New Music Monday: Five Tracks to Fuel Your August Rotation

Monday, 10 August 2026 00:05

Fresh spins from Role Model, Dasha, Greta Van Fleet, Bleeker, and Danny Michel

August is in full swing, and as the mid-summer routine settles in, the airwaves are delivering an outstanding mix of brand-new sounds to refresh your playlist. Pulled directly from the latest rotation on The Countdown with Aaron Hall, this week's lineup spans heartfelt indie songwriting, sharp country-pop, sweeping arena rock, regional rock swagger, and classic Canadian storytelling. Whether you're kicking off another busy week, heading out on a road trip, or relaxing on the back deck, these five essential releases bring all the right energy for the mid-month stretch.

Role Model – "Joy"

Tucker Pillsbury, better known as Role Model, continues his impressive run with "Joy," the standout second single from his upcoming third studio album, Chuck Timely & The Hourglass. Produced alongside Mason Stoops and Kane Ritchotte, the track balances lighthearted, hook-y alt-pop arrangements with deeply vulnerable lyricism that explores friendship, emotional lifting, and navigating personal turbulence. With a bounce in its step and an instantly magnetic chorus, "Joy" effortlessly captures the feeling of finding a safe harbor in the people around you, serving as an uplifting anthem tailor-made for sunny late-summer drives.

Dasha – "Memo"

Country-pop breakout Dasha keeps her momentum rolling with "Memo," a sharp, self-assured follow-up to her massive hit "Austin". Co-written with heavyweights Shane McAnally, Ashley Gorley, and Ben Johnson, the track blends classic twang—complete with acoustic mandolin, fiddle, and banjo—with a crisp modern pop punch. Centered on stepping into one's own space without apologizing, Dasha delivers a fiery vocal performance that owns the room. It is a bold, infectious statement from an artist who knows precisely who she is and where she is headed.

Greta Van Fleet – "Saw You Stand"

Grammy-winning rock outfit Greta Van Fleet offer a powerful, emotionally charged glimpse into their upcoming album, Palace For The People, with the breathtaking ballad "Saw You Stand". Moving away from pure full-throttle stadium shredding, the track highlights the band’s expanding creative vision, pairing intimate acoustic textures and lush string arrangements with Josh Kiszka’s soaring, expressive vocals. Building steadily from a quiet, reflective verse into a sweeping cinematic crescendo, the single reinforces their reputation as one of modern rock's most fearless, arena-sized talents.

Bleeker – "Outside"

Hailing from just down the road in Orillia, rock four-piece Bleeker hit hard with "Outside," a roaring preview of their forthcoming record, Elephant. Built on thick guitar riffs and frontman Taylor Perkins' distinctive, grit-infused vocals, the track explores themes of forgiveness, personal flaws, and reaching out for a lifeline when times get rough. With its explosive chorus and unvarnished production, "Outside" balances raw rock swagger with genuine vulnerability. It stands out as an anthemic, high-energy cut designed to make a serious impact on the airwaves.

Danny Michel – "Hey Veronica"

Ontario favorite Danny Michel delivers an irresistible slice of summer storytelling with "Hey Veronica," a bouncy, horn-infused track crafted for windows-down listening. Recorded and mixed by Michel himself, the song weaves a charming narrative around late-night misadventures, motel shifts, and impulsive romance set against a backdrop of tight grooves and bright melodies. Packed with humor, heart, and his signature songwriting flair, Michel proves once again why he remains one of Canada’s most engaging musical storytellers.

That wraps up this week's featured round-up from Aaron Hall's latest countdown. From catchy alt-pop melodies to heavy rock riffs and vivid Canadian narrative, these five cuts are guaranteed to elevate your mid-summer listening. Crank up the volume, share your favorites, and stay tuned for another batch of essential tracks next Monday.

Sources