Jeremy Dutcher’s first single in five years is a powerful expression of Indigenous resilience

Thanks for reading the Toronto Star’s Weekend Music Digest, a roundup of new music, concert listings and more.

This week’s roundup includes new music from Jeremy Dutcher, Burna Boy, Haviah Mighty and Foo Fighters.

Click here to listen along to the Spotify playlist.

Star Tracks: More of the best new (and newish) music

Jeremy Dutcher: Skicinuwihkuk

Somehow, half a decade has passed since the release of Jeremy Dutcher’s remarkable, Polaris Prize-winning debut “Wolastoqiyik Lintuwakonawa.” Inspired by wax cylinder recordings of Wolastoqiyik song-carriers, the moving and subversive album featured Dutcher — a classically-trained operatic tenor — singing re-arranged traditional songs alongside voices from over a century ago.

Released last week, “Skicinuwihkuk” — which translates to “Indian Land” — is a dramatic return to form for Dutcher: “As long as there is a child among our people / We will protect the land,” he sings in Wolastoq over unadorned piano chords and a sweeping orchestral arrangement by Owen Pallett, his voice brimming with emotion. Once again inspired by a traditional melody he discovered while researching his debut album, the track is a powerful expression of Indigenous resilience and a new anthem for the land sovereignty movement.

Burna Boy: Sittin’ On Top Of The World

Last May, Burna Boy flipped a Toni Braxton classic into a propulsive breakup song that would become the song of the summer. On his latest single, the Nigerian superstar looks to tap back into the magic of ’90s R&B, this time sampling a Brandy and Mase hit from 1998. Burna’s heart seems fully mended time around — in the video for the smooth-as-butter single, he is shown touring the world, chilling on private jets and red carpets, and hanging with dignitaries and basketball players. And while some fans may pine for the Afrobeat fusion that Burna perfected on 2019’s “African Giant,” “Sittin’ On Top Of The World” is yet another showcase of the artist’s versatility and his world-conquering ambitions.

Haviah Mighty: Huh

Brampton’s own Haviah Mighty seems ready to ride the wave of dancefloor-oriented hip hop into the summer. Co-produced by Haviah and fellow Bramptonian Taabu, the latest single, “Huh,” is a shape-shifting heater, fusing icy trap percussion with pitched-up vocal samples and a four-on-the-floor groove that occasionally dips into DJ Mustard territory. “Im’a need a mother f—ing Grammy / Acting like I going for the Emmy,” Haviah raps during the song’s breakdown, letting the world know she can do it all.

Foo Fighters: The Glass

Feel-good, let-loose head-banging has been a Foo calling card since their inception in 1995, but on “But Here We Are” there is a depth of emotional introspection that implores repeated, attentive listens. The band’s 11th studio album manages to restore whatever relevancy may have come into question while acting as a gut-punching tribute to drummer Taylor Hawkins and Dave Grohl’s mother Virginia, both of whom passed away last year.

“The Glass” may be the song (out of ten tracks) that evokes the fondest memories of Hawkins — not due to any of the drumming, which was apparently all handled by Grohl as a way of dealing with grief — but how it conjures the spirit of 1970s power pop like Cheap Trick that his best friend loved so much.

The album closes with what may be a new funeral march anthem in “Rest.” I can only imagine how powerful it must have sounded at the crack of dawn on the lawn of Toronto’s Budweiser Stage, the site of one of only three North American sunrise listening parties that marked a new beginning for rock’s most enduring act. — Gilles LeBlanc

More new releases

Miscellanea from around the music world

Newly announced concerts

Toronto Concert Calendar: A selection of upcoming shows across the city

Friday, June 2

Ben Gibbard and co. are in town for two shows at the historic Massey Hall this weekend in support of their 2022 album “Asphalt Meadows.” The indie rock vets will perform with support from folk singer Lomelda.

Saturday, June 3

The DJ and electronic producer is headlining the Toronto Boiler Room party at Woodbine Park on Saturday, alongside Debby Friday, COBRAH and Shygirl and more. The party starts at 3 p.m. and will be livestreamed on YouTube.

The iconic Iranian pop singer — whose career has spanned six decades — will grace the stage at Meredian Hall on Saturday.

Sunday, June 4

The brand new Toronto festival, which celebrates queerness, will be headlined by Girl in Red and Hayley Kiyoko. The all-ages event also champions vendors and on-site staff from the queer community. Read about the how Lavendar started — with a love story — in a recent Star story by Sarah Laing.

The Australian alt-rock singer released her third studio album, “The Answer Is Always Yes,” to critical acclaim in May. She’ll be joined by indie singer-songwriter Liza Anne.

Thursday, June 8

Ready to party likes it 2008? The beloved pop-punk outfit are on tour in support of their recent album “This Is Why.” They’ll be supported by post-punk revivalists Bloc Party.

The Montreal pop singer-songwriter will play history as part of Canadian Music Week.

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