/// ARTIST SPOTLIGHT WINTER 2026
ACE OF WANDS
Ace of Wands is one of Toronto's most creative and captivating bands. Evoking the art-rock of PJ Harvey, the orchestral-pop of Kate Bush, and alt-rock fuzz of Nirvana, Ace of Wands creates a fantastical and immersive world of yearning, dread, euphoria, and insight. Ace of Wands defines the essence of Dream Rock.
"Edge of the Edge" is the latest release from Ace of Wands. This song is an absolute blast - energetic throughout, with commanding vocals and a sound reminiscent of Sleater-Kinney, infused with a bit more grit and edge (no pun intended!). Written about a night on psychedelics while visiting a friend’s cottage on Georgian Bay, "Edge of the Edge" captures a shift in a perceived reality. Textured and driving, the new single once again shows that Ace of Wands' infectious rock sensibilities never fail.
“Edge of the Edge is the perfect musical example of the power of this band and the energy we can inject into music as a group," says Lee Rose. "Listening back to the original voice memos of this song, I’m reminded that it started out as a tender, lilting melody. It was gentle. When we got together on it as a band, it was immediately clear where the music needed to go. We needed to embrace the felt sense I was trying to express in the lyrics. Wild and unrestrained, with no fear – leaping off the edge into the unknown future. Together, we could take it there.”
Check out our story (or the Listen Up highlight) for the link to listen/watch, and follow @aceofwandsband for more! - @krisgoetz @fromthestrait
Featuring music from CURRENT FANTASY and the fantastic "ON THE CORNER AT THE CENTER OF THE WORLD" by CLAMP. Now showing in select theatres across the USA. More info here.
NEW FROM
OSCILLATOR
PETER ELKAS
/// ARTIST SPOTLIGHT
Peter Elkas is an award-winning singer songwriter and producer from Toronto, Canada. Originally from Montreal, he spent is formative years in the alt-rock band Local Rabbits. As a touring session multi-instrumentalist and vocalist, he has toured internationally backing the likes of Neko Case, Joel Plaskett, Andy Kim, and others.
His latest effort is SWEET SPOT, a self-produced RnB yacht-rocker that finds Elkas completely at the helm of his production and songwriting craft. His guitar and keyboard work are in full effect, but it’s the influence of vocalists like the Chi Lites, the Commodores, and Michael McDonald that is most apparent in Elkas’ vocal performances and arrangements. He is accompanied by his longtime bandmates Gavin Maguire on drums, Jeremy Little on bass, and Jeff Heisholt on clavinet keyboard.
“I have been whittling away at this song for some time. It’s a grateful description of the life I try to keep and the fruits that grow from seeds unwittingly sown. Let it take you aboard my sonic yacht and help you appreciate what you have. It is dedicated to the memory of my friend and sweet spot dweller Harold Feist.”
Samantha Martin & Delta Sugar
The Reckless One
"Twelve-piece band Samantha Martin & Delta Sugar expertly blend Phil Spector’s massive Wall of Sound with the raw singing style of garage-rock in “Sacrifice,” a song from the group’s upcoming album The Reckless One. Beginning with propulsive strums of acoustic guitar, the tune quickly expands to a full-band arrangement with lush strings and harmonies, all supporting the full-throated, soulful growl of leader Martin. In this case, the cinematic flourishes are a perfect backdrop for her to address someone who always tries to paper over his misdeeds with gifts and promises: “It’s not what you’re willing to give me, it’s what you’re willing to sacrifice,” she sings. Sorry, dude, time for you to hit the road." - Rolling Stone
