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SWOMP

SWOMP’s podcast is your unfiltered backstage pass to the music world. Rooted in Canada and raging worldwide, we bring raw artist interviews, behind-the-scenes chaos, and deep dives into the bands shaping the scene. From legends to rising stars, it’s all about the energy, passion, and stories that make music unforgettable. Plug in and enjoy.

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#153
October 1 · 10 min
Leith Ross chats with SWOMP backstage at Sommo Festival
Canadian singer-songwriter Leith Ross caught up with SWOMP backstage at Sommo Festival in Cavendish on Sept. 11 to discuss their songwriting, the new music and what has shaped their work. Ross also talked about being in the midst of one year away froms screens. Ross has built a growing audience around deeply personal songs that explore love, relationships, queerness and mental health. Ross grew up in a small town near Ottawa, Ont., and began releasing music independently in 2020 with the Motherwell EP. Recorded live, the project helped introduce Ross' intimate, stripped-back approach to songwriting. Their profile grew with the viral singles “I’d Have To Think About It” and “We’ll Never Have Sex,” leading to a record deal with Republic Records in 2022 and the release of their debut album, To Learn, the following year. The album continued Ross' exploration of vulnerability, moving between folk-influenced arrangements, pop and rock textures, and more minimal performances built around voice and guitar. Ross followed To Learn with the deluxe To Learn, More in late 2023, featuring live versions of songs including “(You) On My Arm,” “Orlando” and “To Learn.” The music has earned recognition from outlets including NME, CLASH, Them., Ones To Watch and The FADER, while Ross has toured with Lord Huron, Bahamas and Helena Deland and performed at festivals across North America. In 2022, Ross received the inaugural John Prine Songwriter Fellowship at the Newport Folk Festival. They were also nominated for Alternative Album of the Year at the 2024 Juno Awards. Ross has amassed more than 450 million streams across their catalogue and returned in 2026 with the emotionally charged single “Grieving,” the first release from an upcoming album produced by Rostam, known for his work with Vampire Weekend and other artists. Follow them at https://leithross.com/.
#152
September 29 · 7 min
Altered by Mom brings rebellious energy to Sommo Festival
Toronto rock trio Altered by Mom brought its irreverent, high-energy sound to Sommo Festival in Cavendish, P.E.I., blending catchy songwriting with a rebellious DIY spirit. The band - JUNO-winning songwriters Gina Kennedy on bass and vocals and Devon Lougheed on guitar and vocals, alongside drummer Max Trefler - has built a reputation for playful performances, sharp songwriting and an approach that challenges traditional gender roles while embracing individuality. Following its Sommo Festival set, Altered by Mom sat down with SWOMP to talk about the band's music, festival experience and what's ahead: The trio released its debut album, BETTER, to national attention, earning radio support from SiriusXM and praise from outlets including Exclaim!, which described the band as "unstoppable." Since then, Altered by Mom has taken its live show to festivals and stages across Canada and internationally, including appearances at Summerfest in the United States, Folk on the Rocks in the Northwest Territories, Sommo Festival in Prince Edward Island, and shows in Germany and Japan. The band continues to build on its DIY approach while preparing for its next chapter. Altered by Mom is set to release a new single in the coming months, followed by its second full-length album, MAKE LEMONADE, in 2027. The album is being co-produced by Mike Young of Mother Mother. Follow the band at https://www.alteredbymom.com/.
