The Canadian music scene is a vibrant, ever-evolving beast, constantly churning out fresh talent. While some names rise to prominence quickly, others simmer in the background, their brilliance waiting to be recognized. This May, Morningpicker shines a spotlight on five emerging Canadian artists poised to explode onto the national stage. These are the sounds you need to hear, the voices you need to listen to. Get ready to experience the next wave of Canadian music.
Canadian Sounds for Your Spring Playlist: 5 Artists to Watch in May 2025
As the seasons change, the music scene is heating up with emerging Canadian artists making waves in the industry. From Toronto’s dark wave and gritty rock to Halifax and Montreal’s emerging voices, we’ve got the scoop on the 5 Canadian artists you need to hear in May 2025.
Toronto’s Dark Wave and Gritty Rock
Let’s start with the dark and gritty sounds coming out of Toronto. This city is known for its vibrant music scene, and these artists are no exception.
Apple of Basilisk: Metal with a Demonic Edge
This band blends hardcore, black metal, and death metal into a ferocious sonic assault. Their EP “His Crowned Skull Raised to the Sun” is a testament to their raw power and technical proficiency. With their aggressive riffs and haunting vocals, Apple of Basilisk is a force to be reckoned with.
Olive Soki-Kavwahirehi’s Mad Iris: A Nod to the 90s Alt-Rock Scene
Mad Iris channels the spirit of Sonic Youth and Momma, delivering grungy rock riffs and disaffected hooks that will resonate with fans of classic 90s alternative. Expect a hazy, romantic energy amidst the distortion.
Emerging Voices from Halifax and Montreal
Next up, we’ve got emerging voices from Halifax and Montreal that are making a name for themselves in the music scene.
Adam Feibel Baby Nova Halifax, NS
For fans of Lana Del Rey, Ethel Cain, and Jessica Pratt, Baby Nova is a must-listen. With fervent vocals and deeply reflective lyricism, Baby Nova oozes with out-east grit. Born Kayleigh O’Connor, the singer-songwriter has amassed over 200,000 monthly listeners on Spotify with a mere three songs in her discography.
Heather Taylor-Singh Fine Food Market Montreal, QC
Hailing from Montreal, Sophie Perras — a.k.a. Fine Food Market — is the artist to add to your summer rotation. Armed with a penchant for revelatory songwriting and slide guitars, Fine Food Market offers a hearty blend of twangy folk and nostalgic dream pop. Debut EP “I’m afraid to be in love with someone who crashes their car that much” (out May 16 via Arbutus Records) is a testament to the charm of her sprawling sound.
Ribbon Skirt Montreal, QC
Ribbon Skirt is a powerful bestowal upon us all, making good on the promise of 2024 single “Cellophane” with latest release “Another Planet” — a whirring, terse reckoning that snarls with the pressure points of trying to accept, or even love, a world that doesn’t accept you. Expect even more legacy-bearing offerings interwoven with post-punk and shoegaze elements on the band’s upcoming debut album “Bite Down,” which was co-produced by New Faves alum Marlaena Moore and Scott “Monty” Munro of Preoccupations.
Kai Samuels Toronto, ON
The title of their new EP “Humble Asterisk Just in Case” may indicate something to be appended, but there’s nothing missing from Kai Samuels’s brand of jazz-inflected soul-folk. The Exclaim! Class of 2023 grad once aptly referred to their music as “ADHD R&B,” its gleaming keyboard motifs and fingerpicked grooves roving off in varying thematic directions as their velvety vocals string stream-of-consciousness reflections on interpersonal dynamics together into soul food.
Jake Vaadeland Cut Knife, SK
Veering between high-flying Appalachian bluegrass and Sun Records rockabilly sensibility, the retro-bespoke Jake Vaadeland is both master of his domain and just a lad at nearly 22 years old. Evidently a workaholic from his continuous round-trips over the Atlantic, Vaadeland’s pastoral pastiche is always spirited enough to outplay the dreaded “homage” label — and his gang, the Sturgeon River Boys, puts on a poised and physical live show.
Matthew Teklemariam VVOMB Montreal, QC
There are few bands whose music is so powerful you can feel it deep in your bones, and Montreal-based VVOMB is one such group. This intensity is on full display on their debut EP “HISS,” which finds the band kicking out five incredibly cathartic tracks that combine elements of hardcore punk, metal, and screamo to create a dynamic post-hardcore sound.
Em Moore Weak Knees Vancouver, BC
For two years, Vancouver’s Weak Knees have been breathing new life into indie sleaze — and their latest release, “Giving Up (On Me),” is no exception. The band blends the bite of punk, the brightness of power pop, and the expansive fuzz of indie rock together to create a sound full of driving riffs, explosive drums, and deep basslines.
Baby Nova: Atlantic Soul with a Lana Del Rey Vibe
Kayleigh O’Connor, known as Baby Nova, is a talented singer-songwriter who crafts deeply reflective lyrics with a fervent vocal delivery, reminiscent of Lana Del Rey and Ethel Cain. Her hypnotic tracks have garnered significant attention, including a shoutout on Elton John’s Rocket Hour.
Fine Food Market: Twangy Folk with a Dream Pop Twist
Sophie Perras, aka Fine Food Market, blends folk and dream pop with a touch of nostalgia. Her debut EP “I’m afraid to be in love with someone who crashes their car that much” showcases her talent for crafting catchy melodies and evocative lyrics.
Queer Femme Punk and a Blast from the Saskatchewan Past
Penny & the Pits: Heavy Punk with a Feminine Powerhouse
Penelope Stevens, Penny & the Pits delivers intense punk rock with a distinct queer femme perspective. Their sound is a collision of serrated guitars and a powerful message, reflecting the joy and intensity of the queer experience.
Jake Vaadeland & the Sturgeon River Boys: A Retro Rockabilly Revival
Jake Vaadeland brings a vintage sensibility to his music, blending bluegrass and rockabilly influences with a youthful energy. His energetic live performances and upcoming album are sure to make waves in the Canadian music scene.
Conclusion
So, there you have it – five Canadian artists poised to explode onto the scene in May 2025. From the introspective lyricism of [Artist 1] to the genre-bending soundscapes of [Artist 2], these individuals represent the vibrant and evolving face of Canadian music. Their narratives, woven through compelling melodies and innovative production, offer a glimpse into the hopes, anxieties, and complexities of a generation navigating an ever-changing world. These artists aren’t just crafting music; they’re building communities, sparking conversations, and redefining what it means to be Canadian in the 21st century. Their rise signifies a powerful shift in the musical landscape, one where authenticity, vulnerability, and artistic exploration take center stage. As their sounds continue to resonate and their stories unfold, we’re left with a tantalizing question: what will the future sound like when these voices reach their full potential? One thing is certain: the future of Canadian music is in exciting, unpredictable, and undeniably powerful hands.