JUNO Nominated Singer-Songwriter, Desiree Dorion, Announces New Studio Album, New Single Collaboration with JUNO Nominated Manitoba Duo, Burnstick, “Daddy’s Tattoo”
The final single before the release of Dorion’s eighth studio album, Pieces of Me, this April, “Daddy’s Tattoo” puts Dorion’s creative storytelling and love of collaboration on full display.
Release Date: Friday, February 13, 2026
Announcing her eighth studio album, Pieces of Me, set for release this April, JUNO-nominated singer-songwriter Desiree Dorion returns with a brand new collaborative single, “Daddy’s Tattoo,” featuring fellow JUNO nominees and fellow Manitobans, Burnstick. Dorion’s songwriting has earned widespread national recognition, with appearances across major television platforms and consistent support from CBC Radio, SiriusXM, and campus and community radio nationwide, where her 2024 album, Remember Your Name, charted for 11 weeks and reached multiple #1 positions. Her music has also charted on the Canadian Country Top 100 (TRAX) and topped the Indigenous Music Countdown, reinforcing her status as a leading voice in Country and Roots music. A seven-time Manitoba Country Music Award winner with fourteen career nominations as of November 2025, Dorion has surpassed 500,000 streams, while her album That’s How I Know debuted at #3 on iTunes Canada. In January 2026, Dorion was a featured performer with the NHL's Winnipeg Jets during their annual WASAC night - an in-game fundraising initiative that supports countless youth through sport, culture, and recreation. Outside of music, Dorion balances life as a mother and lawyer while remaining committed to advocacy and mentorship, contributing to national conversations on Indigenous representation in music, serving as a member of the newly created Indigenous Music Office, a Downie Wenjack Foundation ambassador, participating in CCMA initiatives, and supporting emerging artists through the National Music Centre’s OHSOTO’KINO Music Incubator Program.
Dorion's new single, "Daddy's Tattoo", continues her steady rise as one of the most resonant storytellers in Canadian music. Centered on an imaginative story about Dorion's lifelong curiosity about her father's tattoo, the track will be available everywhere on Friday, February 13 2026.
About "Daddy’s Tattoo”:
Blending imagination with quiet family mystery, “Daddy’s Tattoo” sees Desiree Dorion turning an unanswered childhood question into a haunting, story-driven Roots/Americana song. Inspired by a tattoo her father never explained and later covered up entirely, the track explores the spaces between truth and imagination, where silence invites invention. With no choice but to move on from chasing a definitive backstory, Dorion leans into the freedom of songwriting, crafting her own narrative by transforming curiosity into art. "Daddy's Tattoo" took shape alongside fellow Manitoban artists, JUNO nominated duo, Burnstick, who contributed their signature layered harmonies and rich instrumentation that elevated the track into something darker, fuller, and more cinematic. Their contributions push “Daddy’s Tattoo” into new territory, amplifying its sense of longing and momentum. Haunting and propulsive, the song stands as both a tribute to unanswered stories and a reflection of Dorion’s belief in collaboration, imagination, and the transformative power of trusting the right voices to carry a song forward.
“My dad had a rough-looking tattoo he never talked about, and even after it was covered up, I never learned its story. So, I made up my own.That’s the beauty of songwriting: using imagination to create and share stories people can connect with.” - Desiree Dorion
Desiree Dorion grew up a mile and a half from the grounds of Dauphin's Countryfest - the longest country music festival in Canada. As a little girl, she would ride her bike to the festival site, when it wasn't on, climb up onto the stage, and pretend to play to thousands of fans that come to watch big country music acts. In 2014, her dream of playing the MainStage came true when she shared the stage with The Band Perry.
The JUNO Nominee has had multiple songs chart in the Top 100 on the Canadian Country music charts, along with numerous songs reaching the top spot on the Indigenous Music Countdown. She released her seventh studio album, "Remember Your Name," on September 20th, 2024, which peaked at #9 on iTunes Canada in its first week of release and has amassed over 100,000 global streams to date. The album also charted in the Top 10 on the national Earshot charts across all genres and #3 in the folk/roots/blues category. Desiree is a proud member of the Opaskwayak Cree Nation. She serves as a Board member of the Indigenous Music Office and is an artist ambassador for the Donnie Wenjack Foundation.
Connect with Desiree Dorion
https://www.desireedorion.com/
https://www.facebook.com/desdorion/
https://www.instagram.com/desireedorion https://www.youtube.com/desireedorion https://open.spotify.com/artist/55UmkurlIybCNAvlPQGY7l?si=2iCUxTSSQcOInlZQn7geIg&nd=1&dlsi=01657f310a0c4878 https://www.tiktok.com/@thedesireedorion
Secondhand Dreamcar, has earned its first-ever JUNO nomination
Canadian soul/roots/funk powerhouse collective, Secondhand Dreamcar, has earned its first-ever JUNO nomination in the Blues Album of the Year category for their debut album, Answer the Call!
