3 new Ontario music releases you need to hear this week

Everyday musicians write, record and release new music in Ontario. On In the Key of C on CBC Radio One we try to highlight some of our favourites in a weekly column.

Host Craig Norris spoke with CBC Kitchener-Waterloo's Amanda Grant this week about her top music picks, from atmospheric dance numbers to upbeat hip-hop tracks.

You can hear the show live every Saturday evening at 5 p.m. ET on CBC Radio One. In the Key of C can be heard across the province, except for in the GTA. Hamilton listeners can hear the segment in the audio player.

Here are Amanda's top picks:

Black Country - Slow Dancing

Owen Sound's Black Country is the project of Joshua Richardson, who runs a record label in Grey County called Mudtown Records.

The band released their first album on Friday and, unlike most bands, they aren't heading out on the road to tour and promote it. Instead the band is staying put, saying they want to support Owen Sound's music scene by investing their time in hosting shows in their own community. 

Here's a taste of what you'll get if you made the trip to Owen Sound. This is the dream-like 'Slow Dancing' by Black Country.

Jessy Lanza - It means I love you

Hamilton native Jessy Lanza released the first single from her upcoming album Oh No this week. The album is set to be released in May and is produced by Junior Boys' Jeremy Greenspan.

Lanza's last record, Pull My Hair Back, was short listed for a Polaris Prize in 2014, so this is a hotly anticipated release. 

The first track off Lanza's new album builds slowly, creating an atmosphere before ending in a pulsing dance track, featuring Lanza's childlike vocals.

This is 'It means I love you' by Jessy Lanza. 

Erich Mrak - Faces

Ottawa's Erich Mrak released his debut EP V this week, featuring five distinct tracks. Each song has a slightly different vibe, featuring guest vocalists and catchy hooks.

This song, 'Faces,' is the lead single off that EP, and it lends a poppy element to the musician's hip-hop style.

Amanda will be back next week on In the Key of C with Craig Norris at 5 p.m. on CBC Radio One in Ontario with more top releases.