Bloomers & Next Big Things Juno’s go Indie

Bloomers

This is one of the first years that the Juno Awards have seen a wide representation from Canada’s rich and diverse music scene. With other awards like the Polaris Prize and Galaxie Rising Star gaining popularity, the exposure of otherwise unheard albums are becoming a real force to be reckoned with. The two alternative categories boast nominees like Amy Millan (of Stars fame), Cuff the Duke and Handsome Furs. They’ve been put up against former “indie” sweethearts, who have since turned into powerhouses like Tegan and Sara and Metric.

This shows that the independent scene has begun to rear its head in mainstream award shows. Importantly, Canada’s hippest albums aren’t just being found in the alternative categories—Great Lakes Swimmers and Bell Orchestre have found themselves nominated in Roots and Instrumental (respectively). Once a small time record label, Arts & Crafts have a huge showing this year, with five of the projects nominated. It won’t be long until other great labels like Paperbag Records (You Say Party! We Say Die!) or Out of This Spark (The D’Urbervilles, Diamond Rings) are finding their acts going head-to-head with The Tragically Hip or Nickelback.

Next Big Things

Canadian music is one of our best natural resources. There’s so much talent that the country is practically bursting at the seams; and pretty soon, people are going to go nuts for it. With mega-festivals spreading like wildfire across the country, it’s no secret that Canada has a lot of serious artists on the rise. Though they didn’t make the Juno list this year, there are a few acts that you’re going to want to watch out for as a new year of nominations comes forward.
Toronto’s Woodhands just released one of the year’s hottest albums. Still sizzling from their debut Heart Attack, Remorsecapade could not be a stronger and more evolved follow-up. Featuring some killer dance tracks, Woodhands are ready to get serious as contenders for making their place in the music world. If you’re looking for folksy alternative, try Paul Banwatt’s other group, The Rural Alberta Advantage, who were recently picked up by Saddle Creek. Paperbag Records label-mate CFCF is quickly becoming one of Canada’s strongest remix artists. After making a place for himself with Crystal Castles, the boy packs a remix punch, featuring remixes of most of his Paperbag Records friends, not to mention his own wicked beats.