Throwing a block party is a great way to bring your community together, but choosing the right music can be tricky. You want tunes that get people moving and create a fun atmosphere without annoying the neighbours. The key is to pick songs that are upbeat, familiar, and have a friendly vibe. Remember the best way to maintain a friendly relationship with your neighbours is to be respectful. Having a conversation goes a long way too. Song Suggestions for Your Block Party That Neighbours Will Love Here’s a list of cool songs that will keep your block party lively and your neighbours happy. "Thunderstruck" by Hinder, Originally by AC/DC "You'll be in My Heart" by Niki, Originally by Phil Collins "Watermelon Sugar" by Emei, Originally by Harry Styles "Africa" by HAPPIE, and The Human Experience, Originally by Toto "Rolling in the Deep" by Go Radio, Originally by Adele "Walking on Sunshine" by Sam Amidon, Originally by Katrina and the Waves "Counting Stars" by Mountain Faith, Originally by OneRepublic "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" by CYRIL, originally by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell "Sweet Caroline" by Tufts Beelzebubs, Originally by Neil Diamond "Dancing Queen" byRio Branco, originally by ABBA Tips for Keeping Neighbours Happy Choosing the right songs is just part of the equation. Here are some practical tips to make sure your block party stays neighbour-friendly: Keep the volume reasonable. Loud music can quickly turn neighbours against your event. Aim for a volume that’s lively but not overwhelming. Use a mix of genres and tempos Variety keeps the party interesting and prevents fatigue from one style. Plan quiet times Schedule moments with softer music, especially during meal times or late in the evening. Check with neighbours beforehand A quick heads-up or invitation can build goodwill and reduce complaints. Consider the time of day. Start with low-energy tunes, gradually increase energy, then wind down as the party ends. This mix keeps energy balanced and ensures everyone finds something they enjoy.

Acclaimed Canadian classical guitarist Emma Rush returns with Home Sweet Home, a deeply personal new EP that continues her mission to rediscover and celebrate the music of 19th-century composer Catharina Pratten, blending historical authenticity with a strong sense of place rooted in her hometown of Hamilton. "Catharina Pratten was such a huge figure in 19th-century guitar, but she’s been largely overlooked. Her music is passionate and colourful, and incredibly expressive." Emma Rush’s latest release builds on a growing movement within classical music to recover overlooked composers, particularly women whose contributions were historically marginalized. By focusing on Catharina Pratten’s work, Rush is not only preserving musical history but actively reintroducing it to modern audiences through thoughtful interpretation and performance. This project also reflects a broader cultural shift toward authenticity and storytelling in music. Recorded on an original 1859 Pratten model guitar and paired with visually rich video content filmed across Hamilton landmarks, Home Sweet Home connects past and present in a tangible way. It offers listeners a rare opportunity to experience these compositions as they may have originally been heard, while grounding them in a contemporary, place-based narrative. Where should I go to find more information? –To explore Home Sweet Home, access media assets, or learn more about Emma Rush’s work, visit her official website and Bandcamp page, where the EP is available alongside videos and additional project details. Check out more of her work on her Website, Bandcamp , Facebook, Instagram ,TikTok.

These covers often bring new life to old favourites or introduce timeless tunes to a whole new generation. So, grab your headphones and get ready to explore cover songs that have been making waves. Spinning vinyl record representing classic music Top Cover Songs That You Can't Miss Let’s get into the heart of it: the songs that have captured our ears and hearts. Here are some standout covers that have been turning heads and topping playlists: “Billie Jean” By Anthony Vincent, Originally By Michael Jackson “How to Save a Life” By TALK, Originally By The Fray “Spooky” By Alice Lamb, Originally By Harry Middlebrooks, and Mike Sharpe “Eye of the Tiger” By Fearless Soul and Rachael Schroeder, Originally By Survivor “Blinding Lights” By Savella and Rachael Schroeder, Originally By Max Martin [SE], The Weeknd, Belly, DaHeala, Oscar Holter “You Don't Get Me High Anymore” By Charlatan, Originally By Phantogram “Where is my Mind?” By Harley Poe, Originally By Pixies “When Doves Cry” By Patti Smith, Originally By Prince “Knocking on Heaven's Door” By RAIGN, Originally By Bob Dylan “Bang Bang” By Daniela Andrade, Originally By Chér Rediscovering Classics with a Modern Twist If you want to dive deeper, don’t forget to check out the best new cover songs featured on Switching Styles. It’s a fantastic resource for discovering unique musical interpretations and connecting with a community that loves music as much as you do. Now, go ahead and hit play on some covers. You might just find your next favourite song in a voice you never expected. Happy listening!

