It’s no surprise that Northeastern Ontario breeds BIG creativity and talent. How can one not be inspired by the big-hearted people, the peaceful surroundings, the amazing vistas, and the colourful culture that our Region has to offer?
While Northeastern Ontario is home to some well-known artists such as Shania Twain, Larry Berrio, Lights, and Crystal Shawanda to name a few, there is also a whole new crop of artists just bursting to get their feet in the door.
We’ve compiled the ultimate summer playlist for you to enjoy while relaxing on the dock at Totem Point Lodge, road-tripping to visit friends in North Bay, or relaxing around the campfire at Killarney Provincial Park. Enjoy the tunes and be sure to delve further into the Region’s music scene by visiting the artists’ websites to find out where you can see them live!
Hailing from North Bay, Ontario, Rose-Erin Stokes recently won the award for Best Vocals on a Recording at the Northern Ontario Music and Film Awards, and is a member of Hidden Roots Collective. Add her single "Not Alone" to your summer playlist, and be sure to watch the video below, recently shot in Sudbury!
A former Canadian Idol contestant, Cole Fournier’s debut album, One Morning, I’m Going to Wake Up was recorded in North Bay, Ontario, and features a long list of other talented artists from Northern Ontario.
Also a member of Hidden Roots Collective, Brigitte Lebel is a singer/songwriter from North Bay, Ontario. Her debut album, The View, was just released in May 2015. Her video for The View features Duchesnay Falls, Lake Nipissing, the Mattawa River, and more Northeastern Ontario scenes!
David Dino White was born and raised in North Bay, and wrote this song while in his tent during his last shift tree-planting. David dedicates this song to hard workers everywhere, and if you're one of them, take a break in beautiful Northeastern Ontario and give this track a listen!
What happens when you mix a pair of folk singer/songwriters with a couple of ex-metal heads? You get My Cousin Karma, Sudbury's own Electropop band creating catchy tunes that get stuck in your head and encourage dancing around campfires, which couldn't be more perfect for a summer playlist!
Sudbury's own Mimi O'Bonsawin draws her inspiration directly from her French Canadian/Native heritage and the natural beauty of Northern Ontario. Mimi's song Pedalin' will put you in a carefree and positive mood, perfect for those lazy summer days!
While the band Carden Cove may be named after a beach in Marathon, Ontario, they name Sudbury as their hometown. Their music has also been featured on Hard Rock Medical, a TVO television show filmed in Northern Ontario.
Despite having once been a major junior hockey player, and having had ambitions of becoming a fighter pilot for the RCAF, it wasn't long before North Bay native Cory Marquardt began his pursuit of breaking into the country music scene, and he's certainly doing well so far!
Hailing from Sudbury, Ontario, Murder Murder puts their own personal spin on Bluegrass music, or "Bloodgrass Music" as they like to call it. If you're wondering what Bloodgrass music sounds like, you might be surprised at how it'll get your toes tapping! Give their track Movin On a listen to find out for yourself, and keep your ears open for some Northeastern Ontario town mentions!