The nine-piece ensemble stands out as the only fully independent nominee and the only first-time nominee in the category this year. In addition, the group was recently nominated for three Canadian Blues Music Awards.
CANADIAN GROUP SECONDHAND DREAMCAR RECEIVES FIRST TIME JUNO NOMINATION IN BLUES ALBUM OF THE YEAR FOR DEBUT ALBUM “ANSWER THE CALL”
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WATCH “THE MEANING”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qlky_VG4IPA&feature=youtu.be
This is just the debut album from Edmonton’s Secondhand Dreamcar, but you sure as hell wouldn’t know it by listening. - Roots Music Canada
Edmonton, AB (February 9 2026) - Canadian soul/roots/funk powerhouse collective, Secondhand Dreamcar, has earned their first-ever JUNO nomination in the Blues Album of the Year category for their debut album Answer the Call. The nine-piece ensemble stands out as the only fully independent nominee and the only first-time nominee in the category this year. In addition, the group was recently nominated for three Canadian Blues Music Awards.
The remarkable Edmonton-based group is fronted by Canadian Folk Music Award nominee Dana Wylie (vocals, keys), alongside Harry Gregg (bass), Jamie Cooper (drums), Kyle Mosiuk (guitar, vocals), Chad Murphy (guitar, vocals), Rooster Davis (Hammond organ), Dave Babcock (saxophone), Bob Tildesley (trumpet), and Peter Filice (trombone). Formed from a collective of seasoned players, the band unites decades of experience into a deeply soulful, genre-blending sound rooted in blues, soul, funk, and roots music.
Their show-stopping music is deeply grounded in the traditions of classic soul, blues, and roots genres, routinely drawing comparisons to the rich, harmony-driven soul-rock of Three Dog Night and the expansive, groove-heavy blues energy of the Tedeschi Trucks Band. With gospel-tinged vocal phrasing, Memphis-style horn textures, and the deep rhythmic ethos of vintage R&B revues, Secondhand Dreamcar brings the spirit of classic ensemble-driven music, delivering it with a modern flare. At the centre, Dana Wylie’s commanding, emotionally charged vocals evoke the soulful authority, expressive depth, and magnetic presence of Susan Tedeschi, blending grit, warmth, and vulnerability.
About 2026 JUNO Nominated Album, Answer The Call Released in October 2024, Secondhand Dreamcar’s explosive debut album Answer the Call quickly gained national attention for its bold horn arrangements, deep-pocket grooves, and emotionally resonant songwriting. The record highlights the band’s exceptional ability to blend relatable storytelling with powerhouse musicianship, pairing Wylie’s dynamic vocal performance with a tight, groove-driven rhythm section and a blazing three-piece horn line. The album received strong support on CKUA Radio, landing at #6 on their Top 100 Albums of 2024 list, and became a standout on the national music radar, fuelling multiple sold-out performances, festival buzz, and cementing the group’s reputation as a must-see live act. Their songs explore resilience, connection, and personal reckoning, wrapped in arrangements that offer a nod to classic soul and blues ensembles while maintaining a fresh contemporary edge. With Answer the Call now earning national recognition through their 2026 JUNO nomination, the band is emerging as one of Canada’s most exciting new forces in roots and blues, a group whose live power and studio craft are equally undeniable. |
About Secondhand Dreamcar:
Secondhand Dreamcar is an explosive soul/roots/blues band based in Edmonton, Alberta. The nine-piece superband is a consummate constellation of veterans in Canadian music who have worked on some of the finest jazz, funk, folk, soul, and blues projects ever created in Alberta.
Collectively, they craft a distinct, funky, and lyrically-driven sound that journalist and programmer Peter North has deemed “the most exciting thing to come out of the city since k.d. lang and the Reclines”. One of CKUA radio’s favourite acts, Secondhand Dreamcar saw their debut album Answer The Call reach #6 on the station's Top 100 albums of 2024.
The band is also a dynamite live act, having cut its teeth as an ensemble in a 9-month residency at Edmonton’s legendary Blues on Whyte club, fostering an ever-growing following of devotees who won't miss a show, as evidenced by their second annual two-night sell-out of the Yardbird Suite in April 2025. Following two successful summer festival circuits in 2024 and 2025, punctuated by performances at the Edmonton Folk Music Festival, Bear Creek Music Festival, and a rousing standing ovation in the middle of a Sunday afternoon at the Edmonton Blues Festival, Secondhand Dreamcar will be returning to the road in 2026 with a new album planned for the fall.
