Nashville-based country artist Josh Ross won a 2025 JUNO Award for his debut EP, Complicated, featuring the chart-topping hit Trouble. He made history as the first male Canadian country artist in nearly 30 years to top the US Country Airplay chart with Single Again.
Rural Albertan singer-songwriter Lund blends outlaw country, Western, and indie-folk. Formerly of the indie-metal band the smalls, he is known for his unique writing style and DIY career approach. He has earned numerous awards, including his 14th Canadian Country Music Award, and debuted at the Grand Ole Opry.
Produced by Tyler Childers and recorded in New Orleans, The Universal Bubba features seventeen tracks blending Americana, funk, Cajun, old-time, and experimental music. Carlisle aims to create universal folk music that documents human stories, balancing humor, hope, and the struggles of everyday people.
Formed in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the alternative rock band Violent Femmes are best known for their self-titled 1983 platinum debut featuring tracks like Blister in the Sun and Kiss Off. Combining acoustic instruments with punk angst, the group released several albums including Why Do Birds Sing?
Chali 2na is a deep-voiced baritone rapper from Chicago and Los Angeles, best known as a member of underground favorites Jurassic 5 and Ozomatli. He helped form Jurassic 5 in 1993, releasing the acclaimed album Quality Control, and launched his solo career with Fish Outta Water.
Mariel Buckley is an Americana singer-songwriter known for her signature melancholy tone, hook-laden arrangements, and laser-sharp vocals. Her discography includes her 2018 debut album Driving In The Dark and the critically acclaimed 2022 follow-up Everywhere I Used To Be.
Sister Ray is the project of Edmonton-born songwriter Ella Coyes. Their debut album, Communion, was longlisted for the 2022 Polaris Prize. Raised on the Sturgeon County prairies, Coyes blends gospel bluegrass, 90s country, and traditional Métis storytelling.
Formed in Toronto in 1999, emo quartet Moneen features Kenny Bridges, Chris Hughes, Mark Bowser, and Peter Krpan. After releasing their 2000 debut EP, they issued albums like Theory of Harmonial Value and The Red Tree, and toured with bands such as Saves the Day and Circa Survive.
River Shook is a genre-blending artist known for honest lyricism and high-energy performances. After spending a decade leading Sarah Shook & the Disarmers, they debuted as a solo artist, pushing country music boundaries with indie rock and pop elements.
Canada’s The Creepshow blend punk, country, and psychobilly in a fierce rock ’n’ roll style. Since 2006, they’ve toured globally, earned critical acclaim, and gained millions of fans.
The Free Label, a six-member Toronto, Canada band, blends 70s disco, 90s R&B, and funk into an electrifying, dance-driven experience. Formed at York University, they are known for captivating live performances and extensive international tours. Popular songs include "All Night" and "Crimes of Passion." Their album "Songs for Sienna" earned widespread recognition. They have collaborated with Grammy-nominated artists such as Braxton Cook.
Indie rock band Bully, led by Alicia Bognanno, features pop hooks with grunge influences. Hailing from Rosemount, MN, Alicia found music via audio engineering. Notable albums are Feels Like & SUGAREGG. Known for candid lyrics & robust guitar, Alicia has evolved Bully into a solo project. Collaborated with artists like Soccer Mommy & The Mountain Goats.
Platinum-selling indie trio Wild Rivers blend genre-fluid, introspective songwriting; hit “Thinking ’Bout Love” (Gold AU, Platinum CA), 450M+ streams, JUNO nod; toured w/ The Chicks.
Seattle's Fleet Foxes, known for their lush, harmony-rich indie folk-rock, emerged in the late 2000s. Their albums, including the Grammy-nominated "Helplessness Blues," blend Baroque pop, classic rock, and British folk. Produced by Phil Ek and signed with Sub Pop, their 2017 "Crack-Up" and 2020 "Shore" further elevated their status. Formed by Robin Pecknold and Skyler Skjelset in 2006.
Sudan Archives is Brittney Parks, a self-taught avant-garde violinist blending R&B, hip-hop and experimental electronic music with hypnotic string loops and West African fiddling. She broke out in 2017 with Come Meh Way and released albums Athena and Natural Brown Prom Queen.
American DJ/producer Cut Chemist (Lucas MacFadden) is a solo turntablist and member of Jurassic 5 and Ozomatli. Known for Brainfreeze and The Audience’s Listening, plus Return of the DJ comps, and collaborations with DJ Shadow.
Nicolette Hoang, born in Guelph, leads Nicolette & The Nobodies, inspired by country icons like Glen Campbell. Known for heartfelt songs, her band formed after a karaoke meeting.
Raygun Cowboys, from Edmonton, blend punk rockabilly with 50s flair, featuring a dynamic horn section. Known for electrifying tours, they’ve released five albums and collaborated with The Real McKenzies and DOA.
Population II: trio (P.-L. Gratton, T. Lacombe, S. Provençal) mixing heavy psych rock with funk, jazz, early punk energy & metal-leaning minor scales.
Treble Charger, a Canadian alt pop/rock band from Sault St. Marie, initially named nc-17. Known for hits like "American Psycho," they achieved gold status with Wide Awake Bored. They've toured with Foo Fighters and Smashing Pumpkins.
Elaquent, a Toronto-based producer, integrates influences from legends like J Dilla and DJ Premier, crafting a unique sound. He's known for his vast projects, remixes, and pioneering Toronto's beat scene.
Newfoundland duo Quote the Raven blend Americana and folk with lush harmonies and storytelling. Known for songs like “Back in Spring,” they’ve worked with top Canadian artists.
illScarlett, formed in 2001 in Ontario, Canada, is a ska-pop band inspired by Sublime. They broke out with Clearly in Another Fine Mess and EPdemic, later signing a major-label deal and recording with producer Matthew Wilder.
