New music. Fresh discoveries. And Canadian artists worth adding to your playlist.
Another Friday means another reason to turn up the volume!
Welcome back to Friday on Repeat, where we shine a spotlight on Canadian artists and releases that deserve a little extra attention.
This week’s Canadian new music releases take us from spooky family fun and infectious pop-country to heartfelt Americana, energetic punk rock, and soulful hip-hop. Plus, our On Our Radar section highlights two exciting October 23 releases, including Kyle McKearney’s new single “Outcast” and Lennon Stella’s highly anticipated sophomore album, Sleeping Lion.
Ready to discover something new? Let’s get listening!
This Week’s Canadian New Music Releases 🎶
▶️ 01. Chris McKhool — “On Halloween”
Children’s Music / Family | Toronto, ON
Award-winning Canadian children’s musician Chris McKhool is bringing some spooky-season fun with “On Halloween,” a playful new single filled with singing pumpkins, mischievous ghosts, flying witches, and irresistible dance rhythms. With his upcoming album, Global Dance Party!, arriving October 30, McKhool is giving families plenty of reasons to sing, dance, and celebrate together.
Combining his signature global influences with imaginative storytelling, McKhool creates a Halloween soundtrack that’s more fun than frightening, making it a perfect addition to family playlists as the spooky season approaches.
Why we’re listening: The infectious rhythms, playful Halloween characters, and feel-good energy that make this one a treat for the whole family.
Read: Chris McKhool — “On Halloween”
▶️ 02. Jont — “Feel So Much”
Alternative / Singer-Songwriter | Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia-based singer-songwriter Jont turns heartbreak into something unexpectedly uplifting with “Feel So Much,” a deeply personal single exploring vulnerability, emotional withdrawal, and the complicated feelings that come with the end of a relationship. Drawing from his own experiences, Jont transforms difficult emotions into a song about acceptance, resilience, and finding peace.
With intimate storytelling and an emotionally honest approach, “Feel So Much” reminds listeners that even painful endings can lead to growth and a deeper understanding of ourselves.
Why we’re listening: The heartfelt vulnerability, emotional depth, and reminder that sometimes feeling everything is part of moving forward.
▶️ 03. Kerrington Gillespie — “Three Missed Calls”
Pop-Country | Vancouver Island, BC
British Columbia country artist Kerrington Gillespie delivers a fresh burst of pop-country energy with “Three Missed Calls,” a catchy single about being caught between moving on and looking back. Co-written with Tavish Crowe and producer Jared Manier, the song combines relatable storytelling with an infectious melody that captures the emotional push and pull of unfinished relationships.
The single has already made an impression on Spotify, landing on North Country and New Music Friday Canada before Gillespie appeared on the cover of Fresh Finds Canada. With its polished production and undeniable hooks, “Three Missed Calls” highlights an artist continuing to build momentum.
Why we’re listening: The infectious pop-country hooks, relatable lyrics, and perfect balance of vulnerability and confidence.
Read: Kerrington Gillespie — “Three Missed Calls” Interview
▶️ 04. D.B. Tait — “Where Are You Going Now”
Alt-Country / Americana | Prince Edward County, ON
Ontario singer-songwriter D.B. Tait delivers a moving dose of alt-country with “Where Are You Going Now,” a heartfelt ballad exploring loss, connection, and the emotions that linger when someone is no longer part of our lives. Featuring supporting vocals from Allison Burke, the song gradually builds into a rich, almost choir-like atmosphere, allowing its emotional weight to unfold naturally.
Offering another glimpse of his upcoming 2027 debut album, Losing Time, the single showcases Tait’s ability to blend vulnerable storytelling with warm Americana arrangements and soaring vocals.
Why we’re listening: The beautifully layered harmonies, emotional honesty, and slow-building arrangement that makes every note feel meaningful.
