New Music Monday: Back to school with five new tracks!

Monday, 7 September 2026 07:53

New music from The Countdown with Lilith Pearson, The Bankes Brothers, Erykah Badu, Sawyer Hill, and Everlast.

As late-summer warmth shifts into early September, this week’s playlist delivers a powerful mix of genres to elevate your daily listening. Featured on The Countdown with Aaron Hall on The Bay, our latest rundown spans ethereal alt-folk anthems, high-octane Canadian indie rock, hypnotic neo-soul grooves, gritty modern blues-rock, and deeply reflective roots hip-hop. Whether you are driving along the highway, tackling the weekly commute, or relaxing on the dock, these five standout releases bring the ideal blend of raw energy and captivating songwriting.

Lilith Pearson – "Deity"

Canadian singer-songwriter Lilith Pearson delivers an empowering, atmospheric offering with "Deity," a track rooted in themes of independence and self-reclamation. Built over lush acoustic arrangements and soaring vocal harmonies, the single weaves delicate folk textures into a anthemic, driving chorus. Pearson’s expressive storytelling and commanding vocal presence anchor the arrangement, creating a deeply resonant track designed for thoughtful late-summer drives and quiet, reflective evenings alike.

The Bankes Brothers – "Risk It All"

Victoria, B.C. rock outfit The Bankes Brothers fire on all cylinders with "Risk It All," a punchy, high-energy single that channels the tension between burnout and chasing a creative dream. Driven by sharp guitar riffs, 1950s-inspired rock-and-roll swagger, and a driving rhythm section, the song captures the band's signature live-wire momentum. Anchored by raw, passionate lead vocals that culminate in a frantic final hook, "Risk It All" serves as an immediate, highway-ready anthem for anyone taking big leaps.

Erykah Badu – "To the Moon"

Neo-soul icon Erykah Badu joins forces with producer The Alchemist and Steve Lacy for "To the Moon (Plan C)," a hypnotic, laid-back track that effortlessly blends classic R&B grooves with modern psychedelic soul. Floating over smooth basslines and sparkling synthesizer loops, Badu’s unmistakable, playful vocal delivery leads a story of modern romance, fate, and unexpected life turns. Lacy’s guest verse adds a cool, melodious counterweight, establishing the song as an essential, head-nodding late-summer slow burner.

Sawyer Hill – "Bad Lovers"

Rising alt-rock artist Sawyer Hill delivers a gritty, cathartic breakup anthem with "Bad Lovers," taken from his release Everybody's Home, Nobody's Happy. Anchored by Hill’s deep, booming baritone vocals and heavy, blues-infused guitar hooks, the track details the liberation of walking away from a toxic relationship with a defiant "good riddance". Dynamic drum fills and soaring blues-rock solos build into a stadium-sized finale, cementing "Bad Lovers" as a hard-hitting highlight for fans of modern rock with classic flair.

Everlast – "Peace of Mind"

Veteran singer-songwriter Everlast makes a triumphant return with "Peace of Mind," a hard-earned reflection on redemption and personal integrity featured on his album Embers to Ashes. The track seamlessly blends down-home blues strumming, steady hip-hop percussion, and Everlast’s signature gravelly vocal rasp. Delivering a cautionary yet hopeful message about avoiding shortcuts to true fulfillment, "Peace of Mind" provides a grounded, soulful capstone to this week's lineup.

That wraps up this week's round-up of fresh music highlights. From empowering folk storytelling and jubliant Canadian rock to smooth neo-soul, heavy alt-rock, and soulful roots-hip-hop, these five tracks are ready to power your September listening. Turn up the radio, share your favorite tracks, and come back again next week for another fresh batch of essential tunes.

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