My dad once told me that he thought music figured large in all young people’s lives. He asked me, “Why is it that music is so important to you when you’re young, but loses importance as you grow older?” I don’t know if his theory is universally true—I know many adults who value music greatly—but I have a half-baked answer to his question: comfort. We listen to music when we’re sad and in need of melodious sympathy. We listen to music to find support, even in our happy moments. It’s there to snuggle us to bed, wake us up, and provide atmospheric reinforcement to parties and gatherings. We all need comfort from time to time, but perhaps young people need it more than others.
Below is a list of my favourite songs by Canadian artists to bring you comfort this Fall. Next time you need musical support, head to your Spotify app and open up this playlist.
Ruby Waters – Last Cigarette
Ontario-born, Métis artist Ruby Waters is an essential on any Canadian playlist. With vocals that are a gift to any listener, “Last Cigarette” will keep you warm this Autumn.
Tange – I Love Him So Much
Fall in love with the mellow tunes and chill vibes of this Toronto band.
HMLT – Roses & Cigarettes
Musical collective HMLT (pronounced “hamlet”) provides the perfect backdrop for studying and relaxing alike.
Desiire – Light Down Low
This Congo-born, Toronto-based artist is a shining star. Enjoy “Light Down Low” late at night with a vodka tonic (or two).
Luna Li – Trying
Luna Li is a glittering gem with songs that lift listeners out of this world and into heavenly, paradisiacal realms.
Lydia Képinski – Premier juin
Québécoise musician Lydia Képinski will bring you joy as the weather changes. “Premier juin” is ideal for pretending you’re the star of an indie music video as you walk down St. George street.
Erez Zobary – Love Me
ErezZobary wraps listeners in a warm blanket with her rich vocals and vulnerable lyrics.
Quantum Tangle – Tiny Hands – Reimagined
This Juno Award-winning duo reimagines their song “Tiny Hands” with darker hues and added warmth. With music drawing on Inuit throat singing, oral storytelling, blues, and folk, both the original and reimagined version are treasures.
Joyia – Come Down
Joyia’s “Come Down” offers the best grooves to play while drinking your essential morning coffee.
Clairmont The Second – Gheeze
Go out with a bang. Listen to this track from Clairmont The Second’s Juno-nominated album Lil Mont from the Ave to find comfort in all your late-night jams.
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