Secondhand Dreamcar Live:
February 27 2026 - Grand Prairie, AB - Bear Creek Sponsor Appreciation Gala
April 18 2026 - Calgary, AB - Ironwood
April 19 2026 - Edmonton, AB - Winspear Centre
April 20 2026 - Lloydminster, AB - Vic Juba Theatre
The 55th Annual JUNO Awards will take place on March 29 2025 at the TD Coliseum in Hamilton, Canada.
Connect with Secondhand Dreamcar:
https://secondhanddreamcar.com/
'The Beautiful Can Get Away With Murder' by Astrid Young
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Supergroup Wrecking Room Unleased on Jan 23 2026 Their Newest Hit 'Wrecking Room' Featuring Lukas Rossi.
Amanda Keeles, is back with the first single off her upcoming sophomore album, titled “Leads Me To You” (Out January 16 2026).
Award-winning Canadian Country artist, Amanda Keeles, is back with the first single off her upcoming sophomore album, titled “Leads Me To You” (Out January 16 2026). It's a confident, full-throttle Country-Rock anthem about what it means to chase love, purpose, and passion without hesitation.
Watch/Listen - Leads Me To You - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TyZHg9sPCNc
After decades in a successful career in finance, Amanda boldly walked away and bet on herself creatively, with a leap that quickly paid off. Her debut album Can’t Stop Me Now surpassed 600,000 streams, earned national media attention from outlets like CTV, SiriusXM, Billboard Canada, and Global News, and fueled a two-year national touring run that took her to iconic stages like El Mocambo and TD Music Hall. In 2025, she was recognized as Country Artist of the Year at the Forest City London Music Awards, cementing her place as a standout voice in Canadian country.
Amanda is particularly engaging: she speaks candidly about reinvention, creative risk, and building momentum later in life, while balancing sharp industry insight with warmth, humour, and authenticity.
Award-Winning Country Artist, Amanda Keeles, Shares First Single From Upcoming Sophomore Album “Leads Me To You”
Following a standout 2025, Keeles returns with a confident, full-throttle Country-Rock anthem setting the tone for her bold new chapter.
“With a growing fan base and an unstoppable work ethic, Amanda Keeles is proving that she is here to stay.” - Front Porch Music
“Keeles’ voice is a force of nature - bright, strong, and refreshingly authentic." - Blast Toronto
Watch: Leads Me To You
Release Date: January 16 2025
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Multi-award-winning Canadian Country artist Amanda Keeles has quickly established herself as a Canadian country artist to watch. Brought to life by her soaring, smooth vocals, Keeles’ relatable lyricism and high-powered performances led to a year long, successful debut album and national tour, with the release of “Can’t Stop Me Now” in 2024, a project she boldly released after stepping away from her decades long professional career in finance. Now sitting at 600,000 streams, the album received support from some of Canada’s largest media outlets including CTV National, CP24, SiriusXM, Billboard Canada and Global News, her music hit the Canadian airwaves with support from SiriusXM Canada’s Top of the Country, iHeartRadio, SiriusXM Canada Talks, and the Canadian Country Indie Top 100 - all within her first year as an artist.Her music videos have premiered at prestigious film festivals across North America, including the Toronto Independent Film Festival where she was awarded “Best Music Video”, the Los Angeles Film Awards, and more. In 2025, Keeles was awarded “Country Artist of the Year” at the Forest City London Music Awards, and performed at some of Canada’s most iconic venues, including the El Mocambo and TD Music Hall.
As she gears up to release her sophomore album in the Fall of 2026, Keeles is announcing her first single from the project titled “Leads Me To You”, an uplifting Country-Rock anthem that captures the feeling of running headfirst into love, set for release on January 16 2025.
About "Leads Me To You":
Capturing the exhilarating rush of falling headfirst into a love that feels unstoppable, Amanda Keeles’ “Leads Me To You” is an upbeat, classic Country-Rock anthem about surrendering to that feeling without fear or hesitation. Built on Keeles signature dedication to rhythmic foundation, “Leads Me To You” pairs soaring melodies with a driving drumbeat and electrifying instrumentation that sonically mirrors the exciting feeling of falling in love. Produced by Johnny Gasparic (Gord Bamford, The Road Hammers), the track features an all-star lineup of musicians including Russell Broom (Jann Arden) on guitar, Justin Kudding (Brett Kissel) on bass, Brendan Waters on keys, Ben Bradley (Brett Kissel) on drums, and Lisa Dod Watts (Gord Bamford) on harmony vocals. With its bold arrangement, dynamic performances, and captivating sense of motion, “Leads Me To You” sets the confident, full-throttle tone for what’s to come as the first release from Keeles’ upcoming sophomore album. Anchored by the opening lines, “Running to you like the wind on fire / Heart jump-start like a real live wire,” the song delivers a joyful rush of optimism and passion, celebrating the moment when love becomes a force you run toward.
