The biggest week in Nova Scotia’s music scene is fast approaching.
From Nov 12-15, artists from across the province will gather in Truro for Nova Scotia Music Week 2026. Whether it’s to perform, connect with fellow musicians or to potentially become a Music Nova Scotia award winner, singers and songwriters of all kinds will be gathered for four days in one town, all to celebrate local music.
For audiences, this will be a weekend of amazing performances in various venues across Nova Scotia’s hub town. To keep you up to date on who’s taking the stage and why you should check out these local artists, The Coast is breaking down each and every musician and band playing Nova Scotia Music Week.
This list will be updated as artists are announced, so be sure to check back and see who else has been added to the showcase roster for Nova Scotia Music Week 2026. Venues and dates will also be included when they are announced.
You can purchase tickets for Nova Scotia Music Week here. For a list of award nominees, check out this article.
Last edited on Oct 8, 2026, with the final-round of performer announcements. Originally published on Aug. 11, 2026.
Final-round showcasing artists
The following artists were announced to be showcasing at Nova Scotia Music Week 2026 on September 29, 2026.
The ANSMA Black Vibes is a showcase featuring several Black artists from Nova Scotia. For more information on who’s involved and where it’s happening, keep an eye on the African Nova Scotian Music Association’s website.
This indie rock band from Halifax is as emotional as they are intricate. Coming off of their 2025 album Marigolds, the five-piece is sure to pull on your heartstrings, especially when seeing them live. For a taste of what’s in store, check out this performance of their song “Fall in Flight” on their YouTube channel.
This tatted-up Americana artist is a rising star in the well-loved folk-country genre. His personal, reflective lyricism pairs well with his bass-note heavy guitar work, banjo-picking and deep, soaring vocals. Fans of the modern country revival may just find a new local artist to love in Nickerson.
On a personal note: I saw Colrain as an opener for a show at the Marquee one night, maybe a year or two ago. In some ways, they stole the show. Their single “Jackie” from 2025 starts off as a slow crawl before ramping up into a roaring groove that isn’t afraid to bend back into that slow tempo, accentuated by a atmospheric saxophone. That back-and-forth makes their music endlessly catchy, the intensity changing with every verse. If you like indie rock that will make you jump up and down while cheering along, Colrain is the band for you.
Do you like your music weird? Do you want to have an out-of-body experience while listening? Great Death! might just be the band for you. Inspired by acts like LCD Soundsystem and Animal Collective, their music gives you a sense of something deeper through it’s strange patterns and escalating vocals; something you can’t necessarily touch, taste, or feel. You can only hear it.
This DIY roots-and-blues rock artist brings classic rock sounds into the 21st century with free-flowing, finger-picked electric guitar work and a southern pub sound that feels authentic to his influences. Ballard will leave you in a nostalgic dream while reminding you that the blues is far from dead.
Beautiful, soaring vocals over the sound of a live rock band. Jane Baker’s “The Failing Endeavour of Romantic Love” has a sort-of Father John Misty quality (his sweeter side, perhaps) to its lyricism and tone while conveyed over a soft, guitar-driven rhythm section. Jane Baker released a self-titled EP last year, with a new album expected to drop on Oct 16. It will be one worth listening to before Music Week so you can come prepared to sing along at what will be one hell of an emotional show.
This Canadian-British pianist can leave a room completely breathless with her intricate performances of modern music and classical gems. If you’re a fan of piano-driven classical compositions, Jennifer King is a performance you will not want to miss. Need proof? Check out this video of herself, violinist Isabelle Fournier and cellist Hilary Brown performing this Anton Arensky piece. It’s really just stunning.
I can’t get help but a get a little personal when talking about June Body. In this writer’s opinion, they’re one of the best bands in Halifax. Loud, reflective, emotional rock music from a trio of talented musicians who are constantly building on their last creation, never content with staying where they are musically. Their new EP, 7678, has two of their best tracks yet: “Alarms” and “Red Sun”.
I spoke with Connor James from June Body earlier this year about the new EP. If you need any further convincing that you need to see them live, check out that interview.
Kayo mixes hip-hop and world music into a music both energetic and personal. One part of the Million Vibes Collective, Kayo’s also an excelling DJ and recently released his album Gabriel earlier this year. Whether performing by himself or the Collective, he’s an act worth catching.
Calm and moving, Lilianne Cormier’s bilingual music evokes emotion in every finger-picked guitar note, piano chord and layered harmony. Her latest EP, j’ai changé depuis nous, released in 2025, showcases just how much of a force Cormier is behind the microphone.
Lindsay Misiner is an R&B and soul artist who’s powerful, soaring voice commands attention over every track she sings on. Her 2025 EP “I Saw An Angel” won the East Coast Music Award’s R&B/Soul Recording of the Year. If you want to see an award-winning performance, Lindsay Misiner has you covered.
This Halifax indie-rock outfit is an energetic blast of irreverent positivity. Even when their lyrics are melancholic, their sound keeps you above water. If you like your rock fun and fast, Lloyd’s Money will be your band to see at Music Week.
Mayaya is a bilingual art-pop artist creating a musical fantasy with her smooth vocals, complex-yet-poppy backing tracks and rapping. Her versatility as an artist has no bounds. Check out this video from her single “La Sirène”.
This ANSMA-nominated artist, who is also the drummer for Lindsay Misiner’s band The 7th Mystic, is a talented R&B, jazz and rap artist telling stories through alternative R&B and hip-hop with influences from across the musical spectrum. Get a sense of his flow on his latest single, “Crown”.
Nicole Ariana is a #1 Billboard artist with some fantastic pop tunes under her metaphorical belt, including her most recent single, “Return to Sender”. Her award-winning 2023 EP CRYBABY is a necessary listen for any pop fans out there. Ariana can tear up any stage she sings on.
This five-piece rock band is a blend of emo stylings with a knack for strong, pop-centric sounds and lyricism. Postfun wears their feelings on their sleeve, which is exactly where they should be. It leads to some relatable tunes that will have you swaying back and forth when you hear it live.
Do I really need to justify the need to see Rich Aucoin live? It’s Rich Aucoin. If he’s playing at Music Week, you catch his show at Music Week. It’s as simple as that. I’m not kidding.
If you really need a reason to get up and go see Aucoin in Truro, check out this interview Julie did with him in 2024.
Sadie Skinner is a Halifax-based folk artist with only a couple tracks in her recorded repeatoire, but don’t let that fool you. Her voice is a balance between soothing and haunting on her most recent single, “Electric Blue”, a folksy ballad with a hint of pop sensibilities. If you’re a fan of artists like Phoebe Bridgers, Skinner might become a new local fave.
Harmonies are what make The Dusty Halos one of Halifax’s most interesting folk acts. The voices of this duo, Rebecca Fairless and Gabriella Ciurcovich, blend beautifully over their finger-picked guitar and upright-bass. It’s traditional and yet emotionally vibrant in texture. Hearing The Dusty Halos fill a room with their unique sound would be a nigh-on spiritual experience.
This is the last of the personal anecdotes, I promise. I’ve seen Keith Doiron, the force behind Verry Gerry, perform a few times now. I’ve written about my love for Doiron’s indie-psych-pop debut Sunny Beaches before, but there’s an aspect to Doiron’s music that you will never understand from listening to the recording. That is just how improvisational Verry Gerry is as a project. Even while playing live, you will never hear the same song performed the same way twice. A guitar virtuoso, Doiron switches up his solos with every show, matching the mood of the night. It’s stunning to hear after listening to the album. If you like indie rock and are itching for something that will keep you on your toes, Verry Gerry is the band for you.
Do you like your music heavy? Check out Vormir, a femme-fronted metal band from Halifax with their roots in the sounds of bands like Spiritbox and Ghost. Their single “A Million to One” demonstrates their lead’s fantastic vocals, the soaring riffs and intricate drum fills that bring it all together.
Willum
If you want a feel an energy that will transform you into a younger version of yourself, Willum is the artist for you. His blend of R&B, reggae and pop invites the soul to seek out the sun. This performance will be for those looking to experience something new at Music Week 2026.
Second-round showcasing artists
The following artists were announced to be showcasing at Nova Scotia Music Week 2026 on August 27, 2026.
ADINA is a locally celebrated neo-soul artist from North Preston who has made waves has been making waves with her beautiful vocals, honed from years of involvement in choir and gospel music. The multi-instrumentalist has taken the stage at several notable festivals, including Halifax Jazz Fest and Nova Scotia Music Week 2025. Her music is emotional, likely leaving tears in your eyes long after she leaves the venue.
