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FYI

Kayla Diamond: Next X

In tandem with a new EP, the Toronto pop-rock songstress delivers a fiery single that explores a dysfunctional relationship.

Kayla Diamond: Next X

By Kerry Doole

Kayla Diamond - Next X (Slaight Music/Pheromone Recordings/Cadence): The Toronto pop-rock songstress has just released another EP, Dirty Laundry, and this new single is an attention-grabbing introduction.


Atop abrasive percussion, Diamond delivers a fiery vocal performance, while a hip-hop flavoured segment adds drama.

In a press release, she explains that "I wrote this one in LA with Justin Gray. It was our first time meeting, and we just had it right off the bat. I had written something in my notes on my phone about how jealous my ex was when I would sing about previous relationships – I felt trapped between my career and her.

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"The words' Next X' came to Justin and me instantly. The trap vibe, mixed with a more rock chorus, captured the anger and angst I needed to convey."

Diamond also reflects that, for this EP, "my songwriting stemmed from the realization that I was more into women than men. I could never relate. I’d listen to all of these songs on the radio and wonder why or how Rihanna was writing about love? I’d never felt that way, and I’d dated so many guys.

"My last EP was more upbeat pop, more major chords. Happier and depressing. Dirty Laundry is more attitude. Kind of like “I miss you, but fuck you.”

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Publicity: Erin Carroll, Cadence Music Group

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From left to right: Matthew Burnett, Jordan Evans and Daniel Caesar at Billboard Canada Managers to Watch 2026
Gabriel Di Sante

From left to right: Matthew Burnett, Jordan Evans and Daniel Caesar at Billboard Canada Managers to Watch 2026

Management

Daniel Caesar's Surprise Tribute to His Managers & More of the Best Moments From Billboard Canada Managers to Watch 2026

Caesar presented the Managers of the Year Award to his longtime managers Matthew Burnett and Jordan Evans as industry luminaries gathered to celebrate at Billboard Canada Managers to Watch x MMF Canada Honour Roll at SOUNDSTAGE at NXNE on June 11. Angine de Poitrine manager Sébastien Collin and Yungblud manager Tommas Arnby also received special awards.

The most influential managers from across the globe gathered at SOUNDSTAGE in Toronto on June 11 at NXNE to celebrate Billboard Canada Managers to Watch. The celebration spotlighted the people who put in the behind-the-scenes work to elevate artists across the country following the release of this year's coveted Managers to Watch list.

“If you want to get something done, call the manager,” said Billboard Canada national editor Richard Trapunski in his opening remarks. "You are the ones who are closest to the artists, the unsung heroes of the music industry. You have the vision and the tools to open doors and build careers, yet you are rarely in the spotlight yourselves."

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