#151
September 26 · 7 min
DeeDee Austin’s 'Buried Truth' anchors national Truth and Reconciliation education program
Mi’kmaw singer-songwriter DeeDee Austin is the featured artist for this year’s Ancestors Voices: Music and Learning for National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, with her song “Buried Truth” serving as the centrepiece of free curriculum resources for Kindergarten to Grade 12 classrooms across Canada. SWOMP caught up with Austin for an interview at Sommo Festival 2026 in Cavendish, Prince Edward Island on September 11, 2026. Austin, now 20, wrote “Buried Truth” when she was 15 after learning that her late great-grandmother had survived the Shubenacadie Indian Residential School in Nova Scotia. The song will anchor the 2026 edition of Ancestors Voices, an initiative of the Coalition for Music Education in Canada that connects contemporary Indigenous music with learning about truth, reconciliation, identity and community. For the first time, Austin will also bring the program directly into at least one Canadian school this fall, giving students an opportunity to meet the artist and hear the story behind the song. “Buried Truth began with something deeply personal: discovering what my late great grandmother endured at the Shubenacadie residential school,” Austin said. “I wrote the song to honour her story, but also to acknowledge the experiences of every child, family and community harmed by the residential school system.” Since its launch in 2024, Ancestors Voices has recorded more than 150,000 student registrations across Canada. The annual program is designed to honour children who never returned home, survivors and all those whose lives have been affected by residential schools. Developed with Indigenous artists and educators, each edition features an Indigenous songwriter and song alongside artist guides, interviews, video content, listening activities and curriculum-linked learning prompts. “DeeDee represents exactly what Ancestors Voices was created to do: place an Indigenous artist’s voice and lived family history at the centre of learning,” said Stacey Sinclair, executive director of the Coalition for Music Education. “Buried Truth gives students an emotional point of entry into history that can otherwise feel distant or abstract.” A sister of the Abegweit First Nation in Prince Edward Island, Austin has emerged as a young performer on the Atlantic Canadian music scene. Her honours include receiving Howie Mandel’s Golden Buzzer on Canada’s Got Talent, CBC Searchlight’s Outstanding Indigenous Artist recognition and Music Nova Scotia’s Indigenous Artist of the Year honours, along with multiple East Coast Music Award nominations. Austin blends contemporary pop with Indigenous musical traditions, drawing on themes of resilience, hope and purpose in her songwriting. Ancestors Voices launched in 2024 with Julian Taylor and his song “S.E.E.D.S.” The 2025 edition featured Adrian Sutherland and his all-Cree song “Kiyash.” Previous editions remain available to educators, creating a growing national collection of Indigenous music and learning resources. Ancestors Voices is supported by the Mariposa Folk Festival. Follow her at https://deedeeaustin.com/.
#150
September 25 · 7 min
Melt bring New York energy to Sommo Festival, chat with SWOMP backstage
New York City indie band Melt brought their energetic, genre-blurring sound to Sommo Festival in Cavendish, P.E.I., on Sept. 11, 2026. Formed in 2017, Melt built an audience through relentless touring and the viral success of their single “Sour Candy,” developing a reputation for high-energy live performances that have earned them support slots with artists including My Morning Jacket and Grouplove. The band’s debut album, “If There’s a Heaven,” was released in 2024 and features 11 tracks that move between feel-good pop, classic love songs and soulful rock. Recorded live to tape with producer Sam Evian, the album captures the communal energy that has become central to Melt’s sound. Described by NPR as “one groovy superorganism,” Melt continues to blend danceable hooks with a freewheeling live approach. SWOMP caught up with Melt backstage at Sommo Festival to talk about their music and Cavendish experience. Follow the band at https://www.melttheband.com/.
#149
September 23 · 14 min
Thunder Queens share new music, discuss ‘Deep Below’ in SWOMP interview
Teen rock trio Thunder Queens are releasing two new songs as they prepare to unveil their sophomore album, Deep Below, on September 24, 2026. The London-based band — Lola Good on vocals and drums, Violet Bruneel on vocals and electric guitar, and Clara Magnan on vocals and bass — shared “Walk With Me” and “Misplaced Heart” Tuesday. The songs bookend a three-song arc on Side A of Deep Below, which is set for release through Victory Pool Records. The two tracks follow the previously released title track, “Deep Below,” a five-and-a-half-minute ballad that sits between the new songs in the sequence. The band says the 11-song album explores change, growing up, friendship, loss and learning to let go. “We wrote every song together, using our old voice memos, saved-up riffs, and lyrics about real feelings