By Will McGuirk

“Happy was written about the traditional narrative of motherhood and marriage. What is a woman’s societal worth and identity outside of her basic anatomy? Despite what society and history unconsciously imprints on a woman, the independent solitary and childless woman is equally whole. This song celebrates the choice and freedom to joyfully do whatever makes you happy in this one beautiful life. Our generation has the choice to reinvent what has been unconsciously expected of us. ‘Do whatever makes you happy’. - Jadea Kelly

Now y’all know I have been a fan of Darth Jadea for quite the time and not just because of her clear as crystal vocals, and her deep love of the folk tradition and her canny sense of song but also and mostly for her bravery and her honesty in her creativity. She looks inwards and calls it out and in her callings we find moments of ourselves. Jadea has a new album due in a couple of months, so put away your $$ now.

Many other kats and kits and all in-between from the D-Rawk have been laying out their own hearts and minds in new tunes, including Kelly compatriot from Protest The Hero Rody Walker working under the covers in a new project. Both Sonny Hendrix and Devontee Woe bring the Rap spirituals and big time dude Shawn Mendes also goes for the heart on his new track, although maybe more heart break for the Pickering dude truth be told.

And “Truth Be Told” is the latest the from the enigmatic rocker Skye Wallace. We anxiously waiting for new tunes from Skye after seeing her open for Crown Lands recently at the Biltmore Theatre. So good.

And speaking of the Biltmore, the Newcastle On. via Dublin Ire. via Newcastle On. singer/songwriter Jacob Henley has an album release at the downtown Oshawa venue skedded for Feb 4. Our Cobourg pal Cale Crowe opens. Pray to the Corona Gods for that to happen.