THE LOCALIST: JANUARY 2026
Local Goblin—“Write My Story” (Single)
Release Date: Jan. 9, 2026
City: Waterloo
Genre: Metal
Local Goblin’s newest song comes on the heels of their debut single, “Forklift Certified”, which was released on Dec. 12, 2025. With the entirety of the band consisting of University of Waterloo students, there is a refreshing, youthful energy to their sound. Both of Local Goblin’s singles incorporate inspiration from a variety of genres such as nu metal, death metal and grunge.
FRANKIE FLOWER—”VELVET COLLAPSE”
(Single)
Release Date: Jan. 21, 2026
City: Waterloo
Genre: Alternative
Beginning with only jangly guitars and a soft vocal delivery, “VELVET COLLAPSE” showcases a lofi pop sound that feels like floating through a nostalgic daydream. FRANKIE FLOWERS makes the decision to boldly withhold any percussion until halfway through the song, leaving space for the vocals and lyrics to truly shine.
Red Orkestra—Letters From Afar (LP)
Release Date: Feb. 2, 2026
City: Waterloo
Genre: Alternative, Folk
Originally formed by singer-songwriter Johnny Charmer in 2003, Red Orkestra returns with their seventh album, Letters From Afar, where they explore themes of love, longing, hope and resistance. Packed full of thoughtful and poignant lyricism, the band injects feelings of intimacy and political passion across the entirety of the ten-song track list.
Living Room for Small—“wastemytwenties.3AM”
(Single)
Release Date: Jan. 15, 2026
City: Waterloo
Genre: Alternative, Pop
The alt-pop trio Living Room For Small have reimagined their song “WASTE MY TWENTIES”, which was originally released as part of their 2024 album PRETTY LITTLE DROP DEAD GORGEOUS. This new version is gentler and slower, and spacey by comparison. The production changes more clearly highlight the feelings of introspection and existentialism within the lyrics.
Red Output—“Mud Wit Burz” (Single)
Release Date: Dec. 21, 2025
City: Kitchener
Genre: Indie Rock, Post Punk
The first single from Red Output’s forthcoming EP, “Mud Wit Burz” is a high-tempo vocal tongue twister with an infectious energy that necessitates getting up and dancing. The band describes their song as a “big celebration of Love” that is meant to evoke the feeling of dancing at a concert with your friends.
Album artwork sourced from Bandcamp.
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