we were trying to figure out,” the band said in a release. “It’s the heaviest and most emotional thing we’ve ever made, but it still has the parts of Thunder Queens that feel most like us: big vocal harmonies, loud guitars, heavy drumming, and songs written to be played live.” The trio recorded most of Deep Below at Dream House Studios with Dave Schiffman. The album also includes “Bluebells,” “Wait,” “Teenage Years” and “Birds On A Wire,” with the latter two remastered by Ryan Dahle and co-produced by the band and JUNO-nominated producer Thom D’Arcy. The three-song sequence begins with “Walk With Me,” which addresses what the band describes as society’s tendency to overlook personal and social problems and the difficulty of moving forward without resolving the past. It then moves into “Deep Below,” which follows a relationship stuck in the past before closing with “Misplaced Heart,” a song inspired by feminist rock bands including Bikini Kill, Veruca Salt, Die Spitz and Sleater-Kinney. The release of Deep Below comes during a busy stretch of live dates for Thunder Queens. The band is scheduled to perform in Barrie, Oshawa, London and Windsor. The group will also perform at London’s Punk Rock Flea Fest on Friday, with a Nov. 28 show at Toronto’s Danforth Music Hall supporting 54-40. A feature documentary about the band is also set to make its Canadian premiere Oct. 17 at the Forest City Film Festival. Thunder Queens, executive produced by Tegan and Sara, follows the trio’s musical journey and the years leading up to Deep Below. SWOMP caught up with the trio for an interview. Follow the band at https://www.thunderqueens.com/. Photo credit: Natalie Nguyen
#148
September 22 · 5 min
MARIS talks new EP 'MOSH★PIT' at Sommo Festival 2026
MARIS is a Los Angeles–based, Montana-born singer/songwriter, emerging as “pop music’s next Mega Star” [Los Angeles Times]. A playful DIY ethos animates her songs, social content, and live shows. Blending heartland rock with glam-pop bombast, MARIS crafts arena-sized, sugar-rush choruses built around elastic vocals and diaristic songwriting. Her new EP - 'MOSH★PIT' - arrived on September 18, 2026. SWOMP caught up with MARIS backstage before she closed down the Sandbar Stage at Sommo Festival 2026 on Friday, September 11, 2026 in Cavendish, Prince Edward Island. Her breakout collaboration with Caroline Kingsbury, “Give Me A Sign,” earned praise from PAPER as “anxious and electric,” landed on Spotify’s Best Pop Songs of 2025, and helped fuel her first sold-out headline show at DC9. FLOODcalls “Body Is On Fire” a “cathartic” kickoff to her “vibrant” new phase. MARIS has performed at Boston Calling alongside Ed Sheeran, Chappell Roan, and Reneé Rapp; placed #4 on Stereogum’s Top Pop Songs of 2025 with “SUPER F★CKING MEGAST★R”; and been included in Spotify’s Fresh Finds Class three times. Elton John featured “Mary + I” on his Rocket Hour radio show, comparing MARIS to both Lady Gaga and Freddie Mercury. Best experienced live, MARIS ensures audiences feel free to be their happiest, truest selves. She told the Los Angeles Times, “At my show, you’re gonna jump. You’re gonna dance. You’re gonna be involved, whether or not you want to.” She has toured nationally with The Wrecks, Maude Latour, A R I Z O N A, Anna of the North, and Caroline Kingsbury. She has also been featured in Rolling Stone, LADYGUNN, Ones to Watch, Under the Radar, and Wonderland. Follow her at https://www.marisofficial.com/.
#147
September 21 · 6 min
Edgehill electrify Sandbar Stage at Sommo Fest 2026, chat with SWOMP backstage
Fresh off their energized set on the Sandbar Stage at Sommo Festival 2026, American rockers Edgehill chatted backstage with SWOMP on Saturday, September 12, 2026. Learn more about the band, below: The trio is comprised of Chris Kelly [lead vocals, guitar], Jake Zimmermann [lead guitar, vocals], and Aidan Cunningham [drums]. The band members grew up in markedly distinct areas of the country. Chris originally hailed from Charlottesville, Va., and Jake primarily grew up in Long Island, N.Y. Early iterations of the band formed before the guys welcomed Aidan—who called Westfield, Ind. home—into the fold. Chris and Jake initially connected as students at Vanderbilt University, cementing a fast friendship. Jamming together, they unassumingly established a foundation for what would become Edgehill. While working a shift at a local coffee shop, Chris met Aidan, and the group’s lineup was locked in. Fresh off their sold-out house show tour with 7.5M global career streams and growing, Edgehill is turning heads and turning up the volume as the group gears up for more new music on the horizon. Their new release,“I Can Be Your Dog,” is a high-energy, guitar-driven anthem – a fan favorite at electric house shows. Follow the band, here.
#146
September 20 · 11 min
JJ Wilde talks new music ahead of Rock The Runway set in London
JJ Wilde discussed new music she has in the works with SWOMP, ahead of her opening set at Rock The Runway in London, Ontario on Thursday, September 17, 2026. Following her sound check in Harris Park, the Kitchener, Ontario rocker sat down with SWOMP for interview. Follow JJ at https://jjwilde.com/.
