Shanika Maria is a singer-songwriter from Hamilton. Her latest album “Subtle Uncertainties” is available now across all platforms and features the single “Mouth Eaters”. This tune has a unique pop beat to it with various synth noises spread across the soundscape. The video is very abstract and might take a few spins to understand the hidden meanings behind the imagery. On this new album Shanika seeks to “blur the lines and refuses to put her music in a box”. So step outside of your norm and let Shanika Maria guide you along a more introspective path. – Kris Gies

The Mooks are a jangly power pop trio from Toronto. Combining old school rhythm & blues influences with current indie rock giving them a fresh vibe that can bring in fans of many different styles. Their new single “So Kind” will have you boppin’ and rockin’ all across the dance floor. Their new EP “I Hope You Feel The Same” is due out later this year and you can catch The Mooks play a CMW set at the Monarch Tavern on May 11^th. – Kris Gies

Hamilton beach rockers The Beach Bats are getting’ set to release their first full length album “Last Resort”. The record opens up with their lead single “How Long” which shows the band slowing down the pace a bit with a Jim Morrison swagger in the vocals. “Tropical Illusions” definitely brings the holiday vibes with a dash of psychedelics mixed with the spacious guitars. “Cursed” has an atmospheric keyboard lick start it off before settling into a head-nodding beat with a really groovy bassline. This track reminds me of some Red Hot Chili Peppers with the way the rhythm section stays together and the guitars float along on their own but still in sync with the rest of the instruments. Singer/Multi-Instrumentalist Tony Doni has certainly expanded his vocal style recently for the Beach Bats along with the aforementioned Morrison influences he is also hitting some lower range Scott Weiland notes which adds a cool dynamic to their surf inspired tunes. The Beach Bats hit the road to show off their new album visiting Hamilton, London, Montreal, Ottawa and the Toronto show kicks it off on Thursday April 25^th at the Piston. "Last Resort" is available everywhere on Friday April 26th! – Kris Gies

The brand new single from Toronto’s Run Coyote features the anti-hero from their upcoming album “In Shadowlands”. Run Coyote blends 2000’s indie rock with old time spaghetti western licks which are very prominent in this single “The Chase”. This tune follows the character as she tries to take justice into her own hands and is pursued by a private eye across the city and desert. “In Shadowlands” is out on April 26^th via So Sorry Records. Run Coyote will be on the road throughout Eastern Canada in April/May and will be performing at their release party in Toronto at the Burdock on June 27^th with Lenny Bull. – Kris Gies

Don’t let the geography of the name fool ya, SoCal Hunnies are a groovy three piece band based in Toronto. Their single “Don’t Ever Leave Your Man or Woman” has a quick beat with a funky bassline that really pushed the track into the soul inspired world where they like to live. The guitar solos are extremely cool in this track going from a spacious, chilled out zone into a hectic shred all while keeping the track  flowing nicely. SoCal Hunnies will be playing the Springtide Music Festival in Uxbridge on April 26^th. – Kris Gies