Charlie Angus recently announced that he will not be seeking re-election as the NDP Member of Parliament for Timmins-James Bay, a seat he’s held since 2004. That certainly came as disappointing news for his supporters who will miss his voice as a counterpoint to the far right in Ottawa. But after 20 years, Angus says […] The post The Chat Room: Charlie Angus of Grievous Angels first appeared on Roots Music Canada ..read more

After four decades in the music business, Glen Foster has earned the right to break any rule he wants. And this happy iconoclast shows no signs of compromise on “White Funeral,” a whimsically morbid country-blues number that appears on his latest album, the trend-bucking Unnatural Tendencies. Like a winking eulogy to a vanishing era, the […] The post Country blues guitarist Glen Foster releases ‘White Funeral’ from new album first appeared on Roots Music Canada ..read more

In April, The Canadian Folk Music Awards (CFMA) unveiled a new award called the Order of Folk, which recognizes multiple people across Canada who have dedicated their time and support to the folk music community. During the Ottawa Grassroots Festival, Graham Lindsey, president of the CFMAs, inducted two recipients based in Ottawa, Chris White and […] The post New Order of Folk award launched for Canadian Folk Music Awards first appeared on Roots Music Canada ..read more

Vancouver-based roots artist Emmett Jerome is brand new on the scene this year, and well, well well, what a way to introduce himself to the world. Already signed to 604 Records, Emmett’s released a song that is at once raw and rootsy — but also polished and catchy as hell. His voice has that raspy, […] The post Emmett Jerome’s debut single, ‘Goodbye Trouble’ first appeared on Roots Music Canada ..read more

Juno-nominated Cree Métis artist, iskwe, released her fourth album nina this past month, which Billboard Canada called “iskwe’s most adventurous yet.” Listeners will for sure feel as though they are on that same adventure that iskwe promised with these tracks, taking them through different experimental beats and instrumental mixes. Serving as an autobiographical album about […] The post Album review: iskwe – nina first appeared on Roots Music Canada ..read more

The East Coast Music Association (ECMA) has the first round of winners of this year’s awards. The 36th annual ECMAs are being hosted in Charlottetown, and the final round of winners will be announced on Sunday night. Meanwhile 12 awards were handed out on May 2. The full list is below.  Congratulations to all the […] The post Here are your 2024 East Coast Music Award winners so far first appeared on Roots Music Canada ..read more

Hamilton, ON singer/songwriter Matthew de Zoete’s fondness for preserving unique moments has been a foundational part of his music since he arrived on the Canadian scene in 2006, first under his own name and then as Colour Film since 2016. His songwriting has been widely praised for its atmospheric blend of folk and pop, with […] The post The Chat Room: Colour Film first appeared on Roots Music Canada ..read more

The increase in Visa fees for foreign artists and performers has raised concerns about their ability to tour in the U.S. The Associated Press reported that the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has increased these fees by 250 per cent, making it costly for international artists to enter the country. This year, a Visa […] The post New U.S. Visa fees for foreign artists may impact touring first appeared on Roots Music Canada ..read more

Life’s highest highs often accompany its lowest lows. Regina-based pianist and singer-songwriter, Jeffery Straker, knows this well. He’s opening up about some of the lessons he’s recently learned on his new single, “The Time You’ve Got,” out everywhere now. “In the past five years, I’ve watched both of my parents pass away,” Jeffery shared. “I’ve […] The post Saskatchewan’s Jeffery Straker releases new single, ‘The Time You’ve Got’ first appeared on Roots Music Canada ..read more

Julian Taylor is living proof of that saying that an overnight success can be decades in the making. After signing with Warner Music in 1999 as a member of Staggered Crossing, Julian and the band scored a top 10 rock hit with “Further Again” and had a few good years touring and releasing singles as […] The post A new single from Julian Taylor – ‘Weighing Down’ first appeared on Roots Music Canada ..read more