Leonard Cohen had many loves, and in the past we’ve explored the human side: the women he loved, and the women who loved him. ("I really am for the matriarchy,” as he said.)

While his relationship with alcohol was long and sometimes complicated, his love for it was also well documented. And once, when he was staying in Needles, Calif., Cohen created the perfect summery concoction out of whatever he could find at the local 7-Eleven

If you like tequila, cranberry juice and lemon, the Red Needle is for you.
 

Dance the night away with Jamie xx’s bouncy live show

Jamie xx’s Toronto shows earlier this year were exhilarating, fuelling the dance floor with banger after banger — and CBC Music was there to capture the second of the English DJ and producer’s two sold-out nights at History. 

Kaytranada samples Barry White, TLC, the Neptunes and more on his new album

Kaytranada's fourth solo album, Ain't No Damn Way!, dropped yesterday, and is a return to his roots as a crate-digging teen splicing up beats in his family's Montreal basement. "Letting y'all know that this album is strictly for workouts, dancing and studying and for my people that love beats,” he said on Instagram. We breakdown the exciting and unexpected samples on the Montreal producer's new album.

This foundation is helping 2SLGBTQ+ artists kickstart their careers

For many 2SLGBTQ+ artists, a successful music career can seem like a distant goal. With increasingly discriminatory laws and policies around identity, general harassment and lack of safety, the hurdles often feel insurmountable. It's why Toronto producer and DJ Velvet Code founded the You Do You Foundation: to give 2SLGBTQ+ musicians like himself a chance to thrive.

Polaris Music Prize announces festival in honour of 20th anniversary

The 20th annual Polaris Music Prize concert and awards ceremony will take place on Sept. 16 at Massey Hall, and to coincide with the milestone anniversary, Polaris has planned a new festival with an entire month of salons, listening parties, exhibitions and shows.

Do you know this Canadian band that has billions of streams?

Quebec City's Men I Trust have collabbed with Joey Bada$$, been longlisted for the Polaris Music Prize, nabbed a Juno nomination and performed a Tiny Desk concert.

Jessie Reyez's simmering co-pro with JID, and 3 more songs you need to hear this week

The first verse on JID's No Boo begins with Toronto's Jessie Reyez stating she won't be a placeholder: "Why'd I take you to Nobu just to hear 'bout your old boo?/ Boy, I'm not the shoulder to cry on," she sings, emanating cleverness and sass. Although Reyez sings on all the verses and choruses, she's also listed as a co-writer, elevating the song a step above collaboration and into true partnership. It’s what makes the song a must-hear this week, along with tracks from Sajaa, Ada Lea and Nonso Amadi.

Happy 100th birthday to Oscar Peterson!

Saturday Night Jazz celebrates the music and legacy of Canadian jazz giant Oscar Peterson, born 100 years ago in August 1925. You'll hear from the artists who inspired him, music in tribute to him, and Peterson playing alongside Ella Fitzgerald, Stephane Grappelli and Fred Astaire. It's an Oscar Peterson centennial celebration you won't want to miss!

How Population II made its sprawling, prog-rock album Maintenant Jamais

The fifth episode of The Ten, CBC Music’s weekly Polaris shortlist deep dive, explores Maintenant Jamais, Population II’s newest release. Listen in for insight and expertise from jury member and music writer Stuart Berman, and La Presse writer Dominic Tardif.

Shania Twain worked at McDonald's as a teen. Now, she has her own items on the menu

Country superstar Shania Twain teamed up with McDonald's Canada for Shania's Sides, a series of special menu items available for Canadian music fans. The collaboration marks a full-circle moment for Twain, who worked at McDonald's as a teenager.

'I can't wait to go': Chappell Roan promises to perform in Saskatchewan one day

In her latest single, The Subway, the American singer-songwriter curses in post-breakup frustration that she's had enough and is moving to Saskatchewan. The song premiered at No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 this week — and Roan has now promised to perform in the province.

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