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BILLBOARD CANADA FYI
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Michael Donovan
Ekkstacy
Chart Beat
Vancouver Artist Ekkstacy's ‘Forever’ Debuts on the Billboard Canada Modern Rock Airplay Chart
Plus, country singer Madeliene Merlo notches a new track on this week’s All-Format ranking.
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EKKSTACY is having a euphoric debut on the airplay charts.
The Vancouver-born singer-songwriter’s song “Forever” debuts at No. 37 on the Modern Rock Airplay chart, dated August 9. It serves as the title track on his third studio album — and his first full-band album — which was released in May on Canadian rock label Dine Alone Records.
“Forever” sees the alt/indie artist, born Khyree Zienty, adding a new level of poise to his sound, elevating the influences of 2000s emo and punk music. The track boasts a gritty guitar and steady drums while Zienty’s vocals exude confidence.
“On my older records, I’m not singing as hard as I can, and I’m really maxing my sh-t on this album,” he told Billboard ahead of the LP’s release. “I’m at the top of my range a lot, but in a good place, where I’m really projecting.”
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The project marked the singer’s return to the West Coast after spending time across the border. “I wrote this record in Vancouver (mostly) and recorded it in L.A,” he wrote on Instagram announcing the album. "First time I've written at home since [2022's] misery and [2021's] NEGATIVE. It was a beautiful process, it felt natural.”
Recently, EKKSTACY played at Montreal’s Osheaga and is set to play a string of headline shows across Europe in November and December
It's another good week for Canadian acts on the Rock Airplay charts. “Last Girls At The Party” from Toronto band The Beaches notches a 10th week at No. 1 on Modern Rock, while Three Days Grace’s “Apologies” earns its fourth week at the top on Mainstream Rock.
On All-Format, country star Madeline Merlo arrives at No. 47 with “Middle of the Bed.”
Off her 2024 EP, One House Down (from the girl next door), the country track finds Merlo capturing the quiet ache of reaching for someone who’s no longer there. Balancing evocative storytelling with her sharp vocals, the song showcases Merlo’s overarching strength.
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“It’s vulnerable and raw, but also empowering, because it’s about choosing yourself in the aftermath. I wanted the song to feel like a late-night confession, the kind you only admit to the dark,” shares Merlo.
Elsewhere, fellow Canadian country artist Dan Stevens debuts at No. 59 on Canada Country with “You Problem,” while Ontario rock band The Strumbellas' track “Hard Lines” arrives on Modern Rock at No. 40.
At the top of the radio charts, Alex Warren’s “Ordinary” continues his chart-topping domination on All-Format, Canada CHR/Top 40 and Hot AC, while Ed Sheeran’s “Azizam” sits at the top for a second week on AC. At No. 2, Shaboozey’s “Good News” peaks on All-Format while Sabrina Carpenter’s “Manchild” climbs 4-2 on CHR/Top 40 and Benson Boone’s “Sorry I’m Here For Someone Else” rises 3-2 on Hot AC. American country star Morgan Wallen hits No. 1 on Country with “Just In Case.”
Check out the full Canadian Airplay charts here.
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