New Music Monday: The Crunch of Autumn's Soundtrack

New music from Sam Fender & Elton John, Jesse Welles, The Rural Alberta Advantage, Courtney Barnett and Men Without Hats

The leaves are almost off all the trees, the nights are drawing in with a frosty grip, and the ground is delightfully crunchy in the mornings. That woodsmoke scent is no longer a gentle hint but a hearty promise of cozy evenings. But just because the seasons are shifting from vibrant colour to quiet contemplation doesn't mean the new music has slowed down. Welcome back to New Music Monday—your weekly stop for tracks that make the shifting months feel like their own perfect soundtrack.

This week’s lineup spans raw indie-rock urgency, veteran synth-pop wisdom, classic Canadian grit, and a soulful, superstar collaboration—perfect for a long drive down a winding, chilly backroad or a quiet evening with a mug of something warm. Let’s dive in.

The Rural Alberta Advantage – "Falling Apart"

The Canadian trio returns with a track that feels immediately vital and classic T.R.A.A., blending intimate, heartfelt lyrics with their signature urgent energy. Driven by a relentless, pounding drum rhythm and raw-edged acoustic guitar, "Falling Apart" captures the feeling of personal and romantic collapse while still charging forward with emotional momentum. It’s a weathered, bold song that sounds like it’s being played with the kind of fire you'd see at an intense live show, making it a powerful anthem for pushing through a dark time.

Courtney Barnett – "Stay In Your Lane"

Grammy-nominated Australian songwriter Courtney Barnett kicks off a new chapter with "Stay In Your Lane," a ferocious and guitar-driven indie-rock banger. The track is built on a massive, raucous riff and a pummeling rhythm section, acting as a powerful vehicle for Barnett’s famously clever and evocative lyricism. The song serves as a defiant mantra against self-doubt and external pressures, perfect for anyone who needs a shot of confidence to carve their own path.

Men Without Hats – "In Glorious Days"

Synth-pop legends Men Without Hats prove that their knack for infectious melodies and New Wave atmospherics remains perfectly intact with the reflective "In Glorious Days." Showcasing Ivan Doroschuk's distinctive vocals, the track rides a pulsing, nostalgic electronic groove, looking back at simpler times not with regret, but with a sense of playful contemplation. It’s an undeniable, radio-ready tune that feels both classic and fresh—a great addition to a colder day's playlist.

Jesse Welles – "No Kings"

Jesse Welles delivers a powerful protest anthem with "No Kings," a politically charged track that cuts through the musical landscape with clear, purposeful anger. The song is a stark call for equality, freedom, and an end to oppression, using simple, declarative lyrics and an unvarnished sound to maximize its emotional impact. "No Kings" is music as a rallying cry—a raw, urgent track that reminds us of the power of a song to demand justice and a better world.

Sam Fender – "Talk To You (feat. Elton John)"

Fresh off his Mercury Prize win, Sam Fender teams up with his long-time friend and supporter Elton John for the emotionally resonant "Talk To You." A classic Fender song of regret and yearning over a relationship's end, it features a full-bodied, guitar-led sound beautifully accented by John's distinctive, twinkling piano part. The track is a heartfelt meditation on losing your best friend and coming to terms with the mistakes made, all wrapped in a rich, soul-stirring melody.

And that’s your New Music Monday rundown. From the charging urgency of The Rural Alberta Advantage to the soulful reflection of Sam Fender and Elton John, these tracks provide a compelling soundtrack for the week ahead. They capture the spirit of a season that’s equal parts quiet and vital—moments of introspection paired with bursts of defiant energy.

So whether you’re getting the snow tires on or just enjoying a moment of quiet warmth indoors, let these new songs carry you through the shortening days and lengthening nights. We'll see you next week.