"We live in Canada, so we only have four months of summer," was the oddly hopeful quote about this season’s length from a recent CBC piece, on the pressure to spend as much time outside as possible in our biggest sunshine months. 

The fun thing is, music can get you in the summer mood whether your toes are dipping into a lake or shoved into loafers for an eight-hour shift at the mall. To help with that, we have a couple suggestions to beat any summertime sadness, plus a bonus one if you want to get outside.

First: listen to the 13 contenders for song of the summer, including chart climbers, party starters and understated bangers. 

Second: follow these tips to make a memorable road-trip playlist from this week’s Commotion guests and host Elamin Abdelmahmoud.

Third, if possible: head to one of the many music festivals left this season, with suggestions for every province and territory.

Did you know Céline Dion won this famous singing competition when she was just 20?

“I sang my heart out the best I could, and it started my career so wonderfully well,” Dion has said about the experience. 

Junos introduce new Latin music category

The new addition will recognize Canadian musicians across all Latin American languages and genres who've released music in the eligible year. It's the latest move by the Junos to diversify how it recognizes Canadian creators and the evolving national music scene.

Find out what LØLØ is listening to these days

Hint: a member of the supergroup recently dropped by our studio to play Jam or Not a Jam.

How Yves Jarvis shifted his songwriting for his latest album, All Cylinders

The fourth episode of The Ten, CBC Music’s weekly Polaris shortlist deep dive, explores All Cylinders, Yves Jarvis’s newest release. Listen in for insight and expertise from CBC Music's Kelsey Adams and Vibin’ host Rohit Joseph.

JP Saxe ends up cancelling tour after low ticket sales

After pleading with fans to buy tickets last week, the Toronto singer-songwriter says he's cancelled his series of concerts over sluggish sales and the high cost of life on the road.

Ruby Waters' late-summer heater, and 3 more songs you need to hear this week

Ontario indie artist Ruby Waters is incredible at setting a mood, and her brand new track, Wet T-Shirt, is a sensual descent into the peak heat of August. Hit play on her late-summer heater, plus songs by Debby Friday, Begonia, and Milk & Bone with Chromeo.

Honey Jam founder Ebonnie Rowe walks it like she talks it

If you've ever sung along to one of Nelly Furtado's iconic hits or gotten chills listening to Jully Black's powerful voice, you have Ebonnie Rowe to thank.

Wander your way through Indigenous roots and blues

Get an aerial view of the vibrancy of Indigenous music with Reclaimed’s new episode, “Vibrant Skies.” Fly across vast expanses to touch down on some dusty rez roads and feel the ground rumble and shake with soulful blues, roots and surf-rock. You’ll hear songs from Christian Wallowing Bull, Crystal Shawanda (pictured), Charlie Patton and more.

Tragically Hip offers helping hand to Canada women's rugby team fundraising campaign

"This team is the embodiment of what it means to be Canadian — passionate, humble, and resilient," the band said in a statement. "This partnership is about getting all of Canada behind one of the most inspiring untold stories in this country. It's lifting up a team and a nation on the world stage, cheering on our women as they aim to achieve their dreams."

Thanks so much for joining us for this issue of Listen Up! If you loved it, feel free to let us know at listenup@cbc.ca — and use the same email if you have questions or suggestions. Please share it with your friends, family and even enemies via cbc.ca/listenup.