SWOMP

The Band Loula on their forthcoming EP, Opry debut & hitting the road with Dierks Bentley

Rising country duo The Band Loula is gaining momentum on the national stage this summer as part of Dierks Bentley’s Broken Branches Tour, joining fellow opener Zach Top for a run of high-profile dates across North America.
The tour includes major stops at Los Angeles’ Intuit Dome and New York’s Madison Square Garden, offering a growing audience a chance to experience the North Georgia pair’s unique blend of harmonies and swamp-tinged country firsthand.
The duo are set perform at Budweiser Stage in Toronto on Thursday, June 12, 2025 as part of the tour.
SWOMP caught up with Logan Simmons and Malachi Mills just hours before their Toronto performance for an interview.
The road run follows a milestone spring for the duo, who earned a standing ovation after their recent Grand Ole Opry debut. The moment marked a breakthrough for the longtime friends, who have steadily built industry buzz with their powerful songwriting and undeniable chemistry.
Since signing with Warner Music Nashville last year, The Band Loula has been working on their debut project with John Osborne of Brothers Osborne. Their previously released singles—“Marshall County Man,” “Don’t Call Me” and “A Little At A Time”—have showcased their knack for rich storytelling and genre-defying sound.
They’ve spent the past few years developing their live chops alongside artists like Brothers Osborne, Ashley McBryde, Paul Cauthen, Elle King and Brent Cobb, making this latest tour another key step in their rising profile.
Alongside the tour, the band released the official music video for their latest single, “Can’t Please ‘Em All.” The track, co-written with Bryan Simpson and Marcus Hummon, is a defiant anthem about embracing authenticity in the face of criticism. “You won’t please everyone,” the band shared, “so you might as well just be you.”
Follow the duo at https://www.thebandloula.com/.

Canadian country rocker Devin Cooper on his new single 'Memories That Made Us'

Award-winning Canadian country rocker Devin Cooper is boldly stepping into a new chapter with the release of his timeless summer anthem “Memories That Made Us.”
The new track marks the beginning of a jam-packed summer for Cooper, featuring performances at major festivals including three back to back nights at the Calgary Stampede after a run of shows across Alberta and Ontario last month.
SWOMP caught up with Devin to talk about the new track.
Written by Cooper, Andrew Peebles (Blake Shelton, Randall King) and Drew Shalka (Dan Davidson, Nuella Charles) at a writing session in Franklin, TN, “Memories That Made Us” is a nostalgic track, capturing the timeless essence of Coopers inspirations like Tom Petty and Bryan Adams while infusing the electrifying energy of '80s arena rock.
The single draws inspiration from Cooper's carefree youth growing up in small town Alberta, embodying the spirit of those formative years that shaped his identity.
“'Memories That Made Us” is a celebration of the laughs, the tears, the heartbreaks and every mile on the road that got me here,” said Cooper. “It's like flipping through an old photo album or watching home videos, capturing that timeless, carefree energy of youth. I hope this song transports listeners to those unforgettable moments, reminding them of how meaningful and impactful those memories are in shaping who they've become.”
This latest single marks Cooper's first release since his double album Good Things: Deluxe Edition last year, which led him to become the most nominated solo artist at the 2025 Country Music Alberta Awards. The single also signifies a fresh direction for Cooper, introducing some new faces for this evolution in sound, including Murray Pulver and Flavio Cirillo, alongside long-time collaborators Justin Kudding, Spencer Cheyne and Brendan Waters. “I never want to make the same record twice, and this song perfectly represents where I've been while also opening the door to where I'm headed—both musically and personally,” said Cooper. “I can't wait for the fans to hear all of the new music we have lined up for release this year.”
As Cooper gears up for a summer packed with shows across Canada, fans can look forward to a ton of new music from the award-winning artist this year. For fans eager to see Cooper's electrifying live show this summer, they can catch him at the following dates and are encouraged to follow along on socials for the latest show announcements.
2025 UPCOMING SHOW DATESJune 12 - King Eddy - Calgary, ABJune 15 - Spruce Meadows - Calgary, ABJune 21 - Grand Allée Country - Québec City, QCJuly 4 - Grey Eagle Casino and Resort - Calgary, ABJuly 7 - Calgary Stampede - Calgary, ABJuly 8 - Calgary Stampede - Calgary, ABJuly 9 - Calgary Stampede - Calgary, ABJuly 13 - Settler AG Grounds - Calgary, AB
Photo Credit: Sebastian Buzzalino
Follow Devin at https://www.devincoopermusic.com/.

