Fresh Sounds Canada: New Songs by Sean Leon, Charlie Edward & More
This week's must-hear songs also include Montreal rapper Halo, Punjabi stars Chani Nattan & Sukha and rising singer-songwriter Lia Pappas-Kemps.
Sean Leon 'In Loving Memory+' Cover Art
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 we're listening to this week.
Sean Leon, “Matthew”
On its one-year anniversary, Toronto rapper and producer Sean Leon has put out a deluxe edition of his underrated In Loving Memory called In Loving Memory+. The new release adds six tracks to the hip-hop/R&B soundscape that pays tribute to his late brother Kingsley, including “Matthew,” which shows many of the album’s charms in just over two minutes. It’s got subtly adventurous production, touches of gospel, pop and jazz, and a 21st-century independent worldview (the first line is “what if I just logged off?”) that cuts through.
Other new songs expand into new genres with “Rhyan’s Hymn” (sung by R&B up-and-comer Rhyan Douglas), Leon’s return to hip-hop lyricism in “Grey Skies” and the dancey “Does It Hurt?” But it still all feels like one unifying work. The full version of the album features high-profile collaborators including Daniel Caesar, Jessie Reyez and Dylan Sinclair, not to mention an uncredited Kanye West, but Leon’s vision is singular. If you missed this last year, it’s a great chance to revisit it. – Richard Trapunski
Charlie Edward, “Are You Happy Now?”
At the beginning of the year, we introduced you to young Canadian guitar hero Charlie Edward. Starting his recording career, he’s working with some big names in Canadian rock already. “Are You Happy Now?” is his second single, and it was co-written by charging Avicii/Kygo collaborator Billy Raffoul and Finger Eleven drummer Steve Molella, who also produced it. He may be in his early 20s living in the TikTok age, but Edward has the soul of an ‘80s arena rocker. You can hear it in his rafter-reaching rasp and his pyrotechnic riffing and soloing. He’s played some big stages, including his own set at Ottawa Blues Fest this year, but he’s got eyes on even bigger ones, so keep an eye on him in the new year. – RT
Chani Nattan, Sukha & Inderpal Moga, “Hundo”
It’s been a big year for Punjabi-Canadian artist Chani Nattan, who signed with 91 North earlier this year and subsequently found himself on the list of most-watched music videos in Canada on YouTube in 2024 with collaborators Sukha and Inderpal Moga. The three teamed up again for the upbeat and motivational “Hundo,” and the video, with its majestic views of B.C. and Western Canada, already has more than 3 million views. In the still-exploding Punjabi Wave, these artists have some serious momentum going into 2025. – R.T.
Halo, “Petite Dose”
“Petite Dose” marks a pivotal step in Halo’s career as one of the Montreal label Cult Nation’s newest recruits. This four-track project, as varied as it is daring, showcases the artist’s versatility and edge, positioning him alongside popular francophone rappers like Laylow and Green Montana. Halo’s vocal prowess and lyrical talent shine throughout the EP, cementing his reputation as both a compelling storyteller and a dynamic performer. Staying true to his introspective and authentic style, he delivers sounds that are both unique and contemporary, solidifying Montreal’s place on the map of Francophone rap. Drawing inspiration from his father’s jazz influences and hip-hop icons like Hamza, Halo continues to build bridges between Montreal and Paris. – Yasmine Seck
Lia Pappas-Kemps, “Catch Release”
Toronto singer and actor Lia Pappas-Kemps recently dropped her debut EP Gleam and is making a splash for herself as one to watch. Final single “Catch Release” is a frenetic, narrative-driven track about wanting more from a high school romance. Filled with scene-setting details – and a few choice Toronto references, like when she mentions her lover has another out in the east end Beaches neighbourhood – the song is a strong combo of specific storytelling and angst-fuelled emotion. Produced by Canadian songwriter Nate Ferraro, recently Grammy-nominated for his work with Beyoncé, the track taps into the resurgence of ‘90s rock, and would fit nicely in a playlist with Soccer Mommy and Lucy Dacus. Pappas-Kemps is recognizable for her role on the much-missed CBC show Anne With An E, but soon her indie rock chops could be her calling card. – Rosie Long Decter
