After appearing at the inaugural SXSW Sydney Festival, Canadian quartet Hotel Mira recently released their new album 'I Am Not Myself'.
Three years removed from their breakthrough record, 'Perfectionism', that saw the group led by vocalist Charlie Kerr embark on their biggest tours to date, the writing of 'I Am Not Myself' took place as Kerr split his time between Vancouver and his adopted home of Los Angeles.While Kerr admits his anxieties over the move bled into his lyrics, he soon realised 'I Am Not Myself' was a mix of autobiography and tragi-comic character portraits that reflected a profound loss of self, with the concept of 'identity' becoming the connective thread between the album's 12 tracks.
"I think that there is value to expressing unsavoury things about oneself, and peeling away shame," shares Charlie.
"If this music has a purpose, I think it's to show people how engulfed by shame we are, and how universal that is to the human experience. By pinpointing my own, hopefully people are more forgiving of theirs."
Here, Charlie shares five Canadian artists-bands you should check out/ add to your next playlist.
Kylie V
One of the greatest singers and musicians I have ever met. I try to bring them up whenever possible in the music press. They are destined for absolute greatness. Keep an eye on them. And as far as I can tell, even though they opened for Men I Trust and are being covered by Crywank, they are just getting started.The OBGMs
The aggression, passion and swagger in every song they write and perform is undeniable. To me, they are truly punk-rock. If you like Idles and PUP, you're gonna love The OBGMs.Fake Shark
A band that we have been fans and friends of since I can remember. Chameleons of multiple genres, but always keeping it interesting, we are proud to call them our labelmates.Devours
"Holy sh.t why isn't Devours more famous?!" is a thought I have on a pretty regular basis. Unapologetically and triumphantly queer, joyful, and strange, and perfectly executed pop music with lyrics I am obsessed with.With a live show and presence that reminds me of a circus strongman getting possessed by Freddie Mercury and Kylie Minogue. A powerhouse being from another planet sent here in fetish gear for intergalactic dance parties. Wholly original and destined to be massive.
Dust Cwaine and the Riverchildren
Part drag performer part singer-songwriter, part pop star, part tarot card mystic. Dust and their band opened for us not long ago and we were spellbound.Everything they release seems to top the last thing and they make a point of having their activism be a key role in everything they do, which I respect and admire a great deal. Dust is a mastermind in the same way that I feel Lana Del Rey is a mastermind. Pay attention.