Edmonton's Famous Strangers Unveils Explosive Single “Ghosts of Men”. Edmonton, Canada’s heavy rock force, Famous Strangers, unveils the explosive single “Ghosts of Men” from their long‑awaited self‑titled debut album, co‑produced with Phil Anderson, mixed by Joel Wanasek, and mastered by Maor Appelbaum, set for release on August 21, 2026. “Ghosts of Men” was originally somewhat written back when Braden, Beej, and Jeff first got together, but put on the back burner. It was then rewritten, including vocals, just three days before entering the studio. The track evolved rapidly into one of the album’s most personal and hard‑hitting tracks. Check out the single and its music video below. With the talents of Amanda Kiernan (Vocals), Brian Jolly aka “Beej” Beejerson (Drums), Braden Sustrik (Bass, Vocals), and Jeff Kittlitz (Guitar, Vocals). The music video takes a wild, tongue‑in‑cheek look at the emotional chaos of being ghosted, an over‑the‑top visual interpretation of the song’s raw vulnerability. ​ ​

Need something new for your playlist? Here’s what’s on our latest release radar. This selection brings together standout tracks that lean into strong songwriting, emotional depth, and genre-blending creativity from both emerging and established artists. Expect storytelling, atmosphere, and a few songs that pull at the heartstrings. “Allison” by Irish Millie “Put Back My Heart” by Alan Gerber “Dance Around the Spinning Wheel” by The McDades “The Reason” by The Sling Sisters “Just Like an Angel” by Rick Maltese

The Musi-Flo Artist of the Year, Silka Weil, Channels PJ Harvey, Lana Del Rey, and Wolf Alice Into Her Most Direct and Irresistible Song Yet. Don't wait to check out "Make Me Lose Control" by Silka Weil. Seductive. Confrontational. Tense. Silka Weil, one of Montréal's most compelling emerging voices in folk-rock and alt-pop, today releases "Make Me Lose Control," a charged, urgent new single that announces the arrival of her second EP, 'Midnight Blue,' on July 3, 2026. "Her music has been compared to PJ Harvey and Lana Del Rey for its ability to hold boldness and intimacy in the same breath, and "Make Me Lose Control" does exactly that – a song that leans into desire, plays cat and mouse with vulnerability, and arrives at something genuinely thrilling," explains a press release from Silka Weil. "Make Me Lose Control" by Silka Weil Check out her music here: Spotify YouTube Website Bandcamp Facebook Instagram TikTok

POWERLÖAD Drops a new Music Video “Drunk in a Taxi Cab” for their New Album "In The Pocket" Out End of June 2026 "Drunk in a Taxi Cab" by POWERLÖAD features an impressive music video. It was released just before the latest single from their forthcoming album, "In The Pocket," which is set to be released on June 26, 2026, by Luv Machine Records (Vinyl), Night Strike Records (Cassette), and Nice Load Records & Marital Aid (CD). The video is gritty and straightforward, depicting the journey of an intoxicated person trying to get home, filmed entirely in the back of a car. It presents the perspective of being drunk in a taxi cab. The concept came from bassist/vocalist Shel Shock experiences, “One night I was in a car coming home from the bar & in the midst of all the spinning, some lyrics appeared. Anyone who’s listening to POWERLÖAD has been there, you drunks. Can’t get more literal or bonehead than that.”​ A slower, swagger‑heavy rocker, “Drunk in a Taxi Cab” captures the bleary, reflective moment between the chaos of the night and the consequences of the morning, all wrapped in the band’s signature maximum-voltage street rock attack attitude. ​

