif Naked’s remarkable journey from her beginnings in India and upbringing in Canada to her rise through the underground punk scene of the late ’80s and early ’90s. Featuring rare archival footage, interviews and performance clips, the film explores her evolution as a poet, fighter and rock ’n’ roll trailblazer who has never shied away from telling her truth. Following the screening, Bif will take the stage for a stripped-down acoustic set that highlights the raw emotion and honesty at the heart of her music. The evening will close with a candid audience Q&A, offering fans a chance to connect directly with the artist known for her wit, authenticity and resilience. Appearing in the film are George Stroumboulopoulos, Doug Fury, Chiko Misomali and Peter Karroll, who each help paint a vivid portrait of Bif’s decades-long impact on Canadian music and culture. Tickets are on sale now, with VIP passes priced at $50 plus tax and fees, and standard and accessible tickets at $35. Seating is limited for what organizers describe as an intimate and emotional evening celebrating one of the country’s most enduring cultural figures. The event takes place at The Royal, 608 College Street, Toronto. Get you tickets, here.

After more than 25 years together, Finger Eleven are hitting a vibrant new peak. SWOMP spoke with lead singer Scott Anderson about the band’s long-awaited return and the making of their first studio album in a decade, Last Night On Earth, set for release November 7 through Better Noise Music. Energized by the momentum of their 2024 North American tour, the JUNO Award-winning, multi-platinum rockers are entering a new era—one that bridges generations of fans. Last year’s tour introduced Finger Eleven to a new audience while reigniting their connection with longtime followers, paving the way for a string of hits including “Adrenaline” and “Blue Sky Mystery” featuring Filter’s Richard Patrick. Both tracks climbed the charts, with “Blue Sky Mystery” reaching the Top 10 on Billboard Canada’s Mainstream Rock chart. The album’s title track, released recently with an accompanying video, nearly slipped through the cracks. During a final late-night studio session, drummer Steve Molella suggested recording an acoustic “campfire-style” version—and it clicked. “On that track, Scott wrote some of my favourite lyrics,” Molella said. “It was the most natural the song has ever sounded.” Anderson says “Last Night On Earth” reflects the emotional turbulence of relationships falling apart. “I think it could be placed squarely in a traditional relationship frame where you forget what you're even fighting about,” he said. “But you hate that feeling in the pit of your stomach when something’s not resolved and you don’t know what tomorrow’s gonna look like.” Following a busy summer of festival appearances, the Burlington-born band will hit the road again this fall, first touring the U.S. with Alien Ant Farm and Brkn Love, before launching their biggest-ever Canadian tour with Headstones and The Tea Party beginning November 25 in Penticton, B.C. Finger Eleven — Anderson, James Black, Rick Jackett, Sean Anderson, and Molella — remain one of Canada’s most successful rock exports. Their career includes platinum records, chart-topping singles, and international acclaim for hits such as “Paralyzer.” The band reignited their creative spark in 2023 with a Greatest Hits collection that featured the radio smash “Together Right,” which spent five weeks at No. 1. With Last Night On Earth, Finger Eleven are once again proving their staying power, blending raw emotion, melodic grit, and the seasoned chemistry that has defined them for more than two decades. For tour dates and updates, visit fingereleven.com. Photo credit: Myles Erfurth

Canadian country artists Antonio Larosa and Taylor-Rae have joined forces on a soaring new duet, Hearts Don’t Break, released on October 10, 2025. The emotional track, co-written with award-winning songwriter David Borys, captures the fragile moment between love fading and letting go — a theme both singers say hit close to home. In an interview with SWOMP, the pair discuss the new track. “I’ve always admired Taylor-Rae’s voice because it has the kind of power and emotion that makes a ballad soar,” Larosa said. “The song is about two people who both know the love is gone but they are still hanging on, stuck in something that is no longer real love. It captures that painful space between holding on and letting go. When we played it live on tour, the reaction was incredible, so we knew we had to record it.” Built around aching guitar lines and dynamic vocal interplay, Hearts Don’t Break unfolds like a cinematic slow burn. The production mirrors the emotional unraveling at its core — two voices circling each other in harmony and heartbreak. Taylor-Rae said the song came together naturally in the writing room with Larosa and Borys. “Hearts Don’t Break is a song that digs into wanting to make a relationship work and hanging onto it, to the point where you're just hurting each other,” she said. “Sometimes something isn't the right fit, even though you might wish it was. I was so excited to team up with Antonio on this track because of how incredible of a vocalist and storyteller he is. This song came together really organically and I feel super lucky to be a part of it.” The single bridges the grit of classic country and the polish of modern Nashville, blending Larosa’s soulful edge with Taylor-Rae’s powerhouse range. Together, they deliver a duet that feels both timeless and contemporary — the kind of heartbreak song that lingers long after the last note fades. Larosa, a Vancouver-born country rock artist, has built a reputation on the road with raw, blues-infused performances and introspective songwriting. Twice named Roots Artist of the Year by the BC Country Music Association, he’s become one of the most distinctive voices in Canada’s independent country scene. Taylor-Rae, originally from Alberta, has carved her own path with a string of streaming successes and editorial playlist features. Her breakout single Are You Still Up has surpassed 1.5 million streams, while her latest track I Can’t landed her the cover of Amazon Music’s Breakthrough Country playlist. Follow Larosa at https://www.antoniolarosamusic.com/. Follow Taylor-Rae at https://taylorraeofficial.com/.

