New Music Friday – August 14, 2026

Canada’s music scene delivers another strong week of releases, with indie rock, R&B, country, folk and dream pop all represented.

This week’s New Music Friday: Made in Canada puts the spotlight entirely on Canadian artists. From established performers to emerging voices, here are some of the releases and music stories worth adding to the weekend playlist.

Kiwi Jr. – Blowin’ Up

Toronto indie-rock band Kiwi Jr. returns with Blowin’ Up, released on August 14. The new record delivers the band’s characteristically sharp storytelling alongside bright guitars, restless energy and plenty of lyrical detail.

Tracks include “Photos of the Reenactment,” “Hard Drive, Ontario,” “Pure Michigan” and the title track. The album gives Canadian indie fans a substantial new release to explore this week.

Listen if you like: energetic indie rock, clever lyrics and guitar-driven Canadian alternative music.

Rochelle Jordan – Disc 1

British-born, Toronto-raised Rochelle Jordan adds a new chapter to her catalogue with the Disc 1 EP.

Jordan has built an international following with music that moves between R&B, electronic production and club culture. The new project places her among the Canadian artists attracting attention in this week’s new-release cycle.

Listen if you like: forward-looking R&B, electronic textures and late-night grooves.

Josh Ross – “Kicked Out of Bars”

Canadian country artist Josh Ross is back with “Kicked Out of Bars,” a new single released August 14.

The track follows the momentum Ross has built through songs including “Single Again” and “Hate How You Love Me.” Co-written with Matt Geroux, Mason Thornley, Joe Fox and Canadian country artist Brad Rempel, the new release mixes country storytelling with Ross’s rock-influenced sound.

Ross is also set to join Dan + Shay on tour this autumn.

Listen if you like: modern country with a rock edge and big, radio-ready hooks.

Julian Taylor – “Drive”

Toronto singer-songwriter Julian Taylor offers something more reflective with his new single, “Drive.”

Released just ahead of New Music Friday, the song responds to division and polarisation with a call for greater understanding and compassion. Taylor continues to bring together elements of folk, Americana, roots and soul while keeping thoughtful songwriting at the centre.

Listen if you like: roots music, thoughtful songwriting and songs with something to say.

Art d’Ecco – “The Death of Indie”

Vancouver artist Art d’Ecco is looking ahead to a new album.

“The Death of Indie” previews Scheele’s Green, scheduled for release on October 23 through Paper Bag Records. The song arrives with a video directed by Loken Charon and offers another glimpse of d’Ecco’s distinctive blend of art rock, glam and alternative pop.

Listen if you like: art rock, glam influences and adventurous alternative music.

Ghostly Kisses – Across the Pond

Quebec singer-songwriter Margaux Sauvé, better known as Ghostly Kisses, brings atmospheric dream pop into this week’s Canadian mix with Across the Pond.

Sauvé’s music is built around an ethereal vocal style and immersive production, creating a markedly different mood from some of this week’s guitar-heavy releases.

Listen if you like: dream pop, intimate vocals and cinematic soundscapes.

🎶 This Week’s Playlist

August 14 offers an unusually broad snapshot of what is happening across Canadian music. Kiwi Jr. brings the guitars, Rochelle Jordan pushes Canadian R&B forward, Josh Ross represents the country charts, Julian Taylor delivers thoughtful roots music, while Art d’Ecco and Ghostly Kisses explore two very different sides of alternative pop.

And with Bruce Cockburn preparing another album, the week connects several generations of Canadian artists.

What are you listening to this weekend?
Discover more Canadian artists, new releases, interviews and the stories behind the music at The Maple Music Lounge.