Jet bassist Mark Wilson on 2025 North American tour, including Canadian shows & Fillmore Detroit stop

Australian rockers Jet are currently on their highly anticipated North America Tour 2025.
The band kick started the tour at the end of May with back-to-back shows on Canadian soil, first at The Danforth Music Hall in Toronto and the following night at L'Olympia in Montreal.
In between the Canadian performances, SWOMP caught up with Jet bassist Mark Wilson for an interview.
The tour reaches the halfway mark on Friday, June 6, 2025 when the group performs at The Fillmore Detroit. Get your tickets, here.
Originally hailing from Dingley in Melbourne, Jet quickly conquered the world after forming in 2001, selling more than 6.5 million albums globally and securing almost 10 x Platinum certification in Australia and Platinum in the USA and UK for their 2003 debut album “Get Born”.
The album produced a string of classic singles in “Are You Gonna Be My Girl”, “Rollover DJ”, and “Look What You’ve Done” and netted the band 6 x 2004 ARIA awards.
Both “Are You Gonna Be My Girl” and “Cold Hard Bitch” peaked at number 1 on the US Modern Rock singles charts and propelled the band to the top of festival bills and charts around the world.
Jet’s follow up album “Shine On” followed in 2006 and was rammed full of another collection of melodic rockers including, “Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is”, “Bring It On Back” and “Rip It Up”, and achieved platinum status in Australia on the back of stand-out headline shows around the world, and an unforgettable Big Day Out run in 2007.
Jet played their last show in 2010 and reformed in the Summer of 2017 for a series of shows with Bruce Springsteen & their own special headline dates in Sydney and Melbourne.
Follow the band at https://www.jetofficial.com/.

JJ Wilde shines at Meadows Music Festival, takes time with SWOMP for an interview

The sun broke through the clouds at the Meadows Music Festival on Saturday, May 31, 2025, as JJ Wilde performed a brand new, unreleased song - 'If I'm A Woman' - for the first time.
"(Meadows) you were too good to us," the Canadian rockstar wrote on social media following her performance.
"Best way to kick off the festival season."
Prior to her show, JJ took some time with SWOMP for an interview.
Vices, the latest album from the chart-topping and JUNO Award winner, was released back in the fall.
Wilde steadily built momentum towards the release of Vices with an impressive string of singles, including the anthemic “Arizona,” the reflective “Best Of Me,” and the nostalgic “Takes Me Back.”
Songs like “Options” and “Hands” show her versatility, while the raw, unapologetic energy of “im not crazy youre just an asshole (toxic)” rounds out the mix.
Drawing from her everyday experiences and struggles, Wilde’s songwriting remains grounded, and Vices offers an authentic glimpse into her journey through moments of vulnerability and redemption.
"This album is the album I said I would never make," she said.
"I always said that I would never put a relationship before music or myself and then I went and got completely lost in someone. The amount of emotional, personal and mental growth that this album has brought forward for me is massive. It’s the breakup album I swore I wouldn’t write. But I got dumped before a two month tour across the states, and that was the catalyst to go deeper into my most vulnerable places, and heal. I’ve always had sort of a hard shell and a wall up when it comes to how far I let people in and what I share in my music. I think I had an idea of what people wanted to hear from me. Or what I was supposed to be as a woman in rock music. This album completely tears down that wall to expose a softer side."
She added, "After being lost in the pursuit of someone, I found myself again while writing this album. I took a road trip that took me across America where I packed my VW and didn’t come back for three months, waking up in a new city and deciding that day where to go next. I stayed on the road for almost an entire year touring around the world. I moved from Ontario to Nashville. I began performing sober for the first time in my life. Each writing session felt like it was unlocking a new sense of hurt that led to healing. There’s so many different beautiful things that come from true heartbreak. And I don’t think I have ever felt hurt like this."
Follow JJ at https://jjwilde.com/.

