New Music Roundup: Mustafa, ATYYA, Heartrunner, Slash Need, and Puffer, Oh My!
Summer’s rhythm is picking up, and this week’s releases are all fringing on subtle delinquency. What else can we expect from Friday the 13th. In this edition, we dive into political lyricism, deep bass meditations, and sweat-soaked basement punk. Poetic rapper Mustafa earns his spot on the Polaris Long List, spiritual bass pioneer ATYYA takes us on a wobbly ride, and three fierce punk rock offerings remind us that raw energy never goes out of style. Whether you’re vibing in solitude or screaming in a mosh pit, this roundup hits all corners. Don’t forget to catch these sounds and more on our Sounds of Reverie playlist on Spotify for the full sonic journey.
In wake of Toronto-based Mustafa’s album Dunya being Long Listed for the Polaris Music Prize this week, we are revisiting one of our favourites by him. His 2021 debut EP, When Smoke Rises, is home to many of his heartfelt classics that we know and love. Specifically, the opening track “Stay Alive” is a bruised memoir dedicated to those he lost to gun violence, and it elegantly captures the resilience of those growing up in downtown Toronto. He skates through issues of gang violence and grief with a discerning vulnerability. Formerly known as Mustafa the Poet, his gentle storytelling translates harsh realities into something tender rather than angry. From his debut EP to his critically acclaimed full-length album, we see Mustafa maturing as an artist while he remains true to his values. He deserves every ounce of artistic recognition that his position on the Polaris Long List brings.
If Heartrunner’s latest single “Lose It” sounds like it could’ve been your Myspace profile song in 2007, you’re not alone. The Toronto alt-rock band taps into peak emo revival with a track that bleeds angst, urgency, and just the right amount of melodic chaos. Powered by Adina V.’s searing vocals and a wall of fuzzed-out guitars, “Lose It” feels ripped straight from an old AP Magazine sampler — the kind you’d loop while scrolling Warped Tour lineups. Heartrunner plays NXNE tonight at The Cameron House (11:00 PM) — and trust us, you’ll want to sing along in person. Check out the new music video for the single down below.
British Columbia’s own Tyy Clark, better known by his stage name ATYYA, released a new single “Light it Up” on June 12. Staying true to his evocative production style, this track is belly-full with organic textures and sonic imagery. Taking inspiration from the beautiful landscapes of B.C., Clark uses intricate sound design to transport listeners to different landscapes. While this may not be the most spiritual of his tracks, ATYYA has been recognized internationally for his psychedelic bass lines that infuse his music with transcendent purpose. However, in “Light it Up” he introduces a higher BPM alongside his swooping bass to create a song that’s perfect for late night grooving around a fireplace.
Slash Need aren’t just turning up the volume, they’re ripping the whole system out with “Double Dare”, a razor-sharp, synth-soaked anthem that dares you to feel everything at once. Equal parts industrial menace and dancefloor catharsis, the track channels a white-knuckle energy that’s as much Nine Inch Nails as it is Le Tigre. With snarling vocals, pounding electronics, and a fearless pulse, “Double Dare” is a bold statement of intent from a band that thrives on tension and release. It's sweaty, it’s defiant, and it’s begging to be played at full volume.
Montreal’s own punk rock band Puffer hit us with the release of their sophomore album, Street Hassle, on June 13. The opening track “Jimmy” has already climbed to their top five most popular songs, garnering over 16,000 streams in less than 12 hours. Their melody takes a shape that is seemingly inspired by popular ‘90s band, The Muffs, but their knotty approach to punk rock sets them apart. With hard-edged vocals and stripped instrumentals, you can’t help but feel their energy through the speakers. Their next performance lands them in Amsterdam so they can spread their clean-cut punk’n’roll over the pond.
Edmonton-based music project King of Foxes has blessed us this week with the release of “FMLU” on June 11. Fronted by singer-songwriter Olivia Street, this song blends her yearning vocals with lush guitar textures. The band defies genre norms and have been described as grunge, alternative, indie, and rock—or a combination—depending on who you ask. Their infectious melodies help carve out their distinctively vintage yet modern sound, and they tie everything together with quirky storytelling. In “FMLU,” we hear Street singing through an internal battle of self sabotage, complete with the lyrics, “I need a reason to fuck my life up.” It is this raw humanity, alongside their captivating performances, that has helped the band carve their place in the Canadian music scene. You can sing your human heart out with them at one of their upcoming Alberta performances in August.
Keeping true to this alternative power, we are also listening to Bitch Stick’s new single “Are You Sure?” released on June 6. The alt-rock band from Toronto has been described as “visceral and variable,” and their music is both effortlessly cool and intentionally rebellious. Capturing the range of modernity in post-punk, “Are You Sure?” leaves listeners in a melodramatic power trip. Their meticulous blend of classic grunge sounds with alternative rock has quickly propelled them into recognition within Canada’s punk scene. Bitch Stick is a force to be reckoned with, and we expect to see them performing more shows in the near future.