Decimate Metalfest is happening this weekend in Millet, Alberta! Decimate Metalfest 2026 What: Metal, heavy metal, and even heavier metal When: June 26–27, 2026 Who: Suitable for all ages, family-friendly Where: Millet, Alberta, Canada Venue: Millet Agriplex Arena Get Tickets Here. Decimate Metalfest 2026 is an all-ages metal festival taking place in Millet, Alberta, uniting heavy music, independent arts, and community over a two-day event in June. The festival features bands from both Canada and the USA, along with performances, contests, vendors, and family-friendly activities. Learn more about this local music festival by visiting Decimatemetalfest.com. Featured Attractions Fantastic bands like Spineless, black friday, Godfall, Kilusan, Pollux, Valley of Despair, Let it Rot, and so many more! See the whole lineup here. Heavy metal genres spanning death metal, thrash metal, industrial, hardcore, metalcore, power metal, black metal, and rock ’n’ roll. Air guitar contests for both youth and adults. Pancake breakfast on Saturday morning. Food trucks and drink options. Camping nearby at the Millet Lions Memorial Campground. Drag artists and community-focused performances throughout the weekend. FAQ Q: Is Decimate Metalfest open to all ages? A: Yes, the festival is an all-ages event, welcoming everyone. Q: Where is the festival located? A: It takes place at the Millet Agriplex Arena in Millet, Alberta, Canada. Q: Is the venue indoor? A: Yes, the main events occur indoors at the arena. Q: Are there activities suitable for families? A: Yes, the festival features youth performances, a kids' area, air guitar contests, and a family-friendly environment. Q: Is camping an option? A: Yes, camping is available nearby at the Millet Lions Memorial Campground. Q: Is food provided at the festival? A: Yes, there are food trucks and breakfast options throughout the weekend. Q: Is the venue accessible for wheelchairs? A: Yes, the venue is described as wheelchair-accessible. Q: Where can I find more information? If you have further questions, visit the festival’s official Contact Us page. The website also offers links for tickets, lineup information, volunteer opportunities, vendor applications, and partner details. Follow Decimate Metal Fest on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube and email inbox.

Hyperlink your brand to our Content with one of Switching Style's many advertising opportunities. We're here to share what you have to say. Hyperlinks are one of our simplest and most affordable options. You'll be able to have your link in pre-existing evergreen content. We'll place your link alongside resources, examples, and other amazing musicians to share your story. You can share links to products, merch, yourself, your brand, events, tours, and so much more. All right here on Switchingstyles.ca! At times, inserting hyperlinks can seem intrusive. Occasionally, blogs discreetly add them, but when people click, they soon discover it's not what they expected. They leave after spending less than a second on your page. That's not what we want. Instead, we want them inserted smoothly and relevantly. Featuring pertinent, genuine links on a music blog like switchingstyles.ca ensures enduring visibility through evergreen, niche content while delivering valuable, relevant information to the Switching Styles audience. What's the process for setting up sponsored links with Switching Styles? Step 1 – Define your goals. Take a moment to consider what you want to achieve and what kind of branded content will best support your vision. Step 2 – Start your order. Click “Order Now” to begin the process. Step 3 – Share your details. Complete the form so we can understand your brand, audience, and expectations. Step 4 – Review the guidelines. Read through our policies, terms, and conditions. We maintain a safe, respectful platform, which means no illegal, hateful, plagiarized, or otherwise inappropriate content for the Switching Styles audience. Step 5 – Sit back and relax. Once submitted, you can leave the rest to us while we review your request. Step 6 – Receive your quote. We’ll carefully assess your submission and send you a clear quote with pricing and next steps. Step 7 – Confirm and publish. After we receive payment, we’ll publish your content and begin sharing it. This includes 1–3 social media posts over time to keep your feature fresh and visible. Step 8 – Amplify your reach. For even better results, engage with your feature and related posts. Sharing and interacting help connect your content with an audience already interested in what you offer. Pro tip: Reach out to us anytime with questions or concerns right here. Start sharing your story right now by checking out our branded content today!!

