New Music Monday: Five Tracks For The First Week In May

Fresh sounds from White Denim, Janet Stahle, Beck, The Tragically Hip/City and Colour/Ruby Waters, and Metric

The early days of May in Muskoka bring a shift in the air that is both heavy and hopeful. While the “Big Three”—Lakes Muskoka, Rosseau, and Joseph—are finally shedding their winter shells, the “ice out” has transitioned into the season of the rising river. With flood warnings currently in effect across the district and the sound of rushing water replacing the winter silence, there is a distinct sense of urgency in the landscape. It is a time for music that matches this momentum: songs that feel grounded in the earth but ready to flow. This week’s New Music Monday selection explores that duality, blending soulful roots, local folk, and soaring indie anthems to navigate the damp, high-water mornings of the spring thaw.

Here are five tracks worth your time this week:

White Denim – “Ruby”

White Denim’s James Petralli digs into the “grit of it” with “Ruby,” a standout track from the band’s 13th studio album, 13. The song is a soulful, colorful country croon that leans heavily into down-dirty blues while maintaining a contemporary edge. Inspired by the warbled audio of vintage cassette recorders—a texture Petralli likens to the opening bars of the Rolling Stones’ “Street Fighting Man”—the track feels lived-in and authentic. It’s a warm, rootsy piece of Americana that provides a perfect, steady rhythm for a morning spent watching the mist lift off the swollen banks of the Muskoka River.

Janet Stahle – “Big East”

Local singer-songwriter Janet Stahle captures the spirit of the region with “Big East,” a folk-inspired ode to the waterways that define our landscape. Stahle’s storytelling is as clear as a spring-fed stream, weaving together themes of resilience and natural beauty. The track’s gentle acoustic arrangement allows her evocative vocals to take center stage, echoing the quiet strength of the Huntsville community as they navigate the annual spring melt. It is a piece of music that feels deeply connected to the local soil, serving as a reminder of the enduring bond between the people and the land.

Beck – “Ride Lonesome”

Beck returns to the “dark comfort” of his Morning Phase era with “Ride Lonesome,” a melancholic single released alongside his latest North American tour announcement. The track is a gorgeous, ’70s-style singer-songwriter ballad that explores the necessity of pushing through difficult landscapes on one’s own. With lush, acoustic textures and a cinematic sense of loneliness, it captures the mood of a solo drive along Highway 11 during a grey spring rain. As Beck told NPR, it is a song about having “distant faith” that the journey will pull you through to the other side—a sentiment that resonates deeply during the unpredictable transition of the season.

The Tragically Hip ft. City and Colour & Ruby Waters – “Ahead By A Century”

In a stunning collaboration for Canada Soccer’s Perfect Pitch initiative, The Tragically Hip’s iconic “Ahead By A Century” has been reimagined by Dallas Green (City and Colour) and Ruby Waters. Produced by Boi-1da, this version strips the anthem down into a haunting, downcast ballad driven by soft, melancholy harmonies. Green’s signature ethereal delivery pairs beautifully with a more polished, less raspy performance from Waters, creating a version that feels both sacred and fresh. It is a powerful tribute to a Canadian staple, arriving just in time to soundtrack the dramatic, slow-motion shifts of the northern spring.

Metric – “Victim of Luck”

Metric kicks off their new album, Romanticize The Dive, with the sharp, propulsive “Victim of Luck.” The track is a masterclass in the band’s ability to blend infectious indie-rock energy with Emily Haines’ biting, introspective lyricism. Built on a driving beat and shimmering synths, the song explores the fine line between fortune and fate. It provides a necessary jolt of adrenaline for the Monday commute, offering a sense of forward motion that mirrors the breaking of the ice and the inevitable rush toward summer. It’s a high-energy close to the week’s playlist, proving that even in the face of uncertainty, there is power in moving forward.

As the water levels stabilize and the green begins to fight its way through the grey, these five tracks provide a soundtrack for the resilience of the North. Whether you are seeking the soulful grit of a Texas blues-rocker or the haunting echoes of a Canadian classic, this week’s New Music Monday ensures your journey through the thaw is as resonant as the landscape itself.

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