[2025] A roundup of Canadian artists and musicians — featuring many up-and-coming talents!
Canada, where a rich mix of peoples and cultures continually gives rise to a unique music scene.
In recent years, the spread of the internet has led to a surge of young artists making their mark around the world.
From traditional folk to cutting-edge hip-hop, genre-crossing talents are taking flight on the global stage.
In this article, we’ll dive deep into the appeal of Canada’s acclaimed musicians.
The first half highlights globally popular artists of the 2020s and Gen Z newcomers, while the latter sections introduce legendary figures.
Ready to dive together into an astonishingly rich musical world?
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- [2025] Roundup of Popular Filipino Artists and Singer-Songwriters
- Ranking of Western Music Artists Popular Among Teens [2025]
- [2025] Popular Mexican Artists: Recommended Singers Summary
- Western music artists ranking popular among people in their 20s [2025]
- [2025 Edition] Must-Know Popular Female Singers from the United States
- Western music artists popular among middle school students: 2025 ranking
- Popular Reggae: Western Music Artist Rankings [2025]
[2025] A roundup of Canadian artists and musicians — featuring many up-and-coming talents! (21–30)
StitchesShawn Mendes
Shawn Mendes, the Canadian singer-songwriter who rocketed from posting videos on Vine to becoming a global star! His guitar-driven pop and folk-rock sound is his signature appeal.
“Stitches,” from his 2015 debut album Handwritten, hit No.
1 in the UK and catapulted him to stardom.
He went on to top the US charts with the albums Illuminate and Shawn Mendes, and his passionate duet with Camila Cabello, “Señorita,” was also a massive hit.
With three Grammy nominations, his talent is the real deal.
His honest lyrics about inner struggles and his sweet yet powerful vocals resonate deep within.
Highly recommended for anyone who wants to experience music that captures raw, relatable emotions.
ParalyzerFinger Eleven
A single from the fifth album, Them vs.
You vs.
Me, released in 2007 by the Canadian rock band Finger Eleven.
It reached No.
1 on Billboard’s Mainstream Rock and Modern Rock charts.
The song was featured in the TV shows Gossip Girl and Greek.
ReflektorArcade Fire
A song that sings about a yearning for a simpler time, removed from modern life.
It is the title track from the fourth album by the Canadian rock band Arcade Fire, released in 2013.
The track features guest vocals by David Bowie.
Wavin’ FlagK’NAAN
A single released from Troubadour, the second album by Toronto-based hip-hop artist K’naan.
This remix version was revised with new soccer-focused lyrics and was used as Coca-Cola’s official song for the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
The PrisonerD.O.A.
Formed in Vancouver, Canada, in 1978, D.
O.
A.
is a pivotal band that has led the North American hardcore punk scene.
Centered around founder Joey “Shithead,” they have continued to deliver social messages—such as anti-war and environmental themes—armed with fast tempos and an aggressive sound.
From their 1980 debut album, “Something Better Change,” they established a distinctive style that also incorporates elements of rock ’n’ roll, blues, and reggae.
Over more than 40 years, they have earned accolades including the West Coast Music Awards and Independent Music Awards, and in 2019 they were inducted into the BC Entertainment Hall of Fame.
They are a band I wholeheartedly recommend to music fans seeking powerful performances and passionate messaging.
It’s Only LoveBryan Adams & Tina Turner
A song written by Canadian singer-songwriter Bryan Adams together with Jim Vallance.
It was a collaboration with American singer Tina Turner and was released as a single in 1985.
It reached No.
7 on the U.
S.
Mainstream Rock chart and won a top prize at the MTV Video Music Awards.
MMM MMM MMM MMMCrash Test Dummies
A song that, through the stories of three children, sings about the strength of family.
It’s the only hit by the Canadian folk rock group Crash Test Dummies to reach the Top 40 on the U.
S.
charts.
In 1994, they were nominated for a Grammy Award for Best New Artist.