Fresh Sounds Canada: New Songs from Jayda G, Claudia Bouvette 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.

Jayda G, “If We Only Knew”

Electronic producer and DJ Jayda G has a new feature documentary, Blue Carbon, on HBO Max. That's the term given to three endangered coastal ecosystems, with a unique ability to mitigate the effects of climate change. Her new song from the film features sounds from around the world — not just in the influences, including lyrics in English and Spanish performed by Lisa Kainde Diaz of French-Cuban duo Ibeyi — but in the elemental texture of the song, which samples field recordings from the places Blue Carbon was filmed in including Sengal, Vietnam, France, Florida, Brazil and Colombia. It's a true journey of music, science and nature. - Richard Trapunski

Claudia Bouvette, “Call Me Back”

Sabrina Carpenter’s “Espresso” might be the frontrunner for song of the summer, but Claudia Bouvette’s “Call Me Back” has all the makings of a seasonal earworm, with a bouncy bassline, a catchy refrain, and a hint of wistfulness, perfect for sunny nostalgia. The song — about the letdown of being head over heels, only to have your calls go unreturned — veers between stripped-back verses and amped-up choruses, and practically demands to be blasted in the car, windows rolled down. Since releasing the playful Paradise Club in 2022, Bouvette has performed at major Quebec festivals like Osheaga and FEQ, but “Call Me Back” could be her English Canada crossover moment. - Rosie Long Decter

KROY, “SALTWATER”

Montrealer KROY has just unveiled SALTWATER before the release of her next album MILITIA on August 16. With this electro-pop song, multidisciplinary artist Camille Poliquin (also half of Milk & Bone) explores new territory with catchy sounds where vulnerability and emotional intensity meet. Let its approximately 4.5 million Spotify listeners rest assured: KROY retains her signature dark side. KROY will be performing at the Montreal International Jazz Festival on July 4, opening for Apashe, and is preparing for her headlining tour this fall. - Amélie Revert

Celeigh Cardinal, "Show You How To Love Me"

This highly-rated Edmonton soul/folk singer-songwriter's third album, Boundless Possibilities, is out now and “Show You How to Love Me" is a highlight. Celeigh Cardinal, who won a 2020 Indigenous Artist of the Year Juno, digs deep lyrically, noting that the track "isabout pushing through tough times in a relationship and allowing yourself to be honest about who you are and what you need." There's an upbeat and positive vibe, boosted by Cardinal's clear and assertive voice, a mix of guitars and keyboards, and male counter vocals that are employed imaginatively. She co-produced the track and the album with James Bunton (Donovan Woods, Vivek Shraya, David Myles), and it's bright and friendly. Cardinal recently performed at the International Indigenous Music Summit in Toronto, and has a hometown album release show at Varscona Theatre on June 21, followed by a June 23 Calgary concert at The King Eddy. Summer festival dates include the Calgary Folk Festival in late July. See her itinerary here. - Kerry Doole

Mon Doux Saigneur, “Son Mad”

Mon Doux Saigneur is back with Son Mad, a track announcing a fourth album expected this fall. Musician Émerik St-Cyr Labbé offers a delicate piece of indie-rock tinged with soul. His voice bewitches for two short, but comforting, minutes. His lyrics are about hope through rough times, translating to “A rough pass is tough/ Goddamn/ An obligatory passage but every day hides a better one." The singer-songwriter, who has played dthe Francouvertes and was nominated for the ADISQ and the SOCAN Songwriting Prize, will play in Quebec City for this year's FEQ festival. - Amélie Revert