OTTAWA — Ottawa hard rock band The Space Between is aiming to accelerate its rise in Canada’s rock sector with the release of its latest single, “Weapon of Choice,” a key milestone ahead of the group’s forthcoming album Dying Sun and a strategic step in expanding its commercial and creative footprint.
The female-fronted group, formed in 2022, has positioned the single as both a creative statement and a signal of its long-term ambitions in a competitive domestic and international rock market. The track was recorded at Noble Street Studios in collaboration with producer Brian Moncarz, whose previous credits include established acts such as Alice Cooper and The Tea Party.
Band members say the production marked a breakthrough in capturing their live performance intensity in a recorded format, an important factor for building streaming audiences and touring demand.
“We’ve struggled to find a recorded sound that properly captures our energy and I think we have finally been able to do it with ‘Weapon of Choice,’” guitarist James Shaheen said.
Unlike heavily digitized modern rock recordings, the band and its production team opted for analog-driven techniques, including vintage tube amplifiers and live drum tracking, reflecting a growing trend among rock artists seeking to differentiate themselves through more organic sound production.
From a business perspective, the single serves as the lead release for Dying Sun, an album the band hopes will deepen fan engagement and strengthen its position within Canada’s independent music ecosystem.
Lead vocalist and lyricist Maryn Pegan described the release as a turning point in the band’s internal and creative trajectory.
“This song really felt—and still feels—like a new beginning for us,” Pegan said. “We’ve gone through some big changes over the past few years, and I think this marks a turning point to an actualized band. Making ‘Weapon of Choice’ brought us back together and kickstarted what we feel is our most fulfilling set of music yet.”
Lyrically, “Weapon of Choice” explores themes of internal conflict and personal accountability, with verses including: “I fight myself to stay awake / Who will I choose to disobey? / Temptation game / Just look away.”
The track’s thematic depth reflects the broader narrative arc of Dying Sun, which Pegan said examines cycles of struggle and renewal — themes that can resonate strongly with audiences seeking emotionally driven rock music.
The album’s creation process involved additional production support from Rob Cosh and John Rosefield, helping refine what the band describes as its most cohesive and mature sound to date.
Shaheen said the challenges faced during the album’s development ultimately contributed to its artistic strength.
“This was not an easy album to make… occasionally the sun goes away for a while, and it’s just dark and pouring down rain,” Shaheen admits. “But we can’t have the light without the dark, and I think the collective struggle has created a really special collection of music.”
Industry observers note that for emerging Canadian bands, releasing a well-received lead single is critical to building momentum across streaming platforms, media coverage, and live touring circuits. Strong early reception can also support festival bookings and licensing opportunities, key revenue drivers for independent acts.
The Space Between has already built early credibility within Canada’s music industry. Following its self-titled debut EP in 2023 and subsequent releases such as “Your Excuses,” the band received four nominations at the Capital Music Awards, a regional recognition that can play an important role in raising artist profiles and attracting industry investment.
The group has also earned praise from prominent Canadian music commentator Alan Cross, further strengthening its visibility in a crowded marketplace.
Musically, the band combines heavy guitar riffs, groove-driven bass lines, and melodic vocal delivery, positioning itself within a segment of the rock market that blends technical musicianship with emotional storytelling.
Drummer Tom Sergi and bassist Ethan Ryan contribute to the band’s rhythm-driven foundation, while Pegan’s vocals serve as the focal point for the group’s sound and identity.
The release of “Weapon of Choice” comes at a time when Canada’s independent rock artists are increasingly relying on strategic single releases to sustain audience engagement and build anticipation for full-length albums.
With Dying Sun expected to follow, The Space Between is betting that its latest single will help convert critical momentum into sustained commercial growth.
As the band continues to expand its reach beyond Ottawa, its ability to translate live performance energy into recorded success may determine its long-term trajectory in Canada’s evolving rock business landscape.