SWOMP

Olivia Penalva explores self-reflection with new single 'Distance Makes A Love Story'

Canadian pop singer-songwriter Olivia Penalva is back with a new single that blends romance with introspection, offering listeners a layered take on personal growth.
“Distance Makes A Love Story,” released Feb. 13, continues Penalva’s signature approach to emotionally driven, cinematic pop while expanding her sound into new territory. The track follows the themes of her album Spiderwebs, using a romantic narrative to explore the evolving relationship individuals have with themselves.
SWOMP caught up with Penalva to discuss the new track.
“'Distance Makes a Love Story' is about trying to find your way back to a past flame and realizing the distance might be the thing keeping the feeling alive. It captures the tension of reaching out, wondering if what once felt like home will still recognize you. The song lives in that moment between hope and hesitation, where closing the gap could either change everything or confirm what’s already gone,” Penalva said.
The single pairs upbeat pop production with introspective lyrics, incorporating acoustic guitar, piano and layered harmonies alongside unexpected elements like saxophone and a driving drumbeat. The arrangement mirrors the song’s narrative arc, building momentum before pausing in its final moments to reflect on the cost of emotional distance.
Penalva, who first charted on Canadian radio at age 13 with “Christmas for Two,” has since developed an international following, amassing more than 620 million global streams and over 17 million YouTube views. Her breakout single “Love Me” reached No. 17 on CHR Mediabase and charted across multiple formats, while follow-up “Ex’s” earned Top 20 positions on Canadian CHR and Hot AC radio and broke into U.S. mainstream pop radio.
Follow her at https://www.oliviapenalva.com/.
Photo credit: Lee Watkins

Collective Soul on new documentary 'Give Me A Word' + upcoming show in Windsor on March 27

Multi-platinum rock band Collective Soul will bring its 30-plus-year catalogue to Windsor later this month, with a show set for March 27 at The Colosseum at Caesars Windsor.
SWOMP spoke with bassist Will Turpin ahead of the performance, as the band continues touring into 2026 following a busy anniversary run. 
Known for hits including “Shine,” “December” and “The World I Know,” the Atlanta group has sold more than 15 million albums worldwide and earned multiple gold and platinum releases.
The band also released its first documentary, Give Me A Word: The Collective Soul Story, in 2025, offering a behind-the-scenes look at its history and creative process. The film was recorded in part at Elvis Presley’s Palm Springs estate during sessions for their latest album.
Collective Soul’s Windsor stop is part of its ongoing tour, with no slowdown in sight more than three decades into its career.
Follow the band at https://collectivesoul.com/.
Photo credit: Jennifer Troche Walsh

Catie Turner reflects on Innings Festival, new single & music in the works

Folk-pop singer-songwriter Catie Turner is embracing a new chapter in her music career following her recent appearance at Innings Festival and the release of her latest single, “Hurt You Now.”
In an interview with SWOMP, Turner reflected on performing at the Tempe, Arizona festival on Feb. 21, where she played multiple sets, including an appearance on the Home Plate Stage.
Known for blending soft, melodic vocals with more intense emotional delivery, Turner first gained widespread attention as a contestant on American Idol and has since released several singles and EPs.
She said new music is currently in the works, with additional performances expected in the future.
Follow her at https://catieturner.com/.

The Sheepdogs talk new album 'Keep Out of the Storm' + upcoming Canadian tour

Canadian rock band The Sheepdogs have released their latest album, Keep Out of the Storm, and are preparing to launch a Canadian headline tour beginning March 13 at the Capitol Theatre in Chatham, Ontario.
SWOMP spoke with bassist Ryan Gullen about the new album and the upcoming tour. 
The multi-platinum, four-time JUNO Award-winning group shared the new record through their own label, Right On Records.
It is the band’s first full-length release since longtime drummer Sam Corbett departed and features a rotating lineup of guest drummers including Trevor Falls, Adam Hindle, Steve Kiely, Jordan Murphy and Dani Nash.
Produced by frontman Ewan Currie and recorded with longtime collaborator Thomas D’arcy, the album was created largely between tour dates and captures a live-off-the-floor approach intended to preserve the band’s raw energy.
“We are all trying to weather the storms in our lives,” Currie said while discussing the album. “Finding shelter, love, hope. We find all of those in rock and roll. Don’t let the title fool you, this record is full of light, love, guitars that rip, and sweet singing that moves you.”
Alongside the release, the band also unveiled a new video for the track “Bad for Your Health,” which takes aim at modern digital excess and media saturation while leaning on classic rock influences.
The album follows a busy period for the Saskatoon-based group.
In 2025, The Sheepdogs completed a sold-out cross-Canada arena tour supporting Bryan Adams, released the companion EPs Paradise Alone and Hell Together, and launched their independent label. Their single “Take Me For A Ride” also ranked among the most-played rock songs on major radio charts last year.
Keep Out of the Storm also highlights guitarist Ricky Paquette’s expanding role in the band’s sound, adding new guitar tones and vocal harmonies while maintaining the group’s signature classic-rock style.
To support the release, The Sheepdogs will embark on an extensive Canadian tour beginning in Ontario and continuing across the country before additional international dates later in the year.
Follow the band at https://thesheepdogs.com/.
Photo credit: Mat Dunlap

