The Wire Megazine Concert Blog: 2026

Asthma Kids Release Abbey Road-Mixed "The People United and Strong," The Punk Rallying Cry To Tax Billionaires

KAWARTHA LAKES, ON. Asthma Kids are angry. They have always been angry. But on their ferocious new single “The People United and Strong,” that anger has been alchemised into something even more dangerous: hope. This is not a soft pivot. This is a band that has looked at billionaires hoarding the planet’s resources, looked at the boot on the neck of the working class, looked at a world on fire, and decided that the most radical thing they can do right now is demand that we stand together. “The union united and strong / the people united and strong / all the genders united and strong / the poor united and strong.” Go ahead and try to get that out of your head.

The song was born in the studio on the day Trevor Hutchinson became a grandfather. His twenty-year-old daughter gave birth while the band were mid-session, and that eruption of new life cracked something open in the writing. “We had a musical structure and I was working on lyrics that matched the anger of our recent releases,” Hutchinson says. “But that life news got me to frame our message in a positive light that promotes unity.” Make no mistake, the fury is still there and fully intact. “I’m still beyond angry,” he adds. “It’s time for us to tax billionaires out of existence and end the psychopathic distribution of wealth. But that is going to take unity, harmony and love.” A grandchild entered the world. A punk anthem came out with him.

The lyrics do not flinch. “The rich are getting richer, the poor are getting poorer / Now I know what I’m fighting for” sits alongside “I believe in welfare, but I prefer taxes / Or any other measure that evens out the classes.” This is not protest music that hedges. Asthma Kids, composed of Trevor Hutchinson and JP Gill, have never heard a genre they won’t gleefully subvert, repurpose, and rebuild from the wreckage, and “The People United and Strong” is a punk earworm that refuses to stay inside any lines at all. They are famously genre-agnostic, stating plainly that they leave labels for soup cans. Adjacent to punk, freak folk, country, and power pop, they are ultimately something else altogether: seemingly nice neighbours living next door to musical convention, until they burn down every house on the street.

The production matches the ambition. Hutchinson produced the track himself at Jack Cade Studios in Lindsay, Ontario. Adam Haggart mixed it at the Reverie Recording Studio in Peterborough. Then it went to Abbey Road in London, where mastering engineer Alex Wharton put the finishing edge on it. A punk song about taxing billionaires out of existence, mastered at the most storied studio on the planet. That is exactly the kind of move Asthma Kids make.

The single arrives on the heels of their 2025 EP ‘The Meek Are Getting Ready,’ named one of the best EPs of 2025 by PunkNews.org and distributed via Dammit Distro across the EU and UK, and 2 Bar Town Records across North America. The track has already been added to both WARM and Earshot. A summer tour launches in Toronto in late August and pushes westward from there. Asthma Kids are not waiting for permission to be heard, and they are not asking nicely. The people are united. The people are strong. The song says so.

Desiree Dorion Releases 8th Studio Album "Pieces of Me"

JUNO-nominated Indigenous singer-songwriter Desiree Dorion is entering a defining new chapter with the upcoming release of her eighth studio album, Pieces of Me, arriving May 15, 2026.

More than an artist, Desiree is a powerful, multi-dimensional voice whose story resonates far beyond music. A lawyer, mother, and active member of the Indigenous Music Office, Dorion brings a rare depth of perspective to every conversation, making her an engaging.

A seven-time Manitoba Country Music Award winner and a familiar face across national platforms like CTV, CBC, and SiriusXM, who recently performed at the Winnipeg Jets WASAC Night, Dorion continues to build momentum across the country. Her brand new, fully self-produced project marks a bold evolution, featuring over 70% Indigenous collaborators and showcasing her most intentional, self-directed work to date, while reinforcing her role as both a musical force and a community leader in the province and across Canada.

The songs on the album span from country and americana to tracks with roots and rock sensibilities. A collection of songs that didn't quite fit on Dorion's most recent albums, singles from the project have already achieved chart-topping success - single Red Wine hit #1 on the Indigenous Music Countdown, and national acclaim.

Whether speaking about balancing career and family, breaking barriers in the music industry, or creating with purpose, she offers thoughtful, real-world insight delivered with warmth and authenticity, making for compelling, feel-good, and meaningful discussions.

