Celebrating a decade of powerful storytelling and musical connection, Four Chords and The Truth returns to TD Music Hall at the Allied Music Centre in Toronto on May 22 at 7 p.m. ET for its 10th anniversary edition.

The acclaimed semi-annual songwriter series brings world-class songwriters to the stage for intimate semi-round performances, and the stories behind the songs.

Tickets are available, here.

Toronto-based singer-songwriter, songwriter advocate, series founder, and curator Andrea England will host the May 22nd show, featuring a stellar lineup with performances from two-time JUNO nominee and CIMA Road Gold Award winner Terra Lightfoot, chart-topping singer-songwriter Jesse Gold in the TikTok emerging songwriters seat, JUNO-Award nominated singer-songwriter AHI and compelling East Coast singer-songwriter Logan Richard.

SWOMP caught up with Lightfoot for an interview to discuss the event, along with her JUNO-nominated album, Healing Power.

The evening promises to be one of intimacy, quality, and exclusivity, with each songwriter “confessing” their song secrets.

And as always, to the perpetual delight of the passionate Four Chords and The Truth fan community, the evening will also include some surprise guests.

Debuting in Toronto in 2015, Four Chords and The Truth is a widely acclaimed songwriter concert series that showcases Canada’s top and emerging talent in an intimate, confessional format.

Featuring over 130 artists and songwriters —including JUNO and Grammy Award nominees, Hall of Fame members, and Officers of the Order of Canada—the series expanded internationally with its Nashville debut at the Bluebird Cafe in 2019.

“When I booked the first Four Chords and The Truth show, it was just supposed to be one event; but as soon as that show ended, people wanted to know when the next one was,” said series founder and creator Andrea England.

“So I booked another one…and another…and another…and now, 10 years, 130 songwriters, and 29 shows later–May 22nd will mark the 30th FCATT show–people are still asking when the next show is, so I keep on booking them.”

Over the last 10 years, Four Chords and The Truth has supported the Unison Fund by raising 1000s of dollars and amplifying the cause.

This year, the series is proud to partner with MusiCounts to support music education in Canada.

For more information on MusiCounts and to donate please click here.

Proceeds from posters sold at the May 22nd show will also go towards the charity.

"MusiCounts is honoured to work with Four Chords and the Truth," said Kristy Fletcher, President of MusiCounts. "The impact of this collaboration will help inspire the next generation of songwriters by providing instruments and equipment to kids who wouldn't otherwise get the chance to make music."

The series would not be possible without the support of its presenting partner Herradura Tequila and sponsors TikTok, CMRRA and Songwriters Association of Canada.

For more information on Four Chords and The Truth, and to buy tickets to the May 22nd show, please visit fourchordsandthetruth.com.

What began five years ago as three friends jamming around a campfire has now blossomed into Cabin Fever, Canada’s latest contribution to the international Americana music scene.

Comprised of Kyle Faulkner on guitar and vocals, Jessica McKay on upright bass and vocals, and Colin Jolly on mandolin, Cabin Fever is primed to make a lasting first impression with a five-song debut EP entitled It’s Only Forever.

Produced by Craig Smith (ONTARIANS, Kelly Jamieson, Queen M) at his studio north of Toronto, It’s Only Forever is steeped in tradition, but pushes the envelope with the addition of drums to add an extra kick to Cabin Fever’s already high-octane sound. For the trio, it’s never been about sticking to the rules, but instead writing original songs that can connect with roots music fans of all stripes.

As Kyle explains, “Craig began jokingly using the phrase ‘remember, it’s only forever,’ whenever we found ourselves debating any musical decisions. The more those words sunk in for the three of us as we lay down take after take, the more we started to see how they connected to the songs themselves. The memories we recall are forever, the troubles we sometimes face can feel like they’re forever, and good relationships have a promise of forever, while bad relationships can sometimes seem to threaten it. I think all of the songs contain these elements in one form or another.”

In the case of “Born To Lose”—in which echoes of the Carter Family’s “Wildwood Flower” are clearly heard—Kyle originally conceived it as a dark and dramatic song. But once he decided to give it a more “old timey” feel, the tone of “Born To Lose” became more light-hearted and almost instantly made it one of Cabin Fever’s more rousing numbers.