Sully Burrows talks touring, debut EP and what’s next in 2026

Rising Canadian country artist Sully Burrows is carrying strong momentum into 2026, following a breakout year that included new music, major tour opportunities and a growing national profile.
The Parry Sound, Ont., singer-songwriter recently spoke with SWOMP about life on the road, his debut EP and what fans can expect next as his career continues to build. 
Burrows said the start of 2026 has already been eventful, highlighted by his recent run of dates supporting Jade Eagleson on the “Coming Soon to a Honkytonk Near You Tour.”
The cross-border tour saw Burrows perform in cities across Canada and the United States.
Among the more memorable moments on the tour were on-stage collaborations with Eagleson, including a lighthearted performance that saw Burrows sharing the stage in a life jacket while holding a fishing pole.
The tour followed a busy stretch for Burrows, who on Oct. 10, 2025 released his debut EP, Somewhere in a Small Town. The project, which arrived just days before his 19th birthday, features a collection of songs that highlight his small-town roots and personal experiences.
Since signing with Partners Record Label in 2024, Burrows has steadily released music including “Youth,” “Think of Me” and his debut radio single “Rally Around,” which reached the Top 20 on the Billboard Canada Country chart.
Looking ahead, Burrows is set to perform at the Cavendish Beach Music Festival in July, one of Atlantic Canada’s largest outdoor country music events. The 2026 lineup includes headliners HARDY, Tucker Wetmore and Cody Johnson.
Burrows is scheduled to perform on the Friday bill alongside artists including Margo Price and Matt Lang.
Reflecting on his path into music, Burrows said he first got his start through piano lessons as a child before eventually finding his voice as a singer and gravitating toward country music. Influenced by artists such as Riley Green, Zach Bryan and Conner Smith, he said he was drawn to honest songwriting and storytelling.
With his debut EP still fresh, Burrows confirmed he is continuing to work on new material, with fans able to expect more music in 2026 as he builds on the foundation of the past year.
He is also set to join High Valley as an opening act on the Paradise & Hurricanes tour, which begins in Chatham, Ont., on March 4.
Follow him at https://sullyburrows.com/.

From 'late 1900's' to now: Eve 6 rock Innings, talk backstage with SWOMP

Eve 6 performed their first show of the year on the final day of Innings Festival 2026 in Tempe, Arizona, blending self-aware humour with late ’90s alternative rock nostalgia.
Frontman Max Collins quickly set the tone, playfully sizing up the crowd and the band’s place in the “late ‘90’s radio rock” era.
“Do you like alternative rock? Do you like late ‘90’s radio rock?” Collins asked. “That’s good enough for me.”
Reflecting on their roots, Collins joked about the band’s usual setting compared to a major festival stage.
“Coming from the ‘late 1900’s’,” he said, Eve 6 is used to playing in “300 seat, windowless rooms.
“So this is wonderful for us to get to experience. We don’t want you guys to get nervous and weird about it, we are going to play a couple new songs. And they go by quick because at this stage, we’ll call it a career, what we’re kind’ve doing with regard to new music is kind’ve LARPing as a punk band in a vacuum. So these songs clocked in at about two minutes, fifteen seconds.”
The band launched into ‘Black Nova’ from their 2021 EP grim value, before pivoting back to their early catalogue with a tongue-in-cheek warning about aging .
“I want to prep you guys psychologically for just how old this song is. Just eyeballing the room real quick, doing a quick scan, you guys think we’re in the elder Millennial demographic, here? This song is so old that it might just confirm your worst fears about yourselves as they might relate to the passage of time and mortality.”
They followed with ‘Leech’ from their 1998 self-titled debut.
Throughout the set, Collins continued to riff with the crowd, mixing sarcasm and sharp wit - even joking about the band’s onstage “made up language” and calling out diehard rock show skeptics before introducing ‘Think Twice’.
“We’re not trying to exclude you guys with our made up language. We’re trying to spare you. When we need to have green room conversations on the stage, we do it in our made up language. That’s what was going on here. If your natural state at the rock show, no judgement being passed here at all because it’s in fact mine too, is to stand there, arms crossed, brow furrowed, effecting kind’ve a mean countenance, waiting for the band to clam so you can look at your lady and be like ‘the bass player just played that part a half step flat, haha, you suck.’ First of all, an extra special welcome to you. We’re spiritually connected I feel. Also, this is your song, this is a hard boiled alternative rock song. This is some Raymond Chandler-esque alternative rock we’re about to do for you guys. Furrow your fucking brows.”
After teasing a newer track, the band skipped it and performed one of their most recognizable songs.
“This song may have been your graduation song.”
They then played ‘Here’s to the Night’ before closing out the set with their biggest hit.
“Thanks for remembering who we were if you did or sticking around if you were like ‘I’ve never heard of them.’ This is our last song, we pull no punches. We save it for last, why sweet pea? I’ll tell you why, it’s because it’s the heart in a blender song, dude.”
The band finished with ‘Inside Out’.
SWOMP caught up with the band for an interview backstage following their set.