JUNO Nominated Roots/Americana Artist, Desiree Dorion, Announces Self-Produced Eighth Studio Album, Pieces of Me

Featuring over 70% Indigenous collaborators, the album marks a powerful statement of representation, intention, creative freedom and self-trust, reflecting the creative facets of Dorion’s artistry

“... A woman of many titles, JUNO-nominated musician only scraping the surface".

- Roots Music Canada

Featured on SiriusXM, eTalk, The Morning Show, and more!

Release Date: Friday, May 15 2026

Winnipeg, MB – April 30, 2026 – JUNO-nominated singer-songwriter Desiree Dorion announces her eighth studio album, Pieces of Me, her first fully self-produced, genre-spanning project, set for release on Friday, May 15 2026.

A collection of songs that didn't quite fit with previous releases but carried too much significance to be shelved, Desiree Dorion's eighth studio album, Pieces of Me, finds the artist refusing to leave any part of herself behind. Moving freely between style, influence, and genre, Dorion's latest album embraces the entirety of her artistic scope, free from the confines of expectations while embracing self-directed challenges for continued growth as an artist. Self-producing the project and intentionally seeking out Indigenous musicians to collaborate with, Dorion embraces a new level of creative autonomy, shaping not only the sound of the record, but the values behind it, with intention, representation, and purpose at the forefront On Pieces of Me, stripped-back storytelling sits alongside radio-friendly moments, creating a body of work that feels both cohesive and unrestricted, from an artist who continues to challenge herself and the industry standard.

A powerful and consistent presence across leading media platforms, Dorion has received multiple features on CTV, Global News, The Morning Show, Breakfast Television, eTalk, and CBC Radio, alongside continued support from SiriusXM and radio nationwide. Her music has charted on the Canadian Country Top 100 (TRAX), with multiple #1s on the Indigenous Music Countdown, while her catalogue continues to steadily grow, surpassing 500,000 streams across platforms. A JUNO nominee and seven-time Manitoba Country Music Award winner, Dorion has also been recognized by the Indigenous Music Awards and the Western Canadian Music Awards. In 2026, Dorion was a featured performer at the Winnipeg Jets WASAC night for a crowd of over 15,000. Beyond the stage, Dorion is a mother, lawyer, and committed advocate for Indigenous communities, having hosted the Canadian Country Music Association’s Indigenous-focused Achimotak series and currently serving as an ambassador for the Downie Wenjack Foundation. With a career defined by both impact and intention, she continues to expand her reach while staying grounded in purpose.

With Pieces of Me, Dorion made a decision that reshaped how the album came together from the ground up. For the first time in her career she took a seat in the producer's chair, where she navigated the technical and creative demands of production. Requiring a deeper level of focus and detail than ever before, sharing “you don’t realize how many layers there are until you’re responsible for all of them.But it changed how I hear music and how I trust my own decisions.” That shift in control also informed who she chose to bring into the creative process. The album features a 70% Indigenous team of musicians and contributors, reflecting a conscious effort to align her work with her values. In an industry where both female producers and Indigenous talent remain underrepresented, Pieces of Me quietly challenges those norms through action rather than statement. Sonically, the album’s seven tracks expand on Dorion’s foundation in Country, incorporating elements that pull from her new home in Roots/Americana and alternative textures. Songs move between traditional structures and more fluid arrangements, reinforcing her move away from strict genre expectations and toward a sound that feels more authentic and reflective of her full range as an artist.

Following three previously released singles, the album's lead track, "Landmine," captures the unraveling of a relationship already destined for collapse. With a sense of tension running throughout, the track balances restraint and release, mirroring the emotional push and pull at its core. Guided by Dorion’s vivid and emotionally precise storytelling, the song pulls listeners directly into the fragile in-between of knowing the end is near, but refusing to acknowledge the reality.

On her first self-produced single, "Let Them", Dorion explores the rock edge of country music in a powerful statement about leaving negative situations behind and staying true to oneself. Released in late 2025, "Red Wine" is an ode to the companion that helped Dorion through the lonely nights of the pandemic. The classic country track reached #1 on the Indigenous Music Countdown, and featured fellow Manitoban artists Catie St. Germain and Diana Desjarlais. On "Daddy's Tattoo", Dorion collaborates with JUNO-nominated Manitoban duo Burnstick, turning an unanswered childhood question about her father's unexplained tattoo into a haunting, story-driven Roots/Americana song. A contrasting moment arrives with “Little Girl,” a melodic, comforting track written as a message to Dorion's younger self. Centered on reassurance and self-worth, the song is an inspiring message to any young girl that their future is bright.

