Toronto psych-punk band previews upcoming release with first single featuring drummer Aurora Evans on lead vocals
TORONTO — Toronto-based psych-punk outfit Wine Lips has released “Projector,” the lead single from its forthcoming fifth studio album TV Dinner, scheduled for release on August 28 through Stomp Records. The track offers the first look at a record that aims to capture the anxieties and contradictions of modern life while continuing the high-energy sound that has helped the band build an international following.
Known for blending garage punk, psychedelic rock and alternative influences, Wine Lips have spent the past decade establishing themselves as one of Canada’s most successful independent rock acts. The group’s catalogue has generated more than 45 million streams, while its music has appeared in film, television and video games. Extensive touring has also taken the band across North America, Europe, the United Kingdom, Hong Kong and China.
With “Projector,” Wine Lips introduce a notable change in the band’s dynamic. The single marks the first lead vocal performance from drummer Aurora Evans, whose voice drives the song’s confrontational message and fast-paced energy.
Single targets projection and personal insecurity
“Projector” arrives as a concise but forceful statement, combining distorted guitars, driving percussion and the raw intensity associated with garage punk. The song focuses on individuals who project their frustrations and insecurities onto others, delivering its message through sharp lyrics and relentless momentum.
Drawing influence from bands such as The Hives, Osees, New Bomb Turks, Teengenerate and Frankie and the Witch Fingers, the track balances aggression with the psychedelic elements that have become a signature part of Wine Lips’ sound.
The release also serves as an introduction to TV Dinner, a 13-track album that explores a range of contemporary social and personal pressures. Themes across the record include burnout, addiction, doomscrolling, employment frustrations, housing affordability challenges and the persistent sense of anxiety that accompanies modern life.
Rather than approaching those subjects with introspection or restraint, the band channels them into loud, energetic songs designed to capture the chaos of everyday existence.
Album recorded in Ontario with longtime collaborator
TV Dinner was recorded with producer and engineer Simon Larochette at The Sugar Shack studio in London, Ontario. According to the band, the recording process emphasized spontaneity and authenticity over perfection.
Wine Lips intentionally left room for imperfections, unexpected moments and unplanned creative decisions during production. The approach reflects the group’s reputation as a live act known for high-energy performances and an unpredictable stage presence.
The resulting album is intended to preserve the immediacy and rawness of the band’s performances rather than smooth out rough edges in pursuit of a polished studio sound.
Building on a decade of independent success
Wine Lips have steadily expanded their audience since emerging from Toronto’s underground rock scene. Their blend of garage rock, punk and psychedelic influences has earned attention both in Canada and abroad, helping the band cultivate a loyal international fan base.
Industry recognition has come through streaming success, media placements and extensive touring, achievements that have been accomplished largely outside the traditional major-label system.
The group’s rise has positioned them among a new generation of Canadian independent rock acts finding global audiences through relentless touring and digital platforms. Their sound has often been compared to a modern fusion of garage punk intensity and psychedelic experimentation, creating a style that resonates with listeners seeking high-energy alternative rock.
International touring plans follow album release
Following the release of TV Dinner, Wine Lips are expected to return to the road for a busy touring schedule. The band will support fellow Canadian rock act Death From Above 1979 on upcoming dates before embarking on another European tour later in the year.
The touring plans underscore the group’s continued focus on live performance, an area that has been central to its growth and reputation over the past decade.
As anticipation builds for the August release, “Projector” provides an early indication of what listeners can expect from TV Dinner: a fast, loud and unapologetically direct collection of songs rooted in the realities of contemporary life. With its combination of punk urgency, psychedelic energy and social commentary, the single positions Wine Lips for another active chapter in their ongoing evolution as one of Canada’s most prominent independent rock bands.