Fresh Sounds Canada: New Music From Nelly Furtado, OMBIIGIZI And More

In Fresh Sounds Canada, Billboard Canada puts you on to the must-hear songs of the week by artists on the rise and those about to break. Here's what's out this week.

Nelly Furtado feat Bomba Estéreo, “Corazón”

After many months of teasing and high-profile appearances hosting the Junos and performing in NPR’s tastemaking Tiny Desk series, it’s official: Nelly Furtado is back. “Corazón” comes with the announcement of a new album, 7, her first since 2017’s independently released TheRide. Now back on a major, she’s making splashy pop music for a new audience. Furtado says her comeback was inspired by her daughter showing her how her music was resonating online with Gen Z fans. The infectious “Corazón” could very well soundtrack TikToks all over the world, embracing both hooky throwback Nelly and new touches of Latin pop. The song features Colombian act Bomba Estéreo, who was introduced to Furtado by adventurous Colombian-Canadian artist Lido Pimienta, who also appears in the video. The combo works. - Richard Trapunski

OMBIIGIZI, “Ziibi”

This is the second single from an upcoming sophomore album from the Anishinaabe 'moccasin gaze' rock duo of Adam Sturgeon and Daniel Monkman. The two songwriters and vocalists have also made names for themselves in their other current projects (Status/Non-Status for Sturgeon, Zoon for Monkman), and they're at the forefront of an exciting era for Indigenous rock artists. OMBIIGIZI's debut album, Sewn Together, was shortlisted for the 2022 Polaris Music Prize, so anticipation is keen for their next one. "Ziibi" masterfully incorporates gently jangling acoustic guitar, swirling keyboards and laidback vocals. As the sound gradually swells in intensity, the co-production work of Kevin Drew does bring Broken Social Scene to mind. Monkman says the song was inspired by Manitoba's Red River: "I grew up along the shore of that river looking into it. My first realization of how powerful the elements are. The river teaches us.” In turn, OMBIIGIZI are a powerful and elemental force. - Kerry Doole

Leif Vollebekk, “Southern Star”

Leif Vollebekk has unveiled "Southern Star," a poignant ballad offering a glimpse into his forthcoming album, Revelation, slated for release on September 27 through Secret City Records. Enriched by the haunting backing vocals of Angie McMahon and the soulful steel guitar of Cindy Cashdollar, the track resonates with sincerity and raw emotion. Recorded at Sunset Sound in Los Angeles and the Dreamland studio in Woodstock, Revelation promises an introspective and cinematic journey akin to the depth found in "Southern Star." Following his recent standout performance at the Montreal International Jazz Festival, Vollebekk is gearing up for a European tour in October 2024. Before that, he'll grace stages this summer in Vancouver, Calgary, and Edmonton, showcasing his evocative songwriting for Canadian audiences. - Amélie Revert

Cecile Believe, “Blink Twice”

Any fan of inventive pop music should know Cecile Believe, who has collaborated with some of this era’s best pop innovators since relocating from Montreal to L.A. — SOPHIE, Empress Of, and Caroline Polachek, to name just three — while also building her own discography as a solo artist. Her newest single, “Blink Twice,” is an enticing, sultry track driven by the interplay between hypnotic spoken word vocals and an assertive beat. It’s the kind of song you want to hear on a night out, on the dance floor or by the bar, just as you’re making eye contact with the right person. - Rosie Long Decter

EDITOR’S PICK: Heaven For Real, “All That Remains”