5 Canadian Female-Fronted Artists You Need To Have On Your Radar 

While we may not be the first country that comes to mind when you think of the hottest new artists, Canada has definitely got some talent to watch out for. You probably know the big names like Celine Dion, Avril Lavigne, and Alanis Morissette (yes, all Canadian), but in 2024 there are plenty of up-and-coming female musicians that you’ll want to add to your playlists. Ranging from indie pop to alternative rock, these artists are on the move – whether that’s a new album in the works or a world tour – and they’re making waves in the Canadian music scene.

Dizzy

Hailing from the suburbs of Oshawa, Ontario (about an hour outside of Toronto) is four-piece indie pop band Dizzy. Lead singer Katie Munshaw combines her gentle vocals with the musical talents of brothers Alex, Mackenzie, and Charlie Spencer to deliver heavenly songs that provide an escape from monotonous suburban life. The band gained momentum after their debut single, Stars and Moons, was released in October 2017. This track is a slow burn that dives into a relaxed and catchy melody and sets the vibe for Dizzy’s soft and serene sound.

The band released their debut album, Baby Teeth, in August 2018, which subsequently won Alternative Album of the Year at the 2019 Juno Awards (if you’re not familiar with the Junos, they’re like the Canadian version of the Grammys). Dizzy has since toured North America and Europe, performing a string of forceful and memorable shows, one of which I was lucky enough to catch myself. After a handful of single releases, Dizzy’s self-titled third studio album was released in August 2023, right before they kicked off their North American tour in September. While they’ve only got one show on their plate so far for this summer, a band like this will definitely have some more exciting things cooking very soon.

Ellis

Just outside of Toronto in the opposite direction, Hamilton-based singer/songwriter Ellis creates dreamy pop music with hazy vocals you’ll have ringing in your ears. Linnea Siggelkow has been releasing music under the name Ellis since her debut EP, The Fuzz, was released in November 2018. A lyrical wordsmith, Ellis’ angelic music delivers a sound reminiscent of boygenius and Lana Del Rey, inviting listeners into a space of genuine, vulnerable storytelling. Prior to the pandemic, Ellis toured North America and the UK, leading up to the release of her debut album, Born Again, in April 2020. This album is honest and explores raw emotions while offering an indie-rock/dream-pop sound. In the last few months, Ellis has released three singles – forever, obliterate me, and what i know now – in preparation for the release of her second full-length album, no place that feels like, to come April 26, 2023. Along with this release, Ellis is performing two album release shows in Hamilton and Toronto, and hopefully will be announcing more live events soon.

Charlotte Cardin

From Montreal, Quebec, Charlotte Cardin has been consistently delivering incredible music and unforgettable live shows since 2015. Her debut full-length album, Phoenix, came out in April 2021, and subsequently won the Juno Award for Album of the Year in 2022. As an English-French bilingual, Cardin has released a handful of songs in French, appealing to her fans at home in Montreal and even across the ocean in France. Charlotte Cardin released her second album, 99 Nights, in August of 2023. Her feature single, Confetti, was playing on every radio station in Canada beginning in April, so fans had plenty of time to get excited about seeing her perform live.

The album takes listeners through several emotions, even offering slight comedic relief on Jim Carrey. Currently on her ‘99 Nights’ tour across North America and France (which I can personally say is a show you don’t want to miss), the electro-pop singer delivers a mesmerising stage presence with perfected dance moves and captivating live vocals. Her ethereal vocals put listeners in a trance and her lyrics speak honestly of topics such as heartbreak, and feeling happy yet lonely at the same time. Now taking a well-deserved mid-tour break, Charlotte Cardin will be back on the road in June starting in France, and will be performing several shows and festivals throughout the summer – so be sure to find which one is closest and get your tickets.

Cate

Canadian-born, London-based pop singer Cate is definitely one to watch. Gaining popularity on TikTok in 2020, Cate Canning has gone from sharing videos of herself playing guitar in her room, to headlining shows and playing festivals around the world. You might’ve seen her open up for Maisie Peters on her Road to Brixton tour in early 2023, but these days Cate is thriving on her own, riding a high after playing a sold-out show in London in October. In 2024, Cate has already released two singles – Rocket Science and You Don’t Love Me. With a slight country vibe, Rocket Science explores the emotions of a past relationship, and compelling vocals deliver raw emotion and heartbreak in You Don’t Love Me. Fans of Cate can tell through her vulnerable and powerful lyrics that she is far from shy, and from watching her personality shine through her social media, anyone can say the same. Her colourful artwork and fashion sense create a strong identity for her, which is evident in her music as well. With the recent release of her two singles, fans can assume an EP or an album is in the works, and this hopefully alludes to an upcoming tour announcement paired with it.

The Beaches

If you’re a fan of The Aces, or if you’ve recently gone through a breakup, head to Spotify and stream Blame My Ex by The Beaches. Four-piece Toronto-based rock band, The Beaches, is piping hot in the Canadian music market at the moment, between finishing up a world tour and going viral on TikTok. Sisters Jordan (vocals and bass) and Kylie Miller (guitar) originally began playing with drummer Eliza Enman-McDaniel as Done with Dolls after meeting in school, however in 2013 they formed The Beaches when fourth and final member Leandra Earl came along on keys and guitar. Their debut full-length album, Late Show, was released in 2017, and the hit single T-Shirt topped the charts almost immediately, dominated by the Miller sisters’ iconic vocals and catchy guitar riffs. Over the past six years, the group has released their third and fourth EPs, eventually combined into a compilation titled Sisters Not Twins (The Professional Lovers Album), and have performed several shows across North America.

Most recently, The Beaches released their sophomore album, Blame My Ex, in September 2023. Blame Brett, the feature single on this album, came out in May 2023 and was an immediate summer anthem. The remainder of the album explores raw emotion, queer relationships, and self-love. As their biggest Canadian show to date, The Beaches are headlining Budweiser Stage in Toronto this coming August, a lakefront venue that houses 16,000 guests. Besides creative lyrics and unskippable music, these four rockstars have iconic style and an unbeatable stage presence – so be sure to catch them the next time they’re in town.

While many think of Canada as simply “America’s neighbour”, we’ve actually got a rapidly growing music scene with a large pool of talented artists. Whether you’re looking for some new songs to soundtrack your day, or you’re planning your vacation over here, I can guarantee you won’t be disappointed if you listen to any of the artists above.