Skye Wallace chats with SWOMP following her Meadows Music Festival performance

Canadian singer-songwriter Skye Wallace performed on the main stage at the Meadows Music Festival in Fergus, Ontario on Saturday, May 31, 2025.
Shortly after her, Syke caught up with SWOMP for an interview.
With a voice that soars and captivates, Skye Wallace has earned a reputation as one of Canada's most compelling artists.
Her blend of folk, rock, and alternative influences, along with her ability to craft emotive and impactful lyrics, has won her critical acclaim and a devoted fan base.
The Act of Living marks Wallace’s latest artistic evolution, offering an exploration of life’s most profound experiences, with songs that are both cathartic and reflective.
Wallace’s breakout single, “There Is A Wall”, about the frustrations of fighting against the glass ceiling, made a statement by cracking the Canadian alternative radio chart.
Earning early acclaim, Wallace's 2019 album was recognized as one of the "Best 4 Canadian Albums in the World" by the Globe and Mail.
Since then, she has toured across Canada and Europe, sharing the stage with incredible artists like Alanis Morissette, Laura Jane Grace, Tori Amos, and Matt Mays.
Follow her at https://www.skyewallace.com/.

Lowest of the Low frontman Ron Hawkins chats with SWOMP prior to their Meadows Music Festival performance

Fresh off the release of their 7th studio album, Over Years and Overnight, Lowest of the Low performed on the second day of the Meadows Music Festival in Fergus, Ontario on Saturday, May 31, 2025.
About an hour before their set, SWOMP caught up with frontman Ron Hawkins inside their trailer.
A milestone for the band, Over Years and Overnight marks the first time three of its 11 songs were co-written by all members — a testament to their deepening creative synergy.
The album’s title, borrowed from Charles Yu’s novel Interior Chinatown, captures the paradox of time — how success can feel both like a slow burn and an overnight explosion.
“How did the band go from a decade of searching for a scene to suddenly breaking out in the early ‘90s?” Hawkins reflects.
“Well… over years and overnight.”
Follow the band at https://lowestofthelow.com/.

Tyler Joe Miller chats with SWOMP ahead of 'Country Mixtape' show with Andrew Hyatt & Shawn Austin at Meadows Music Festival

Three of Canadian country’s top rising stars; Tyler Joe Miller, Shawn Austin and Andrew Hyatt; have been teaming up for their co-headlining 'Country MixTape' show.
After touring throughout 2024, the trio brought their performance to the Meadows Music Festival in Fergus, Ontario on Friday, May 30, 2025.
About an hour before they hit the stage, Tyler Joe Miller caught up with SWOMP for an interview. 
Surrey, BC’s Tyler Joe Miller quickly made a name for himself in Canadian country music after releasing his Gold-certified debut single, "Pillow Talkin’," at the end of 2019. That single earned him the title of iHeartRadio Future Star and became his first #1 single at Canadian country radio. An unprecedented and record-breaking climb followed with the single "I Would Be Over Me Too," which steadily rose on the charts and earned Miller the distinction of being the first independent Canadian country artist to reach #1 at radio with their first two singles.
In 2020, he released his debut EP, Sometimes I Don’t, But Sometimes I Do, which included the singles "Fighting" and "Sometimes I Do." Miller went on to be named SiriusXM’s 2021 Top of the Country winner, in addition to receiving four CCMA Award nominations (“Rising Star,” “Male Artist Of The Year,” “Album Of The Year,” and “Fan’s Choice”). He was later nominated for "Fan’s Choice" and "Male Artist of the Year" in 2022 and secured nominations for "Musical Collaboration of the Year," "Single of the Year," and "Songwriter of the Year" in 2023. To date, Miller has achieved 9 Top 10 singles at Canadian country radio, of which 4 have been in the Top 5, including is latest “What Good Is A Memory”.
Miller continues to share new music with his growing fan base across prominent stages, including the 2023 Boots and Hearts Music Festival and LASSO Montreal. Showcasing his evolved songwriting and vocals, his most recent album, Spillin’ My Truth, was recently nominated for a 2024 JUNO Award for Country Album of the Year and a 2024 CCMA for Album of the Year, as well as Fan's Choice.
Miller’s latest EP, Going Home, was released on October 25th. Reflecting on the project, he notes, "Breakups are hard. Especially when you have to continue living your life in the same place you made all of these memories together, and it seems that everything in this town will take you back but her." This collection of songs captures his signature blend of heartfelt storytelling and authentic emotion, offering listeners a poignant journey through the complexities of love, loss, and moving forward. Going Home has been nominated for the 2025 JUNO award for Country Album of the year.
Follow Tyler Joe Miller at https://tylerjoemiller.com/.
Follow Andrew Hyatt at https://www.theandrewhyatt.com/.
Follow Shawn Austin at https://shawnaustinmusic.com/.

The Road Hammers rock Meadows Music Festival + SWOMP interviews frontman Jason McCoy

The Road Hammers roared back onto the live music scene Friday night, May 30, rocking the Meadows Music Festival stage in Fergus, Ont.
Known for their gritty blend of ‘60s and ‘70s-inspired classic country and southern rock, the platinum-selling group delivered a high-octane set that had fans revved up from the first chord.
Prior to the show, SWOMP caught up with frontman Jason McCoy for a telephone interview.
With over 43 million global streams, a JUNO Award, and multiple Canadian Country Music Association awards under their belt, The Road Hammers continue to cement their legacy as one of Canada’s most celebrated country rock bands.
The band shared the stage with country legends like Loretta Lynn, Joe Diffie, Hank Williams Jr., and Chris Stapleton.
Fans can visit www.jasonmccoy.com and www.theroadhammers.ca for the latest tour dates and updates.

Métis alternative pop artist Robin Cisek on her self-produced debut album 'Tempered'

As National Indigenous History Month approaches, Métis alternative pop artist Robin Cisek is using her platform to ensure Indigenous women have a place in Canada’s music industry.
The Edmonton-based singer-songwriter just released her self-produced debut album Tempered on May 30, a project that delves into themes of self-discovery, healing and resilience. With a creative team composed primarily of women, Cisek says the record is both a personal and political statement — a reminder to young Indigenous women that they belong in an industry that remains male-dominated.
Driven by lush soundscapes and Cisek’s signature atmospheric vocals, Tempered marks a major milestone in her artistic journey. The project continues her upward momentum following recognition as “Best Emerging Artist” by Indigenous Superstar in 2022 and a spot in CBC Searchlight’s top 100 artists for two years running.
SWOMP caught up with Robin for an interview, just before her album was released. 
Cisek will be in Toronto from June 3 to 8 and is scheduled to perform at imagineNATIVE’s “TheBEAT” Anniversary Party on June 7.
Follow Robin at https://www.robincisekmusic.com/.

PEI's Norter on their sophomore album 'The Yearbook Club!!!'

Following their debut album 12:34, Norter has returned with their second release, The Yearbook Club!!! — a high-energy blend of indie rock grit, shoegaze textures and raw emotional urgency.
The album is loud, unapologetic and deeply relatable, exploring themes of feeling unheard, unappreciated and forgotten.
Described as a coming-of-age fever dream, the record balances nostalgia and intensity, layered with reverb, distortion and anthems for late-night escapism.
Declan Rockwell, the frontman for the band, said the album was emotionally challenging to write, but that connection also makes it their most powerful work to date.
SWOMP caught up with Declan for an interview. 
The Yearbook Club!!! is available now on all major streaming platforms.
Follow the band, here.