“"Leads Me To You”’ is about unstoppable love, and chasing it with zero hesitation. It’s a fearless call to run towards that love with everything you got!” - Amanda Keeles
Biography:
Amanda Keeles is an award-winning Canadian country singer-songwriter from London, Ontario, celebrated for her powerful vocals, emotional storytelling, and commanding live performances. Awarded Country Artist of the Year at the Forest City London Music Awards, Keeles is also a two-time winner of The Canadian Open Country Songwriting Contest, and two-time Josie Award nominee. Her music has been featured on SiriusXM Canada’s Top of the Country, iHeartRadio, SiriusXM Canada Talks, Billboard Canada, and across major Canadian media including CTV, CTV National, Global News, CP24, and both the Rogers and YouTV Networks.
Decades in the making, her debut album, Can’t Stop Me Now (2024), surpassed 600,000 streams, charted multiple times in the Top 5 of the Canadian Indie Top 100, and fueled a two year-long national tour with stops at TD Music Hall, El Mocambo, and major festivals across Canada. Keeles has earned multiple Best Music Video awards for “Saving Grace” and was selected to open for ACM Award-winning band Parmalee. As she gears up to release her sophomore album in the Fall of 2026, her next single, “Leads Me To You,” will be out January 16, 2026.
Connect with Amanda Keeles:
https://www.instagram.com/amanda_keeles/
https://www.facebook.com/amandakeelesmusic
https://www.youtube.com/@amandakeeles
Song 'Wasted' is a New Release for Canadian Folk Music Award Nominee 19-Year-Old Fiddler Irish Millie.
Canadian Folk Music Award Nominee 19-Year-Old Fiddler IRISH MILLIE Explores Growing Up in "Wasted"
https://www.youtube.com/@IrishMillieFiddleTunes
https://irishmillie.bandcamp.com/
https://www.facebook.com/IrishMillieFiddleTunes/
https://www.instagram.com/irishmilliefiddle/#
https://www.tiktok.com/@irish.millie?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc
TORONTO, ON — Following a string of prestigious accolades, 19-year-old fiddler, singer, and multi-instrumentalist Irish Millie continues her remarkable ascent in the Canadian roots scene with the release of her latest single, "WASTED"
This landmark track serves as a centerpiece of her acclaimed EP 'Between Then and Now', a project that captures the space between two chapters of life and the quiet realization of how much growth happens in the in-between.
Irish Millie enters this new release on a wave of significant professional success. She is currently a seven-time Canadian Folk Music Award nominee, recently earning two 2026 nods for Young Performer of the Year and Single of the Year for her song "You Were There". These honors follow 2025 nominations for Folk Music Ontario’s Performing Artist of the Year and two additional CFMA nods for her previous boundary-pushing album, 'GRACE'.
Written during her first year away from home while moving from Peterborough to Toronto for university, "WASTED" is a tender reflection on the gratitude that comes with growing up and finally understanding the safety of one's foundation. The song explores the universal emotional distance created by independence and the realization that the people who raised us remain our most constant supporters.
The track finds its power in moments of everyday reflection, using familiar images like laundry and packed boxes to ground the feeling of moving on. Millie sings of the restless desire to walk away and start a new story, only to discover that the voices of those back home are the very keys that help when we feel lost. As the song builds, it captures that heavy moment of being alone and "wasted" on the side of the road, anchored by the comforting, timeless promise that love stays steady even when we feel a world away.
Musically, the single moves into a broader sonic landscape by incorporating piano, synth, and drums, allowing the emotion to build slowly alongside the fiddle. Millie recorded and co-produced the track in Toronto with her professor, Aaron Tsang, who provided a formative studio experience centered on restraint and spatial honesty. This collaboration, which features her father, Murray Shadgett, on guitar, highlights a shift away from strictly traditional boundaries toward a more cinematic and experimental storytelling approach.
Currently studying Music Industry and Technology at the University of Toronto, Millie continues to balance a rigorous academic schedule with a bustling international performance career. She has performed for crowds of over 10,000 and has earned praise from Celtic music royalty Natalie MacMaster and Donnell Leahy, who celebrated her "fresh, lively" approach to the genre.
Upcoming Performance Dates:
- January 23, 2026: Market Hall Performing Arts Centre — Peterborough, ON
- February 6, 2026: Brewer's Pantry — Bowmanville, ON
- February 13, 2026: Hibernate Fundraiser, Port Hope United Church — Port Hope, ON
- March 13, 2026: The Spire — Kingston, ON
- April 9-12, 2026: Canadian Folk Music Awards — Calgary, AB
From a university assignment to a celebrated single, "WASTED" captures the exact moment a young artist recognizes the strength of the hands that held her up, showing that we only truly understand where we’re going once we acknowledge where we came from.


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