It’s Monday again, which means the weekend has finally come to a close and it’s time to get back to real life.

Somehow, regardless of your work schedule, sleep schedule, or just general life schedule, Monday always seems to be the hardest day of the week to get through- but we want to switch that up.

As a follow up to New Music Friday we want to share five new songs that we think deserve a spot on your weekly playlists and to become a part of your Monday morning routines.

Check out all five tracks below and be sure to listen to our full August release playlist, full of all formerly featured NMF tracks, linked at the bottom.

“Mountain Woman” by Carmanah

Opening on a catchy piano riff before kicking into a full groovy-rock track, “Mountain Woman” is the latest single by Canadian based indie-folk band, Carmanah.

Written as an ode to those who stand tall against society’s expectations and don’t let themselves be made smaller by those who disagree with them, “Mountain Woman” is an anthem of pride and support. Specifically geared towards those fighting for social justice and climate change- two movements often attacked in mainstream media.

“Mountain Woman,” is a dedication to anyone who steps outside of the norm to protect what they love,” the band shared. “[It] is an ode to people who press on in their conquests for climate and social justice.”

This song is the perfect confidence booster, providing listeners with a sense of support and encouragement to push on and fight whoever obstacles are in their way. With catchy guitar lines, soaring vocals, and overall good vibes, “Mountain Woman” is the perfect track to kick off any Monday morning with.

“3’S a Crowd” by Madison Olds

There is no reason for the party to stop just because the weekend has come to an end, and the latest single by Madison Olds is the perfect excuse to party on any day of the week.

“3’S A Crowd” is a pop inspired dance anthem. With catchy choruses and uptempo beats that will make it impossible to stay still while you listen, this track is perfect for embracing your wild side and letting loose.

“Close your eyes and picture this baller, badass bitch laying in a bathtub of diamonds sucking back bottles of champagne. Like a more savage version of Audrey Hepburn,” Olds explained. “She knows how to get down and dirty, and keep it classy and powerful at the same time. Let ‘3’s a Crowd’ bring out [this] true boss in you.”

Crank the song up and dance around your room as you prepare for your next Zoom meeting. Your confidence will skyrocket and so will your energy.

“First Book” by Cap’n Marble

A bedroom-pop, 60s rock feeling track, “First Book” is the latest single by California based duo Cap’n Marble.

Using a mix of acoustic guitar, keyboard, synthesizers, and a variety of unique sounds, this track is a Beach Boys meets Beatles inspired dream.

A song about getting to know somebody, “First Book” is also the first single off of Cap’n Marble’s debut album, which is set to be released in coming months.

And while this song is not as danceable as the last two tracks, it is still perfect to throw on and groove to as you work or as you prepare for whatever your day is about to throw at you. It gives off an easy going, beach-vibe that is essential to prepare for any chill day laying ahead.

“Between The Groove” by Teon Gibbs and IAMTHELIVING

Written as an ode to Black joy and celebration- “Between the Groove” is the latest track and first collaboration by Teen Gibbs and IAMTHELIVING (aka Rian Peters).

A departure from both artists’ usual sound, “Between the Groove,” is a funky upbeat pop meets hip hop track that promotes letting go and having a good time.

“We decided to join forces to create a track that would make people want to dance – get lost in the groove (no pun intended!)” IAMTHELIVING shared, while also encouraging other Vancouver natives to collaborate on similar tracks.

“There needs to be more cross-genre collaborations in Vancouver; more black voices uniting and creating music together. To be real, we just need more positive energy to get us through these crazy times!”

We cannot wait to see what further collaborations come out of this, but in the mean time we will be dancing to “Between the Groove” at least twice a day.

“Shell” by Marie-Clo

Last but not least for our Monday blues-busters is “Shell” by Marie-Clo.

Inspired by the feelings of anxiety and fear the singer felt during the beginnings of her fight with polycystic ovarian syndrome, “Shell” is an ode to facing your battles head on and not letting perceived limits stop you from pursuing your dreams.

An indie pop song, “Shell” couple’s Marie-Clo’s calming vocals with a bouncy beat- helping give listeners a bit of hope and prepare themselves for any battle they may be facing.

“Nothing kills art or growth like trauma and anxiety,” Marie-Clo shared. “Through “Shell,” I am talking to both my younger self and anyone, especially women, who have been told to slow their roll, as if passion and ideas are negative.”

You can stream all of the above tracks now wherever you stream music, and check out our full New Music August playlist, linked below, for a full list of all of our favorite recent singles.