=How North2North Turned a Music Competition into a Canadian/Swedish Family at Lilla By Festivalen 2026

Long before the first note rang out across the fields of Rinkaby, Sweden something remarkable was already taking shape.

Artists from across Canada arrived on different flights, converging by train in Kristianstad before being warmly welcomed by Lilla By Festivalen co-founder Jonas Tancred. From there, they travelled together to the picturesque Baltic Sea cabins in Åhus, where the Canadian delegation would make its home for the next four unforgettable days.

For many, it was their first visit to Sweden, some even Europe. For others, it was a welcome return. Yet within hours, any sense of being strangers had quietly disappeared.

HELLFEST the dream of two young men, Ben and Jerome, started in a field in the French countryside of Clisson in the western part of France 19 years ago. The humble beginnings of the first edition of Hellfest was put together by their non-profit association that still exists as a non-profit to this very day. It drew about 300 people basically from the surrounding community to 60,000 per night from around the world in its 19^th year as of today.

There were no superstars on the bill to start, just a humble list of regional acts and underground artists that launched a journey that has now become the 20th year on the highway to HELLFEST.

Meet Malin Osth and Jonas Tancred – the names behind the amazing Bara Jonson and Free.

They call their music Crockpop (Country/Rock/Pop).

This dynamic duo is the epitome of talent, passion and dedication to their craft beyond just being artists. Over the years, BjF has evolved from singer/songwriters, main stage performers, globally recognized artists, and the creators and producers of the now established Lilla By Festivalen, a much cherished family festival both in Sweden and in Canada.

A testimony to the lyrics of one of their earlier songs, Bara Jonson and Free are living proof that the “Sky is the Limit”. With numerous single and album releases, and incredibly creative videos, BjF are back with a new release, Breaking Dawn, this new single is refreshing and different than their usual sound.

“Breaking Dawn was inspired by a true story close to our family, but its message reaches far beyond that story.”

The acclaimed young Canadian artist honours her first fiddle teacher after representing Canada at Sweden's Lilla By Festivalen

Irish Millie has released "Allison," the opening track from her acclaimed EP 'Between Then and Now,' and a song that traces the quiet beginnings of one of Canada's most exciting young voices in folk and roots music. Built around the intimate interplay of fiddle and guitar, "Allison" is a tribute to Sally Pirie, the fiddle teacher who first placed an instrument in Irish Millie’s hands at age six and shaped the musical foundation that everything since has grown from.

There is a quiet humility to Swedish singer-songwriter, pianist and musical director Jonas Gideon that immediately disarms you.

I first met Jonas Gideon in Sweden at Lilla By Festivalen, and honestly, it felt less like an introduction and more like musical recognition.

One evening I was invited to join Jonas and legendary guitarist Janne Schaffer on stage for a tribute to our mutual friend and Swedish icon Ted Gärdestad. There was something deeply moving about standing there together in music, honouring Ted’s spirit and songs.

Canadian independent artists to perform at Lilla By Festivalen June 12-13, 2026 - in a landmark first for Canada-Sweden musical exchange

The inaugural North2North Competition named three extraordinary Canadian indie artists who will be heading to Sweden, to not only perform at featured showcase shows but to proudly represent Canada at a time when we are being recognized as a country with amazing musicians.

Canada’s Prime Minister, Mark Carney, states that Canada is the 3^rd largest exporter of music: www.youtube.com/shorts/ppP2s72e3Fs

Fresh Breath, Irish Millie, and Donita Large have each earned a spot in a Canadian landmark event, where they will perform on the main stage and in the beloved festival's very own Canada Barn, where our Canadian flag is flown with pride. This is the first time a competition of this kind has opened a direct performance pipeline between Canadian indie artists and one of Sweden's most warmly regarded independent festivals.

Inside The Rhythm of My Heart — memory, music, and freedom beyond rules

At Rosedale United Church Hall, the room was already holding its breath.

