10 Canadian Artists You Should Be Listening to in 2026
Doomscrolling, world news, and all things America still got you down? We concur. It’s time to tune out the noise and tune into the North's unmatched musical talent. Canada's scene is thriving like never before.
We've refreshed our list with 10 rising Canadian artists you need to know. Whether you're craving post-punk or neo-soul, these acts are your 2026 soundtrack. Here's who's essential now.
ANGINE DE POITRINE
Saguenay, Québec's masked duo Angine de Poitrine unleashes high-energy microtonal math rock with double-neck guitar, intricate drums, polka-dot outfits, and giant paper-mâché heads. Rising since 2024 with M for Montreal/Jazz Fest buzz, Europe tours, and KEXP sessions, they're primed for a packed 2026.
Listen to “Mata Zyklek”:
SHEBAD
From Guelph, Ontario, SHEBAD is a music and art project led by vocalist Claire Voy and multi-instrumentalist Ciccio Spagnolo, fusing indie soul with jazz improvisation. Their sound draws from Stevie Wonder and Hiatus Kaiyote, highlighted by the recent album INNER OPENINGS and a winter tour across Canada and the U.S.
Listen to “INNER RISE”:
WITCH PROPHET
Toronto-based queer Ethiopian/Eritrean singer-songwriter Witch Prophet crafts hip-hop, jazz, and soul beats reminiscent of Erykah Badu and Lauryn Hill. She's a staple in the city's vibrant scene, layering vocals and loops for immersive tracks.
Listen to “Thoughts Are Magic”:
fanclubwallet
Ottawa's Hannah Judge, aka fanclubwallet, channels indie rock from her bedroom pop roots, with hits like "Car Crash In G Major" exceeding 14 million streams. Her latest album Living While Dying builds on her DIY ethos via her Club Records label.
Listen to “Moving Unison”:
KATIE TUPPER
We featured Saskatoon's Katie Tupper on our 2025 list, and you should still be listening to her neo-soul and indie R&B, shaped by Prairie nostalgia. Her debut full-length album dropped in January 2026 and it's a total banger blending sultry grooves and heartfelt storytelling.
Listen to “Tennessee Heat”:
JAGUAR SUN
Toronto's Chris Minielly fronts this dream pop/rock/folk solo project, born in Elmira, Ontario, with DIY home recordings inspired by Big Thief and Beach Fossils. He continues touring and evolving his hazy, introspective sound.
Listen to “It Takes Time”:
PRISM SHORES
Originally from Charlottetown, PEI, and now Montreal-based, Prism Shores crafts indie pop with melody-driven immediacy. Their collaborative vocals and dreamy hooks make them a fresh standout for 2026 playlists.
Listen to “Kid Gloves”:
COLA
Montreal post-punk trio Cola rose from Ought's ashes, delivering jangly, caffeinated riffs led by Tim Darcy's spoken vocals. They toured Europe and North America extensively in 2025, and we’re hoping they make a return to Toronto soon.
Listen to “Hedgesitting”:
BACKCHANNEL
Toronto's melodic post-hardcore band Backchannel embodies the city's genre-blending heavy scene, mixing emo, shoegaze, and metalcore vibes. Less than a year into shows, they're already expanding regionally across Ontario with high-energy live sets.
Listen to “Undercurrent”:
Dominique Fils-Aimé
Montreal's Haitian-Québécois jazz/soul artist Dominique Fils-Aimé weaves personal and political narratives, with JUNO wins and festival nods. Her 2026 album My World Is The Sun follows Phoenix Rising, backed by a world tour including Victoria and Europe.
Listen to “Phoenix Rising”:
