East Coast DNA

09/25/2026

Fantastic Finds Friday: Gearl - “Luxury”

Our second Fantastic Find this week is Gearl Francis, whose new single “Luxury” arrived yesterday.

Gearl is an Indigenous hip hop artist from Eskasoni, Nova Scotia, known for his work as a member of City Natives and K.U.$.H, as well as his extensive solo catalogue.

At its heart, “Luxury” is an expression of gratitude.

The song reflects an appreciation for what Gearl has while recognizing the ebbs and flows of life and the struggles that come with it. There’s an understanding that appreciating where you are also means remembering where you’ve been and knowing that life can change again.

That gives the track a different kind of confidence. It isn’t simply about what you have. It’s about being grateful for it.

Written and composed by Gearl, the song was also produced by him, with Gearl taking on assistant engineering as well. The production leaves space for the lyrics and delivery to carry that message.

That perspective fits naturally within Gearl’s broader body of work. He has spent years creating and collaborating across Canadian and American hip hop scenes while continuing to build his solo catalogue and bring his experiences as a Mi’kmaq artist into his music.

And now, we’re bringing him into Glasgow Square in New Glasgow.

On November 8, Gearl joins T3KILLAH for Songs From The Square Episode 11, where we’ll get to see both artists perform and give us some insight behind their music.

🎧 Gearl - “Luxury” is out now.

09/25/2026

Fantastic Finds Friday: T3KILLAH - “NightTime”

This week’s Fantastic Finds have something in common. Both artists are heading into the Glasgow Square Green Room with us this November for Songs From The Square Episode 11.

First up is T3KILLAH, the Nova Scotia hip hop artist behind the new single “NightTime.”

Released September 17, the track takes a darker turn, built around atmospheric production and a late-night energy that feels less like reflection and more like giving yourself over to whatever happens after the sun goes down.

There’s an unapologetic addiction to the night running through the song. Drinking, attraction, staying out and eventually passing out all become part of the cycle, with the repeated “when the sun goes down” giving the track its hook and identity.

Written and composed by Tevin Nicholas, T3KILLAH also handled the studio production, with DJ MOVES contributing additional engineering. The result is a track that feels polished without losing the personality behind it.

“NightTime” follows July’s “Bank Closed” and continues a busy year of releases for T3KILLAH.

And now we get to hear where these songs go when the production gets stripped back and the artist is sitting in a room with an audience.

On November 8, T3KILLAH joins Gearl for Songs From The Square Episode 11 at Glasgow Square (New Glasgow, Nova Scotia).

🎧 T3KILLAH - “NightTime” is out now.

09/24/2026

AVAILABLE NOW: East Coast DNA’s Cassie Fox Interview | LOUD WOMEN From Indie Punk Shows to International Festivals

Cassie Fox joins East Coast DNA to talk about the return of LOUD WOMEN Fest Halifax, happening October 24th at The Seahorse Tavern.

We get into how LOUD WOMEN grew from London’s indie punk scene into an international feminist music movement, why Halifax has become a key part of that story, and what audiences can expect from this year’s ten‑artist lineup — including the one‑night‑only “We, Cassie” collaboration.

🎥 Watch the full interview: YouTube.com/East Coast DNA
🔗 More info on LOUD WOMEN: https://loudwomen.org/

LOUD WOMEN Fest Halifax 2026
📍 The Seahorse Tavern, Halifax
🗓️ Saturday, October 24 • 5pm–11:30pm • 19+
🎟️ Tickets: $25 advance

2026 Lineup:
Alanna Matty • Altered by Mom • Amygdala Hijack • BURRY • Freya Milliken • Penny & The Pits • SALTLAMP • Shoulder Season • Warlet • We, Cassie

LOUD WOMEN champions women and gender‑expansive artists through festivals, gigs, radio, journalism, and international collaboration — now active across the UK, Canada, USA, Australia, Japan, and Germany.

09/24/2026

09/23/2026

🎙️ AVAILABLE NOW

Abi Mack is back on the East Coast DNA podcast.

It’s been over a year since we last sat down with Abi, and a lot has changed. In this new conversation, we catch up on her decision to remain independent, how her songwriting and perspective have evolved, taking a step back from live performance, and what she’s been building behind the scenes.

We also talk about her upcoming single “Dear Younger Me,” set for release October 2, and what’s next for Abi as she enters a new chapter of her music and career.

The full interview is available now on the East Coast DNA YouTube channel.

▶️ YouTube.com/East Coast DNA

If you’re discovering Abi for the first time, this is a great place to get to know the person and artist behind the music.

09/22/2026

East Coast DNA interview with LOUD WOMEN founder Cassie Fox, coming September 24, 2026

LOUD WOMEN Fest Halifax is back! 🇨🇦Saturday 24 October 2026The S...

09/22/2026

09/19/2026

Fantastic Finds Friday: Autumn MacKay - “Four Leaf Clover”

Autumn MacKay releases her new single “Four Leaf Clover.”

A singer-songwriter from Truro, Nova Scotia, Autumn has been building her place in the province’s live music scene with her distinct vocals, folk-leaning songwriting and a growing catalogue of original material. Having written hundreds of songs, she brings plenty of experience to her performances, with an inviting presence and a natural instinct for storytelling.

“Four Leaf Clover” takes that songwriting into some pretty personal territory, exploring luck, choices and the consequences that can follow.

The four leaf clover becomes a symbol for more than good fortune. It represents the people who stick around, the opportunities we are given and the chances we sometimes have to choose a different direction.

But having those things in our lives doesn’t always mean we recognize their value.

Through direct, conversational songwriting, Autumn looks at what happens when opportunity and personal choices collide, and how those choices can affect not only ourselves, but the people around us.

There’s an intimacy to the recording that keeps the focus on Autumn’s voice and the story she is telling.

09/18/2026

Fantastic Finds Friday: Loviet - “FEEDER”

Nova Scotian born and raised, Loviet, is back with a new single, “FEEDER.”

The track continues the guitar-driven, 90s-influenced indie rock and alt-pop sound that has been developing throughout Loviet’s catalogue, with a growing collection of singles and EPs including 777 and The Nighttime Is All In The Timing.

“FEEDER” follows a busy run of releases in 2026, including “Stiffy” and “Cheerleader,” continuing the evolution of an artist who has built her sound around polished production, big guitars and an energetic approach to performance.

And she’s certainly put that live energy to work. Loviet has taken her music to stages including Lollapalooza, Summerfest and Ottawa Bluesfest, alongside headline and showcase performances across Canada.

What stands out about Loviet is the sense of evolution. There’s still plenty of that retro-leaning alternative rock character in the music, but each release feels like another piece of the bigger picture.

Today also marks the deluxe edition reissue of Debutante, the EP originally released this past spring. The expanded edition adds “Can You Help Me Out,” released as a single in May, along with today’s “FEEDER.”

And for those who like their music on vinyl, ** DEBUTANTE (DELUXE) is available to preorder on 12” ruby red transparent vinyl**, with copies shipping November 18, 2026.

Side A
ST**FY
CHEERLEADER
PLUSH
EXPLOSURE
DEBUTANTE

Side B
CAN YOU HELP ME OUT
FEEDER

Each vinyl order also comes with a signed poster, sticker pack and studio Polaroids.

The deluxe edition was produced by Loviet, mixed by Ian Docherty on tracks 1, 2, 4, 5, 6 and 7, Bradley Hale on track 3, and mastered by Don Chapman.

🎧 Loviet - DEBUTANTE (DELUXE) and “FEEDER” are out now.

09/17/2026

🎙️ TROY ARSENEAULT INTERVIEW | HALIFAX URBAN FOLK FESTIVAL & ATLANTIC MUSIC SCENE

A new episode of the East Coast DNA podcast is available now with Troy Arseneault.

Troy joins us for a conversation about his busy year in music, his work behind the scenes in the Atlantic Canadian festival scene, and his role in programming this year’s Halifax Urban Folk Festival.

We talk about the evolution of HUFF, expanding into new venues and musical territory, keeping songs and stories at the centre, bringing hip-hop and world music into the festival, the youth stage, emerging artists and the future of live music across Atlantic Canada.

▶️ WATCH ON YOUTUBE

YouTube.com/East Coast DNA

📍 HALIFAX URBAN FOLK FESTIVAL
September 27 to October 3, 2026
Halifax, Nova Scotia

🎟️ HUFF tickets, schedule and festival information:
HalifaxUrbanFolkFestival.com