#145
September 8 · 11 min
Bif Naked on new single 'Lift Me Up' + upcoming Live Loud benefit concert performance
Canadian rock icon Bif Naked is returning with new music while preparing to take the stage at a major Toronto benefit concert this fall. Bif Naked has released “Lift Me Up,” a new single co-written with longtime collaborator Ezra Cipes and produced by Cipes alongside Peter Karroll. The release reunites the pair nearly two decades after the singer and her team gave Cipes and his brother Gabe an early opportunity through her Her Royal Majesty’s Records label. “I love this song so much and I love the words,” Bif said of “Lift Me Up.” “I love the vision and the feeling that I get when I hear it. It makes me dreamy. It makes me hopeful, even weepy.” Bif said the song reflects her desire for connection and her belief in moving toward “love energy and peace.” Cipes said working with Bif again brought their creative relationship full circle. “Bif walks her own singular path of courage and light,” Cipes said. “That’s a huge inspiration to a lot of people.” The new single arrives during a busy period for Bif, who continues to tour following the release of her 2025 studio album, “Champion,” and the success of her documentary, “Bif Naked: A Documentary.” The documentary premiered at the Calgary International Film Festival, where it won the Audience Choice Award, before going on to a series of sold-out Canadian screenings and a streaming debut on Super Channel. This year also marks the 20th anniversary of “Superbeautifulmonster,” Bif’s 2006 album that she has described as her personal favourite. The milestone is being marked with a new vinyl reissue. Bif’s career has included seven studio albums and chart-topping songs including the Billboard Canada No. 1 “Spaceman,” along with “I Love Myself Today,” “Tango Shoes” and “Lucky.” She has also shared stages with artists including Billy Idol, Foo Fighters, the Smashing Pumpkins and Green Day. She will also be among the performers at Live Loud, a national partnership between Matthew Perry House and Make Music Matter focused on using music and storytelling to reduce stigma and support people affected by mental health, trauma and substance-use health. Live Loud returns Sept. 10 at Toronto’s Massey Hall, with Bif joining a lineup that includes The Strumbellas, Aysanabee, Julian Taylor, Tim Hicks, Crown Lands, The Washboard Union, Fefe Dobson and Maestro Fresh Wes. The event will be hosted by actress, comedian and musician Lauren Ash and comedy legend Bruce McCulloch. Other performers and special guests include Michie Mee, Hill Kourkoutis, Aaron Solowoniuk of Billy Talent, Menno Versteeg of Hollerado, Sekou Lumumba of Big Wreck, Todd Morse of The Offspring, and Cone McCaslin and Dave Baksh of Sum 41. Ticket details, here. SWOMP caught up with Bif for an interview. Bif Naked is also one of the featured artists in SWOMP Magazine Issue Two, which was just released at the beginning of September. Buy a copy, here. Photo credit: Peter Karroll
#144
September 8 · 7 min
Fefe Dobson chats with SWOMP at CallHome, set to perform at Live Loud at Massey Hall
Canadian singer Fefe Dobson performed on the main stage at the CallHome Music Festival in Brantford, Ontario on Friday, July 24, 2026. Following her performance, Dobson caught up with SWOMP backstage for an interview. Dobson is set to perform on September 10, 2026 at Massey Hall in Toronto as part of Live Loud - a national partnership between Matthew Perry House and Make Music Matter, harnessing the power of music and storytelling to reduce stigma and support those on the path to healing. Ticket details, here. Dobson is also one of the featured artists in SWOMP Magazine Issue Two, which was just released at the beginning of September. Buy a copy, here.