Multi-award-winning country group Hunter Brothers will bring their signature harmonies and high-energy performance to Chatham next month as part of the second leg of their 'Homegrown Nights 2025 Tour'. The band will take the stage at the Kiwanis Theatre on Nov. 7 with special guest Dayna Reid. SWOMP caught up with Ty Hunter to discuss the show, the overall tour and the career of the band. The tour expansion coincides with the release of the group’s new single 'All Kinds of Country', featuring Lathan Warlick, out now via Open Road Recordings. The track serves as the title song from their upcoming six-track EP, All Kinds of Country, arriving the same day as the Chatham show. Anchored in soaring harmonies and modern production, All Kinds of Country celebrates the wide range of people and sounds that make up the genre. “There seems to be a big debate these days about what defines country,” said Ty Hunter. “At the end of the day, it should be something that brings us together. It’s not just about the music—it’s about a way of life, everyone being welcome at the table.” The collaboration with genre-blending artist Lathan Warlick underscores that message, combining the brothers’ vocal chemistry with Warlick’s soulful, rhythmic delivery. The song is both a reflection of inclusivity and a showcase of the group’s evolving sound. The forthcoming EP, recorded during a recent creative trip to Nashville, balances the band’s roots with fresh directions, featuring collaborations with artists like Shantaia and weaving in their Scottish heritage on 'Keep on Truckin'. “These songs are meant to lift your spirits and keep your day moving forward,” Ty added. Known for their engaging stage presence and down-to-earth storytelling, the five brothers—J.J., Dusty, Luke, Brock, and Ty—have built a loyal fan base across Canada. Hailing from a farm in southern Saskatchewan, the Hunter Brothers have earned over 90 million streams and multiple chart-topping singles, combining music, family, and faith into every performance. Tickets for the Chatham show are available through www.cktickets.com. For more information on Hunter Brothers, their music, and full tour dates, visit www.hunterbrothers.com.

Canadian songwriter, producer and performer Eddie Schwartz — best known for penning Pat Benatar’s 1980 hit 'Hit Me With Your Best Shot' — is stepping out from behind the scenes with his own full-length studio release Film School, arriving November 12, 2025. SWOMP caught up with Schwartz to discuss the project and his career. Schwartz, whose songs have been recorded by artists including Carly Simon, Joe Cocker, America, Donna Summer and Rascal Flatts, says the project marks both a creative renewal and a personal reckoning. “It’s a difficult time right now and I freely admit to struggling with how to cope with the daily insanity,” Schwartz said of the current climate that inspired his new material. “The moment of writing ‘We Win’ was profound for me because I found a way to a more hopeful place that helped with anger, sadness and bewilderment at how we got here.” After years of burnout from Nashville’s rigorous co-writing culture, Schwartz said writing We Win broke a long creative drought. “The blank page stayed blank for a long time,” he said. “My struggle to process the world at this moment in time and muster some resolve was what propelled me back in the writing mindset.” The track features slide guitar by Roger Moutenot and backing vocals by country music legend Robert Ellis Orrall. Critics have praised its optimism and emotional depth, with Cashbox calling it “one of those songs that makes me remember why I got into the music industry in the first place.” Film School features six songs that Schwartz describes as “short stories or films” connected by themes of perseverance and humanity. From the introspective Outbound Train to the reflective Special Girl and the waltzing You Don’t Belong, the album blends craftsmanship and storytelling in the tradition of his earlier work. “For me, the people in the songs face challenges and find ways to deal with those challenges and move forward with their lives,” he said. “I hadn’t written a song in quite a few years before Film School, so I had to relearn how to do it – I was back in school in a way.” A Member of the Order of Canada and the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame, Schwartz has also been a tireless advocate for creators’ rights, serving as president of the International Council of Music Creators from 2017 to 2023. “For the vast majority of individual artists and songwriters, the business is much, much harder than it was in the day of vinyl, CDs and even downloads,” he said. “Millions and millions of streams do not support a career, and that’s tragic.” With Film School, Schwartz finds new footing as both storyteller and survivor — a veteran artist proving that, even decades after writing one of rock’s most enduring anthems, he still has plenty left to say. Film School will be released independently on CD November 12, 2025. Follow Eddie at https://www.eddieschwartzmusic.com/.