With Pieces of Me, Desiree Dorion delivers a record that expands her creative identity while reinforcing what has always set her apart: a clear voice, a strong point of view, and a commitment to making music that stands on its own terms. At its core, the album reflects a shift in mindset as much as sound. A project grounded in decisive choice: choosing how to create, who to collaborate with, and what stories to tell. Pieces of Me is a project built without compromise, shaped by artistic instinct rather than expectation, by a musical and community leader who remains unafraid to challenge industry standards and carve a path all her own.

“Pieces of Me" will be available everywhere on May 15, 2026

https://www.desireedorion.com/

https://www.instagram.com/desireedorion/?hl=en

https://www.facebook.com/desdorion/

https://x.com/DesireeDorion

https://www.tiktok.com/@thedesireedorion

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZ94Ch4lXDutSpa9J0K4yRg? feature=gws_kp_artist&feature=gws_kp_artist

https://open.spotify.com/artist/55UmkurlIybCNAvlPQGY7l?autoplay=true

Brettyn Rose debut EP, The Wild West, Releases Friday, May 8 2026.

Rising Indigenous country artist, Brettyn Rose is gearing up to release her debut EP, The Wild West, on Friday, May 8 2026.

A 2026 “Artist to Watch” (Front Porch Music), SiriusXM Top of the Country semi-finalist, and recent guest on CBC q with Tom Power and APTN, Rose has been steadily building national momentum ahead of her first full body of work. Rooted in the experiences that shaped her journey into early adulthood, The Wild West captures love, loss, and personal growth through sharp, detail-driven songwriting and a modern country lens.

Rising Country Artist Brettyn Rose Chronicles Love, Loss, and Growth on Debut EP, The Wild West

A coming-of-age project rooted in the experiences of growing into early adulthood, Rose blends sharp storytelling with modern country polish, proving why she is one of Canada’s most compelling emerging voices

Featured on SiriusXM, CBC q, APTN, and more!

Release Date: Friday, May 8 2026

Okotoks, AB – April 30, 2026 – Five Time Country Music Alberta Award Nominee, Brettyn Rose, announces her debut EP, The Wild West, set for release on Friday, May 8, 2026.

On a debut project shaped by the moments that defined her early adulthood, Canadian country artist Brettyn Rose’s The Wild West embraces the full emotional spectrum of her early twenties. With each song unfolding as a chapter in her coming-of-age story, Rose introduces her first body of work with striking clarity and conviction, arriving as an artist fully ready to share both her voice and her vision. Already recognized for her captivating vocals, commanding stage presence, and sharp songwriting instinct, Rose unveils her inaugural project through a collection of songs that are deeply personal, yet widely relatable. Chronicling love, loss, change, and personal growth, The Wild West, pairs detail-driven storytelling with polished, modern country production, marking the arrival of an artist with a clear perspective, and a sound entirely her own.

Prior to releasing any body of work, Rose has built a steady and undeniable presence within Canada’s country music landscape, garnering national recognition as one of the genre’s most promising emerging artists. Named a 2026 “Artist to Watch” by Front Porch Music and a semi-finalist in SiriusXM and the Canadian Country Music Association’s Top of the Country program, Rose continues to gain momentum with a growing list of accolades and industry support. In 2026, she received two Country Music Alberta Award nominations for Horizon Female Artist of the Year and Songwriter(s) of the Year for her single “Wild West,” bringing her career total to five nominations. That same year, Rose was featured on CBC q with Tom Power - one of Canada's leading cultural media outlets. Her music and artistry have earned widespread media attention, while her live performances, including standout appearances at CCMA House and Country Thunder, have further solidified her reputation as a captivating performer.

With The Wild West, Brettyn Rose leans into a period of her life defined by change, letting her experiences guide the direction of the project from the ground up. Written over several years as she moved through her early twenties, the EP captures the unfiltered and deeply personal moments, allowing each song to hold its own weight while contributing to a larger story. Aptly named for the period of her life the project took shape in, The Wild West, chronicles the unknown, adversity, and triumphs in a phase of life we all go through. Her approach required a new level of trust in herself as a songwriter and storyteller, shaping a body of work that feels honest without over-explanation and confident without losing its vulnerability. “These songs are pieces of my life as I was living it. I wasn’t trying to tie everything up neatly, I just wanted to tell the truth in each moment,” says Rose. “Looking back now, I can hear how much I was growing through each song, and that’s what makes this project so special to me.” Sonically, The Wild West expands on Rose’s country foundation with a balance of intimacy and sparkle, moving between stripped-back moments that spotlight her voice and fuller, radio-ready production that brings a sense of momentum and release. Across the EP, the themes of love, loss, family, and self-discovery unfold with clarity and intention, resulting in a debut body of work that unveils itself like chapters in a memoir.

