How Many Canadian Artists Are Playing Harvest? More Than You Think!

There might be something in the northern air because Canada produces some of the most talented musical acts. Year after year there are new and continued successes found in Canadian artists spanning across a multitude of genres. This September, Harvest is lucky to welcome over thirty Canadian musicians to the festival stage. Here are some of the quintessential and rising Canadian artists you need to see.

Hailing from Scarborough, Ontario, The Barenaked Ladies have been putting out hits such as “If I had $1000000”, “One Week”, and “The Old Apartment” since they formed in 1988. Their musical range includes rock, country, pop, and folk and have brought them Canadian and international recognition with eight Juno awards, two Grammys, and an induction into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame. Known for their fun-filled, high energy, inclusive shows, you’re bound to find yourself singing along.

Just 30km away in Toronto, the alt rock band The Beaches formed in 2009 by sisters and long time friends Jordan and Kylie Miller, Leandra Earl, and Eliza Enman-McDaniel. They have reached massive success with their breakthrough album “Blame My Ex” and song “Blame Brett” which showcase their witty storytelling and grungey sound. Named after the iconic Toronto neighbourhood The Beaches, this band has become a modern Canadian icon.

Shortly before The Beaches banded, The Strumbellas were coming together as a band in Lindsay, Ontario in 2008. Their genre blending music including alt-rock, folk, and stomp and holler, can be heard in their array of chart climbing songs such as 2016’s hits “Spirits” and “We Don’t Know”.

Although based in Toronto and formed by Canadian pianist Jeremy Ledbetter, Canefire transports listeners to the Caribbean with their spin on traditional Latin jazz. With the steelpan at the center of their sound, Canefire’s music will surely bring rhythm and movement to their audience.

Clearly Ontario is a hub of Canadian talent, but it’s not the only province that has brought together formidable bands. The East Coast has a rich music scene that spans over many genres. For example, PEI based vocalist and session musician Joce Reyome blends blues and rock genres with their storytelling of heartbreak, humour, and love. Just last year they were honored with a win in the solo/duo category of the International Blues Challenge, bringing their Canadian talent to an international stage.

Even in a smaller province, the talent is big. New Brunswick’s finest Matt Andersen finds the sweet spot between blues and folk with his powerful voice, heavy guitar playing, and story-filled songwriting. Although he is known for his big, powerful sound, his new album, The Hammer & The Rose, leans into Andersen’s softer side. Recorded in Wolfville, Nova Scotia, there is an East Coast pulse running through this record.

Now based in Toronto, the East Coast still claims Halifax born band Sloan as their own. Using elements of alt-rock and power pop in their music, the band formed in the Spring of 1991 and has been a Canadian classic ever since. In their early days they brought a musical movement to the East Coast similar to the concurrent grunge wave of Seattle, which has left a lasting impact with local bands ever since.

Speaking of music on the West Coast, this duo from Duncan, British Columbia is bringing an original take to Americana with their jazz-tinged blues. It is none other than Blue Marquee Moon, who has racked up an impressive list of awards including Canadian Folk Music Awards’ Indigenous Songwriter of the Year, sweeping the 2023 Maple Blues Awards, and many Juno nominations and wins including Blues Album of the Year in 2024.

And if that’s not enough Canadian talent for you, check out these Canadian acts hitting one of the Harvest stages this fall: