Our latest batch of emerging Canadian artists each offer their own distinct sonic world; uncompromising, singular and transporting. Keep reading to meet Exclaim!'s latest New Faves, including a Calgary psych-pop quartet and an old-school country crooner by way of Alberta. Then, head on over to our Spotify playlist and check 'em out alongside a whole bunch more homegrown talent.
Sophia Bel
Montreal, QC
For fans of: Avril Lavigne, Natasha Bedingfield, Paramore
Sophia Bel isn't merely content to capitalize on pop-punk's return to the spotlight — on debut album Anxious Avoidant, out April 15 on Bonsound, the Montrealer pushes the genre's trademark angst, riffs and hooks into many inspired directions. Whether through the sounds of alt-country, rock or hyperpop, Bel has heartbroken bangers for every occasion and relatable anthems for sad people of all ages.
Matt Bobkin
No Frills
Toronto, ON
For fans of: Mac DeMarco, Tokyo Police Club, Kiwi Jr.
Members of Grounders, Twist, Rapport and Hooded Fang have come together to form one of Toronto's best underground supergroups. With one mission at hand — injecting lyrics about mental health, death and romance into a lo-fi jangle-pop collection — the group deliver the ultimate DIY debut in the infectious Downward Dog, out April 1.
Allie Gregory
Phantom Lung
Toronto, ON
For fans of: The End, the Abandoned Hearts Club, Nails
The new project from members of heavy Canadian bands including the End, the Abandoned Hearts Club and Six of Swords, Phantom Lung's three-track Demo features heavy doses of HM2 riffs and blast beats alongside plenty of catchy hooks. Band members are already masters of their crafts, so the possibilities are truly endless for future material.
Mark Tremblay
Planet Giza
Montreal, QC
For fans of: Anderson .Paak, Bas, J.I.D
Hip-hop/R&B trio Planet Giza are on a roll after having followed up the critical acclaim of their 2021 EP Don't Throw Rocks at the Moon and its breakthrough single, "When the Moving Stops," with the summery vibes of February's single "While You on Road." After performances at SXSW and stints in Europe and L.A., Planet Giza are ready for the rest of the world to hear their unique sound.
Antoine-Samuel Mauffette Alavo
Erica Dee Mah
Whitehorse, YT
For fans of: The Barr Brothers, Thanya Iyer, the Innocence Mission
Over pandemic lockdowns, Erica Dee Mah found herself reconnecting with songwriting, releasing three albums under the name Erica Mah, and learning to play the guzheng, a traditional Chinese harp. The result of this creative rekindling is her latest album, The Sargasso Season. With songs inspired by the history of her Chinese ancestors coming to Canada in the early 20th century, The Sargasso Season is a transfixing orchestral-folk album full of perseverance and hope.
Laura Stanley
Mike Shabb
Montreal, QC
For fans of: Westside Gunn, Redman
Sewaside 2 sees Mike Shabb go back to his roots with grimy samples and an energetic flow. Even with this new self-produced album and a packed summer show schedule, his biggest achievement since leaving Bonsound Records might be securing a beat placement with Buffalo bad boy and Griselda Records head honcho Westside Gunn.
Antoine-Samuel Mauffette Alavo
Sunglaciers
Calgary, AB
For fans of: Ride, Deerhunter, Preoccupations
After signing with Montreal label Mothland last year, Calgary psych pop outfit Sunglaciers have released their sophomore album, Subterranea. While 2019's Foreign Bodies offered a mix of indie rock and shoegaze, this new album revels in post-punk intensity, echoing the dark passion of Joy Division. Working with co-producer Chad VanGaalen, they've expanded their sound to feature more electronics, with direct and concise songwriting.
Bruno Coulombe
Richard Inman
Raymond, AB
For fans of: Townes Van Zandt, Gillian Welch, Daniel Romano
Richard Inman has been steadily releasing fantastic country music since 2015, and his most recent album Come Back Through affirms why he's one of Canada's best country artists working right now. With a classic sound and captivating, husky twang, Inman is a gifted and honest storyteller who incorporates meticulous detail and affecting melancholy into each song.