Christian Heckle, Prairie Rose Photography

The focus track, “See It On Her,” stands as the emotional centerpiece of The Wild West, capturing a universal moment of perspective, growth, and quiet clarity. The song reflects on witnessing someone you love step into the relationship they deserve, exploring themes of change and acceptance with a sense of warmth and optimism. Written for her mother after she found a partner who met her with the love and respect she always deserved, the heartfelt track pairs classic country sensibilities with an elevated, modern edge. Saying everything she longed to express to her mother after seeing her happiness, the song reflects the hopes we carry for the people we love.

Across the EP's six tracks, Rose effortlessly moves between emotional depth and energetic fun. The title track, “Wild West,” captures a defining shift in confidence and identity, anchoring the project in the uncertainty and resilience that shaped her early twenties. “That Ain’t You” confronts the emotional aftermath of her parents’ separation with honesty and control, while “Even Your Mama” introduces a more playful, confident, and self-assured edge. With “Leavin’ On My Lips,” she leans into a light-hearted, feel-good expression of love, pairing conversational verses with a soaring, radio-ready chorus that highlights her vocal strength and natural melodic instinct. A grounding moment arrives with closing track “When I Stop Loving You,” a personal reflection on unwavering commitment written during a period of personal hardship. Together, the songs flow seamlessly between vulnerability and release, showcasing the talents of an artist with vast emotional and creative range with a clear, confident point of view.

With The Wild West, Brettyn Rose delivers a debut that captures the defining moments of her early twenties with clarity, range, and control. Moving through love, loss, family, and self-discovery, the EP is anchored by emotional depth, sharp songwriting, and a voice that holds attention from start to finish. Each track stands on its own while contributing to a larger, cohesive story, resulting in a body of work that stands as a relatable, personal take on the universal experience of coming-of-age. Filled with emotional depth, clever songwriting, and skillful vocals, The Wild West is a confident first statement from an artist who understands her strengths and knows exactly how to use them.

“The Wild West" will be available everywhere on May 8, 2026

Connect with Brettyn Rose:

https://www.brettynrose.com

https://www.facebook.com/brettynrosemusic/

https://www.instagram.com/brettynrose/?hl=en

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtDUjjpiCTQ9vpBpOXd_nIg

https://open.spotify.com/artist/6nWt7zuZMhRyN0ZTx47dVn

https://www.tiktok.com/@brettynrose?lang=en

Olivia Penalva New Single “Code Blue” - May 1 2026

Photo Credits to Lee Watkins

Billboard-charting Canadian pop artist and 2x iHeartRadio Future Star, Olivia Penalva, is returning with a powerful new single, “Code Blue,” arriving May 1. Recently featured on Vancouver's MOVE 103.5 and with multiple Top 20 radio hits to her name, Penalva’s music has amassed over 620 million global streams, positioning her as one of Canada’s most compelling pop voices today.

Her latest release taps into the emotional aftermath of heartbreak, moving beyond the initial pain into the disorienting process of rediscovering identity after giving too much of oneself to someone else. Cinematic, vulnerable, and vocally striking, “Code Blue” continues the narrative thread of her recent single “Distance Makes A Love Story,” offering a relatable and timely moment for listeners

Billboard Charting Canadian Pop Artist Olivia Penalva Confronts Identity After Heartbreak on Cinematic New Single “Code Blue”

Recently featured on Vancouver's Move 103.5, the 2x iHeartRadio Future Star recipient, Olivia Penalva, highlights the desperation of self-rediscovery after heartbreak on latest single