Are you angry about your ex? Don't text your ex! Listen to these Breakup Cover Songs instead. In the heat of the moment, many people might feel compelled to reach out to their exes via text. Taking a break until you calm down is usually the best bet. Choosing to listen to the emotions involved in an angry breakup rather than texting can result in healthier outcomes. Here are several reasons why this method is more advantageous: Emotional Clarity, Avoiding Miscommunication, Space for Calm, Time for Self-Reflection, Establishing Boundaries, and Fostering Emotional Resilience. Anger frequently arises from unresolved emotions and unmet needs. By taking the time to work through these feelings, individuals can achieve a better understanding of their own emotions and the dynamics within the relationship. Check out the song suggestions below! "Abcdefu" Pop-Rock Cover By Fame On Fire, Originally By Gayle "Before He Cheats" Acoustic Guitar Cover By Amigo The Devil, Originally By Carrie Underwood "You Oughta Know" Rock Cover By Luxxe, Originally By Alanis Morissette "Since U Been Gone" Pop-Punk Cover By Theory Of A Deadman, Originally By Kelly Clarkson "Good 4 U" Pop-Rock Cover By Our Last Night, Originally By Olivia Rodrigo "Gives You Hell" Pop Acoustic Cover By First To Eleven, Originally By The All-American Rejects "IDGAF" Punk Pop Cover By Patient Sixty Seven, Originally By Dua Lipa "Better Than Revenge" Pop-Rock Cover By Always Grounded, Originally By Taylor Swift "Shout Out To My Ex" Acoustic Pop Cover By Jada Facer Ft. Tyler Ward, Originally By Little Mix "We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together" Pop Cover By Tiffany Alvord, Originally By Taylor Swift "Love Me Or Leave Me" By Ruth Etting Listen To These Breakup Cover Songs Today! While the urge to text an ex after an angry breakup can be strong, choosing to listen to the emotions involved can lead to a healthier and more constructive outcome.

Is this a scam? This is one of the questions I ask a lot when I'm job hunting. Unfortunately, it's in all industries, including the music industry. Like most scams, it's hard to see at first, but a good rule of thumb is if it's too good to be true, it probably is. Scams in the music industry are becoming more common, and no part of the business is immune. The music industry attracts millions of passionate artists, producers, and fans every year. Unfortunately, this vibrant world also draws scammers who prey on hopeful musicians and industry newcomers. Understanding the common scams and knowing how to protect yourself is crucial for anyone involved in music or is online in any capacity. Scams in the Music Industry The music industry has unique vulnerabilities and opportunities that scammers exploit. Here are some of the most common Scams Targeting the music industry to watch out for: Pay-to-play shows and fake festivals, where you're told to pay to perform, buy tickets, or cover "admin" fees for a slot that may not be real. Fake producers, A&Rs, managers, and label reps often use social media impersonation or vague industry language to seem credible. Fake playlisting and streaming promises, where someone sells guaranteed streams or playlist placement, often through bots or policy-breaking tactics. Royalty and publishing scams, where someone falsely claims they can collect, recover, or manage royalties for you. Sync/licensing scams, where you're asked to pay a fee to place your song in a film, ad, or game, but there is no real deal. Predatory contracts and advance-fee offers, where labels or "managers" want money before they do any meaningful work. Impersonation and email scams, like the CKUA-style warning you mentioned, in which fraudsters pose as hosts, journalists, or stations and request payment for interviews or promotions. Music theft and AI-related scams, in which rights or usage terms are hidden within suspicious distribution, licensing, or "innovation" agreements. Here are some Red flags to watch for if you think you're dealing with a scammer: They ask for money before any real work is done. They use pressure, urgency, or "limited-time" opportunities. They won't provide a contract, company details, or verifiable references. The email address, social profile, or website looks slightly off or inconsistent. They promise guaranteed fame, guaranteed streams, or guaranteed placement. How to Protect Yourself from Scams Awareness and due diligence are your best defences. Here are some tips for staying safe online: Verify the person or company independently using official websites, industry directories, and direct contact information you find yourself. Ask for a written contract before agreeing to anything. Never pay up front just to get an opportunity that should be earned through legitimate selection or promotion. Protect your accounts with strong passwords and two-factor authentication, especially if someone asks for access to social platforms, email, or distribution dashboards. Read every clause about ownership, royalties, AI usage, exclusivity, cancellation, and payment terms before signing. Check references and search the person's name, company name, email address, and phone number for complaints or fraud reports. If you notice something that could be a scam, report it to the platform you're using or flag it for others in your organization. You can also report it directly to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC) or similar organizations. Never share sensitive personal or financial information unless you are certain of the recipient's legitimacy. Essential Resources for Music Industry Safety Several organizations and platforms provide valuable support and information to help musicians avoid scams: Global Anti-Scam Alliance (GASA) FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) Cybercrime defined Cyber safety Staying cyber healthy Get Cyber Safe Canadian Centre of Cyber Security PRS for Music Music Law Contracts: Download Music Contract Templates Sanderson Entertainment Law Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts VLANY BBB | Better Business Bureau Federal Trade Commission