Canadian rock band Sloan have released their fourteenth studio album, Based on the Best Seller, available now via murderecords / Known Accomplice. The JUNO Award-winning quartet continues its tradition of creative equality and timeless power-pop craftsmanship with a collection that blends diverse songwriting voices into one unmistakably Sloan sound. SWOMP caught up with guitarist Patrick Pentland to discuss the album. “It's not a challenge to make a 14th album, but sometimes it's a challenge to think of a new overarching theme or a way to present a 14th album,” said Jay Ferguson. “Our band has the capability to perform different styles within the rock-pop sphere, but it's often hard to harness the group to adhere to one particular style or theme. That's okay though. With four songwriters, we tend to make music that perhaps doesn't always naturally hang together under one (opened) umbrella but that's our style, and that style is continued on Based on the Best Seller.” The record was previewed earlier this year with the melodic single “Live Forever,” co-produced by the band and long-time collaborator Ryan Haslett. The harmony-rich track explores the humorous and bittersweet sides of immortality through Sloan’s signature pop sensibility. The follow-up single “Dream Destroyer,” now at radio, features fuzzed-out guitars and infectious hooks. “Combining my/our love of glam, shoegaze, and power pop, the song is an ode to lost love, past mistakes, and the recklessness that has been the blueprint of my life, for better or worse,” Pentland said. “Worse in terms of relationships, better in terms of fodder for hit songs. A door slams shut, a window smashes open.” Last month’s release, “No Damn Fears,” brings a different energy. Sung by Andrew Scott, the track fuses garage grit with poetic surrealism and protest spirit. More than three decades into their career, Sloan remain one of Canada’s most influential and enduring bands. Known for their democratic approach—with each member contributing as singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist—the Halifax-born group continues to evolve while staying true to their roots. Sloan will support the album with their cross-country “Tour de Force” which began October 16 in Sudbury, with stops across Ontario, the Maritimes, Western Canada and Quebec through spring 2026. For more information, visit www.sloanmusic.com. Photo credit: Calm Elliott-Armstrong

St. John's, Newfoundland artist Rachel Cousins has released her third studio album, What Hasn’t Killed Me, out October 10, 2025. SWOMP caught up with Cousins on release day to discuss the record. Known for her soaring vocals and polished pop sound, the Newfoundland-born singer-songwriter takes a bold new turn with this project, stepping away from pop precision to embrace the more fluid and reflective territory of Adult Contemporary. The nine-track album explores the turbulence and grace of growing into adulthood, weaving together elements of folk intimacy, alternative grit, and pop sensibility. A six-time MusicNL winner with two East Coast Music Award nominations, Cousins has become one of Atlantic Canada’s most promising voices. Her songs have been streamed more than 600,000 times and featured in television series including Wynonna Earp, Hudson & Rex, and The Wedding Planners. She has also shared the stage with artists such as Alan Doyle, Serena Ryder, the Beaches, and GRAMMY winner K’NAAN. Beyond her musical success, Cousins has earned respect for her openness about mental health and recovery, speaking candidly about her experiences both in her music and in community settings. Created in partnership with GRAMMY Award-winning producer Greg Wells, whose credits include Taylor Swift and John Legend, What Hasn’t Killed Me marks a creative breakthrough. “Songs started pouring out of me. What used to take days came in under an hour. For the first time in years, I felt free. Greg saw something in me that I didn’t see in myself,” Cousins said. The album’s focus track, “Little Help,” co-written with musician Darcy Scott, captures the courage it takes to ask for support when struggling. Built around guitar and raw vocals, the track explores the tension between appearing composed and feeling lost inside. Previous singles, including “Nora,” “To Fail,” “As A Girl,” and “Standing Still,” reveal the album’s emotional range — from the comfort of lasting friendship to the fear of failure and the strength found in womanhood and self-acceptance. Cousins will celebrate the release of What Hasn’t Killed Me with a hometown show at The Ship in St. John’s on October 17, following a performance during Music Day in Canada on September 27. She will also appear at the Come Together Showcase in Toronto on November 25 and 26. Follow Rachel at https://www.rachelcousinsmusic.com/. Photo Credit: Hilda Cousins