Release Date: Friday, May 1, 2026

Acclaimed Canadian pop singer-songwriter Olivia Penalva continues to solidify her place as one of the country’s most compelling voices in contemporary pop, returning with her second single of 2026, titled “Code Blue,” out May 1, 2026. As her music continues to climb beyond 620 million global streams, garnering more than 17 million YouTube views, and appearances on Billboard’s Hot 100 and Canada’s Emerging Artist Chart, Penalva's emotionally rich, cinematic sound and clever writing style continues to engage and grow her global fanbase. After first breaking through at just 13 with her holiday single “Christmas for Two,” she has gone on to achieve consistent multi-format radio success, including her breakout hit “Love Me” charting at #17 on CHR Mediabase, #22 on Hot AC, and #23 on AC, alongside a YouTube Music Trending Artist on the Rise feature and inclusion in Virgin Radio’s #WomensHistoryMonth campaign. Her follow-up single “Ex’s” further cemented her momentum, reaching the Top 20 at CHR and Hot AC in Canada and breaking into the Top 50 on U.S. mainstream pop radio, while earning two iHeartRadio Future Star nods and additional Top 40 charting with “Skyline (The Madlucky Remix).” Most recently, her first single of the year "Distance Makes A Love Story" Penalva was featured on MOVE 103.5 Vancouver, continuing to expand her national radio presence. Pairing personal storytelling with undeniable pop sensibility, Penalva creates music that resonates widely while leaving space for listeners to see themselves within it.

“Code Blue” captures the emotional aftermath of giving too much of oneself to love. A self-reflective moment of identity loss and reckoning in the wake of heartbreak, the track continues the narrative thread of her previous release and will be available everywhere on Friday, May 1 2026.

by Lee Watkins

About "Code Blue”:
Leaning into emotional fallout and raw self-confrontation, “Code Blue” is a reflection of the disorienting aftermath of love, past the initial heartbreak to where the deeper question of identity remains. A clever continuation of the narrative thread that runs through her album Spiderwebs and previous 2026 single, "Distance Makes A Love Story", the track focuses on the moment that reveals how much of oneself was lost in loving someone else, alongside facing a changing reality as new beginnings emerge. Framed as an “emotional code blue,” Penalva's skilled songwriting vulnerably captures the universal response to rejection, balancing frustration, clarity, and reluctant acceptance as anyone confronts the question: who am I now? Sonically and lyrically, the song builds toward a standout, cinematic bridge where the desperation peaks, echoing a plea to be pulled back to life, not from heartbreak, but from the loss of oneself. With layered harmonies and and an enveloping atmospheric pull, the track highlights Penalva's distinct writing style and exceptional vocals. Out May 1, 2026, “Code Blue” marks a pivotal moment in Penalva’s storytelling, channeling the chaos of personal reckoning into a relatable and ultimately self-affirming chapter.
Quote: “‘Code Blue’ is about that moment after heartbreak where the pain fades, but you’re left questioning who you are without that person. It’s an emotional reset where you realize just how much of yourself you gave away, and work to figure out how to take it back.”- Olivia Penalva
Olivia Penalva Biography
Olivia Penalva is a Canadian pop singer-songwriter known for her ethereal vocals, emotionally rich melodies, and introspective storytelling. Her music has been described as a weighted blanket for the soul: soothing, immersive, and deeply resonant, blending intimate lyrics with lush, cinematic production. Earning a Top 20 spot on Canadian radio for singles “Love Me”, her follow up single “Ex’s” also reached the Top 20 on both CHR and Hot AC radio in Canada. The song also marked Olivia’s first foray into US radio, with a Top 50 spot on mainstream pop radio. With over 620 million worldwide streams and more than 17 million YouTube views, Olivia has built a dedicated global fanbase drawn to her evocative storytelling and emotional honesty.

Inspired by artists like Sara Bareilles, Maggie Rogers, and Lennon Stella, Olivia creates songs that sit at the intersection of vulnerability and strength, offering both comfort and catharsis. Her latest album, Spiderwebs, showcases her signature dreamy pop sound and explores themes of self-discovery, love, and resilience. The project has received widespread recognition, with features in eTalk, Billboard Canada, Cashbox Canada, Buzz Music USA, and Canadian Beats, further establishing Olivia as a compelling and relatable voice in pop music.

Beyond the studio, she thrives in live performance, creating personal and powerful moments with audiences. With new music on the horizon, Olivia continues to evolve artistically, inviting listeners to follow along as her journey and sound unfolds.

Connect with Olivia Penalva:
https://www.oliviapenalva.com/
https://www.facebook.com/OliviaMusicLive/
https://www.instagram.com/oliviapenalva/
https://www.youtube.com/c/OliviaPenalva
https://open.spotify.com/artist/6ytGxUYeXamODJwiXuZvjO
https://www.tiktok.com/@oliviapenalva?lang=en
https://x.com/Oliviamusiclive
https://soundcloud.com/oliviapenalva