These are the best new musical artists in Halifax

Music is sharing a part of yourself with the rest of the world.

Whether in performance or through a recording, songs are meant to connect with people on some level. It might be through a vibe, such as enjoyment, or it could be through a deeper emotion like nostalgia or melancholy.

The act of making that connection takes willpower and perseverance, especially today when posting any shred of yourself online could lead to hurt. It takes a special type of person to endure the anxieties that come with sharing art, and the new musical artists that are coming out of Halifax are certainly special.

In our series of lists detailing The Coast’s Best of Halifax Readers’ Choice Awards nominees, we have our Best New Artist / Band category—seven incredibly talented musicians or musical groups that have begun to make a name for themselves through their art, all of which can be voted for on our website.

Michelle Ryder and Side Hustle

Having made a name for themselves through fantastic covers across several genres, Michelle Ryder and Side Hustle have most recently dipped their toes into recording their own music with a vibe reminiscent of ‘80s rock. Ryder sings soaringly about love—losing it, longing for it—and she and her band sell it perfectly through their nostalgic sound that somehow still feels modern despite its influence.

Alexander Gallant

Gallant’s folk tunes have a wide coverage area. He’s humourous, reflective and acutely aware of how ridiculous life can be, capturing those perceptions eloquently in his guitar-focused music. His most recent single, “It’ll Make You Laugh,” is a perfect example of his blend of poetic lyrics and gentle guitar playing, with subtle hints of added instrumentation to round out his sound. While he’s following a long tradition of singer-songwriters in Halifax, he’s doing it with such heart that it’s hard not to admire his music.

Hodder

This Nova Scotia-based rapper has had various albums drop over the last few years, but his latest release, LOVESICK, is helping put him on the map. Hodder’s music mixes the pain of heartbreak with beats begging to be bumped at a party. That’s not to mention Hodder’s rapping ability—aggressive but with a subtle pain driving forward intricate flows. He’s certainly an act to keep an eye on as he further develops.

Eliza Rhinelander

Rhinelander’s community-funded album Good Old Days shows that the young singer-songwriter has what it takes. Between genuine heartfelt lyrics and gently plucked chord progressions, her music is bound to make your emotions swell. Her song “When In Rome” perfectly exemplifies her talents as a songwriter, and we’re excited to see what else Rhinelander has in store for us.

Montgomery Night

With just one single under their belt, Montgomery Night might be the newest musical project on this list of new musical projects. However, if their first single is any proof, this five-piece has a future ahead of them. “Trigger” feels like a throwback to the alt-rock of the mid-2000s, reminiscent of Cage the Elephant amongst other acts. Reagan Kuzyk’s powerful vocals and lyrics of resiliency will surely net this new band some fans early in their career.

Jackson Weldon

Weldon is a young singer-songwriter with a folksy, country inflection and an indie rock sound. With two singles under his belt, “Time Worth Wasting” and “Next to Me” —both accompanied by excellently directed music videos— Weldon is swiftly gaining popularity as another class act in Halifax with his catchy tunes and soothing singing voice.

Elyse Aeryn

Rock and roller Elyse Aeryn is still riding high off of last year’s Joy State of Mind, throwing it back to a rock-country-pop blend with evocative lyrics that made her a 2024 Juno Wavemaker. Her latest single, “Cowboy,” continues to show Aeryn’s prowess for songwriting, performance and genre-blending.

Those are the seven in contention for BOH glory, but who will earn the gold, silver and bronze prizes? You get to help decide by voting for your favourite at The Coast’s Best of Halifax awards.

This article appears in Oct 1 – Nov 6, 2024.