Indie alt-folk artist Alanna Matty delivered a touching rollercoaster of emotion at the beginning of August with her album Epilogue. There’s seemingly two sides to Matty. Her softly picked acoustic guitars, paired with her resonating voice makes her music the perfect fit for those who want their heartstrings pulled back like a bow. Then, on other songs, she goes full rock with soaring electric guitar riffs that accompany her strong vocal style. Either way, you’ll get shivers from her performance.
Afro fusion artist aRENYE brings chill vibes along with smooth vocals that will have you grooving in no time. One piece of the puzzle that is the Million Vibes Collective, aRENYE shows his skills on the track “LIMO” with Nulo and YUNG ST4K. He recently released the album rollercoasteR in collaboration with Nulo.
Braden Lam is the definition of a modern folk artist. With indie influences driving his sound, Lam’s lyrics flow from stories of love to those of grief; unadulterated joy to impassioned protest. His 2025 album The Cloudmaker’s Cry captures all that he’s felt over the past half-decade, and it has put Lam in people’s minds as a name to remember.
The Coast spoke with Lam when he released his album back in 2025.
Carleton Stone is a well-regarded singer-songwriter with a host of singles, albums and writing credits that prove he’s already left a legacy on the local music scene. A founding member of the band Port Cities, he’s gearing up to release another solo album, Midnight Rose, on Sept. 18.
An Indigenous singer-songwriter from Paqtnkek First Nation, Cherise Basque will be gracing Nova Scotia music week with personal songs that connect with her audience. Basque’s latest single, “Abusing Power”, is an anthem against discrimination, showcasing her abilities not only as a vocalist but a lyricist.
FERAL CAROL is intensely weird. In a good way. The seven-piece released their first record Super Duper in April 2026, blending fun, silly lyricism with powerful punk rock riffs. It’s like if Cheekface and Viagra Boys had a baby and that baby chain-smoked cigarettes when it wasn’t using a kazoo as a pacifier. It’s musical perfection. Believe me.
Bilingual songwriter Jacques Surette, nominated for the Prix de l’Acadie this year, delivers foot-tapping folk in both English and French. Having released his most recent record Les vieux chapeaux in October of last year, there’s been no better time to get acquainted with a rising start in Nova Scotia’s francophone music scene.
Joe H Henry brings a type of bluesy-folk style not many can attempt, let alone turn into their own. His voice has been compared to that of a freight train, and his playing is that of a generational talent. Let Henry’s soaring voice tell you a story and you may be too stunned to move from your seat for the rest of the night. This year, he’s nominated for Indigenous Artist of the Year at the Nova Scotia Music Awards.
Last year’s winner of the Prix de l’Acadie and nominated for the prize again this year, Kristen Martell resonating vocals feel like they’re carried on the wind. Her latest French-language album, 2025’s Allume mon courage, is vibrant in sound and lyricism. Her Music Week performance will likely light up whatever venue she plays.
Kxng Wooz is a storyteller. One of the rawest voices in Halifax’s hip-hop scene, he brought the house down at Nova Scotia Music Week 2025 in Yarmouth and will likely do so again in Truro this year. His lyrics touch on lived experiences while his instrumentals force your head to bob back and forth. His third album MALIK showcases why he’s worth watching for, and why you should attend his Music Week showcase.
Mi’kmaq artist Luna Red blends R&B with dance to create a vibe all her own. With a new track “Heart Bass” on the way, she’ll be one to look out for during Nova Scotia Music Week.
Halifax post-hardcore act released their first, self-titled EP earlier this year, a strong and energetic first showing filled with introspective lyricism and heavy riffs. It’s a weighty sound with weighty stories carrying it along. Puffin is an act to watch out for, and they’ll certainly tear up at Music Week this year.
A project from DIY musicians Katie Wayne and Jaime Burnet, SALTLAMP is one of the most explosive duos to hit the local indie pop scene. Their songs are filled with love, paired with beautifully complex instrumentals with styles that vary from track to track. Their first album, I Dreamed You Loaned me Your Telekinetic Powers, is a must listen if you enjoy music that is unapologetically queer (you should).
This three-piece indie pop-rock band is a femme-powered phenomenon. Their latest album, Okay Love You, Okay Bye is as righteous as it is serene. With an evolving fan base and an endless amount of energy, you’ll want to get into Steel Cut Oats sooner rather than later.
The Coast spoke with the band about their full-length album upon it’s release.