However, a little darkness does appear on another of the EP’s highlights, “Devil Is A Friend,” a minor-key stomp loosely inspired by the Grateful Dead. “I tried to put myself in the shoes of a character who uses the chorus, ‘devil is a friend of the working man,’ as a kind of mantra,” Kyle says. “This character’s past life just kind of poured out onto the page. When my mother is in the audience, I especially feel compelled to assure the audience that the opening line—‘when I was a boy my momma left home’—is pure fiction.”

In total, It’s Only Forever captures the undeniable work that all three members of Cabin Fever have put into the band since its formation. The playing, and vocal harmonizing, reflects countless nights of doing two-and-three-hour sets, while the songwriting itself teasingly suggests that a lot more top shelf material is waiting in the wings.

As Kyle says, “With this EP, our aim is to keep playing bigger and better stages and sharing what we regard as ‘our’ music with the audience. At the same time, we’re looking into the future and wondering what it holds for about a dozen other songs we have ready to go. It can be exhilarating, dumbfounding, and humbling all at the same time when we think about how we’ve grown as individual musicians, songwriters, and as a group. But what I don’t think will ever change is that original spirit we had when we were playing around the campfire.”

Follow the band at https://thatcabinfeverband.com/.

Photo credit: Kerry's Klips

Montreal-based alt-pop artist Emi Jeen just released her intoxicating new single 'I’m (Not) Good' on May 9 via all streaming platforms.

The song was co-written by Emi Jeen, Lexie Jay (Featurette) and JUNO Award-winning Hill Kourkoutis (Aysanabee, Leela Gilday, Sebastian Gaskin), who also produced the track.

Driven by an entrancing bass line and pulse-pounding beat, the song showcases Emi’s powerful vocals and fearless dive into bold, new sonic territory.

Emi is also gearing up for a series of shows across Europe this May, leading up to a performance at the iconic Osheaga Festival in Montreal on August 3rd.

SWOMP caught up with Emi for an interview.

Emi Jeen is known for her magnetic stage presence and raw, emotional storytelling, seamlessly blending dark pop aesthetics with anthemic melodies.

In 2024, she made major waves - completing a 45-show tour across the US, Europe, and the UK, dropping her Razzle Dazzle project, and going viral on TikTok with over 17 million views.

Her fierce, emotionally-charged sound has already captivated the alt-pop music scene, solidifying her status as one of the genre’s most compelling rising stars.

For more information, please visit www.emijeen.com.

Photo credit: Whitney Otte

Teen metal band Chained Saint - comprised of four high school students Ethan Kahn (17, guitar), Sebastian De Avila (18, bass), Cameron Cottrell (19, drums) and Sean Sterling (18, vocals) - were one of the most hotly tipped bands of 2024.

In just a few short months, Revolver, Guitar World, Loudwire, and Judas Priest legend Rob Halford praised the band for their chops.

SiriusXM's Liquid Metal added the band to their playlist, and their debut single "Animosity" served as the theme song for the WWE 2K24 DLC 4 trailer in September.

The band is over the moon to announce its upcoming, first-ever headline tour of the U.S.

Chained Saint will also appear at several festivals through the year, including Welcome to Rockville, Rocklahoma, Louder Than Life, and VANS Warped Tour.

SWOMP caught up with Ethan Kahn for an interview. Listen, below:

INTERVIEW

"We cannot wait to get on the road and play in all of these great cities around the country," the band says with a twinkle in its collective eye. "This is what it's all about for us. Bringing our music to the people and having that direct connection with our fans, as well as making new ones city by city, by playing our songs live, is what we've been dreaming of!"

Born in a South Florida garage back in the summer of 2022, Chained Saint's recently released debut album, Blindside (out via independent label Patriark Records) combines the raw, organic riffery of the best old-school '80s thrash metal with a dash of modern-day brutality befitting the many challenges confronting the youth of 2024.