#143
August 14 · 8 min
Kelsi Mayne set to 'Rock The Lot' in Dresden, as sophomore album momentum builds
Canadian country artist Kelsi Mayne will bring her high-energy live show to Rock The Lot in Dresden, Ont. on Aug. 15, the latest stop in what has become a landmark summer for the Windsor-born singer-songwriter. The performance comes as Mayne rides the momentum of a breakout year that has cemented her status as one of the country's most closely watched rising country acts. She recently made her debut at CMA Fest in Nashville and played a run of shows at the Calgary Stampede, experience she's expected to carry onto the Dresden stage. SWOMP caught up with Mayne for an interview. The Rock The Lot appearance also follows the July 3 release of Mayne's sophomore album, Out Of The Blue, a seven-track collection that has already surpassed 1.3 million global streams. The record has been powered by fan favourites "For The Record" and "Time Machine," along with the Top 50 Canadian country radio single "Breaking Bad." Mayne has said the album chronicles a period of significant personal upheaval, tracing a journey from heartbreak toward self-rediscovery. The songs move between defiance, vulnerability and quiet optimism, reflecting what she has described as a chapter defined by rebuilding and unexpected change. A three-time CMAOntario nominee and SiriusXM Top of the Country finalist, Mayne has also picked up top honours at the International Songwriting Competition and the Unsigned Only Competition. She has performed at Boots and Hearts five times and returned to the Calgary Stampede for a fourth consecutive year. More information on Mayne's tour and music is available at kelsimayne.com.
#142
August 2 · 13 min
Daniel Lanois discusses intimate tour across Ontario, including August 8 show at Sarnia's Imperial Theatre
Grammy-winning producer, musician and songwriter Daniel Lanois is returning to Ontario this summer for a series of intimate performances with the Daniel Lanois Trio. The tour includes stops in Orillia, Lindsay, Meaford, Sarnia, Fergus and Picton. Lanois is widely recognized for his work as a producer and collaborator with artists including Brian Eno, Peter Gabriel, U2, Emmylou Harris, Bob Dylan and Neil Young. SWOMP caught up with Lanois for an interview to discuss the tour, his latest album Belladonna Nocturne and his decorated career. The tour performances will feature immersive soundscapes and the trio’s harmony-driven approach in the theatre venues across the province. Joining Lanois on stage are Jermaine Holmes on drums and vocals, and Jim Wilson on bass and vocals. Together, the trio blends atmospheric instrumentation with three-part vocal harmonies. “The road is calling as the music keeps on guiding me through the labyrinths of song, messages and inventions,” said Lanois. “As music rides the airwaves, we continue to troubadour our way to the stage for that exchange we love — live performance.” According to organizers, the trio’s musical approach developed in a small chapel on the outskirts of Berlin, where the natural acoustics inspired the group to emphasize vocal harmonies with minimal instrumentation. “The original instrument, that being the voice, is alive and well in this trio configuration,” said Lanois. ONTARIO TOUR DATES August 1 – Orillia ON, Orillia Opera House August 2 – Lindsay ON, Flato Academy Theatre August 4 – Meaford ON, Meaford Hall Arts & Cultural Centre August 8 – Sarnia ON, Imperial Theatre August 9 – Fergus ON, Fergus Grand Theatre August 10 – Picton ON, The Regent Theatre More details at https://www.daniellanois.com/. Photo credit: Marthe Vannebo
#141
July 28 · 23 min
Warrior Women tour bringing music and message of empowerment to Southwestern Ontario
Rose Cora Perry is taking her band, The Truth Untold, on the road this summer with a purpose beyond the music. The Warrior Women tour is a six-city concert and empowerment series featuring 24 bands, six guest speakers and 21 businesses, all while raising funds for Yellow Brick House, which supports women and children escaping domestic violence. Stops include Niagara Falls, Windsor, London, Toronto, Hamilton and Sarnia, with each event designed to celebrate women's voices while fostering community connections. SWOMP caught up with Perry for an interview. Inspired by conversations with fellow musicians and her own experiences, Perry created Warrior Women to shine a light on the challenges many women continue to face both within and beyond the music industry. The tour combines live performances with advocacy, highlighting resilience and encouraging support for survivors of intimate partner violence. Organizers hope the initiative will not only make an immediate impact through fundraising but also establish a model for future community-driven events that unite music, empowerment and social change. Event Details as follows: Fri Sept 4 at Taps Brewhouse (4680 Queen St, Niagara Falls, ON L2E 2L8) $10. 