We know it’s hard to keep up with all the new music being released each week, so here’s the first of what hopefully will be a regular roundup of new songs and videos to help you stay connected.

First up, “Summer’s Here” by Chris Picco from his brilliant album Split Down The Middle. The St. John’s singer-songwriter actually shared this clip a year ago, way ahead of the album’s release, but we feel it’s worth revisiting–not just because it’s that season again, but because it’s a standout track on the record. If you’re a fan of power pop with a melancholic edge, then do yourself a favour and check out Chris’s stuff. Get Split Down The Middle from Bandcamp or chrispicco.ca.

Next up is “King’s Highway 17,” the new single from Nadjiwan‘s recently released album The Great Sea. This latest effort from Marc Merilainen’s ongoing project is a love letter to northern Ontario, recorded at the Chippewa Park Pavilion, near Fort William First Nation. “King’s Highway 17” is all about getting there from Toronto and both the song and video beautifully capture those surreal thoughts that often creep up on us during long drives. Get The Great Sea from Heading North Music.

Lastly, we have “Only,” the third video from Jerome Forde‘s self-titled debut album. Just to refresh your memory, Jerome is from Traverse City in northern Michigan, and became the first American artist to sign with Toronto indie label (weewerk). If you’re a fan of Elliott Smith, Jason Molina or Townes Van Zandt, you need to hear Jerome’s work. We also need to make him an honorary Canadian!. Get Jerome Forde from Bandcamp or weewerk.com.

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