OHSOTO’KINO is an Indigenous programming initiative from the National Music Centre focusing on three elements: creation of new music in NMC’s recording studios, artist development through a music incubator program and exhibitions via the annually updated Speak Up! gallery. The OHSOTO’KINO Recording Bursary program is open to First Nations, Métis and Inuit artists. Two submissions — one for contemporary music, one for traditional genres — will be awarded a one-week recording session at Studio Bell to produce a commercial release. The deadline to apply here is March 1. Past recipients of the bursary include Juno winner Joel Wood, Twin Flames and PIQSIQ.
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– Following the recent release of a new album (their ninth), Caught Light, Toronto folk-roots veterans Great Lake Swimmers toured extensively across western Canada. Now, a month-long run of dates across Europe is also scheduled, preceded by a series of shows across Ontario beginning March 26, at Kingston's Broom Factory. The eight concerts trek includes a date at Toronto's Great Hall on April 10 and closes out at The Bronson in Ottawa on April 18. Itinerary and tickets here.
Caught Light was recorded in the Ganaraska Forest, between Peterborough and Port Hope, Ontario, with producer Darcy Yates (Bahamas) and engineer Jimmy Bowskill (Blue Rodeo). Under the leadership of founder, songwriter and vocalist Tony Dekker, Great Lake Swimmers explored an early ’70s folk/pop/rock vibe on this record.
Industry News
Music Nova Scotia (MNS) has announced the creation of a new music industry event, the Wavemakers: Music Futures Conference & Showcase. Taking place in Halifax from March 19-20, 2026, it is described as a cross-sector gathering exploring how music can drive economic growth and tourism in the Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM) and across Nova Scotia. The conference invites the broader live events and business community from across the province to gather and reflect on the future of the music industry and its role in shaping HRM, and Nova Scotia, over the coming years.
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MNS Executive Director Allegra Swanson explains that "By uniting partners across music, tourism, and economic development, we’re reinforcing music as a driving force for growth and positioning Halifax as a place that leads with creativity and collaboration.” The event will include conference programming, plenty of networking opportunities and a showcase of the next generation of Wavemakers artists. This conference and showcase was created under the Wavemakers Legacy programming banner; funding provided by the Province of Nova Scotia following the 2024 Juno Awards in Halifax. Passes available here.
– Considered one of the most important international folk/roots music industry events, the annual Folk Alliance International conference has recently faced scrutiny over its accessibility and affordability for artists to participate in its showcases. In response FAI has stated that "access and affordability are not abstract values for us; they are practical challenges that require long-term strategy, shared investment, and careful stewardship. With that responsibility in mind, Folk Alliance International has taken, and continues to take, concrete steps to reduce barriers to participation and support artists."
One such step is the launch of an Artist Scholarship Pilot Program in 2026. Thanks to an anonymous gift, the program supported 28 bands (77 artists total) and distributed more than $36,000 in direct cash support to help offset conference-related expenses. FAI has also announced it has secured an additional $75,000 for the 2027 conference and plans to launch a small Presenter Scholarship Pilot Program. More info here.
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– On Sunday afternoon and evening, the Hamilton music community came out in droves to celebrate and farewell one of its most-loved members, Jack Pedler, the former Teenage Head drummer and spoken word artist who passed away in December. The Corktown was crammed to capacity for the Celebration of Life, and such Pedler peers and friends as Tom and Thompson Wilson, Tim Gibbons and the Swampbusters, Martin Verrall and Trickbag played short sets. A total of $3215 was raised for the Bob Pedler Fund, started by Jack's dad and the Hamilton Musicians Guild to support local musicians.
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Festivals News
Toronto's Our Music Festival has just revealed the lineup for its third edition, comprising two events in the city on May 30. Newly added this year is an Afternoon Song Circle, featuring Angela Saini, aniqa dear, Leah Holtom, Maya Killtron and TRP.P. It takes place at Small World Centre (180 Shaw St.), from 1 pm. The main evening concert will feature a lineup that includes Alysha Brilla, Anyma Ora', Ammoye, Kimmortal and Maïa Davies, performing at The Mod Club from 7.30 pm. More info and tickets here.
Referencing the move to a summer date, fest founder and artistic director Andrea Ramolo notes that "it felt right to move into the warmer months, because women and gender-diverse artists deserve to be celebrated all year long." She launched the festival to help address ongoing gender disparities in the music industry.
Artists News
On Feb. 20, Canadian Folk Music Award-winning singer-songwriter Geneviève Racette releases the deluxe edition of her acclaimed fourth album, Golden. It is accompanied by a new video for focus track "Come As You Are" (yes, the Nirvana classic). Racette is also preparing for an upcoming European tour, featuring a show in Tallin, Estonia, on April 10 and three dates in the U.K. (May 1-7), followed by three French concerts. Itinerary here.
– Just in time for Valentine's Day, power pop songsmith James Clark delivered a new single, "Reluctantly In Love." It was produced by his longtime collaborator Moe Berg (The Pursuit Of Happiness) who also plays on the cut. Clark states that "the song is me poking fun at myself. Seemingly, I'm not very good with commitment or so I've been told. I'm not saying it's true but I currently live all alone." His band The James Clark Institute plays The Moonshine Cafe in Oakville on March 21. More shows TBA.
