Music/Features

Gladstone (Sat., June 18, Midnight)

Powerhouse singer and rapper Omega Mighty has been a feature at her JUNO Award-winning sister Haviah Mighty’s shows for years. A choreographer for Arkells, her high-energy shows will make her the next Mighty star.

Mighty joins a stacked bill featuring international acts that includes: Vicky R (11 pm), a rising star from France, originally a beat maker in her native Gabon, now breaking in Europe; Omar Noir (1 am), based in Norway, his sound is infused with influences from Senegal and Gambia, where he grew up; BLVCK (10 pm), a young Jamaican-American rapper with a smooth sound; and Lebs, a London, U.K. rapper who has worked with Tory Lanez.

(Gladstone, Fri., June 17, 1 am)

The upbeat Tamil-Canadian rapper embraces her Scarborough roots with a rich sound and a dance-packed live show.

(Gladstone, Thurs., June 16, 11 pm)

The Austin-based rapper has showcased at SXSW and Austin City Limits as well as festivals in Europe and the U.S.

(Clinton’s, Sat., June 18, 11 pm)

Big beats and urgent energy from this Toronto rapper on the rise.

(Supermarket, Fri., June 17, 9 pm)

A soulful groove powers beats that drive this Detroit rapper.

(Drake Undergorund, Weds, June 15, midnight)

There’s some MTS vibe to this Bronx rapper as she pushes her powerful tracks.

(Rivoli, Fri., June 17, midnight)

Teenaged R&B singing and songwriting sensation Osé’s career got huge boost recently when she started working with her idol H.E.R.’s management. Highlights strong Brampton Showcase also featuring: Ashlye (11 pm), Keziah Music (9 pm) and rappers MixTapper (10 pm) and TCSpades (1 am).

(Rivoli, Sat., June 18, 11 pm)

JUNO-nominated for best R&B artist in 2018, this talented singer’s career stalled until recent track Down won him the CBC Searchlight award.

(Supermarket, Fri., June 17, 10 pm)

Sumptuous, sensual, chill-wave tracks from Alabama-born singer

(El Mocambo, downstairs, Thurs. 10 pm)

Fresh new soul from young singer with opera training, who draws heavily from classic stylists like Billie Holiday and Nina Simone.

(Supermarket, Fri., June 17, 10 pm)

Toronto-based singer’s dreamy, sensual tracks have been featured on BBC and regularly on CBC’s The Block.

(Rivoli, Sat., June 18, 10 pm)

Montreal powerhouse’s groove-rich soul has been featured at SXSW and Osheaga, and her singles have tracked on Quebec radio.

(El Mocambo, upstairs, Wed., June 15, 11 pm)

Toronto-based singer-songwriter has huge online audience for hit-friendly pop sound that seems destined to turn her into a star.

(Drake Underground, Pride Showcase, Thurs., June 16, 10 pm)

Congo-born, Torontobased soulful singer blends African and American influences, from D’angelo to Papa Wemba. Performs as part of Pride Launch Showcase.

(Gladstone, Fri., June 17, 10 pm)

Modern mix of influences from Toronto band that has hints of boy band energy in upbeat sound.

(Drake Underground, Fri. June 17, 9 pm )

Confident, catchy pop, smart like Billy Eilish and Tate McRae with great vocals from 22-year-old Mississauga rising star.

(Gladstone, Fri, June 17, 11 pm)

Classic, richly layered pop with influences including George Michael and Hall and Oates. Dare you not to smile.

(Baby G, Sat., June 16, 10 pm)

They recently picked up an ECMA nomination for hip hop, but we think the fun pop vibe of this Nova Scotia duo belongs on your NXNE pop playlist.

(Bovine, Fri., June 17, 11 pm)

Billy Talent fans will love this powerful pop-punk band from Montreal, whose tracks have garnered over a million streams.

(Bovine, Thurs., June 16, 11 pm)

Sandrine Chouinard shares lead vocals in this super-charged Montreal power trio.

(Bovine, Fri., June 17, 9 pm)

This female-fronted hard rock band from Montreal are so tough their track is the official anthem of a Quebec wrestling association.

(Bovine, Wed., June 15, midnight)

Angry, earnest and in-yourface punk influenced by classic California underground sound.

(Garrison, Thurs., June 16 11 pm)

Upbeat Vancouver band that’s a blend of influences, including a big rock sound. Occasional feels and goofiness.

(Bovine, Fri., June 17, 10 pm)

Paige Koop powers lead vocals and guitar-fronting, grunge-fuelled rockers from Niagara.

(Clinton’s, Fri., June 17, 10 pm)

Smart indie rock, sometimes with an edge, sometimes with a smile from Toronto singer with modern sound.

(Handlebar, Fri., June 17, 10 pm; Garrison, Sat. June 18, 1 am)

Dreamy, breezy indie from Vancouver that flirts with Yacht Rock – in a good way.

(Garrison, Sat. June 18, 11 pm)

Zolas bass player Andrew Blacklaw created Dwi as his dreamy, riffy pandemic project while locked down in Vancouver.

(Baby G, Sat., June 18, 11 pm)

Brooklyn five piece creates upbeat yet sometimes heady tracks Brooklyn Vegan calls “shapeshifting, complex art pop.”

(Dakota, Fri., June 17, 10 pm)

Three Toronto brothers with a rich, satisfying sound that flits between upbeat indie with hints of Lumineers-infused Americana.

(Cameron House, Sat., June 18, 11 pm)

Clever, upbeat indie-pop with hints of ‘80s synth guaranteed to make couples smile.

(Supermarket, Sat., June 18, 10 pm)

Passionate vocals power intelligent indie that draws on modern pop with hints of star power. Part of Buffalo Showcase presented by WBFO The Bridge also featuring Stress Dolls, Farrow and Aircraft.

(Garrison, Sat., June 18, 10 pm)

They’re from Leeds, UK but there’s an Arkells vibe to this British band’s upbeat and fun party sound.

(Handlebar, Fri., June 17 9 pm)

Ambitious, grandiose and engaging, Harkness grew up around music royalty and the influences abound with a richly layered sound with hints of Brian Wilson, prog rock and more.

(Dakota, Fri., June 17, midnight)

There’s Jack Antonoff feel to the clever, complex songwriting here that powers from Prince and classic pop.

(Baby G, Fri., June 17, midnight)

Hamilton-based band has all the swirling guitars, angsty vocals and compelling drive of ‘80s British bands who made you feel good about feeling bad.

(Dakota, Thurs., June 16, midnight)

Gorgeous harmonies and solid songwriting from duo who have picked up Saskatchewan Music Award for Indigenous Artist of the Year recently nominated for Roots Album of the year.

(Horseshoe, Sat., June 18, 10 pm)

Draws on rich Americana roots of Wilco, Jayhawks and the rest with passionate, authentic, well-played songs featuring rich harmonies from this LA-based band.

(Dakota, Sat., June 18, 11 pm)

Grunge rocker Nora Kelly from Montreal’s DISHPIT brings her rich vocals to slow burning alt-country with members of Fleece, Bell Orchestre and Treasure Eyes.

(Dakota, Thurs., June 16, 10 pm)

Passionate Vancouver singer-songwriter who moves from roots to indie with wisps of Americana classic.

(Wheat Sheaf, Thurs., June 16, 9 pm)

Toronto singer ably blends influences including The Chicks, Patsy Cline and Billy Joel powered by gorgeous vocals.

(Horseshoe, Fri, June 18, midnight)

Soulful Toronto singer-songwriter has toured the world with his heartfelt tunes influenced by Paul Simon and Jeff Buckley.