19+. Doors at 7:30 pm. Advanced Tickets: https://square.link/u/I26DsKyK GUEST SPEAKER: Lori Lococo, City Councillor BAND LINEUP: The Truth Untold, Maya Ritchie, Kennedy Von Kat and Stone Blind Warrior Women Niagara is proudly partnered with Selkie Beauty and NG Photography Studios. Fri Sept 18 at Lion’s Head Tavern (7880 Wyandotte St E, Windsor, ON N8S 1S9) $10. 19+. Doors at 7:00 pm. Advanced Tickets: https://square.link/u/4TDtvaXY GUEST SPEAKER: Chantal Vallée, Windsor Lancers BAND LINEUP: The Truth Untold, Moonsuits, Electric Muscle Car, Harbouring Illusions and The Ashley Lynn Experience Warrior Women Windsor is proudly partnered with Healthy Creations and Enyo. Sat Sept 26 at Palasad Socialbowl (777 Adelaide St N, London, ON N5Y 2L8) $5. All Ages/Licensed. Doors at 7:00 pm. Advanced Tickets: https://square.link/u/CBkebBDw GUEST SPEAKERS: Sonia & Monda Halpern, Western University BAND LINEUP: The Truth Untold, Blue Herring, My Artifice, Nostalgic Brightlights and Lindsey & The Lonelies Warrior Women London is proudly presented by New Era Grafix and the Paul Seed Fund with partners BFitness and Tia Bakery. Sat Oct 3 at Painted Lady (218 Ossington Ave, Toronto, ON M6J 2Z9) $10. 19+. Doors at 6:45 pm. Advanced Tickets: https://square.link/u/UVw0ucz3 GUEST SPEAKER: Jeany Crux, Vibe Raiser & Transformation Coach BAND LINEUP: The Truth Untold, Carmen Toth, Smoking in Bed, Neon Bloom and Nerima Warrior Women Toronto is proudly presented by Samantha Eisen & Company and partnered with Jeannette's Voice Studio. Fri Oct 16 at Ooey Gooey’s (107 George St, Hamilton, ON L8P 1E3) $10. 19+. Doors at 7:00 pm. Advanced Tickets: https://square.link/u/ngJew4Bp GUEST SPEAKER: Hamilton Women’s Hockey League BAND LINEUP: The Truth Untold, Ruby’s Revenge, Orbiting Deathray, Ellis in Transit and Miss Conduct Warrior Women Hamilton is proudly presented by Little Paws Cat Sitting and Catastrophe to Catalyst with partners Glamjulz, The Travel Agent Next Door, Una Bella Vita Boutique, Jessica Designs, The Cake Kitchen Co. and The Muses. Fri Oct 23 AJ’s Music Hall (143 Christina St N, Sarnia, ON N7T 5T8) $10. 19+. Doors at 7:00 pm. Advanced Tickets: https://square.link/u/wGthhmke GUEST SPEAKER: Natasha Bayduk, TIB Electric BAND LINEUP: The Truth Untold, Little White Lies, The Cards Were Dealt, Circle the City and New Moon Views Warrior Women Sarnia is proudly partnered with Limitless! Family & Portrait Photography, Mandakani Yoga, Fit as a Female, Essence of Harmony and Blue Monster Creative.
#140
June 20 · 14 min
New Jersey rockers Black Rose Rebellion on their debut album 'Hail The Rebel Queen'
New Jersey hard rock band Black Rose Rebellion released its debut album, Hail The Rebel Queen, on May 29 through Pavement Entertainment. The band blends modern hard rock with metal influences and is fronted by vocalist Bri. Lead guitarist Dave "The RockDoc" Rosenfeld co-founded the group with Bri (The Rebel Queen) in June 2022 after the pair were introduced by a mutual friend while both were considering stepping away from music. In an interview, prior to the albums release, the pair discussed the band's origins and the themes behind the album, which focuses on resilience, individuality and self-belief. Bri served 13 years in the United States Army, including roles in the JAG Corps, Operation Enduring Freedom, Civil Affairs and as a drill sergeant. Rosenfeld balanced his music career while working as a dental practitioner in New Jersey. Drummer Karen "Kar Rose" Rosenfeld joined the band as a co-founder, while Brooklyn-born bassist Michele Mayhem completed the lineup. Follow the band at https://blackroserebellion.com/.
#139
June 4 · 9 min
Yukon Blonde chats with SWOMP at Meadows 2026
A few months after chatting with Yukon Blonde's Brandon Wolfe Scott, following the release of their latest album Friendship & Rock ‘n’ Roll, SWOMP caught up with the entire band following their set at Meadows Music Festival in Fergus, Ontario on Saturday, May 30, 2026 for a fun interview. Follow the band at https://www.yukonblonde.com/.
