Canadian Artists to Look Out For At Coachella 2024

 Could this be the start of a Canadian Invasion?

By Rebecca Draper

Seeing Canadian artists take on big stages around the globe always warms my heart. There’s no doubt that they are leaving an international impact with their talents, and Coachella 2024 is no exception. The lineup was released recently, with plenty of prominent names, some newbies and some expected regulars.

The annual festival is taking place from April 12-14 and 19-21 in the desert city of Indio, California. Headlining this year: Lana Del Rey, Tyler, The Creator and Doja Cat along with a special reunion from No Doubt. The festival showcases some of the music industry’s biggest artists of all genres, creating the ultimate live music experience. Canadian artists such as Kaytranada, Testpilot (Deadmau5) and Chromeo were some of the big names featured last year. Here are some artists repping Canada on the lineup this year.

Nav

Nav is a rapper, singer, songwriter and producer born and raised in Toronto to a Punjabi Jat Sikh family. He first came onto the music scene in 2015 co-producing Drakes’ hit single “Back to Black”. In 2016, his song “Myself” went viral on Soundcloud and he was later signed to XO, a record label founded by The Weeknd. He’s no stranger to the Coachella stage, with his first-ever solo public performance being at Coachella 2017—also guest performing alongside The Weeknd and Travis Scott.

AP Dhillon

AP Dhillon is a singer, rapper, songwriter and record producer originally from Punjab, India, he later moved to British Columbia to continue his studies while pursuing music in 2015. AP Dhillon became a significant new artist in the Punjabi-Canadian community when he was the first artist to sing a song fully in Punjabi at the 2023 Juno Awards, putting Punjabi music on the international map. He later released his first single “Fake” in 2019 under the Canadian independent record label Run-Up Records. "I moved here with two suitcases and one dream, and that was just to do something that can inspire people back home," Dhillon told CBC News at the Juno Awards. This will be his first time performing at Coachella.

Blond:ish

Vivie-ann Bakos, known by her stage name Blond:ish, is a Montreal-based producer and DJ. Alongside being a praised house/techno artist, she is also an environmental activist and founded Bye Bye Plastics, a grassroots organization aimed towards eliminating single-use plastic from music venues and events. The artist recently released a lively single called “Sorry” featuring none other than the “Queen of Pop”, Madonna. She will be returning to the festival after making her debut in 2019. 

Grimes

This acclaimed Montreal native is familiar with performing on big global stages. Her musical style is a blend of several genres, including electronica, synth-pop, and hip-hop. Her most recent release is the upbeat single “I Wanna Be Software”, produced by Calgary native IIIangelo who is also known for his frequent collaborations with The Weeknd. She last performed at Coachella in 2016, featuring guest appearances from Janelle Monae and Aristophanes for an eclectic performance. 

This lineup offers some of the best talent Canada has to offer, and the diverse range of music exemplifies the country’s multiculturalism. Hopefully, this growing exposure in the global music scene will leave a lasting imprint on future music stars and give Canadian artists the recognition they deserve.

10 festive Christmas songs by Canadian artists

Have a very Canadian Christmas with these carefully curated carols 

By: Daniella Lopez

(David Beale/Unsplash)

As the snow begins to fall and the temperature drops below zero, Canadians are gearing up — and bundling up — for Christmas. Whether you celebrate the festive season by keeping cozy indoors or adventuring outside, one thing is for sure: you’ll need holiday tunes.

Here are 10 songs by Canadian artists to instantly add to your holiday playlist. That is if they aren’t there already.

All these songs and many more can be found on our playlist, A CanCulture Christmas. Available now on Spotify and Apple Music.

Michael Buble - “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot like Christmas”

When thinking of Christmas songs, you surely can’t forget about the ones sung by the King of Christmas. “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot like Christmas” is perhaps one of the most famous festive songs to put you in that holly, jolly spirit. Buble’s deep voice is comforting on every Christmas playlist, and while you probably don’t need a reminder, this song will ensure that you don’t forget festivities is right around the corner.

Celine Dion - “Happy Xmas (War is Over)”

Originally recorded by John Lennon and Yoko Ono, “Happy Xmas” is a protest song against the Vietnam War. Dion’s rendition of the song is one of the most popular, as her unique singing style and soft, soothing voice are instantly recognizable on this track. Again, here’s another Christmas song staple to listen to in front of the fireplace with some hot chocolate in hand.

Alessia Cara - “Make It To Christmas”

Christmas is often seen as a holiday best spent with a partner. In this song, Cara sings about the lack of hope she has in her relationship lasting until Christmas. “Just make it to Christmas,” she sings, her melancholic lyrics accompanied by an upbeat tempo that creates a stark contrast. Nonetheless, this song has a happy beat with the realistic woes of the holiday season.

Ryland James - “Please Come Home for Christmas”

Are you missing someone this holiday season? Well, this song may be for you. One of James’ most popular songs is his cover of the original 1960s carol. “Please Come Home for Christmas” was also covered by The Eagles and Jon Bon Jovi, each covering it in their own unique way. James makes his version stand out as he combines the genres of rock, blues and pop to form a contemporary ballad. His strong voice stands out among the music.

If the ballad isn’t your jam, James has some other Christmas music to get you in the spirit. He released his Christmas EP titled A Little Christmas in 2020 and came out with a newer Christmas song in 2021 called “A Christmas to Remember.”

Nikki Yanofsky - “Mistletoe”

Not the Mistletoe you were expecting, huh? While, the Montrealer is best known for singing the 2010 Winter Olympics theme song, I Believe, at the opening and closing ceremonies, she also has a new collection of holiday tunes. In this song, Yanofsky sings about all the Christmas festivities  — from candy canes to hot apple cider to, of course, mistletoe.

Bryan Adams - “Christmas Time” 

While Christmas songs usually include bells and brass, who said we couldn’t listen to a bit of rock too? Adams’ iconic Christmas song is perfect for when all those other holiday jingles start to sound the same. Although it was written and recorded in Vancouver during the 1980s, this song wasn’t released until 1985. In 2019, Adams released a music video for the song. If the title doesn’t ring a bell, just give it a listen, and you’ll surely know it. 

Elijah Woods x Jamie Fine - “It’s Me and You (This Christmas)”

Canadian duo Woods and Fine released this song in 2018. The pair is best known for premiering on CTV’s The Launch, a music competition where contestants compete to have their debut song broadcast commercially. Shortly after the season aired, they released their single “Ain’t Easy.” While the duo has since parted ways, that doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy the holiday joy they left behind. Whether they’re singing about romance or friendship, this is the perfect song to listen to with your loved ones.

Arkells - “The Last Christmas (We Ever Spent Apart)”

One of the newer Christmas songs on this list, the Arkells gifted us this carol in 2021. The lyrics make it quite clear that the band is referencing Christmas during the global pandemic. “Last Christmas, I didn’t get to hug ya,” they sing. “It almost broke my heart.” This song will surely bring back the memories of the odd holiday season we endured during 2020. 

Virginia to Vegas, Alyssa Reid - “Baby It’s Cold Outside”

It’s a song that has been covered time and time again, but Virginia to Vegas’ version of this song is quite unique. Instead of the deep, jazzy voice often showcased during the male parts in the song, Virginia to Vegas brings a more contemporary pop style. Reid accompanies his voice with strong vocals as well. Overall, the two voices pair nicely together. 

Justin Bieber - “Mistletoe” 

Finally, saving the best for last, Bieber’s “Mistletoe” is a classic Christmas tune that holds a special place in all our hearts. This song was released as part of Bieber’s only Christmas album, Under the Mistletoe, in 2011. It reached the top 10 on Canadian charts and holds the record for the highest Christmas song debut in Billboard Hot 100 history. Gear up for Christmas with this song because, as Bieber sings, “It’s the most beautiful time of the year.”

New XO Record's Chxrry22 releases debut EP The Other Side

Embodying the old sounds of The Weeknd, Chxrry22 drops her debut 7-track EP, The Other Side

By: Bana Yirgalem

(XO Records/Republic)

Chxrry22 (pronounced ‘Cherry 22’) was born in Scarborough to Ethiopian immigrants and started releasing music online in 2017. Once she gained a listenership online, she then moved to Atlanta to further pursue her music career. 

After being signed to XO Records, founded by fellow Torontonian and singer The Weeknd, making her the first female artist signed to the label, Chxrry22 dropped her debut EP The Other Side—that alone gave her a huge jumpstart to her career. With The Weeknd providing her with leadership and guidance, Chxrry22 is on the path to great success.

For those unfamiliar with XO Records, the Canadian record label was founded by singer-songwriter The Weeknd, his managers Wassim Slaiby and Amir “Cash” Esmailian, and his creative director La Mar Taylor. They currently have four artists – The Weeknd, Nav, Belly and her – signed under the label, with Chxrry22 being their latest addition.

In a press release with Complex Canada, Chxrry22 said that “The Other Side is about coming to terms with duality – we all have two sides. We can be both the villain and the victim in some story and this is me owning that.”

That is indeed the case with the opening title track of the EP. Chxrry22 opens up in the song about the toxic relationship between her and her significant other.

“Let’s not act like I’m to blame
When you fucked up and I forgave”

She continues the song by explaining how she has prospered and exceeded for herself after leaving her lover, saying that she’s on the ‘other side’ and he is stuck where he is: “You're watchin' my dreams come to life (To life, to life)”

The Falls is more of a sultry track filled with toxic vibes and lyrics. She sings with passion in an alluring way, paired with the slowed-down guitar, drums, and melody, which makes the song so appealing. The opening lyrics insinuate that she fell into the temptation of cheating. The chorus lyrics explain that even though what she did was wrong, she’s not going to admit she’s sorry due to her pride.

As the track continues, she explains to her partner that you have to prioritize yourself because, at the end of the day, it’s only going to be you; “You bе in your feelings knowing you're a filler/I'm doing my thing, you should do the same.”

Call Me almost feels like a continuation of The Falls but the storyline is somewhat reversed like she’s calling her significant other after her infidelity to fix what’s been broken. But she simply wants to mend things more on the physical side, rather than the emotional side. The song’s haunting R&B sounds, enhanced by equally haunting lyrics and instrumentation, allow the listener to recall the similar sounds found in The Falls.

The other four tracks on the album tie in together with the above three songs. The EP’s storyline allows you to join Chxrry22 throughout her success, infidelity and toxic and remorseful lifestyles that often feel inevitable in relationships. She admitted in an Instagram caption, “I don’t write about anything I haven’t done or been through so when you hear these songs just know it’s coming from my heart.”

Her ability to be emotionally open in her lyrics shows that she has a gift for songwriting. The incapacity of some artists to open themselves up wholly to their audiences seldom goes unnoticed by fans– this isn’t the case with Chxrry22 who shares her rights and wrongs with us.  She’s showing herself musically, and this lyrical maturity is what draws others to her music.

Although this is her first EP, the way her voice is evocative yet angelic makes Chxrry22 stand out. Her sound is different and fresh, and her EP was released just in time for the cold fall nights. 

Check out the fill album here: