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.
NAV feat. Young Thug, “Trimski”
NAV links back up with Young Thug on their new single “Trimski,” a confident, bass-heavy cut built for loud speakers and late nights. The track finds the Toronto rapper and the Atlanta star trading slick verses about success, money and momentum, tapping into the chemistry that’s defined their past collaborations. The two have built a strong track record together over the years, including fan-favourite cuts like “No Debate” from NAV’s Good Intentions and “Repercussions” from his Emergency Tsunami mixtape, both of which showcased their easy back-and-forth dynamic. It’s a reminder of why this pairing just works. — Peony Hirwani
Charlotte Day Wilson, “Patchwork”
Innovating is a way of life for Grammy-nominated multi-hyphenate Charlotte Day Wilson. Earlier this month, the Toronto artist released Patchwork, a seven-track self-produced EP that sees her leaning into instrument-forward, layered soundscapes. The brass-led intro of the title track instantly stands out, anchored by Wilson’s soulful voice. At just over two minutes, it’s minimally beautiful, with an airiness that moves in and out of focus, capped by a twinkling piano. Wilson shared on Instagram that the EP “feels like a return for me, back to self-producing, back to my roots sonically & spiritually.” Her sentiment oozes out of the title track, as Wilson invites you to lean in and listen. — Heather Taylor-Singh
High Klassified feat. Ateyaba, “LOMELAVAL”
High Klassified and Ateyaba extend their transatlantic creative exchange with “LomeLaval” a release whose title references the artists’ respective hometowns in Quebec and Togo (the ancestral homeland of France-based Ateyaba). Built around High Klassified’s sculpted production, the track unfolds in a dark, textured atmosphere reminiscent of the hazy sonic worlds popularized by Travis Scott and Don Toliver, matched with Ateyaba’s distinctly French underground lens. Directed by Koky Awuké with cinematography by Samuel Olaechea, the video adopts a bold, fashion-forward visual language and is getting strong engagement online. The release reinforces High Klassified’s reputation for forward-thinking production and highlights Ateyaba’s ability to reinterpret American influences through a French lens. — Yasmine Seck
SVDP feat. Anjulie, “Lost & Found”
Tamil-Canadian rapper SVDP (a.k.a. Shan Vincent de Paul) shares “Lost & Found,” a sensual collab with Anjulie, previewing his sixth album Bazooka Girl, set for early summer release. Produced by multi-platinum beatmaker La+ch, the track draws on Tantra for an intimate feel, with breath and rhythm building a meditative pull around the refrain “Breathe in you, breathe in me.” Anjulie’s vocals complement SVDP’s grounded delivery, exploring the space between desire and devotion. It’s a pivot to quieter depths for the globally recognized rapper. — P.H.
Editor’s Pick: Angine de Poitrine, “Fabienk”
If your social feeds are anything like mine, you’ve probably seen this Quebec duo’s KEXP session over and over and over again. Their caffeinated experimental rock jams, masks and polka dot everything (hands and feet included) feel like something totally fresh, which is an increasingly rare thing in the flattened social music marketplace. As the grooves continue to shift, it’s impossible to predict what will happen next. The industry is paying attention to this very weird band (complimentary). Angine de Poitrine was an official selection band at M For Montreal last year (presented by Billboard Canada), they’ve hooked up with a booking agent, and their July show at the Mod Club in Toronto has earned a second date due to high demand. Get on the ground floor. — Richard Trapunski
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