#138
June 4 · 11 min
Softcult reflect on debut album & DIY ethos after Meadows Music Festival set
Canadian grunge-gaze duo Softcult opened the main stage at Meadows Music Festival on Saturday, marking a hometown-adjacent performance just down the road from their native Kitchener. Mercedes Arn-Horn and Phoenix Arn-Horn spoke with SWOMP backstage following their set, reflecting on their debut full-length album When a Flower Doesn’t Grow and the band’s continued evolution since its release earlier this year via Easy Life Records. The performance brought the twin siblings back to familiar territory in southwestern Ontario, a region closely tied to their early development as musicians. Softcult have built a reputation as a DIY-driven alternative indie-rock project blending grunge, shoegaze, dreampop and punk into what they describe as “music with a message.” The band has become associated with a modern extension of riot grrrl-era ideals, emphasizing feminism, social activism, creative independence and gender inclusivity, while taking a clear stance against sexism, racism, homophobia, transphobia and patriarchy. Since forming in 2021, Softcult have released several EPs alongside their 2026 debut album, steadily growing a global fanbase through both recorded work and extensive touring. Their career has included sold-out headline shows in Bangkok, Tokyo, Manila, London and New York, as well as high-profile support slots, including touring with Incubus in the UK. They head out on tour this week in South East Asia. Follow them online, here.
#137
June 3 · 12 min
Joel Plaskett talks new single & Nova Scotia recognition ahead of Meadows Festival set
Celebrating 20 years of anything in an era of shrinking attention spans feels worth applauding. For the Joel Plaskett Emergency, it is an opportunity to lean in. With their brand new single, "Fill in the Blanks," the band delivers their first new music since 2021's Twenty Years Gone: Joel Plaskett Emergency Revisits Down at the Khyber. SWOMP caught up with Plaskett to discuss the track ahead of their set at Meadows Music Festival in Fergus, Ontario on Saturday, May 30, 2026. Marking two decades of rollin’ and rockin’ in their current incarnation, Plaskett himself on guitars, Dave Marsh on drums, and Chris Pennell on bass, the trio returns with a strutting ‘70s-style riff-rocker with playful lyrics subtly inspired by the theory of “hot” and “cool” media established by influential Canadian philosopher Marshall McLuhan. “I was imagining April Wine jamming with Steve Miller but then Dave and Chris took it to Portland Street like they always do,” says Plaskett. Written as an assignment for an online course Plaskett was taking from Andrew McLuhan on his grandfather's seminal 1964 book Understanding Media, the song began as a "low def" four-track cassette demo in 2024 before evolving into a full-band recording this past winter. The result is a raucous anthem that looks back fondly on life before attention-hijacking technologies, encouraging listeners to embrace ambiguity and participate in the moment. As Plaskett sings, "In a world that's so explicit, at the risk of losing everything, don't make me spell it out." The tune struts with the Emergency's slippery style as tumbling drum rolls and harmonized guitar lines weave through punchy bar-rock rhythms. It's a fitting new song for a songwriter and band that continue to deliver their message through analog mediums and spontaneous performances. Throughout their 20+ years, the Emergency has remained committed to the unvarnished push-and-pull that makes their trio so compelling. When they take the stage this summer for a score of dates, they’ll prove this commitment once again. "Fill in the Blanks" is available now as a limited 7” vinyl single and on all streaming platforms via turtlemusik, distributed by ADA Worldwide/Warner Music Canada. To prove there is more than one way to skin a track, Plaskett’s original, “low def” cassette version appears on the vinyl B-side. The new single arrives just a year after the celebratory surprise 2025 double cover album Songs From The Gang - A Celebration of Joel Plaskett, released in honour of his 50th birthday and featuring Frank Turner, Jill Barber, City and Colour, Bahamas, Julian Taylor and more. The album included some iconic Emergency tracks such "Down at the Khyber" (The Sheepdogs) and "Come On, Teacher" (Arkells). Plaskett was just awarded the prestigious Order of Nova Scotia and in late 2025 received the Portia White Prize. With nearly three decades of odometers rolling, the Joel Plaskett Emergency remains a Nova Scotia band whose joyful energy has rocked the corners of Canada, from Newfoundland and Labrador to Iqaluit and Dawson City. The band returns to select festival stages this summer. Joel Plaskett Emergency LIVE this summer July 9 - Sydney, NS - Makin' Waves at Wentworth Park July 17 - Woodstock, NB - Dooryard Arts Festival July 25 - Fredericton, NB - New Brunswick Highland Games August 1 - New Glasgow, NS - New Glasgow Riverfront Jubilee August 20 - Hubbards, NS - Shore Club on the Cove August 21 - Hubbards, NS - Shore Club on the Cove - SOLD OUT August 22 - Hubbards, NS - Shore Club on the Cove - SOLD OUT Visit https://joelplaskett.com/ for more details.