Read: D.B. Tait — “Where Are You Going Now”
▶️ 05. Rawls Royce — “Woe, Toronto”
Punk Rock | Toronto, ON
Toronto punk rock band Rawls Royce bring history and rebellion together with “Woe, Toronto,” a politically charged new single released through Steady Riot Records. Blending melodic hooks, anthemic choruses, and gang vocals, the track explores Toronto’s history of class conflict, political violence, and anti-fascist organizing during the Great Depression of the 1930s.
Offering a first taste of their forthcoming debut full-length album, Across the Pyrenees, the song draws connections between historical struggles and the challenges facing society today. With driving punk energy and thought-provoking storytelling, Rawls Royce prove that music can be both entertaining and a powerful vehicle for examining the past.
Why we’re listening: The explosive punk energy, infectious gang vocals, and fearless storytelling that brings an overlooked chapter of Toronto’s history into the spotlight.
Read: Rawls Royce — “Woe, Toronto”
▶️ 06. Francis Arevalo — Home, Grown
Hip-Hop / Soulful Hip-Hop | Vancouver, BC
East Vancouver hip-hop artist Francis Arevalo brings personal storytelling, soulful production, and heartfelt lyricism together on his latest album, Home, Grown. Drawing from his Filipino heritage, experiences growing up in Vancouver, and journey of self-discovery, Arevalo delivers a deeply personal project exploring identity, belonging, and finding a sense of home within yourself.
Nine years in the making, Home, Grown combines warm, sample-driven beats, lush harmonies, live instrumentation, and thoughtful wordplay. Building on his roots in Vancouver’s poetry slam scene, Arevalo creates a rich musical experience that celebrates personal growth, community, and life beyond recovery while remaining grounded in the hip-hop influences that shaped him.
Why we’re listening: The soulful production, meaningful storytelling, and uplifting message about embracing who you are and finding your place in the world.
Read: Francis Arevalo — Home, Grown Interview
Beyond our six featured picks, two more Canadian new music releases deserve a spot on your radar this week.
On Our Radar: Canadian New Music Releases 👀
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.
🎯 Kyle McKearney — “Outcast”
Americana / Alt-Country | Airdrie, AB
Métis Canadian singer-songwriter Kyle McKearney returns with “Outcast,” a brand-new single arriving October 23. Known for blending gritty Americana, alternative country, and roots-inspired storytelling, McKearney continues to carve out his own path in Canadian music while building anticipation for his upcoming album, Wildflower.
Following the success of his Billboard Canada-charting single “Rearview,” McKearney brings an impressive track record to this latest release, including a Canadian Country Music Award for Alternative Country Album of the Year. With his distinctive sound and growing recognition, “Outcast” marks another exciting chapter in his musical journey.
Why it’s on our radar: The gritty Americana sound, compelling storytelling, and anticipation surrounding McKearney’s next musical chapter.
🎯 Lennon Stella — Sleeping Lion
Indie Folk / Alternative Pop | Oshawa, ON
After six years away from releasing studio albums, Canadian singer-songwriter Lennon Stella makes her highly anticipated return with Sleeping Lion, her sophomore album, released October 23. Moving away from the polished pop sound of her 2020 debut, Three. Two. One., Stella embraces a more intimate, folk-inspired direction, reconnecting with the music and storytelling that first inspired her.
Working with Canadian singer-songwriter and producer Andy Shauf, Stella delivers a deeply personal 12-track collection exploring self-discovery, vulnerability, and the importance of trusting your own instincts. With stripped-back arrangements and emotionally honest songwriting, Sleeping Lion marks an exciting new chapter for an artist rediscovering her creative voice.
Why it’s on our radar: The long-awaited return, beautifully intimate folk influences, and refreshing sense of artistic freedom that make this album worth discovering.
Keep the Canadian Music Playing
That’s another eight Canadian releases worth adding to your rotation!
From emerging artists to established favourites, these Canadian new music releases showcase the incredible diversity of talent across the country.
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 16, 2026 for eight more Canadian music discoveries.
Check back next Friday for another round of Canadian music worth discovering!
