We're heading into the fourth quarter of 2021, but there are still plenty of emerging Canadian artists hoping to have this be the year they burst onto the scene. Meet Exclaim!'s latest New Faves, including Southern Ontario shoegaze and Saskatchewan nu metal.
Fernie
Montreal, QC
For fans of: Moses Sumney, Daniel Caesar, Frank Ocean
Fernie is definitely one of the most vibrant artists coming out of Montreal at the moment. Emerging from the West Island collective Kids from the Underground, he recently released his stunning debut album, Aurora. Fernie does not confine himself to genres, pairing his luscious vocals with elements of R&B, soul, hip-hop and dream pop, creating an alluring soundscape.
Sun Noor
Flash Back
Regina, SK
For fans of: Deftones, Linkin Park, E.Town Concrete
On the heels of their Wide Awake EP and a US headlining tour with Gates to Hell and Outta Pocket, Saskatchewan six-piece Flash Back continue to be in the driver's seat of their own lane of nu metal/rock/hardcore fusion. Lead single "Crack in the Mirror" is a futuristic offering of soaring choruses, nu-groove guitars and electronic programming with some serious attitude.
Connor Atkinson
KNLO
Quebec City, QC
For fans of: Bas, Kendrick Lamar, J.I.D
Alaclair Ensemble founder KNLO has already received Rap Album of the Year honours at the ADISQ gala and continues to find a way to refresh his unique sound. Following up on the eclectic CLUB Mixtape 2020, his new album Sac à Surprise seamlessly fuses heavy Afrobeats, UK drill and experimental rap. With this album full of upbeat bangers, KNLO is quickly establishing himself as rap Queb's global ambassador.
Antoine-Samuel Mauffette Alavo
Alex Porat
Toronto, ON
For fans of: Carly Rae Jepsen, Ariana Grande
Having started out singing covers on YouTube, Alex Porat has spent the past couple years gradually releasing a succession of slinky pop bangers — first through her bad at breakups EP, then through stand-alone singles like the saucy R&B kiss-off "girlfriend" and the EDM-inspired crusher "taxi." All of those songs and more are collected in the freshly released nine-song EP, Miss Sick World.
Alex Hudson
Omar Shabbar
Toronto, ON
For fans of: Grizzly Bear, Land of Talk
Driven by a glossy guitar palette that ranges from intricate latticework to briny washes of texture, Omar Shabbar's music is deeply focused on releasing emotional tension via his personal narratives about growing up and letting go. Songs like "Day Dreaming" and "Armslength" from his new Your Old Life EP roll with breezy indie-rock melodies that rise to flex and then blissfully exhale.
Chris Gee
shn shn
Toronto, ON
For fans of: Bon Iver, the Cinematic Orchestra, Beach House
Singer-songwriter and producer Shanika Maria puts her ambient influences to work as her electropop persona shn shn. On recent single "taking time" (from her upcoming e.strange.d EP due October 22), tropical birds chirp alongside whimsical chimes, partnered by Maria's ethereal yet reserved vocals. shn shn's strength resides in transporting her listeners to another country, time or planet — wherever she decides to take us.
Sarah Jessica Rintjema
Talking Violet
Windsor, ON
For fans of: Alvvays, Jay Som, My Bloody Valentine
Describing themselves as the "loudest sleepy band you've ever heard," Talking Violet's shoegaze music can have a bite to it. "Slow Dance" is a billowy dream pop tune, while "Superego" is a thunderous mix of alt-rock and emo sounds with enough energy to jolt you from deep sleep. Talking Violet's debut album, Tell Your Friends You Love Them, is out now.
Laura Stanley
Wayne Tennant
Montreal, QC
For fans of: Masego, Anderson Paak, dvsn
Wayne Tennant's golden vocal tone melds perfectly with the futuristic funky production he expertly curates. Hot off a POP Montreal performance, his upcoming EP Curfew Flowers is sure to bring sunshine to the gloomy winter months ahead. Tennant's infectious and melancholic grooves are a well-hidden secret waiting to be unveiled.
Antoine-Samuel Mauffette Alavo
Listen to tracks from these and other New Faves on our Spotify playlist:
Fernie
Montreal, QC
For fans of: Moses Sumney, Daniel Caesar, Frank Ocean
Fernie is definitely one of the most vibrant artists coming out of Montreal at the moment. Emerging from the West Island collective Kids from the Underground, he recently released his stunning debut album, Aurora. Fernie does not confine himself to genres, pairing his luscious vocals with elements of R&B, soul, hip-hop and dream pop, creating an alluring soundscape.
Sun Noor
Flash Back
Regina, SK
For fans of: Deftones, Linkin Park, E.Town Concrete
On the heels of their Wide Awake EP and a US headlining tour with Gates to Hell and Outta Pocket, Saskatchewan six-piece Flash Back continue to be in the driver's seat of their own lane of nu metal/rock/hardcore fusion. Lead single "Crack in the Mirror" is a futuristic offering of soaring choruses, nu-groove guitars and electronic programming with some serious attitude.
Connor Atkinson
KNLO
Quebec City, QC
For fans of: Bas, Kendrick Lamar, J.I.D
Alaclair Ensemble founder KNLO has already received Rap Album of the Year honours at the ADISQ gala and continues to find a way to refresh his unique sound. Following up on the eclectic CLUB Mixtape 2020, his new album Sac à Surprise seamlessly fuses heavy Afrobeats, UK drill and experimental rap. With this album full of upbeat bangers, KNLO is quickly establishing himself as rap Queb's global ambassador.
Antoine-Samuel Mauffette Alavo
Alex Porat
Toronto, ON
For fans of: Carly Rae Jepsen, Ariana Grande
Having started out singing covers on YouTube, Alex Porat has spent the past couple years gradually releasing a succession of slinky pop bangers — first through her bad at breakups EP, then through stand-alone singles like the saucy R&B kiss-off "girlfriend" and the EDM-inspired crusher "taxi." All of those songs and more are collected in the freshly released nine-song EP, Miss Sick World.
Alex Hudson
Omar Shabbar
Toronto, ON
For fans of: Grizzly Bear, Land of Talk
Driven by a glossy guitar palette that ranges from intricate latticework to briny washes of texture, Omar Shabbar's music is deeply focused on releasing emotional tension via his personal narratives about growing up and letting go. Songs like "Day Dreaming" and "Armslength" from his new Your Old Life EP roll with breezy indie-rock melodies that rise to flex and then blissfully exhale.
Chris Gee
shn shn
Toronto, ON
For fans of: Bon Iver, the Cinematic Orchestra, Beach House
Singer-songwriter and producer Shanika Maria puts her ambient influences to work as her electropop persona shn shn. On recent single "taking time" (from her upcoming e.strange.d EP due October 22), tropical birds chirp alongside whimsical chimes, partnered by Maria's ethereal yet reserved vocals. shn shn's strength resides in transporting her listeners to another country, time or planet — wherever she decides to take us.
Sarah Jessica Rintjema
Talking Violet
Windsor, ON
For fans of: Alvvays, Jay Som, My Bloody Valentine
Describing themselves as the "loudest sleepy band you've ever heard," Talking Violet's shoegaze music can have a bite to it. "Slow Dance" is a billowy dream pop tune, while "Superego" is a thunderous mix of alt-rock and emo sounds with enough energy to jolt you from deep sleep. Talking Violet's debut album, Tell Your Friends You Love Them, is out now.
Laura Stanley
Wayne Tennant
Montreal, QC
For fans of: Masego, Anderson Paak, dvsn
Wayne Tennant's golden vocal tone melds perfectly with the futuristic funky production he expertly curates. Hot off a POP Montreal performance, his upcoming EP Curfew Flowers is sure to bring sunshine to the gloomy winter months ahead. Tennant's infectious and melancholic grooves are a well-hidden secret waiting to be unveiled.
Antoine-Samuel Mauffette Alavo
Listen to tracks from these and other New Faves on our Spotify playlist: