The 2024 Hopscotch Festival that took place in October of last year brought Danny Brown and Jadakiss to Atlantic Canada’s biggest city. And yet, it was another artist who stole the spotlight when he raised Palestine’s flag to the audience, having them chant “Free Palestine,” before delivering the set of a lifetime, hyping up the […]
Brendyn Creamer
Brendyn is a reporter for The Coast covering news, arts and entertainment throughout Halifax.
Posted inArts + Music
Skunk Motel proving their punk-rock versatility with new EP
All-girl punk band Skunk Motel is riding high after releasing their debut EP on June 20. Having performed at several Music Nova Scotia showcases and being crowned The Coast’s gold winner for Best Punk Band in 2024, the four members of Skunk Motel have continued to up the ante with their five-track debut, wearing all […]
Posted inArts + Music
Creating musical sapphic spaces with Dyke Night Halifax
While spaces for queer folks have become more common as 2SLGBTQIA+ acceptance becomes the norm, it can still be hard for certain sections of the community to find a place to belong. In particular, it can be difficult to find a space for lesbian, gender-diverse and trans people. Seeing that need in the community, local […]
Posted inArts + Music
Halifax Pride will flourish onto city streets this month
Halifax Pride is excited to bring 2SLGBTQIA+ folks and allies two whole weeks of pride-filled celebrations. From drag shows to queer markets, picnics to the parade, this year’s Halifax Pride festival is set to be one of the best yet, at a time where it’s as important as ever. “Things are really exciting,” says Halifax […]
Posted inArts + Music
Breagh Isabel’s queer pop bop “Carrie” releases just in time for Pride Month
Breagh Isabel has a song to make your Pride Month even more prideful. “Carrie” dropped on streaming platforms on June 25. The pop tune, co-written and produced by Nashville-based singer Robyn Dell’Unto, details the wistful daydream of creating a character out of a stranger. The new single was one of several Isabel recorded for her […]
Posted inArts + Music
When the world is ending, Ben Caplan says find love
It’s hard not to feel that we’re all on a sinking ship. Between climate change, endless wars, rising poverty, social disparity and the increasing prevalence and acceptance of authoritarianism, it seems many of us are doomed to get washed up in the metaphorical flood. However, with that pessimism comes a brief glimpse of positivity. How […]
Posted inArts + Music
The double meaning of Elyse Aeryn’s newest single “Unstoppable”
Elyse Aeryn‘s new single is not just a song about romance, but an anthem to self-love. The Glace Bay native released “Unstoppable” ahead of her sophomore album, due out in October 2025. Her roots-rock sound with a rebellious attitude has captivated audiences throughout Atlantic Canada and beyond, netting her the 2024 Music Nova Scotia’s Entertainer […]
Posted inArts + Music
Seven local albums and artists to help you step into summer
It feels that every summer in Halifax brings with it a number of negatives. Bugs buzzing around everywhere. Humidity that can make your skin sweat off. The recurring fear of forest fires. All of these feelings are valid, but there are also plenty of positives. Taking a dip in the local lakes and visiting beaches. […]
Posted inArts + Music
Psych rock band Strange Plants dropping genre-bending debut album
Have you ever tried to listen to Pink Floyd, MGMT, Tears for Fears and Supertramp at the same time? With four varying styles of music blaring in your ears, you may conclude that in this instance—and this instance only—there is such a thing as too much music. But what if aspects from all of these […]
Posted inArts + Music
Honest reflections and riveting humour: The duality of Alexander Gallant
Singer-songwriter Alexander Gallant is as honest as they come. Sure, there are plenty of folks out there who can pick up a guitar and play a tune or twelve. We’ve all heard the acoustic picking and soft vocals behind the splashes of beer and accompanying chatter. Where Gallant stands alone is in his darkly humorous […]
Posted inNews + Opinion
Halifax artists remember influential musician Henri Sangalang
Halifax lost a musical virtuoso on April 9 with the passing of Henri Sangalang. One member of the four-piece alt-rock band The Flashing Lights, Sangalang touched the lives—and music—of many of the city’s foremost artists. Sangalang was more than just an amazing musician. He had an impeccable sense of fashion and was part of the […]
Posted inArts + Music
Here’s every 2025 ECMA-nominated Halifax musician and industry professional
The East Coast Music Awards are now underway. From May 7-11, artists from all over Atlantic Canada will meet in St. John’s, N.L., for a weekend of workshops, performances, and of course, an awards ceremony celebrating the best and brightest in the East Coast music scene. While this festival hasn’t been without its controversies—mainly, the […]