Laura Stanley
Listen to tracks from these and other New Faves on our Spotify playlist:
Sophia Bel
Montreal, QC
For fans of: Avril Lavigne, Natasha Bedingfield, Paramore
Sophia Bel isn't merely content to capitalize on pop-punk's return to the spotlight — on debut album Anxious Avoidant, out April 15 on Bonsound, the Montrealer pushes the genre's trademark angst, riffs and hooks into many inspired directions. Whether through the sounds of alt-country, rock or hyperpop, Bel has heartbroken bangers for every occasion and relatable anthems for sad people of all ages.
Matt Bobkin
No Frills
Toronto, ON
For fans of: Mac DeMarco, Tokyo Police Club, Kiwi Jr.
Members of Grounders, Twist, Rapport and Hooded Fang have come together to form one of Toronto's best underground supergroups. With one mission at hand — injecting lyrics about mental health, death and romance into a lo-fi jangle-pop collection — the group deliver the ultimate DIY debut in the infectious Downward Dog, out April 1.
Allie Gregory
Phantom Lung
Toronto, ON
For fans of: The End, the Abandoned Hearts Club, Nails
The new project from members of heavy Canadian bands including the End, the Abandoned Hearts Club and Six of Swords, Phantom Lung's three-track Demo features heavy doses of HM2 riffs and blast beats alongside plenty of catchy hooks. Band members are already masters of their crafts, so the possibilities are truly endless for future material.
Mark Tremblay
Planet Giza
Montreal, QC
For fans of: Anderson .Paak, Bas, J.I.D
Hip-hop/R&B trio Planet Giza are on a roll after having followed up the critical acclaim of their 2021 EP Don't Throw Rocks at the Moon and its breakthrough single, "When the Moving Stops," with the summery vibes of February's single "While You on Road." After performances at SXSW and stints in Europe and L.A., Planet Giza are ready for the rest of the world to hear their unique sound.
Antoine-Samuel Mauffette Alavo
Erica Dee Mah
Whitehorse, YT
For fans of: The Barr Brothers, Thanya Iyer, the Innocence Mission
Over pandemic lockdowns, Erica Dee Mah found herself reconnecting with songwriting, releasing three albums under the name Erica Mah, and learning to play the guzheng, a traditional Chinese harp. The result of this creative rekindling is her latest album, The Sargasso Season. With songs inspired by the history of her Chinese ancestors coming to Canada in the early 20th century, The Sargasso Season is a transfixing orchestral-folk album full of perseverance and hope.
Laura Stanley
Mike Shabb
Montreal, QC
For fans of: Westside Gunn, Redman
Sewaside 2 sees Mike Shabb go back to his roots with grimy samples and an energetic flow. Even with this new self-produced album and a packed summer show schedule, his biggest achievement since leaving Bonsound Records might be securing a beat placement with Buffalo bad boy and Griselda Records head honcho Westside Gunn.
Antoine-Samuel Mauffette Alavo
Sunglaciers
Calgary, AB
For fans of: Ride, Deerhunter, Preoccupations
After signing with Montreal label Mothland last year, Calgary psych pop outfit Sunglaciers have released their sophomore album, Subterranea. While 2019's Foreign Bodies offered a mix of indie rock and shoegaze, this new album revels in post-punk intensity, echoing the dark passion of Joy Division. Working with co-producer Chad VanGaalen, they've expanded their sound to feature more electronics, with direct and concise songwriting.
Bruno Coulombe
Richard Inman
Raymond, AB
For fans of: Townes Van Zandt, Gillian Welch, Daniel Romano
Richard Inman has been steadily releasing fantastic country music since 2015, and his most recent album Come Back Through affirms why he's one of Canada's best country artists working right now. With a classic sound and captivating, husky twang, Inman is a gifted and honest storyteller who incorporates meticulous detail and affecting melancholy into each song.
Laura Stanley
Listen to tracks from these and other New Faves on our Spotify playlist:
