Fresh Sounds Canada: Cadence Weapon, Eve Parker Finley & 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.

Cadence Weapon feat. Grandtheft, “Press Eject”

Being a musician in 2024 can often mean also being a social media strategist, tech platform content producer and marketer all in one. It can be exhausting work, and work that can feel like it's being done to line the pockets of CEOs in boardrooms in Sweden. Cadence Weapon is one of the dissenting voices. The Polaris Prize-winning rapper and author's newest song, "Press Eject," is the cry of those done playing the game.

"'Press Eject' is a song I wrote for anyone who feels like they can't break through the algorithm to have their voice heard," writes Cadence Weapon in an email to Billboard Canada. "I pictured it as an anthemic rallying cry for the denizens of the web...The song is all about reminding us of the collective power we have. If we all chose to leave a particular social media platform, it would probably collapse without the users to guide it. This song channels the exhaustion I feel from banging my head against the wall trying to break through the friction and reach my audience online."

Cadence Weapon's new album ROLLERCOASTER comes out April 19 on MNRK Music. He's also announced a mini North American tour with four Canadian dates, all on his website. - Richard Trapunski

Logic1000 feat. Rochelle Jordan, “Promises”

Toronto’s Rochelle Jordan teams up with Australian producer Logic1000 on this relaxed dance track, where Jordan whisper-sings a plea to a partner: “don’t walk away without a word / right after you say I’m your world.” Jordan initially rose to the limelight when she remixed Drake’s “Marvin’s Room” in 2011, and has since established herself as an expert in blending R&B and dance music. This single follows a 2023 collab with Kaytranada, “Lover/Friend,” and both tracks share a similar effortless emotionality: Jordan’s light touch as a vocalist makes her tracks hit that much harder. - Rosie Long Decter

Eve Parker Finley, "Fall Into Me"

Eve Parker Finley became a local TikTok celebrity in Montreal during the pandemic by blending music and comedy, and now she's got a full album statement, In The End. Lead single "Fall Into Me" comes with a video that will be relatable to any Gen Z/Millennial who's been to therapy lately, dropping jokes about performative activism and Family Systems Theory. But it's a backdrop to a catchy piece of pop that's both electronic and mildly orchestral. It's both sincere and knowing. "Why do I sing if I'm still ashamed?" she asks. - Richard Trapunski

Andrea Superstein, "All I Need"

Last Friday, Vancouver-based singer/songwriter Andrea Superstein released a new album, Oh Mother. The song "All I Need" confirms that she is not an easy artist to pigeonhole, as it seamlessly fuses jazz, pop and soul elements. She has a clean and unaffected vocal style, and the sparse accompaniment of keyboards, bass and drums accentuates the tune’s warm melody, to gently beguiling effect. The album as a whole explores the experience of motherhood, and notable contributors include Jane Bunnett and Elizabeth Shepherd. - Kerry Doole

EDITOR’S PICK: Rau_Ze, “Virer nos vies”

Rau_Ze – a trip-hoppy R&B collaboration between Montreal natives Rose Perron and Félix Paul – hit the ground running last year, securing a win at the 26th annual Francouvertes competition in January. The duo has since released three singles, the newest being “Virer no vies.” A funky beat mixed with the woozy essence of Mac DeMarco serves as the backing for Perron’s soulful vocal delivery. It’s so captivating that you fall right past the lyrics into the sound. – Pablo Gonzalez Legendre