Midweek Mixdown // The Edition That is Long Overdue

It’s hard to believe that we’ve whipped through the summer season here in Halifax, but here we are at the precipice of another school year, with hurricanes churning up the shore, and the influx of students and back to schoolers streaming into town. We need to hunker down, and let the fury of the next couple of weeks blow over. So in an effort to help you lay low and keep your cool, we’ve put together a long overdue Midweek Mixdown.

Dave Sampson – “Trouble”

Dave Sampson’s latest single is a track that is warm and smooth, like a great glass of whisky. The mood of this cut is perfectly suited for a late summer evening, sitting fireside with a spirit in hand. Fans of Chris Stapleton will feel right at home with Sampson’s songwriting and vocals; maybe not quite as gruff, but it all works exceptionally well. Dave’s EP All Types of Ways drops on October 4th, and we’re excited to hear what he has cooking. Do yourself a favour and press play on this one.


Charles Cleyn – “Sorry”

Charles recently wrapped up a winding and extensive tour at Gus’ Pub, and brought his infectious pop tunes to the well-known watering hole. We wanted to send our apologies to Mr. Cleyn as previous commitments kept us from attending, and you can bet we will be there next time he rolls through town. If you dig this tune, check out his latest single “Nothing But the Glory” as it is equally infectious, and reminds the listener aurally of both David Myles and Shawn Mendes. Check out Charles Cleyn, as he’s an artist to watch in the coming months/years.


White Lies – “Bigger than Us”

This is a slice of atmospheric and moody Brit rock at its best, and would be right at home alongside a band such as Interpol. This is the track that made me fall in love with the band, as it was one of those songs/videos with the power to freeze you in your tracks and make you take notice. Definite ET vibes in the video, but still 100% a jam even after nearly a decade.


Basic White – “Way Up”

As a long time fan of bands such as O.A.R. and Dispatch, the laid-back jangly tune “Way Up” from London, Ontario-based Basic White hits that aural sweet spot. It’s a tune that would feel right at home sizzling on the speakers, as the burgers plump up on the grill, just laid back and chill. This would be a tune that would spark a good ol’ singalong at the band’s live show. Personally, I’ll belt this one out in the car and reach for that repeat button to do it all over again.


The Barr Brothers – “You Would Have to Lose Your Mind”

Seriously, how good is this tune? Press play and find out.  It’s the song that completely changed my mind on how I think about The Barr Brothers, as I had caught the band a couple of years ago, and their folky vibe didn’t really do much for me; but the moment that I heard them bust out this tune at the Halifax Jazz Fest this year, I had to pick my jaw up off of the floor. It was very much the same band, but now they’ve taken on this bluesy, War on Drugs-type vibe that will certainly get you floating along on this spacey trip.


Kacey Musgraves – “High Horse”

This is a jam, plain and simple. While Musgraves has been the country music darling for quite some time now, this poppy cross-over is made to get people moving. It’s one of those songs that will cause ears to perk up at the party the moment it starts playing.


DJ Jazzy Jeff and The Fresh Prince – “Summertime”

Say what you will about Will’s post-Fresh Prince career, this is one of those songs that is a summer prerequisite. Hopping in the car with the kids to go grab an ice cream? Summertime! Heading to the booze barn to stock up before that BBQ? Summertime! Just chilling in a hammock in your backyard? Summertime! Let’s fire up this track, and reminisce about the summer season that is just wrapping up.

About the author

Trev

A proud and over-caffeinated husband, father, runner and writer. I've written for the local weekly The Coast for over a decade and have since taken to creating and writing for HAFILAX for even longer. I hope you enjoy the musings of a guy who has loved music for the better part of 4 decades, and has an album of concert tickets to show for it.

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