I was seated close to the piano—close enough to feel the wood resonate, to hear not just the notes but the air around them. The sound didn’t need to travel far; it simply unfolded. There was an intimacy in the room that felt almost conspiratorial, as if we had all been invited not to a performance, but to a remembering.

This was the world of Marc Jordan—not just the songs, but the space between them.

It is the same space he inhabits in The Rhythm of My Heart, a memoir that reads less like a chronology and more like a series of emotional coordinates. Moments gathered, examined, and—like his music—allowed to breathe.

Introducing Lucian Fhor Featuring Dirk Verbeuren, Tobias Kellgren, & Loic Colin

THE WHISPERING is a Los Angeles-based heavy metal unit led by newcomer, LUCIAN FHOR on vocals/guitar, with elite players LOIC COLIN on bass (Scarve/One Way Mirror), TOBIAS KELLGREN (Dissection), and DIRK VERBEUREN (Soilwork) on drums.

The band has released the THE WHISPERING – PART 1 EP with four of the ten titles from the forthcoming self-titled THE WHISPERING album out in the fall of 2026.

Check it out on YouTube here:

The Whispering (Official Music Video) - The Whispering

 As the crows fly, it’s a wild ride...

Check out the four new single releases Available on All Digital Platforms Now with the Birdsong New Music Foundation.

The four releases are:
Arif Jinha – I Am
Producer: Greg Kavanagh

Terry Witzu – Irregardless
Producer: Ted Adler

Nicole McCafferty and Armand Antony (Broadtree) – So Right It’s Wrong
Producer: Bryant Didier

Nick Jones vocals; Rachel Scully – Hope-Holding On
Producer: Bryant Didier

Available globally on all digital platforms today, Birdsong Music Foundation has announced four new releases. The first is I Am, from artist Arif Jinha from Ottawa, produced in Toronto by platinum award-winning producer Greg Kavanagh (who has now produced three Birdsong artists including Robert Priest and D. M Lafortune, both from Toronto). Three of our producers, who work so closely with our artists, and the composers, tell us why they feel this work is so very important.

2026 Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony presented by Amazon Music to take place at Massey Hall on September 26

The Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame will induct The Tragically Hip, Loverboy songwriters Mike Reno and Paul Dean, Feist and Roch Voisine at Massey Hall on September 26, 2026, in a ceremony celebrating their enduring contributions to Canadian songwriting. The evening will feature never-before-seen performances and tributes from leading Canadian and global artists, offering fresh interpretations of songs that have defined generations while introducing them to new audiences. Additional performers and special guests will be announced.

The 2026 Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame inductees are:

There are artists who make records. And then there are artists like Steve Poltz, who get tricked into making them and end up with something that sounds like a warm hug from a stranger at the end of a very long, very weird road trip.

That's JoyRide. And it is exactly what the title promises.

The story starts the way all the best ones do: two guys in East Nashville, living close enough that one of them just picks up the phone. Producer Dex Green, the kind of musical architect who's helped shape Grammy-nominated records for Shemekia Copeland, Elvis Costello, Margo Price, and Nicole Atkins, called Poltz up one morning and said, essentially, come on over. No grand plan. No concept album vision board. Just a home studio called 3Sirens and a standing invitation to make some noise.

Poltz, characteristically, almost didn't go.

Discoveries Vol. 10 with Host Jane Harbury

Hugh’s Room – 296 Broadview Avenue Toronto

Doors: 7pm Show: 8pm

Hamilton’s legendary recording studio announces five major initiatives — including a 50th Anniversary celebration, a JUNO partnership, the return of Road to Supercrawl, a museum exhibition, and the Grant Avenue Studio Presents concert series

HAMILTON, ON — Grant Avenue Studio, one of Canada’s most storied recording facilities, is entering its 50th year with a season that reflects everything the studio has always stood for: exceptional music, deep community roots, and an unwavering belief in the power of live performance and authentic artistry. From a landmark anniversary celebration to a national awards partnership, 2026 marks a milestone year for the Hamilton institution and the musicians and fans who have made it legendary.