Hold music for your business is vital. Hold music, also known as MOH (Music On Hold) or Phone Hold Music, is essential for any business. It may seem trivial, but it significantly impacts customer relations, especially when the business is conducted primarily over the phone. It improves business relationships with their customers through phone calls and boosts the customer’s opinion of the brand. Photo by cotton-bro studio on Why Is Hold Music Important? Music is effective at elevating a moment. Music improves brand perception. A study by Mood Media and Sacem shows that music improves overall business performance when used correctly. 76 percent of customers reported their service wait times passed more quickly when music played. When the business played music, the perception of a company as “premium” increased by 20 points, from 36 percent to 56 percent. 93 percent of employees preferred music versus no music at work. Most customers, particularly in banking, felt more comfortable having confidential conversations when music was playing, which helped mask them from others. “This conclusive study reinforces that correctly designed music can improve the ambiance and Customer Experience in various business environments, even in those industries not part of traditional retail. Every business that welcomes on-site customers and clients into their space has a legitimate reason to incorporate music – not only because it is an integral part of people’s daily lives but because music is as important to the Customer Experience as lighting, store layout or other key element design features,” said Valentina Candeloro, International Marketing Director at Mood Media. Tips For Choosing the Right Hold Music. This can be difficult to choose, as music is highly subjective to the business and the customer. Choosing the right music enhances the customer experience with your company. Don’t underestimate a customer’s experience, even if it’s just on the phone. Match The Music to Your Brand Matching the music to your brand's feel and image ensures an excellent customer experience and enhances your brand’s image. Over 70 percent of customers had a more positive view of a business’ image when the site was playing music. Moreover, 65 percent of customers agreed that on-site music helped differentiate the company from competitors. If your company is looking for a live music venue in downtown Edmonton, upbeat, contemporary music would be ideal. However, if your company is a senior assisted living facility, a Childish Gambino-inspired approach may be a bad idea. Photo by energepic.com on Don’t Let the Music Stagnate Update your music regularly and frequently. This keeps your brand perception new and trendy. That aspect is essential when competing against others in the same industry. Nobody wants to hear the same hold music every time they make a reservation or appointment. This is important if phone calls are a regular part of your clients' interactions, such as at a doctor’s office or a retail location with a wide service area. Choose Your Hold Music Wisely If you have multiple lines for different departments, consider tailoring hold music to the caller’s reason for calling. In the Mood Media and Sacem study, when more traditionally serious sectors such as banking & pharmacy were silent, only 33 percent of customers initially thought adding music would feel appropriate in those establishments. However, 76 percent of customers agreed that music was compatible and complementary to the business once music was introduced. Ensure High Quality Although hold music can suck simply because it’s not good quality music, typically, the phone system is used instead of the music. Don’t blame the musician if the music sounds like a cassette player in a tin that can be used as