Post-hardcore band The Couch deliver fuzzy riffs with a relentless energy that really escapes any label you could throw at the band. It’s not quite pop punk. It’s not all the way emo. The lyrics might be tinged in bitterness at times, but this is music for those who like their fun with a bit of melancholy. All we know is that this five-piece will shred whatever stage they take during Nova Scotia Music Week.
While we don’t expect our public representatives to have any fun at Music Week with us, we can sure appreciate that the Public Service will be there. The Dartmouth-based indie-folk/rock five-piece is an exciting listen, especially live, making their Music Week performance one to anticipate.
Blanche Israël’s experimental cello project is a wonder to behold. Whether you’ve seen her take the stage or in the forest, you’ll understand the ambitious ambience Toledano strives towards and how powerfully striking it can be. Wherever she is during Music Week, you’ll need to be there.
Halifax alt-metal band Where Giants Once Stood bring heavy power chords, screeching and soaring vocals, infectious guitar licks and complex song structures. It’s metal for those who love metal. Wherever they play, it will be loud, and likely, proud.
Zamani is a vocal tour-de-force. She carries whatever note she sings with a brilliantly soulful candor, making her an absolute delight to see live. The Halifax neo-soul and R&B singer has graced stages across the world, and we should feel lucky to have such an act take the stage during Music Week.
First-round showcasing artists
The following artists were announced to be showcasing at Nova Scotia Music Week 2026 on May 28, 2026.
If you’re ready to get loud at Nova Scotia Music Week, Angel Girl is the act for you. This raging, powerful punk quartet is fresh of their debut EP Life of an Angel (which is up for Loud Recording of the Year) and will, metaphorically, light the stage aflame with their brand of fast and fierce rock.
This indie alt-pop artist from Halifax released her first EP this year, an atmospheric and experimental record titled You Alone. Drifting between modern pop production and a raw, darkly rich sound, Reid is an act you’ll want to tune into as she begins her rise.
What do you get when you mix high energy live performances with an alt-country sound? It’s Bill Ricky. This women-led group won Country Recording of the Year in 2025 for their self-titled EP. Their 2025 record, Shoot The Moon, is also up for Country Recording of the Year. If you like a country band that isn’t afraid to break out the fiddle, Bill Ricky is for you.
Rachel Bruch’s contemporary classical collective Blue Lobelia is a dynamic project that perfectly showcases the talents of all involved, especially Bruch and her vocal range. Her 2025 single “Good Girl” is a beautifully arranged piece, chaotic yet controlled, laser focused on taking you on an emotional journey.
Burry has continued to take the local music scene by storm through a brand of indie-pop unafraid to tackle issues surrounding mental health and queerness. This approach leads to songs that are as impactful as they are touching. They released their second EP, I’m tired, in 2025.
Elyse Aeryn is a fighter. After suffering a motorcycle crash last September that left her in recover for several months, the roots-rock artist has since released her sophomore album, Everybody Loves You, while performing all across Nova Scotia and beyond. Her new album is nominated for Rock Recording of the Year. She says her music is for anyone with a wild heart and a bit of attitude. If you want to be even half as cool as Aeryn, you’ll want to catch her live showcase during NSMW.
Dartmouth-based singer-songwriter Fiona Clancey finds a path through her acoustic guitar with a soft-yet-strong voice, giving her songs a brightness tinged with melancholy. Her latest single, “Molly”, perfectly encapsulates the unique charm of this folk artist. If you want a relaxed musical experience that will no doubt speak to your heart, Clancey will be one to catch during Music Week.
Gearl’s brand of hip-hop is one focused on storytelling. Life lessons and experiences, influenced by Mi’kmaq culture. He’s nominated for two awards this year: Indigenous Artist of the Year and Hip-Hop/Rap Recording of the Year for his 2025 record Escape. His live show brings both energy and reflection and is one worth checking out.
There’s a lot to say about Good Dear Good, the indie pop-rock band based in Halifax. Their newest EP, Sook, is filled to the brim with bops. Their live performances are fun and engaging. Furthermore, they are leading the pack in Music Nova Scotia Award nominations this year with a total of four. You won’t want to miss a showcase by this brilliant band.
The Coast spoke with Good Dear Good for the release of Sook last year.
Hegatsbe blends Afrobeats and R&B with smooth vocals and knack for storytelling, exhibited on his debut full-length album Roadmap. The Nigerian-born singer will have you singing along to his songs about love, heartbreak and finding his path in life.