The past and present collide, resulting in modern, metallic maelstrom made by a bunch of kids who play with fire in their veins - and their hands! Blindside, produced by William DuVall of Alice In Chains, focuses that fury into a powerfully concise, eight-song LP.

The album was recorded and mixed to analog tape with no computers involved whatsoever in the recording sessions.

No AI.

No studio trickery.

No bullshit.

Just real riffs made by real players.

CHAINED SAINT ON TOUR: 5/17 - Daytona Beach, FL - Welcome to Rockville*

HEADLINE DATES: 6/19 - Orlando, FL - The Social 6/21 - Jacksonville, FL - Jack Rabbits 6/24 - Atlanta, GA - The Masquerade - Altar 6/25 - Charlotte, NC - Neighborhood Theatre - Side Room 6/27 - Washington, DC - Venue TBA 6/29 - New Kensington, PA - Preserving Underground 7/1 - Philadelphia, PA - Kung Fu Necktie 7/2 - Ridgewood, NY - TV Eye 7/3 - Cleveland Heights, OH - Grog Shop 7/7 - Kansas City, MO - recordBar 7/8 - St. Louis, MO - Blueberry Hill - The Duck Room 7/10 - Houston, TX - House of Blues Houston - Bronze Peacock Room 7/11 - Dallas, TX - House of Blues Dallas - Cambridge Room 7/13 - San Antonio, TX - Paper Tiger - Small Stage

FESTIVALS: 8/15 - Los Angeles, CA - Whisky A GoGo# 8/31 - Pryor, OK - Rocklahoma* 9/21 - Louisville, KY - Louder Than Life* 11/15 - Orlando, FL - Warped Tour*

^With Basterdane #With Knot(sic) *Festival Dates

Follow the band at https://www.chainedsaint.com/.

East Coast rocker Andre Pettipas released his "most personal song to date" on Friday, May 9, 2025.

"In memory of my niece, Blake Everleigh who passed away at three months old from SIDS. Gypsophila is my most personal song to date. It took two years after her passing to finally write about it - this is around the same time I got sober, nearly three years ago," Pettipas says.

"Enlisting Jeremy Taggart - Drums (Our Lady Peace) brought me back to the comfort of my youth hearing the Clumsy album for the first time. It helped give me a sense of purpose again. The goal - keeping Blake’s name alive."

SWOMP caught up with Pettipas to discuss the new track.

"Gypsophila is a song about vulnerability and perseverance. Going through a traumatic event like losing an innocent loved one forever changes your trajectory. It alters the way you react, feel and handle even the smallest of interactions. I started a non for profit festival called Giantstock which serves as a yearly celebration and reunion for music supporters and people looking for the value of human connection. Profit from the festival is donated to Baby’s Breath Canada, the only national foundation focused on SIDS," Pettipas added.

"It’s one of those songs that didn’t happen overnight; I needed years to process what had happened before I could begin the healing process and talk about it. When I find myself lost I always go back to Our Lady Peace’s Clumsy album. The memory of hearing this record for the first time will forever be ingrained in my head. This is the moment, at six years old, that I knew I wanted to become a musician - unraveling my purpose in life. Having Jeremy Taggart drumming on this track means the world to me. The way his performance helps paint the picture musically is so important. Music has saved my life in more ways than I can count. It gives me a sense of connection and purpose. Sharing stories and creating memories with like-minded people is more important than I could ever imagine."

Follow Pettipas online at https://www.andrepettipasandthegiants.com/.

"Nothing brings you back to yourself like seeing an old friend” says British multi-instrumentalist, producer, and singer-songwriter Luke Marzec who has returned with his evocative new single, "Growing Up With You". The track is a deeply personal tribute to the relationships that shape us. Blending warm, vintage R&B textures with modern production, the soulful track is a stirring reflection on the power of shared history, the joys of reunion, and the enduring impact of lifelong connections.

The song is taken from Something Good Out Of Nothing (Side A), which was released on March 28, 2025.

SWOMP caught up with Marzec for an interview.

"Those formative teenage years shape who we become, and the friendships that were forged then influence the way we love, connect, and see the world," Marzec continues.

