(Photo: Keavan Yazdani)
If you like Frank Ocean, check out Daniel Caesar
Hometown: Toronto
Daniel Caesar is the upcoming #6God you need to know about, like, yesterday. Caesar’s soulful hooks and witty bards are taking him 0 to 100 real quick, placing him among the ranks of other Toronto faves like The Weeknd and Drake. His album, Freudian, is dropping August 25 and we legit can’t wait. For everything from gospel tunes to unexpected jazz flows, Caesar is guaranteed to be your new fave artist.
(Photo: Nathalie Delean)
If you like Basia Bulat, check out Camille Delean
Hometown: Whitby, Ont.
Ethereal and full of synth, Delean’s tunes are not ones you want to miss. The Montreal-based artist pairs dynamic lyrics and her melodious voice to create chill songs you’ll want to add to your Sunday morning playlist. If you heart her as much as us, she’s touring Ontario, Quebec and the Maritimes in late August through to September.
(Photo: Gemma Warren)
If you like The National, check out Joseph of Mercury
Hometown: Toronto
Joseph of Mercury (a.k.a Joseph W. Salusbury) finds the happiest balance between pop and rock, and we can’t get enough. Not only does Salusbury have an A++ aesthetic (peep his Insta for proof), but he’s also pals with FLARE’s fave pop artist RALPH and has worked with OVO-signed R&B duo Majid Jordan. And if that isn’t enough reason to take a listen, he has a highly anticipated EP coming out September 1. #Swoon.
(Photo: Levi Manchak)
If you like Beach House, check out Faith Healer
Hometown: Edmonton, Alta.
Faith Healer, fronted by Jessica Jalbert, is giving us all the perfect indie slash rock vibes—and the track “Sterling Silver” is reminding us a lot of the band Beach House. Faith Healer‘s new album Try 😉 is out September 8, and we’re expecting big things from the group to come.
(Photo: Laura Lynn Patrick)
If you like Lana Del Rey, check out STACEY
Hometown: Toronto
STACEY has a transcendent, magical vibe about her—especially in the old-timey video for her single, “It’ll Be Alright.” Her delicate staccato vocals are perfect for cruising with your windows down on a warm summer’s night, which is actually what she does in the vid. Take your pick of STACEY’s tunes and add her to your rotation, like, RN.
(Photo: Lauren Ray)
If you like Yukon Blonde, check out The Belle Game
Hometown: Vancouver
This four-piece Van-city band made our jaws drop when we listened to their new single, “Spirit.” Full of synth, steady drums and insane vocals, the band is hard to define, but reminds us of a crush pop version of Yukon Blonde. The new record from The Belle Game, Fear/Nothing, is out September 8, followed by a kick-ass tour. Buy your tix quick!
(Photo: Genevieve Blais)
If you like the Arctic Monkeys, check out The Nursery
Hometown: Toronto
A cross between punk-rock and electro-pop, we can’t stop listening to this vibrant, four-piece band. The alternative group serves throwback vibes with every feel-good hit, seemingly inspired by ’80s rock. Mesmerizing hooks make The Nursery’s music the perfect soundtrack for a power jog through the city. Listen for yo’ self.
(Photo: Travis Ross)
If you like the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, check out SC Mira
Hometown: Winnipeg
With groovy bass riffs, heavy drums and stunning lead vocals from Sadye Cage, this eclectic five-piece band is perfect for both easy patio listening with drink in hand and hardcore Friday dancing ’til two in the morn. SC Mira’s masterful lyrics and fresh sound will pair with just about any activity, plus you can catch them live August 19 in Kelwood, Manitoba.
(Photo: Jen Ochej)
If you like Tracy Chapman, check out NEFE
Hometown: Guelph
You’re gonna wanna light, like, one million candles before you take a listen to the soulful sounds of Guelp native NEFE. The singer-songwriter pairs her gentle, melodic voice with stunning acoustic guitar and often, nothing more is needed. You need to catch her live set ASAP.
(Photo: Zahra Siddiqui)
If you like Missy Elliot, check out The Sorority
Hometown: Toronto
You’ll be transported back to the ’90s the second you hear the funky, brazen lyrics of The Sorority. To celebrate International Women’s Day last year, the group shared this kickass cypher with the world and it went totally viral. One of the few all-female Canadian cyphers, each verse does everything from making digs at the male-dominated rap industry to exploring Justin Trudeau’s policy aimed at gender equality. If you’re as eager as we are to hear what’s next, follow The Sorority ASAP.
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