#136
May 30 · 4 min
Dallas Smith chats with SWOMP before closing out Day #1 of Meadows 2026
Canadian country artist Dallas Smith closed out the opening day of Meadows Music Festival 2026 in Fergus, Ontario on Friday, May 29. An hour before Smith and his band took the main stage, SWOMP sat with him backstage for an interview. During his set, Smith was constantly engaging with the crowd, handing out picks to young fans who were sitting on their parents shoulders, many attending their very first concert. Smith has a number of shows scheduled throughout the summer, including on July 16, 2026 at the Grace Hartman Amphitheater. Grab you tickets, here. Smith has a track record of noteworthy success - from front man of Platinum-selling rock band Default to 3x consecutive CCMA Entertainer of the Year. Across his storied career, the bona fide hitmaker has amassed 21 Gold-certified singles, nine Platinum-certified singles, and four Gold-certified albums, with more than 640 million global streams and over two million album equivalents to date. Follow him at https://dallassmithmusic.com/.
#135
May 11 · 15 min
The Glorious Sons' Brett Emmons discusses new 'John Shambles' solo project
Brett Emmons is stepping into more personal territory with Cabin Fever, the new album from his solo project John Shambles. Released April 30, the album sees the The Glorious Sons frontman move away from the band’s arena-ready rock sound in favour of something looser and more stripped down, blending folk, garage rock and lo-fi alternative influences. Songs like “Fool In The Woods,” “Landmines,” “Try Not To Freak Out” and “New Friends” lean into raw, unpolished songwriting while exploring anxiety, isolation and self-reflection. In a recent interview with SWOMP, Emmons dove into the inspiration behind the project. John Shambles has continued building momentum with recent live shows, including a sold-out performance at Mod Club in Toronto. SWOMP also caught Emmons during his May 9, 2026 show at London Music Hall. More details at https://www.johnshambles.co/.
#134
May 9 · 14 min
Filmmaker & singer discuss legacy of Filipino rock icons in 'Eraserheads: Combo on the Run'
A new documentary chronicling one of the most influential bands in Filipino music has hit theatres across North America . “Eraserheads: Combo on the Run,” directed by Filipino-American filmmaker Maria Diane Ventura, opened April 24, offering an intimate look at the rise, breakup and reunion of the Eraserheads, a band often described as the “Beatles of the Philippines.” The 102-minute film blends concert-scale storytelling with a closer examination of the personal dynamics between band members Ely Buendia, Raimund Marasigan, Buddy Zabala and Marcus Adoro. It centres on the group’s cultural impact and their 2022 reunion concert, “Huling El Bimbo,” which drew massive audiences and briefly united a politically divided country. SWOMP caught up with Buendia and Ventura for an interview. Ventura said the project goes beyond music, aiming to capture a broader portrait of Filipino identity during a time of social and political change. “Combo on the Run is not just a documentary about an iconic band,” she said in a statement. “It is a celebration of their journey, their music, and their role in shaping the cultural fabric of the Philippines.” The film positions the band’s story alongside the evolving national landscape, drawing parallels between their internal struggles and a society grappling with division and uncertainty. Formed in 1989 in Quezon City, the Eraserheads rose to prominence in the 1990s with albums such as “Ultraelectromagneticpop!,” “Circus” and “Cutterpillow,” helping define the sound of modern Filipino rock. Their influence has endured decades after their 2001 breakup, with their music continuing to reach global audiences through streaming platforms. Ventura, who has worked across music and film industries in Los Angeles and Berlin, said the documentary also reflects themes of communication and reconciliation. “At its heart, this film is about connection,” she said. “It reflects what happens when people struggle to express themselves, and how difficult yet necessary it is to find a way back to one another.” Produced by Mano Y Mano, Offshore Music and Voyage Studios, the film features a mix of archival footage, behind-the-scenes access and interviews, offering both longtime fans and new audiences insight into the band’s legacy. “Eraserheads: Combo on the Run” started screening in select theatres across North America on April 24. More details are available at https://eraserheadsfilm.com/.

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