"And all the world is glad with May." When poet John Burroughs wrote this line, he certainly didn't have to contend with all of the factors impinging on the world this month in this particular year — but we can certainly find some gladness about these emerging Canadian artists, who are shaking up the music scene like a gust of rough wind through Shakespeare's darling buds. (Why does that sound sexual?)
May's New Faves feature Nova Scotia's answer to Lana Del Rey, queer femme punk from New Brunswick, and more. You can get acquainted with them below, and check them out our Spotify playlist with other burgeoning CanCon icons.
Apple of Basilisk
Toronto, ON
For fans of: Converge, Deafheaven, Cult Leader
Apple of Basilisk are a metal combo from Toronto featuring former members of several bands that have been prominent in the city's hardcore scene, including Cold Shoulder, Cohezion, Die Hexe and Uplift. In early April, they released His Crowned Skull Raised to the Sun, a five-song EP that introduced a demonic blend of chugging riffs, mournful melodic sections, and vocals that alternate between roaring death growls and black metal screeches. Expect to see Apple of Basilisk touring across their province and beyond throughout this year.
Adam Feibel
Baby Nova
Halifax, NS
For fans of: Lana Del Rey, Ethel Cain, Jessica Pratt
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. From the soaring strings of "Killed for Sport" to the wistful guitar riffs on "Too Pretty for Buffalo," Baby Nova's hypnotic tracks have attracted notable buzz — including a shoutout on a recent episode of Elton John's Rocket Hour and a stint opening stint for Kate Hudson.
Heather Taylor-Singh
Fine Food Market
Montreal, QC
For fans of: Clairo, Kate Bollinger
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.
Olive Soki-Kavwahirehi
Mad Iris
Toronto, ON
For fans of: Momma, la lune, Sonic Youth
Just when the market for throwback alt-rock bands seems oversaturated, along come Mad Iris with grungy rock riffs and disaffected hooks straight out of 1994. Last year's stand-out single "Name Tag" adds hazy romance to the onslaught of distortion, while prickly new cut "Daisy, Don't Take My Baby" simmers with skronky riffs that slyly go sideways whenever they seem like they're about to release the tension.
Alex Hudson
Penny & the Pits
Fredericton, NB
For fans of: Amyl and the Sniffers, illuminati hotties
Motherhood's Penelope Stevens steps up to the mic in a collision of punk powerhouses from across the East Coast. With tenures in acts like Century Egg and Construction & Destruction between them, Stevens's Penny & the Pits bandmates lock in with serrated guitars to manifest the intense heaviness — and profound joy — of the queer femme experience. If the vengeful, bass-driven surf rock of "Pool Party" is any indication, the juice of forthcoming debut album Liquid Compactor will be well worth the squeeze.
Megan LaPierre
Listen to songs from these artists and other recent New Faves on our Spotify playlist.