Fresh Canadian sounds, new discoveries, and eight releases worth putting on repeat this week.
New music. Fresh discoveries. And the Canadian artists we can’t stop playing.
Another Friday means another reason to turn up the volume! Welcome back to Friday on Repeat, where we’re highlighting eight Canadian music releases deserving a spot in your playlist.
This week’s edition moves from breezy indie rock and heartfelt singer-songwriter storytelling to empowering rock anthems, retro-inspired pop, New Wave, country, and folk. We’re featuring new music from The Bankes Brothers, Woody Woodburn, Emily Pegram, Dahlia Wakefield, Garett Gunderson, and Spoons, alongside fresh releases from Shantaia and Canadian music legend Bruce Cockburn.
Whether you’re discovering a new favourite or catching up with a familiar name, there’s plenty to explore.
This Week’s Canadian Music Picks 🎶
▶️ 01. The Bankes Brothers — “Georgia Peaches”
Indie Rock | Victoria, BC
Victoria’s The Bankes Brothers keep things breezy and effortlessly catchy with “Georgia Peaches,” a new single that embraces the idea that sometimes less really is more. Recorded with producer Gus van Go at Toronto’s Boiler Room, the song helped establish the creative direction for their forthcoming debut full-length album, For the sake of my love I hope I make it, arriving February 10, 2027.
Rather than piling on unnecessary layers, the band lets the melody, groove, and natural chemistry do the talking, delivering a laid-back indie-rock track with plenty of personality.
Why we’re listening: The easygoing guitars, irresistible groove, and reminder that simplicity can make a song shine.
Read: The Bankes Brothers share new single, “Georgia Peaches”
▶️ 02. Woody Woodburn — “Mario Lemieux”
Singer-Songwriter / Roots Rock | Cape Breton, NS / Ontario
Cape Breton-raised singer-songwriter Woody Woodburn takes a trip down memory lane with “Mario Lemieux,” a heartfelt single inspired by the moment he sold his Mario Lemieux rookie card to buy his very first guitar.
The song isn’t really about hockey. It’s about the experiences, people, and decisions that shape who we become. With contributions from Arkells members Tim Oxford and Anthony Carone, the track offers a preview of Woodburn’s upcoming six-song EP, Follow The Light, arriving November 6.
Why we’re listening: A wonderfully Canadian origin story wrapped in honest songwriting and roots-rock warmth.
Read: Woody Woodburn shares new single, “Mario Lemieux”
▶️ 03. Emily Pegram — “Paper Town”
Indie Pop / Singer-Songwriter | Vancouver, BC
Vancouver singer-songwriter Emily Pegram explores the heartbreak of losing something that may never have truly existed on her self-produced single “Paper Town.”
Inspired by the real cartographic concept of a fictional town added to a map, Pegram transforms the idea into a metaphor for relationships built around illusions. Written, recorded, produced, and mastered entirely by Pegram, the song showcases her talent for pairing emotionally honest storytelling with imaginative songwriting.
The accompanying music video takes the concept even further, bringing a paper town to life before watching it fall apart.
Why we’re listening: The clever metaphor, vulnerable lyrics, and impressive DIY creativity behind every part of the release.
Read: Emily Pegram talks new single, “Paper Town” – Interview
▶️ 04. Dahlia Wakefield — Phoenix Rising / “But No More”
Rock / Hard Rock | Stony Plain, AB
Alberta rock singer-songwriter Dahlia Wakefield turns personal adversity into a powerful statement of resilience on Phoenix Rising, her new album arriving October 16.
One of its standout singles, “But No More,” combines gritty guitars, commanding vocals, and an unapologetic message about reclaiming your voice and refusing to remain trapped in harmful circumstances.
Drawing from her own experiences, Wakefield channels pain into strength, creating music that celebrates healing, independence, and the courage to move forward.
Why we’re listening: Fierce rock energy, powerhouse vocals, and a deeply personal message of empowerment.
Read: Dahlia Wakefield shares powerful new single “But No More” ahead of Phoenix Rising – Interview
▶️ 05. Garett Gunderson — Anywhere Anytime / “I Want To”
Pop Rock / Singer-Songwriter | Edmonton, AB
Edmonton singer-songwriter Garett Gunderson celebrates love in all its forms on his album Anywhere Anytime, a colourful collection of songs exploring connection, gratitude, romance, and the joy of living in the moment.
The featured single “I Want To” brings a sunny, retro-inspired energy to the project, combining playful pop-rock melodies with surf-rock guitar textures and heartfelt lyrics inspired by Gunderson’s own relationship.
With producer Stew Kirkwood helping bring the songs to life, Gunderson delivers a record full of warmth and optimism.
Why we’re listening: Feel-good melodies, infectious pop-rock energy, and a refreshing celebration of love and gratitude.
Read: Garett Gunderson shares new album, Anywhere Anytime – Interview
▶️ 06. Spoons — “Take The World”
New Wave / Synth-Pop | Burlington, ON
Canadian New Wave favourites Spoons return with “Take The World,” the lead single from their upcoming eighth studio album, Nightlife, arriving November 6.
More than four decades after helping define Canada’s New Wave sound with songs like “Nova Heart” and “Romantic Traffic,” Gord Deppe, Sandy Horne, and their bandmates continue exploring the synth-driven melodies and infectious rhythms that made them stand out.
“Take The World” captures the excitement of chasing dreams, making them real, and rediscovering that same magic years later. It’s a fitting introduction to the band’s first fully independent album.
Why we’re listening: Classic Spoons synth-pop energy, nostalgic charm, and a reminder that it’s never too late to chase a dream.
Read: Spoons share new album Nightlife and single “Take The World” – Interview
On Our Radar 👀
We cover a lot of new Canadian music every week, but we can’t catch everything. Here are two releases we haven’t featured on Canadian Beats that landed on our radar this week.
▶️ 07. Shantaia — One Trick Pony
Country | Saskatchewan
Saskatchewan-born country artist Shantaia adds a new chapter to her musical journey with One Trick Pony, arriving October 16.
Known for her commanding vocals and country storytelling, Shantaia brings her distinctive voice to a new full-length release, making this an album worth exploring for listeners looking to discover more Canadian country music.
Why we’re listening: A fresh album from a Saskatchewan-born country artist with a powerful voice and a growing presence in Canadian music.
▶️ 08. Bruce Cockburn — The Blood of Others
Folk / Roots / Blues | Ottawa, ON
Canadian music icon Bruce Cockburn takes listeners back to his musical beginnings with The Blood of Others, a new album arriving October 16 through Sunset Boulevard Records.
Rather than focusing on his own songwriting, Cockburn revisits songs by other artists that helped shape his musical identity, drawing from folk, blues, gospel, and other traditions that influenced his early years.
The collection offers a fascinating glimpse into the music behind one of Canada’s most respected singer-songwriters, with Cockburn bringing his distinctive voice and intricate guitar playing to each interpretation.
Why we’re listening: A Canadian legend paying tribute to the songs that inspired him, bringing decades of musical experience to every note.
Keep the Canadian Music Playing 🇨🇦
That’s another eight Canadian releases worth adding to your rotation!
From emerging independent artists finding their voices to established musicians continuing to create and reinvent themselves, this week’s selections show just how much variety Canada’s music scene has to offer.
Which of these releases will you be putting on repeat? Let us know, and keep supporting Canadian music.
Missed last week’s picks? Catch up on Friday on Repeat – October 9, 2026 for eight more Canadian music discoveries.
Check back next Friday for another round of Canadian music worth discovering!