Acclaimed Canadian singer-songwriter Suzie Ungerleider is taking her latest album, Among the Evergreens, on the road this fall with performances across Ontario and Quebec. Released June 6, 2025, via MVKA, the album has earned international praise for its lyrical depth and emotional honesty, marking a powerful chapter in Ungerleider’s evolution as an artist and storyteller. SWOMP caught up with Ungerleider for an interview.  With Among the Evergreens now resonating with listeners around the world, Ungerleider says she’s eager to reconnect through live performance. “There is nothing like experiencing the energy of the people in the room all listening and feeling together,” she said. “It is that musical communion that really makes songs complete.” The tour includes stops at London’s Aeolian Hall on October 22 with Abigail Lapell, and Toronto’s Hugh’s Room on October 26. Adding to her growing momentum, Ungerleider has been named an official showcase artist at the 2025 Folk Music Ontario Conference. She also plans to expand her tour into 2026, with shows slated for Alberta and Europe. Full tour details are available at www.suzieungerleider.com. Photo credit: Trevor Cornish

Nearly five decades after emerging from Mississauga’s rock scene, Triumph will be honoured at the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame Legends gala on Oct. 17 at Toronto’s Meridian Arts Centre. The hard rock trio — guitarist Rik Emmett, bassist Mike Levine and drummer Gil Moore — will be inducted by fellow Canadian rocker Tom Cochrane, recognizing a career that carried arena-sized ambition and melodic songwriting to international stages. SWOMP caught up with Emmett for an interview.  For Emmett, the honour reflects the band’s belief that powerful music could also be positive and purposeful. Triumph’s catalogue — from Lay It on the Line and Magic Power to Fight the Good Fight and Follow Your Heart — combined virtuosic musicianship with lyrics about perseverance and hope. Formed in 1975, Triumph rose from Toronto-area clubs to headlining arenas across North America. Their blend of precision playing and theatrical stagecraft helped define Canadian arena rock through the late 1970s and ’80s. At the height of their fame, the band performed before half a million fans at California’s 1983 US Festival, cementing their place among rock’s elite. The Hall of Fame recognition comes after a renewed wave of interest in Triumph’s legacy. The 2021 Banger Films documentary Triumph: Rock & Roll Machine introduced their story to a new generation, while a surprise reunion performance at the 2025 Stanley Cup Finals in Edmonton marked the group’s first public show in 17 years. Emmett will perform at the gala with guitarist Phil X, who joined the band in its later years, linking Triumph’s past with the musicians they continue to inspire. Triumph joins a select list of Canadian artists to be honoured for their songwriting contributions. The gala will also see k.d. lang induct Jane Siberry, Murray McLauchlan induct Ian Thomas, and Kevin Drew of Broken Social Scene honour Andy Kim. More details can be found at https://www.cshf.ca/.

Montreal singer-songwriter Chiara Savasta brought her dreamy, reflective pop sound to the Colliding Tides Main Stage on Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025, closing out the final day of Sommo Festival in Cavendish. Savasta, who grew up in the suburbs of Montreal, has built a reputation for her emotionally resonant songwriting and unfiltered portrayal of early adulthood. Her lyrics often explore the tension between anxiety and hope — a theme rooted in her own experience of navigating a generation marked by uncertainty. Following her set, Savasta sat down with SWOMP for an interview to talk about her music and evolution as an artist. Her first project, Summerhood, released in 2022, served as her take on the coming-of-age experience — a reflection of youth, longing and the early steps into adulthood. Her latest project, brand new girl, brand new machine, captures the universal feeling of experiencing everything all at once in our early twenties. The record reveals a more grounded and mature artist, gradually finding her footing in the world. Through those ups and downs — always chasing the next dream — Savasta has emerged as a distinct voice in the Canadian indie pop scene, offering songs that resonate with anyone learning to navigate change. Her closing performance at Sommo Festival felt like the culmination of that journey: honest, emotional, and alive with possibility. Follow her online, here.

