From JUNO nods to global stages, The OBGMs are showing no signs of slowing down.
Toronto’s own The OBGMs are riding high following their 2026 JUNO Award nomination for Alternative Album of the Year for their explosive latest release, SORRY, IT’S OVER. Known for blending punk, rock, and hip-hop into a chaotic, high-voltage sound all their own, the band continues to cement their reputation as one of Canada’s most electrifying acts both in the studio and on stage. Produced by fellow Canadian Calvin Hartwick and featuring collaborations with SATE, Just John, and Faiza, SORRY, IT’S OVER sees the band diving deeper into themes of personal struggle, resilience, relationships, and self-reflection without losing the raw intensity fans have come to expect.
First off, what have you been up to since the last time we spoke?
Recording a lot of music and getting ready to go back on tour. Living the dream—but doing it independently means wearing every hat. I have been focused on building systems so we can spend more time on what actually matters: making music, touring, and performing
What did that JUNO nomination for SORRY, IT’S OVER mean to you personally, and did it change how you look at the album now that it’s been recognized on that level?
The nomination did not change how I feel about the record—I already believed it was Canada’s greatest export since softwood lumber and Céline Dion. What it meant to me personally is validation. We made this record during a pretty turbulent time, and it felt like a lot of people overlooked us. Having it recognized at that level means a lot.
What made it the sweetest is that it is something we could share with the people who helped us get through that—our friends, family, and supporters. Beyond us, it proves that a fully independent band can stand next to major label acts. I hope it inspires other independent artists to keep focusing on making the best music they can.
Your music blends punk, rock, and hip-hop in a way that feels really intentional—how did you push that sound further on this record compared to your previous releases?
We are not trying to force a blend—that is just who we are. What makes us special is that there are not many bands, if any, that sound like us. We all come from different musical backgrounds, and that naturally shows up in the music. No matter what we make, it sounds like us.
I am not a traditional singer, and I did not grow up on rock music, so I am not pulling from the same reference points or trying to emulate anyone. There are no rules for me when we write, which is a big part of why it sounds different. Each of us comes from something slightly outside of this, and when that collides, it creates something of its own.
For future releases, I am looking forward to getting weird.
You’re known for absolutely explosive live shows—how do you translate that chaotic, high-energy performance into a studio record without losing that edge?
What works for us is not trying to translate it directly. The live show and the record are two completely different experiences.
The studio process can be chaotic. We will fully prepare a song, rehearse it, and if it does not feel right, I am ready to tear it down—rewrite it, restructure it, and treat what we have recorded more like samples in a hip-hop track. We build records without thinking about how we will play them live, which gives us the freedom to push beyond what a traditional punk band might do. That unpredictability is where the energy comes from on the record.
Live is about chaos and connection in real time. We speed songs up, change arrangements, and add or strip parts—whatever it takes to give people the best show they have ever seen.
Instead of trying to capture that energy exactly, we create two versions of it. The record is about intention and longevity, while the stage is about impact. Keeping that divide lets us push both further.
With such a massive international tour coming up, what are you most excited to bring to audiences this time around—and what can fans expect that might surprise them?
I am excited to show people what we have been building and to keep growing this community into something bigger. A lot of our past music has been introspective—heavy, personal, and internal. What is coming next opens that up with more range, more perspective, and a broader emotional spectrum. I am excited to see how that connects globally.
Fans can expect another classic record—something that holds up over time while still sounding like a step forward for us.
What’s up next for you after the tour?
Same thing we do every night—try to take over the world. We have a lot of music ready and a lot of videos to bring it to life. I want to build more community-driven events beyond traditional shows. There is also a real possibility that we turn this into a dominant independent label.
Upcoming Shows:
Apr 10, 2026 – Hamilton, ON – Mills Hardware
Apr 11, 2026 – Guelph, ON – Sonic Hall
Apr 17, 2026 – Toronto, ON – Lee’s Palace
Apr 18, 2026 – St. Catharines, ON – Warehouse
Apr 24, 2026 – London, ON – Rum Runners
Apr 29, 2026 – Shawinigan, QC – Salon Wabasso du Trou du Diable
Apr 30, 2026 – Québec City, QC – L’Anti
May 1, 2026 – Montréal, QC – Turbo Haus
May 2, 2026 – Ottawa, ON – 27 Club
May 3, 2026 – Sherbrooke, QC – La Petite Boite Noire
May 12, 2026 – Bristol, UK – Moor Beer Co
May 13, 2026 – London, UK – The Lexington
May 14, 2026 – Coventry, UK – Just Dropped In
May 15, 2026 – Brighton, UK – The Great Escape
May 16, 2026 – Brighton, UK – The Great Escape
May 16, 2026 – Brighton, UK – Unofficial TGE Showcase
May 19, 2026 – Köln, DE – Sonic Ballroom
May 20, 2026 – Sønderborg, DK – Mejeriet
May 21, 2026 – Hannover, DE – Café Glocksee
May 22, 2026 – Den Haag, NL – Sniester Festival
May 23, 2026 – Paris, FR – Supersonic
May 24, 2026 – Malle, BE – Klub K
May 25, 2026 – Eindhoven, NL – Aldstadt
May 26, 2026 – Bayreuth, DE – Schokofabrik
May 28, 2026 – Stuttgart, DE – Juha West
May 29, 2026 – Barberaz, FR – Brin De Zinc
May 30, 2026 – Cassano d’Adda, IT – Solidarock Festival
Jun 11, 2026 – Fredericton, NB – The Cap
Jun 12, 2026 – Charlottetown, PE – Baba’s Lounge
Jun 13, 2026 – Halifax, NS – Seahorse Tavern
Jun 14, 2026 – Moncton, NB – The Caveau
Jun 18, 2026 – Chicago, IL – The Hideout
Jun 19, 2026 – Detroit, MI – The Sanctuary (Crypt)
Jun 20, 2026 – Gilbert, PA – Camp Punksylvania
Jun 27, 2026 – New York City, NY – Punk Island
Jul 17, 2026 – Edmonton, AB – Temple
Jul 18, 2026 – Yellowknife, NT – Folk on the Rocks
Aug 7, 2026 – Tillsonburg, ON – Buddies Fest