Fresh Sounds Canada: New songs from Jayda G, Claudia Bouvette and more

In Fresh Sounds Canada, Billboard Canada brings you the must-hear songs of the week from emerging and up-and-coming artists. Here’s what’s out this week.

Jayda G, “If only we knew”

Electronic producer and DJ Jayda G has a new documentary, Blue Carbonon HBO Max. These are the names of three endangered coastal ecosystems that have the unique ability to mitigate the effects of climate change. Their new song from the film contains sounds from all over the world – not only in the influences, including lyrics in English and Spanish performed by Lisa Kainde Diaz of the French-Cuban duo Ibeyi – but also in the elemental texture of the song, which includes field recordings from the locations Blue Carbon was filmed in Senegal, Vietnam, France, Florida, Brazil and Colombia, among other places. It is a true journey through music, science and nature. – Richard Trapunski

Claudia Bouvette, “Call me back”

Sabrina Carpenter’s “Espresso” may be the frontrunner for song of the summer, but Claudia Bouvette’s “Call Me Back” has all the makings of a seasonal earworm, with a bouncy bassline, a catchy chorus and a hint of wistfulness perfect for sunny nostalgia. The song – about the disappointment of falling head over heels in love and then not being called back – vacillates between stripped-down verses and pumped-up choruses, and practically begs to be turned up loud in the car with the windows rolled down. Since the release of the playful Paradise Club In 2022, Bouvette has performed at major Quebec festivals like Osheaga and FEQ, but “Call Me Back” could be her crossover moment in English-speaking Canada. – Rosie Long Deceased

KROY, “SALTWATER”

Montrealer KROY has just unveiled SALTWATER ahead of the release of her next album MILITIA on August 16th. With this electropop song, multidisciplinary artist Camille Poliquin (also half of Milk & Bone) explores new territory with catchy sounds that combine vulnerability and emotional intensity. The approximately 4.5 million Spotify listeners can rest assured: KROY retains her typical dark side. KROY will perform at the Montreal International Jazz Festival on July 4th, opening for Apashe and is preparing for her headlining tour in the fall. – Amélie Revert

Celeigh Cardinal, “Show You How to Love Me”

The third album from this highly acclaimed soul/folk singer-songwriter from Edmonton, Limitless possibilitiesis out now and “Show You How to Love Me” is a highlight. Celeigh Cardinal, who won a Juno for Indigenous Artist of the Year in 2020, goes deep lyrically, noting that the track “isabout getting through difficult times in a relationship and allowing yourself to be honest about who you are and what you need.” There’s an upbeat and positive vibe, enhanced by Cardinal’s clear and assertive voice, a mix of guitars and keyboards, and imaginatively used male counter-vocals. She co-produced the track and album with James Bunton (Donovan Woods, Vivek Shraya, David Myles), and it’s bright and cheerful. Cardinal recently performed at the International Indigenous Music Summit in Toronto and has an album release show in her hometown at the Varscona Theatre on June 21, followed by a concert in Calgary at The King Eddy on June 23. Summer festival dates include the Calgary Folk Festival in late July. Check out her travel schedule here. – Kerry Doole