a piñata. It’s likely a tech issue, as phone systems are designed for human speech, which has a different range than music. Quality is key, and it extends beyond the music. Nothing is worse than hold music that sounds like it’s coming from inside a tin can. Where do you find hold music? For small businesses or freelancers, obtaining music rights can seem daunting. If you don’t have access to a musician on hand or the finances to pay for the media outright, your options seem limited. But there are other options available. Commissioning Hold Music This is one avenue to find music: commission hold music from various artists in your community. Consider who you’d want to create your hold music and what style would fit your business. Once those are finalized, reach out to the music community to explain what you need and what you can offer. Where to reach out for music commissions Reach out to local community choirs, music schools, and theatres Search online for bartering sites like Fiverr or Simbi Connect to musicians on social media or forums like Facebook or Reddit Share a contract position for creating your hold music. Here are some artists who have been commissioned to perform music and highlight their work. If none of these tickles your hold music fancy, check directories such as Music Folders and MusicXS to find a musician with a sound you like, and contact them. Royalty-Free Hold Music Royalty-free music is music you can use without having to pay royalties. The reason is that the artist has placed the work in the public domain or has relinquished the rights. These can also be musical works that have aged long enough to be in the public domain. Here are some various places to find royalty-free hold music. Videvo Premium Beat Ben Sound Pixabay Free Music Archive Mix Kit Upp Beat Photo by Yan Krukau on Citations Droit-Volet, Sylvie, et al. Music, Emotion, and Time Perception: The Influence of Subjective Emotional Valence and Arousal? Vol. 4, 1 Jan. 2013, http://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2013.00417/full, https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2013.00417. Accessed 26 July 2023. Meet the Composer Commissioning Music: A Basic Guide. “Mood Media & Sacem Study Reveals the Virtues of Music on Overall Customer Experience, Even within More Traditionally 'Serious' Sectors.” Businesswire.com, 12 Oct. 2017, http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20171012005445/en/Mood-Media-Sacem-Study-Reveals-the-Virtues-of-Music-on-Overall-Customer-Experience-Even-Within-More-Traditionally-%E2%80%9CSerious%E2%80%9D-Sectors. Accessed 26 July 2023. “Mood Media – We Partnered with Sacem to Pilot a Study about The…” Facebook.com, 2023, http://www.facebook.com/moodmedia/posts/1602178056470884/?paipv=0&eav=Afb1bLMY6PJweIUxtC6z2aoJPXH15PCDCWFiq5NErKGHlvQnNQ_esoNecZBK9F3rqig&_rdr. Accessed 26 July 2023. “Mood News.” Moodmedia.com, 2017, us.moodmedia.com/assets/email/moodnews/1017/. Accessed 26 July 2023. MusicDirectory.com, MusicXS. “MusicXS Is a Musician & Music Business Directory – Find Musician & Music Business – MusicXS @ MusicDirectory.com.” MusicXS @ MusicDirectory.com, 2023, http://www.musicdirectory.com/. Accessed 26 July 2023. “MUSICFOLDER.com.” MUSICFOLDER.com, 2023, ca.musicfolder.com/. Accessed 26 July 2023. “Pixabay.” Pixabay.com, 2023, pixabay.com/music/. Accessed 26 July 2023. “Royalty Free Music and “Free to Download” Music – Free Music Archive.” Freemusicarchive.org, 2023, freemusicarchive.org/. Accessed 26 July 2023. “Royalty Free Music Download.” Free Stock Footage – Videvo.net, 2023, http://www.videvo.net/royalty-free-music/. Accessed 26 July 2023. “Royalty Free Stock Music, Download Free MP3s for Videos | Mixkit.” Mixkit. Co, 2023, mixkit. co/free-stock-music/. Accessed 26 July 2023.