We Love Canadian Music

Amanda Martinez is a singer-songwriter whose music exultingly blends her Mexican father and South African mother’s roots with Latin soul and folklore. Her sultry, bright vocals and upbeat sound get entire audiences on their feet around the world. Amanda chats with Heather about her work with SOS Children's Villages and the inspiration for her fourth album Libre.

With over 10 years and 4 albums to their name, Ottawa’s Amos the Transparent are a long-standing staple in the independent Canadian folk-rock world. They have performed at SXSW, WayHome, The Strombo Show, CBC’s Q, and the Big Sound Festival in Australia. Amos the Transparent are best known for their dense instrumental arrangements, layered sounds and lush harmonies. Heather speaks with the band about taking on side projects, how they approach music writing and things to do on a 15 hour drive to Halifax.

Born in a tent and raised in a cabin on the shores of a glacial lake in the Kluane region of Canada’s Yukon, country-roots artist Diyet is a seamless amalgam of cultures. Via folk music and Aboriginal forms, she channels her various linages (Southern Tutchone, Japanese, Tlingit and Scottish) into stories and melodies deeply rooted in her Indigenous world view, and northern reality.

Megan Bonnell has never been easily pigeon-holed into the predictable mold of the singer-songwriter and her new album Separate Rooms embraces this edict, turning traditional musical genres on their heads. With her hallmark honesty, Bonnell effortlessly tackles such intense subject matter as mental illness, early pregnancy loss, and the dissolution of love.

Hillsburn’s indie-rock sound draws on the songwriting focus of folk music, and combines it with a pop sensibility. The band’s performances are dynamic, energized, and emotive. You won’t want to miss this band that is already on its way to becoming a national treasure.

For close to thirty years now, Blue Rodeo has taken the road less travelled – and succeeded far beyond anyone’s expectations. The band emerged in the early 80’s as a countrified rock band in the era of hair metal and glossy pop.

Earnest, and with a touch of heart-felt twang, Suzie Vinnick is a prodigious singer-songwriter, and veteran of the Canadian roots scene. A Saskatoon native transplanted to the Niagara Region of Ontario, she’s the proud owner of a gorgeous voice, serious guitar chops, and an engagingly candid performance style.

Highway Canadiana

Kalle Mattson is a 27-year-old Ottawa musician who first caught the public ear with 2014’s Someday, The Moon Will Be Gold, an album that dealt with the death of his mother, when he was 16. His new album, Youth., is a coming-of-age record about innocence lost, promises denied, and the purgatory of one’s mid-20s.k

JUNO-nominated folk singer Jeremy Fisher brings his catchy songwriting to circle time with his first collection of music aimed at young listeners. His trademark wit and penchant for story telling ensures that there’s a little something for the whole family.

With her lilting alto and serpentine melodies, Ottawa’s Lynn Miles furtively holds a vital place within Canadian folk music’s firmament.

Born in Sri Lanka, raised on Prince Edward Island and now residing in Ottawa

Prix de la Première Chaîne de Radio-Canada

A woman’s voice in a man’s world

East Coast Legend

Searing three octave vocal range

Contemplative Folk

Powerful and haunting voice.

Pure clean vocals and a charcoal baritone.

Shared roots in the Maritime Music Scene.