The Great Escape has a truly global reach, and this year's event was no different. With participants from the Faroe Islands to Japan displaying their cultural assets, the competition was intense on the streets of Brighton. One nation stood out once again: Canada.
Canada's rise as a global music superpower is one of the most talked-about trends of the 21st century, with each province showcasing its unique traits through a slew of major, internationally acclaimed artists. From Alberta to Montreal, Newfoundland to Toronto, our Canadian friends have a talent for covering nearly every genre with remarkable skill.
Canada House is a three-day showcase that forms part of The Great Escape, featuring a trio of line-ups organized by a coalition of Canadian music organizations. CIMA has teamed up with regional heavyweights like Alberta Music, M for Montreal, Manitoba Music, Music BC, Music Yukon, MusicOntario, SaskMusic, and SODEC to present 17 innovative artists.
Thursday kicked off with flair as Dump Babes energized the crowd with a lively, punk-inspired set filled with robust melodies and plenty of flair. Highlighting the diversity of Canadian music, Manitoba's Field Guide, the project of Dylan MacDonald, followed with a captivating folk-pop performance steeped in subtlety and intricate world-building.
Shifting gears once again, Montreal’s GeminiCrab presented their HighSoul fusion. As part of the Kaluminity Vibe Collective, their blend of R&B, soul, and jazzy hip-hop reflects the city’s vibrant character, marked by a mixture of colors, flavors, and experiences. Highly recommended.
Clash has long recognized Vancouver as an indie rock hub, and The Jins certainly meet those expectations. A classic power trio—similar to legendary acts like Cream and Nirvana—their music spans from upbeat 60s garage to 90s alt-rock, complemented by impressive songwriting.
On Friday, The Great Escape enjoyed beautiful sunshine, with attendees reveling in the joy of discovering new music. Back at the Green Door Store, Clash was treated to a fantastic performance from Billianne, a 22-year-old singer-songwriter from Milton, Ontario. Her riveting pop songwriting displays an extraordinary depth beyond her years, making her an artist to keep an eye on.
Toronto is a vital center for Canadian music, boasting names like Drake and Broken Social Scene—what a diverse lineup! Glion taps into post-punk influences, with their gritty guitar sounds and sharp wit echoing The Sound and elements of Nine Inch Nails. Signed to the cult label Mothland, their dynamic performance creates a significant impact.
Shifting coasts, Halifax's Rich Aucoin spoke passionately on stage about the close-knit DIY community in his hometown. As a genre-defying alt-pop sensation, he stands out as a remarkable addition to this weekend’s lineup.
If Saturday left attendees feeling tired—Brighton’s hilly terrain can take its toll—Canadian music revitalized spirits. Yukon native Declan O’Donovan opened Canada House with a charming and understated performance.
Saskatchewan's Grimelda brought an energizing vibe that was both fun and confrontational, shaking off the cobwebs and raising the energy for the final day. This DIY duo challenges conventions with their lively set.
Next up was Bad Buddy. The band's legendary live shows in Edmonton have garnered attention, and our Canadian friends insisted we catch them. Their catchy, feminist-inflected Motown-meets-surf thrash was a highlight.
You might recognize STORRY, a top contestant on The Voice UK, who has been making waves with her music and boasts two JUNO nominations. A spectacular vocalist, she captivates with her technical prowess and enchanting style, delivering an emotionally resonant performance that shouldn’t be overlooked.
With the train schedule looming, Clash caught one last Canadian act—five-piece girl group NADUH. These talented Canadian women, inspired by MTV videos, blend hip-hop and R&B to deconstruct Millennial tropes and create something fresh. Their songs are incredibly cool, and their dance moves are perfectly executed.
As always, there is no singular way to define Canadian music. The country is expansive, diverse, and populated enough that a single narrative cannot prevail. That's why initiatives like Canada House are so crucial—promoting export and collaboration, they highlight the vibrant creativity of our trans-Atlantic neighbors and their coast-to-coast artistic expression. Elbows up!
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The Great Escape has a truly worldwide reach, and this year’s event was no different. Participants from places as diverse as the Faroe Islands to Japan displayed their