Canadian duo Brooks & Bowskill took the Colliding Tides Main Stage on Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025, closing out the final day of Sommo Festival with a warm, roots-infused performance that blended folk, country and rock and roll. The Cobourg, Ont. pair — made up of husband-and-wife musicians Brittany Brooks and Jimmy Bowskill — sat down with SWOMP after their set to talk about life, love and the music that binds it all together. It was their first time performing on Prince Edward Island, and the duo said the East Coast experience was nothing short of memorable. Brooks & Bowskill formed after years of collaborating musically and personally. Since releasing their debut album Too Many Roads in 2023, the couple has earned widespread acclaim for their evocative songwriting and seamless musicianship. Bowskill, a veteran of the Canadian music scene, is known as the multi-instrumentalist for Blue Rodeo and spent seven years as lead guitarist for The Sheepdogs. Brooks, a prolific songwriter and vocalist, has drawn comparisons to folk icons like Joni Mitchell and Emmylou Harris. In addition to her solo work, she has lent her voice to Blue Rodeo recordings and live performances. Together, they’ve built a creative home both literally and musically. The pair moved their recording space, Ganaraska Recording Co., from an industrial building in Cobourg to a nearly 200-year-old farmhouse in the Northumberland Hills. Follow them at https://www.brooksandbowskill.com/.

Toronto singer-songwriter Charlie Houston performed on the Sandbar Stage on Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025, closing out the final day of Sommo Festival in Cavendish. Before her set, Houston sat down with SWOMP to discuss Big After I Die, her debut full-length album released earlier this year through Arts & Crafts. The nine-track record is an exploration of transition, self-discovery and the anxieties of learning to live independently after relationships and major life changes. Houston, the youngest of four siblings, grew up around Toronto and was introduced to music by her father, a former garage punk musician. She began writing original material at eight years old after receiving her first guitar and later taught herself production on GarageBand. Her path to releasing Big After I Die was shaped by both setbacks and breakthroughs. After a short stint at New York University’s Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music, she returned to Ontario and rebuilt her creative voice, eventually releasing her first EP I Hate Spring in 2021. That release led to a collaboration with electronic duo ODESZA on their Grammy-nominated album The Last Goodbye and a spot on their North American stadium tour. Houston followed with the EP Bad Posture in 2022, joined Charlotte Cardin as a tour opener, and by 2023 had gained millions of streams, a Spotify billboard in Times Square, and praise from industry tastemakers including Zane Lowe. With Big After I Die, Houston leaned into more guitar-driven songwriting and lyrical honesty, documenting her struggles with codependency, mental health and identity while experimenting sonically with playful textures. Songs like “Lighter,” “Lewps” and “Pink Cheetah Print Slip” showcase her blend of vulnerability and indie-pop edge. Reflecting on the album, Houston said the title is less about death itself than about transformation. “It’s this desire that I feel to keep developing and growing after the ending,” she said, noting how the project emerged from both a difficult breakup and her evolving sense of self. Follow Charlie at https://www.charliehouston.com/. Featured Photo Credit: Peyton Mott

Toronto rockers Ichi-Bons tore up the Sandbar Stage on Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025, closing out the final day of Sommo Festival. The band, known for their high-energy performances and their 'reckless rock ‘n’ roll revival' sound, spoke with SWOMP ahead of their set: Drawing inspiration from obscure surf, garage and rockabilly 45s, Ichi-Bons say their sound blends the grit of a raunchy vinyl DJ with the punch of a live rock band. Their sets move seamlessly from boppin’ garage and frantic rockabilly to instrumental surf and raw rock ‘n’ roll. Ichi-Bons have previously toured with Jack White, Messer Chups and The 5.6.7.8’s. Fans can find more of their music on Bandcamp at ichi-bons.bandcamp.com.

Halifax indie/emo band Customer Service were the first band to grace the stage on Day #2 at Sommo Festival 2025, kicking off the final day on the Sandbar Stage on Sunday, Sept. 14. Named one of Exclaim! magazine’s favourite emerging artists of 2024, Halifax indie/emo band Customer Service has been on a fast rise since forming in the spring of 2021. The quartet — Matt Cheverie (they/them, rhythm guitar and vocals), Owen Harris (he/him, drums), Max Hayden (he/him, lead guitar and backing vocals), and Nick Adams (he/him, bass) — has built a national following through relentless touring and emotionally charged songwriting. From the start, Customer Service has embraced an ethos of friendship, joy and fun — with no one enjoying a Customer Service show more than the band themselves. That spirit, combined with their work ethic, has carried them to their next chapter: the release of their sophomore EP, to you, after 2000 years. Mixed and mastered by Billy Mannino (Oso Oso, Macseal), the record pushes the band into heavier, crunchier territory while digging deeper into lyrical vulnerability. It’s due out Feb. 14, 2025, on Royal Mountain Records. Follow the band at https://customerservice.band/.

Some bands wanna tear down the walls, some wanna reinvent the wheel — but for Vancouver alt-rock band Yukon Blonde, they wanna write a love letter to rock ’n’ roll itself, like a dog-eared note stuffed in the locker of the universe. That’s exactly what they’ve done on their brand-new album Friendship & Rock 'n' Roll, out Sept. 19, 2025 on Dine Alone Records. That love letter isn’t just to the riffs — it’s to cracked friendships, nights spent hanging around after the amps are shut off, still talking about songs like they’re sacred scriptures, and the million beat-up vans hurtling toward nowhere. It’s the sound of finding your people in the dark. The record is a testament to the band’s 15-year journey together — equal parts messy and magical. Co-written and produced by Jeffrey Innes, Brandon Wolfe Scott, Graham Jones and James Younger, the album features lead vocals from each member, including the first-ever contribution from drummer Graham Jones. SWOMP caught up with Brandon Wolfe Scott for an interview. From the familial chaos of “Colours Of My Dreams” (Younger) to the gear-inspired heartbreak of “Keep On Breaking My Heart” (Innes), the songs capture the highs, lows, and spirit of a band that keeps chasing the intangible. Jones’s “Phaedra” reflects on awe and self-mirroring, while Scott’s “I’ve Got Yours” pays tribute to the bond between bandmates. Elsewhere, Yukon Blonde tip their hats to rock ’n’ roll tradition (“Waiting On A Call,” “Here She Comes”), explore love’s fog and redemption (“One of These Days”), and honour the power of live connection (“Adore You”). The record closes with meditations on intimacy (“This Night”), bittersweet encounters on the latest single “That Girl” featuring musician/actress Taylor Hickson (Deadpool, North of North), and defiance in the face of control (“What People Can”), showing that after all these years, Yukon Blonde is still leaving it all out there. The new music is already garnering attention with support from 3 am Revelations, Alan Cross’ Five Songs You Must Hear This Week, CBC Music, Range Magazine, The Straight, CityNews Toronto, Global TV The Morning Show, Vancouver Province, The Adamantium Podcast, NEXT Magazine, Spill Magazine, Indie88, Calgary’s X92.9, and many more. Marking a shift in sound, Friendship & Rock ’n’ Roll strips things back to capture the rawness and electricity of the band’s live show. Yukon Blonde will take that energy on the road this fall with more than 20 dates from BC to Ontario. The tour kicked off last night in Kelowna, BC, and wraps October 24–25 with two hometown shows at Green Auto in Vancouver. Friendship & Rock ’n’ Roll Fall Canadian Tour 2025 Sept. 18 – Kelowna, BC – Red Bird Brewing* Sept. 19 – Nelson, BC – The Royal* Sept. 20 – Calgary, AB – Modern Love* Sept. 21 – Red Deer, AB – Bo's Bar & Stage* Sept. 25 – Windsor, ON – Meteor Sept. 26 – London, ON – Rum Runners Sept. 27 – Hamilton, ON – Mills Hardware* Sept. 28 – Kingston, ON – Broom Factory* Sept. 29 – Ottawa, ON – NAC Fourth Stage* Oct. 1 – St. Catharines, ON – Warehouse Oct. 2 – Cambridge, ON – Farm League Brewing* Oct. 3 – Toronto, ON – Longboat Hall* Oct. 4 – Sudbury, ON – Townehouse Tavern Oct. 6 – Thunder Bay, ON – Black Pirates Pub* Oct. 7 – Winnipeg, MB – Sidestage* Oct. 8 – Regina, SK – The Exchange* Oct. 9 – Saskatoon, SK – Amigos* Oct. 10 – Edmonton, AB – Double Dragon* Oct. 11 – Fernie, BC – The Northern* Oct. 16 – Nanaimo, BC – The Queens+ Oct. 17 – Cumberland, BC – The Waverley+ Oct. 18 – Victoria, BC – Capital Ballroom+ Oct. 24 – Vancouver, BC – Green Auto+ Oct. 25 – Vancouver, BC – Green Auto+ * with support from Altameda + with support from Janky Bungag Tickets available at www.yukonblonde.com Photo from left: James Younger, Graham Jones, Jeffrey Innes, Brandon Wolfe Scott. Photo by Zachary Vague

Toronto’s Ducks Ltd. lit up the Colliding Tides Main Stage at Sommo Festival on Saturday, September 13, 2025, delivering a set that showcased their blend of buoyant jangle pop and driving power pop. The duo features Australian lead guitarist Evan Lewis and U.K.-born, U.S.-raised singer, bassist and rhythm guitarist Tom McGreevy. SWOMP caught up with Tom following their set, and a quick game of Jenga, for an interview. Their latest album, Harm’s Way, contains what McGreevy describes as “songs about struggling. About watching people I care for suffer, and trying to figure out how to be there for them. And about the strain of living in the world when it feels like it's ready to collapse.” Harm’s Way represents an evolution from the band’s earlier work. While their 2019 EP Get Bleak and 2021 debut LP Modern Fiction were self-recorded in a Toronto basement, the new record was made in Chicago with producer Dave Vettraino. It also features contributions from Macie Stewart of Finom, Ratboys’ Julia Steiner and Marcus Nuccio, Dehd’s Jason Balla, Moontype’s Margaret McCarthy, Lawn’s Rui De Magalhaes, Dummy’s Nathan O’Dell, Patio’s Lindsey-Paige McCloy, and Ducks Ltd.’s touring drummer Jonathan Pappo. That collaborative streak first appeared on their 2023 covers EP, which included renditions of songs by The Cure, The Feelies and The Jesus and Mary Chain. Guests on the project included Mo Troper, Ratboys, Illuminati Hotties and Jane Inc. McGreevy said their growth as performers has reshaped their approach to songwriting. “When we got signed, we had played maybe five or six shows ever. After last year, it’s well in the hundreds. Those things change your perception of your own music and songwriting.” Lewis added that the duo’s creative process remains rooted in partnership. “Our relationship is built on trust and we don't let our egos come into the creative process in any way. We have this really great thing where every decision with the band is filtered through both of us. Here especially, we really figured out how to make something that truly sounds like us.” Follow the Ducks at https://www.ducksltd.co/.

Gizmo were the first band to grace the stage at Sommo Festival 2025, kicking off the weekend on the Sandbar Stage on Saturday, Sept. 13. The four-piece indie rock outfit from Charlottetown set the tone early with their roaring, high-energy performance before sitting down with SWOMP for an interview. Formed during the pandemic, Gizmo began as a COVID-19 quarantine songwriting project that took shape into a full band in 2021. Since then, they have grown into a fixture of the local music scene, playing countless shows around their hometown while also embarking on tours across Canada. Their debut EP, Buddy System, dropped in August 2023, showcasing four tracks that blend crunchy power-pop guitars with slacker-rock sensibility, sharpened by hooks that stick. That sound carried through on Saturday as the group’s raw, electrifying presence captured both loyal fans and festival newcomers. Now two years removed from their first release, Gizmo continue to build momentum in the Canadian underground indie rock scene—something their Sommo Festival set only reinforced. Follow them on Bandcamp, here.

Toronto indie rock band Goodnight Sunrise brought their dual-vocal, high-energy performance to the Sandbar Stage on Saturday, September 13 as Sommo Festival 2025 opened in Cavendish, Prince Edward Island. The pair, David Kochberg and Vanessa Vakharia, formed the band in 2011 and have built a reputation for eclectic influences and a dynamic live show. They’re touring behind their fourth full-length album Get a Life, released May 2 on Rejection Records and produced by Ryan Worsley. Speaking with SWOMP after their Sommo set, Kochberg and Vakharia talked about their quick three-show run through the Maritimes, starting September 11 at Halifax’s Seahorse Tavern with Minus World, then September 12 at Holy Whale Brewing in Riverview, N.B., before capping it with the Cavendish festival slot. Follow the band at https://www.goodnightsunrise.com/.