His His is a lo-fi recording project from Halifax-based musician Aidan Belo. It feels as if its been pulled out of another time with its analog production, but it masterfully adapts a layered, slacker folk rock sound for the modern era. His four-piece live band will make you want to buy his 2025 EP ’25 and listen to his 2026 single “Calls Me Mine” on repeat.
Idialedyournumber continues to be one of Nova Scotia’s greatest bedroom-produced musical acts, creating a bit-pop emo sound with lyrics that pierce through its oftentimes lo-fi production. With their new album Teenage Widow having just released in July, there are plenty of anthems to sing along to as you watch them at Nova Scotia Music Week.
The Coast interviewed idialedyournumber’s Jessie Everill in this article.
Jody Upshaw blends her unique blend of R&B with a powerful message to women everywhere. While she has a long list of achievements, her most recongizable song is “Straight Shooter”, which had been featured in the show Euphoria. She was recently featured on the Kxng Wooz song “MALIK”. Upshaw also sits on the board of directors for Music Nova Scotia.
This indie-folk artist delivers melancholic jams with a unique instrumental blend: piano, guitar, synths, banjos, all topped by her strong vocal delivery. Her 2023 EP Dive Deep earned her a Music Nova Scotia Award for New Artist Recording of the Year in 2024. This is a good chance to catch her live before the debut of her upcoming full-length album in 2027.
Hot off his debut full-length project, Mat Elliott is an indie soul tour-de-force, penning lyrics equal amounts cheeky and complicated. His hooks will get stuck in your head for days at a time while he regales you with a a delightful mix of synth and guitar work. His EP South Endings won him New Artist Recording of the Year in 2025.
The Coast spoke to Elliott about his new album in this article.
Mat Hughes is on a hot streak. His glowing summertime jam “Coleslaw Summer” and the beautifully personal “Blackberries” are leading into a new album for Hughes in October, meaning his performance at Nova Scotia Music Week is bound to be a set full of new songs from the project. Nobody plays piano pop quite like Hughes. It’s a show you won’t want to miss.
The Coast spoke with Hughes about “Coleslaw Summer” and the lead-up to his new album.
Moonii is equal parts indie rock and shoegaze, a distillation that leads to charming instrumentation and vocal deliveries by their lead singer, Elsa Ruck (formerly of the Lovegoods). Their recent single “Purity Culture” shows exactly why they’re worth seeing live in November.
This award-winning Chilean Canadian art pop project beautifully blends indie pop production with Latin-style beats, creating a uniquely passionate-yet-restrained sound that will leave you longing for more. Thankfully, you can see them live in Truro during Music Week. Afterwards, you can catch their next project when it’s ready to drop, Volition.
Quoia States is a treat to see live. This Jamaican-Canadian artist fuses her soul vocals with a style of pop rooted in Afro-Caribbean influence. If you want to witness an emotional performance, States will be one to catch at NSMW.
Serena Wu delivers an energetic indie-pop blend with memorable melodies. This francophone artist sings in both English and French, allowing everyone to sing along. Her latest single, “Tu n’as rien sur moi/Got Nothing On Me”, released in 2026. She’s been nominated for the Prix de L’Acadie award this year.
This three-piece from Port Hawksbury is the ultimate blend of everything that came before this modern era: the tone of garage rock, the energy of punk, the unique vocal inflections of ’80s and ’90s alt, all driven by a pop sensibility that makes their music repeat endlessly in your head when you aren’t listening. Their self-titled album dropped in 2025 and is up for Rock Recording of the Year. This is the rock act for people who like fun (not the pop band, the concept). Their guitarist Willie Stratton is also up for the SOCAN Songwriter of the Year award.
This homegrown rock duo can tear down any venue with their pounding drums, fuzzed-out guitar and screaming vocals. They’re heavy, they’re loud, and with Nova Scotia Music Week in their hometown, it’s no surprise they’d be back with full energy, especially after winning Loud Recording of the Year at the last Music Nova Scotia Awards for their self-titled debut.
The Coast spoke to The Orchids after their award win last year.
This Afrofusion artist, a member of the Million Vibes musical collective, blends his unique brand of storytelling with exciting African-inspired rhythms. A high energy performer, he is also up for the SOCAN Songwriter of the Year award.
