Five Songs You Must Hear This Week (13 July 2026)

Alan Cross Corus Radio

July 13, 2026 7:43 am

Five Songs You Must Hear This Week (13 July 2026) — With Alan Cross
Corus Radio

Last Friday (July 10) was a big, big day when it came to new singles. I’d hate for these songs to fall between the cracks, so I’ve gathered them all together for this week’s Five Songs You Must Hear list. You want alternative? Okay, you asked for it.

1. L’Rain, Soulless Cycle
Single (Independent)
Recommended If You Like: Glorious, glorious noise

L’Rain, known to her parents as Taja Cheek, is an experimental American multi-instrumentalist from Brooklyn who draws on all kinds of different influences and inspirations. The resulting compositions, she says, are all “approaching songness.” Beware all ye who press on: This is different.

2. Hannah Peel & Beibei Wang, Awaken the Insects
The Endless Dance (Real World Records)
RIYL: I have no words for this

This project, a debut album (Peel is a producer and composer; Wang is a Chinese percussionist), originates in Northern Ireland and has been described as “Two women talking in totally different languages that had a wonderful chat.” Once again, this is wonderfully different. I doubt if you’ve heard anything like this before.

3. Menno Versteeg, I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles)
6 Covers from 6 Years Ago (And One from Six Weeks Ago) (Royal Mountain Recordings)
RIYL: Covers, obviously

Menno, he of Hollerado and Anyway Gang, has a new EP, the contents of which are summed up in its title. Most of these are unreleased and come from Johnny Nash, Louis Armstrong, Ben E. King, Neil Young, Patsy Cline, Bob Dylan and this very different take on The Proclaimers’ classic.

4. Derek Downham, Praying
Single (Independent)
RIYL: Fresh Toronto sounds

Derek has been knocking about the Toronto scene for some time, working, writing, and touring with the likes of Gord Downie, Ron Sexsmith, Serena Ryder, and Broken Social Scene. He was also in The Beauties, which was the house band at The Dakota. A debut solo album is on the way. We must pay attention.

5. OSTON, Placebo Effect
Single (Independent)
RIYL: Canadian punk

OSTON (real name: Austin Wolfe) is a singer originally from Utah but now based out of LA. She specializes in “melodramatic diary-like indie pop anthems about heartbreak, obsession, grief, and mental health.” Great production on this track, too, especially towards the end.