The Canadian Blues Music Awards made history Monday night at The Phoenix Concert Theatre in Toronto, crowning the first-ever winners of Canada's new national blues recognition programme across 16 competitive categories. The inaugural gala brought together the finest performers in Canadian blues for a landmark celebration that was more than an awards show. It was a statement about the depth, diversity, and resilience of blues music in this country.

Canadian independent artists to perform at Lilla By Festivalen in Rinkaby, Sweden - June 12-13, 2026 - in a landmark first for Canada-Sweden musical exchange

CANADA/SWEDEN - The inaugural North2North: The Artist Gateway competition has named its winners - and three extraordinary Canadian indie artists are heading to Sweden. Fresh Breath, Irish Millie, and Donita Large have each earned a spot in a Canadian contingent travelling to Lilla By Festivalen in Rinkaby, Sweden on June 12 and 13, 2026, where they will perform on the main stage and in the beloved festival's very own Canada Barn, where our Canadian flag is flown with pride. This is the first time a competition of this kind has opened a direct performance pipeline between Canadian indie artists and one of Sweden's most warmly regarded independent festivals.

Terry Gomes has been making waves for a few years now with diversified releases and this new single 'Tego Agogo' does not disappoint.

Check out the new lyric video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HiPKJ8CCwAE&feature=youtu.be

IS THAT SO WRONG? EP by Canadian Country artist, Nick Hedden, showcases his best songs to date and revisited by Veteran Producer Dan McConomy and mastered by Randy Merril (Ed Sheeran, Taylor Swift) at Sterling Sound.

Listen to “Is That So Wrong? On Spotify here: https://open.spotify.com/track/1s1aZJdtoLHwrtIquZAScq?si=92fc503a08fc4001

Final Production by the Late, Great Chris Tsangarides

With its first week at radio in North America, the MORE – Destructor album debuts at #2 Most Added on both the NACC HEAVY 30 and Metal Contraband Chart while entering the chart itself at MCC at #44, as the road to redemption for the band MORE continues. Bassist Baz Nicholls reflects. “It has been a long journey since the heady days of “Warhead“and “Blood and Thunder,” but the entity that is MORE lives on. There have been many trials to overcome along the way, including the passing of three band members. The turning point came when Chris Tsangarides joined the band, bringing a new sense of optimism and purpose. The magic Chris brought, with his wizardry recording skills and vision, is evident in this production, and MORE has maintained that same integrity to have it as heavy and crushing as he intended. MORE are proud to present Chris Tsangarides’ last work, “DESTRUCTOR”.

After a four-year hiatus from the airwaves, the visceral rock and roll force The Mandevilles has officially returned with their brand-new single, “Every Bit Of Violence”. Out now via Snareguy Records, the track marks a high-stakes evolution for the Welland-based outfit, blending the raw energy of rock and roll with a modern, alternative edge. Built on a foundation of grit and cinematic intensity, the single arrives as a powerful reminder of why founding partners Serena Pryne and Nick Lesyk have remained a cornerstone of the Canadian rock scene for over a decade.

The genesis of “Every Bit Of Violence” is as legendary as the sound itself; the song was quite literally written live on stage during a low-key afternoon gig. When an impromptu riff from Lesyk sparked an immediate vocal melody from Pryne, the band mapped out the structure of the track in real-time, capturing the lightning-in-a-bottle moment via phone recordings. This spirit of total spontaneity carried into the studio, where the band—rounded out by guitarist/synthesist Taylor Laslo—collaborated with mixer and co-producer Russ Donohue to refine a sound that Pryne describes as "magical" and "harmonious".

In 2016, Bara Jonson and Free submitted the song Appetite to Melodifestivalen in Kristianstad, Sweden.  It didn’t make the cut. The song was released later that year anyway and went on to live a life of its own.

Now, almost exactly ten years later, it’s time again. “Appetite ANNO X” is released the same weekend Melodifestivalen returns to Kristianstad. Sometimes life and timing are magical, and this is no exception with the latest release from BjF.