"I’m grateful to still have that group of friends who know me better than I sometimes know myself. This song is a toast to late nights, deep conversations, and the joy that carries us through life’s ups and downs."

Written over several months and inspired by the stark beauty of the windswept landscapes of Dartmoor in South West England, "Growing Up With You" combines a haunting saxophone drone—manipulated through the Morphagene sampler—with a lilting drumbeat, bass, and piano. The result is a hypnotic groove that evokes both the nostalgia of youthful adventures and the grounding comfort of old friendships.

The song, featuring live drums by David Beauchamp (Johnny Flynn & the Sussex Wit, Jeffrey Lewis & the Junkyard, Dr. Dog) and bass by Marzec, was recorded in his studio in Buckfastleigh, Devon UK, capturing an intimate, organic feel.

Citing the soulful rawness of Alabama Shakes’ “This Feeling” as an influence to the song, his ability to weave storytelling with intricate production results into the experimental warmth of his own unique sonic palette is both deeply personal and universally resonant.

As a continuation of the themes explored in his previous single, "I Can’t Get You Out of My Mind," Something Good Out Of Nothing is a reflection on memory, connection, and the paradoxes of modern life. Marzec, known for his genre-blending approach, fuses vintage soul, jazz, and electronic elements to craft a sound that is as timeless as it is contemporary.

Having studied classical and jazz styles at the Royal College of Music and Trinity Conservatoire, Marzec first broke onto the music scene with his debut EP Chances in 2017. His journey has since seen him collaborate with acclaimed artists, including Maverick Sabre, VC Pines, Benjamin Francis Leftwich, and Jazzanova, as well as Johannes Brecht on the widely appreciated Voicing Something—remixed by Adriatique.

Marzec continues to push his musical boundaries with Headroom, a London-based jam session that he hosts, featuring top jazz and electronic musicians from across the city. He is also part of Lazy H and the Loose Cables, an experimental synth-jazz group known for its avant-garde soundscapes.

Follow him at https://www.lukemarzec.com/.

Photo credit: Natalia-Bjerke

Tunisian-American artist, producer and activist Emel Mathlouthi, known as EMEL, is set to perform at the at TD Music Hall in Toronto on April 5, 2025.

SWOMP caught up with EMEL to discuss the show, her career, touring plans and her latest album MRA.

EMEL recently released a new remix of her track "Lose My Mind" featuring Nayomi. The remix, created by Parisian duo Acid Arab, transforms the song’s original Arabic reggaeton groove into a pulsing, club-ready anthem with a four-on-the-floor beat and bursts of rave-inspired mizmar.

Known for her striking stage presence, she has been praised by outlets such as The Guardian for her "Björk-like glamour" and for delivering some of the most powerful performances at festivals worldwide. A newly released live video of her performing "Massive Will" at Le Centquatre in Paris showcases her dynamic energy on stage.

Her latest album, MRA—which means "woman" in Arabic—pushes forward a female-driven creative vision. Every contributor to the project, from producers to featured artists and musicians, is a woman. The album blends African trap, batucada, hip hop and drum and bass with powerful melodies and multilingual lyrics. Tracks such as "Souty," "Nar" and "Massive Will" offer a sweeping, genre-spanning listening experience.

EMEL's career has been marked by collaborations with designers Alaïa and Jean-Paul Gaultier, as well as scoring work with artists such as Shirin Neshat and Robert Del Naja. She also contributed to the soundtrack for Assassin’s Creed: Mirage. Her song "Kelmti Horra (My Word Is Free)," once banned, became an anthem of the Arab Spring and was later performed at the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony in Oslo.

Beyond the stage, she has played a clandestine concert in Baghdad, Iraq, and an underground all-women performance in Iran, documented in No Land’s Song. Last summer, she performed in East Jerusalem and the West Bank, facing backlash for her track "Naci En Palestina (I Was Born in Palestine)."

"I don't create things to be consumed," EMEL says. "I hope it transcends time, transcends boundaries, transcends cultures. Music can change the world."

Follow her at https://emelmathlouthi.com/.

Photo Credit: Amber Grey