Listen to Canadian Music: 10 Canadian Artists You Should Be Listening To in 2025
Has the current political climate got you down? Wanting to revolt against all things America? Have you forgotten that Canadian music rips, and we've always been home to some of the world's best musicians?
We thought we'd take some time to highlight some rising Canadian musicians to remind ourselves that Canada kicks ass and we have some serious musical talent in the North. Whether you're into mathy emo, soul-infused R&B, or genre-defying folk, these ten artists prove Canada remains a powerhouse of musical talent. Here's who should be on your radar in 2025.
Swimming
St. John's, Newfoundland – Emo/Math Rock
Emerging from the eastern reaches of Canada, Swimming blends Midwestern-emo sensibilities with intricate math rock. Their debut LP That's OK gained traction in 2021, and they've since become a staple of Newfoundland's growing music scene. Their sophomore album, Old, is set to drop on February 21, 2025, via No Funeral & Barely There Records.
cleopatrick
Cobourg, Ontario – Rock
Hailing from the small town of Cobourg, Ontario, cleopatrick has built an international following with their gritty, riff-heavy rock. The duo—best friends since childhood—crafted their success independently, amassing over 77 million streams without major label backing. Their raw, energetic sound continues to captivate audiences worldwide.
thecuttingroomfloor.
Western Canada – Alt Rock
Shrouded in mystery, The Cutting Room Floor makes waves with its velvety alt-rock sound. While little is known about the band, their moody and immersive music speaks for itself. Enter The Cutting Room Floor and experience their enigmatic energy firsthand.
Saya Gray
Toronto, Ontario – Experimental R&B/Folk
Blurring the lines between R&B, folk, and experimental sounds, Saya Gray is a Toronto-born artist with deep roots in the local music scene. A longtime touring musician, she has worked with artists like Daniel Caesar and Willow Smith. Her debut album has garnered critical acclaim, showcasing her intricate songwriting and genre-bending style.
Roach
Toronto, Ontario – Indie Rock
Toronto's Roach is quickly becoming a must-know name in indie rock. Their punchy, high-energy songs have caught the attention of fans across the city. With their debut EP, Taste Test, now out, Carly, Violet, and Jackson are proving they're more than just a flash in the pan—this is a band to watch.
Katie Tupper
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan – Indie R&B
Saskatoon's Katie Tupper redefines indie R&B with her lush, soulful sound. Her EPs Towards The End (2022) and Where To Find Me (2023) have amassed millions of streams and earned her a 2024 JUNO nomination. With international radio play and industry praise, she's putting Saskatchewan's music scene on the map.
Horsebath
Halifax, Nova Scotia – Folk Rock/Americana
Passionate and theatrical, HORSEBATH delivers folk-rock with a swing-infused edge. Their devilish harmonies and dynamic performances create an undeniable energy that gets crowds moving. If you're looking for music that balances heartfelt emotion with rollicking fun, Horsebath is for you.
Tia Wood
Saddle Lake Cree Nation, Alberta – Pop/Soul
Tia Wood's powerful voice bridges generations, carrying the spirit of her Plains Cree and Coast Salish heritage into contemporary music. Having grown up immersed in music and culture, she's now making her mark as a solo artist. Her debut recordings, set to release through Sony Music this spring, are highly anticipated.
Yves Jarvis
Montreal, Quebec – Experimental/Folk/R&B
Montreal's Yves Jarvis is a sonic alchemist, blending folk, R&B, and avant-garde influences into a timeless and futuristic sound. His latest album, All Cylinders, pulls from various inspirations, resulting in vivid, immersive songs that demand repeat listens.
Nate and the Busy Boys
Fredericton, New Brunswick – Rock
Nate and the Busy Boys bring a fresh take on rock & roll with an old-school edge. Their debut album is a lively exploration of the genre’s many eras, recorded live-to-tape for an authentic, raw energy that makes each track feel timeless.
From coast to coast, the North delivers. These ten artists represent just a slice of what Canada has to offer, and 2025 is shaping up to be another standout year for Canadian music.
Listen to all the tracks on our 2025 Best New Music playlist below:
