Meet the New Canadian Wave
Forget what you know about Canadian music—2025 is rewriting the script. While Drake and The Weeknd still dominate playlists, a fresh squad of artists is capturing international attention, streaming charts, and the hearts of Gen Z. Who are these new stars? Let’s find out.
Swimming: Emo With a Newfoundland Twist
From the rugged shores of St. John’s, Swimming delivers a blend of emo and math rock that’s both nostalgic and innovative. Their debut album, That’s OK, put them on the map, but it’s their upcoming release, Old, that’s generating serious buzz. With intricate guitar work and heartfelt lyrics, Swimming is quickly becoming a staple for fans craving authenticity and emotional depth2.
cleopatrick: Small Town, Big Sound
Cobourg, Ontario, might be a dot on the map, but cleopatrick’s gritty rock is making waves far beyond their hometown. This childhood-friend duo built their fanbase from the ground up, racking up over 77 million streams—all without major label support. Their electrifying live shows and raw, riff-heavy tracks are winning over fans worldwide2.
GeminiCrab: Montreal’s Genre-Bending Duo
Montreal’s GeminiCrab is what happens when alt-soul meets jazz-infused hip-hop. The collaboration between keyboardist Caulder Nash and Grammy-nominated vocalist Malika Tirolien is pure magic. Their album, Gen Y Lens, is a creative powerhouse, blending smooth grooves with sharp lyricism. GeminiCrab’s sound feels tailor-made for TikTok trends and late-night playlists7.
The Jins: Vancouver’s Indie Rock Power Trio
Vancouver’s The Jins are proof that indie rock is alive and kicking. With their breakout single “She Said” turning into a TikTok sensation and amassing millions of streams, this trio is channeling the energy of classic Sub Pop bands with a modern twist. Their live shows are high-voltage, and their fanbase is growing fast7.
CJ Wiley: Country, Pop, and Indie—All in One
CJ Wiley is redefining what it means to be a country artist in 2025. Hailing from the Prairies, this non-binary performer fuses country, pop, and indie into an infectious, high-energy sound. Their debut album, So Brand New, is packed with catchy hooks and clever lyrics. Wiley’s stage presence and genre-blending style are drawing crowds across borders7.
Why the World Is Listening
Canadian artists are no longer just supporting acts—they’re headlining festivals, topping charts, and setting trends. Whether you’re tracking TikTok challenges or searching for your next playlist obsession, these five artists are leading the charge. The world is listening, and Canada’s new music wave is just getting started.
