Going Global: Oh-Canada

Meta Stange

It is undeniable that Canada has produced some questionable music talent. The Great White North has churned out pop-punk princess Avril Lavigne, spit out insufferable teeny bopper sensation turned awful almost-adult Justin Bieber, and, perhaps most disturbingly, given us arguably the worst band in the whole wide world: Nickelback (duh). While this may seem like a bleak indication of the musicality of our northern neighbors, it is unfair to penalize an entire nation for a few bad apples. I’m here to tell you about some of the raddest bands to come out of Canada in the last ten years because there are more Canadian things to be excited about than mounties and maple syrup.

Japandroids

Celebration Rock, the last album of the Vancouver-based two-man, noise-rock band Japandroids, is a fast-paced, loud examination of growing up, getting smashed, mortality, lust, and various other facets that are involved with being a real, breathing human being and trying to figure out what the fuck you’re doing. It’s one of those albums that gets you pumped to jump out of bed in the morning and keeps you energized all day long. Three years later, I still play it at least once a week when I need to drown everything else out and just appreciate the perfect combination of punk and classic rock. Oh and by the way, their single “The House That Heaven Built” was the entrance theme for the Vancouver Canucks for a while. It doesn’t get more Canadian than that.

Arcade Fire

Possibly the most commercially successful indie act of the past few years, Montreal outfit Arcade Fire has blazed the trail for other alternative bands by creating critically acclaimed music that appeals to a broad audience without compromising their own style and aesthetic. The eclectic nature of their discography and eccentric use of instrumentation and arrangement result in a collection of songs that are all unique and interesting yet sound like a cohesive collection. They have songs in both English and French, feature a wide range of instruments (from conventional standards like guitar and piano to off-the-wall options like the hurdy-gurdy), and rely on sounds from around the world to cultivate their global sound.

Caribou

Originally from Dundas, Ontario, Dan Snaith is Caribou (aka Manitoba and Daphni), and has been making exceptional electronic music for the past decade. His 2007 album, Andorra, won the 2008 Polaris Prize, an award that recognizes Canadian “albums of the highest artistic integrity, without regard to musical genre, professional affiliation, or sales history, as judged by a panel of selected music critics.” Most recently, he released Our Love, a 10-song collection of sweeping electronica that’s almost cinematic in nature.

Alvvays

This past year has been the year of Alvvays, the indie-rock darlings from Toronto, Ontario. Their self-titled debut album has caught the attention of critics and the public alike, leading to extensive touring, numerous interviews, and near constant-accolades. It’s impossible not to fall in love with their sun-soaked surf-rock and their front-woman Molly Rankin’s sweet voice. Their album epitomizes a summer album, complete with twanging guitar and lyrics detailing love and longing. Their most popular song, “Archie, Marry Me” is the modern day “Wedding Bell Blues” and has left me with the somewhat unrealistic desire to find someone to marry named Archie so that it can be our (very fitting) first dance.

Ought

Ought is a group of four guys from Montreal who make grimy industrial rock that sounds like it’s meant to be listened to in a dingy bar that only serves Molson. The unbound, youthful energy that is obvious on their records combined with their sheer volume and vaguely nineties grunginess results in infectious songs that are impossible to listen to at any volume other than “full-blast.”

Mac Demarco

Vancouver native Mac Demarco has received accolades from critics and fans alike, yet seems completely unfazed by his meteoric rise to fame.  His signature gap-tooth grin and goofy yet sincere lyrics create the every-man persona that is immediately relatable, regardless of who you may be. I may be a little biased, but some of the best content on the internet features Mac being Mac, and if you have time, I highly suggest checking out this DIY video for “Let My Baby Stay” or the Pitchfork-produced documentary about his experiences, Pepperoni Playboy.

Thank you, Canada, for not only giving us wheel-chair bound teenager turned pretty boy rapper Drake, but also for some of the best indie, rock, and punk acts of the last decade. If you want more Canadian jams, be sure to check out Ride the Tempo, Winnie Cooper, and Silent Shout.

Meta went on her first trip before the age of two and has been infected with wanderlust ever since. Her dream is to live a nomadic lifestyle so she can experience all the world has to offer. She's addicted to music, coffee, and making really bad jokes.

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