Artikal Sound System bring South Florida groove, chat with SWOMP at Innings Festival 2026

Artikal Sound System performed on the Right Field Stage at Innings Festival 2026 in Tempe, Arizona on Sunday, February 22, delivering an engaging early set that quickly drew the crowd in.
SWOMP caught up with singer Logan Rex and drummer Adam Kampf backstage following the performance.
The band spoke about feeding off the energy of the audience during their set — getting fans involved with singalongs and even a coordinated dance — while embracing the opportunity to win over new listeners on a major festival stage.
Hailing from South Florida, the group also reflected on their origins and evolution, coming together over years of collaboration to build a tight, groove-driven sound rooted in reggae, rock and jazz influences.
The conversation also touched on their latest full-length album Are You Smiling Yet?, along with the recent release of Sugarshack Sessions Vol. 3, and what’s next as they continue to build momentum with new music and touring.
Follow the band at https://artikalsoundsystem.com/.

Common People open main stage, talk breakout moment with SWOMP at Innings Festival 2026

Common People kicked off the Home Plate Stage on the final day of Innings Festival in Tempe, Arizona on Sunday, February 22, 2026, becoming the first band to take the festival’s main stage.
Fresh off their set, SWOMP caught up with the band backstage in their trailer.
The group reflected on playing their first-ever music festival - a milestone moment - and the energy of opening the main stage on the final day of a packed weekend. They also spoke about rolling with the unexpected on stage, embracing the live moment and pushing forward when things don’t go exactly as planned.
Formed in a basement in Southern California, the five-piece - made up of members from across the U.S. - built their sound through constant jamming, local shows and a shared love of guitar-driven rock rooted in garage, indie and psychedelia.
Their early demos eventually caught the attention of Brad Shultz of Cage The Elephant, leading to a record deal on his Parallel Vision label in partnership with Big Loud Rock.
In the interview, the band also discussed their musical influences, the momentum from a string of recent singles and what fans can expect from their upcoming debut EP.
Looking ahead, Common People are set to hit the road for a series of shows, including dates supporting Rainbow Kitten Surprise and fellow rising act Congress The Band - continuing what’s shaping up to be a breakout year.
Common People is comprised of Nicky Winegardner (vocals), Cormac Cadden (drums), Konrad Ulich (bass, vocals), Asher Thomson (guitar), and Sam Belzer (guitar).
Follow the band at https://www.commonpeopleofficial.com/.
Photo credit: Kate Lamendola

The Ramona Flowers kickstart final day, talk new album with SWOMP at Innings 2026

The Ramona Flowers played the Right Field Stage on the final day of Innings Festival 2026, delivering an energetic set that helped set the tone early.
SWOMP caught up with the band in their trailer following the performance.
The group spoke about the rush of opening the final day - with their pounding kick drum already grabbing attention from across the grounds - and what it meant to be part of the Innings Festival lineup.
The conversation also touched on their latest album Made By Humans, released in October 2025, including standout tracks like 'Up All Night,' which features Nile Rodgers, and 'Human,' a track that carries an uplifting, communal feel.
Connect with the band, here.

Canadian MLB pitcher Ryan Dempster talks 'Off The Mound' at Innings Festival 2026

Former Major League Baseball pitcher, World Series champion, All-Star and Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame inductee Ryan Dempster took some time out of his busy schedule at Innings Festival 2026 in Tempe, Arizona to chat with SWOMP.
Dempster, who leads “Off The Mound” - a late night-style talk show featuring MLB stars past and present alongside personalities from across sports and entertainment - once again brought his show on the road throughout the festival weekend.
The Gibsons, British Columbia native conducted live interviews from the Left Field Stage with members of Sublime, OK Go, Public Enemy, Vertical Horizon and Eve 6, along with several former and current Major League Baseball players.
SWOMP caught up with Dempster to touch on a range of topics, including the opening day energy at Innings Festival, the preparation behind “Off The Mound,” the crossover between music and baseball, his transition into broadcasting and hosting, and his connection with fellow performers like Eddie Vedder.
A 16-year MLB veteran, Dempster played for the Florida Marlins, Cincinnati Reds, Chicago Cubs, Texas Rangers and Boston Red Sox. He was a two-time All-Star, World Series champion and recipient of the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame’s Tip O’Neill Award before being inducted into the Hall in 2019.
Today, he remains a prominent voice in the game as an analyst with MLB Network and Marquee Sports Network, while continuing to evolve “Off The Mound” into one of the most unique crossover shows in sports and entertainment.
More details are available at https://offthemound.com/.