Our Cross-Country Tour is heading north — to where the music is as vast, resilient, and breathtaking as the land itself. In Yukon, the Northwest Territories, and Nunavut, traditional Indigenous sounds intertwine beautifully with contemporary styles, creating a musical landscape rich in history, innovation, and heart. Here, every note tells a story — of community, of connection to the land, and of cultural pride that runs deep.

Back in the early days of OurBasement, we made this northern journey before — first on May 26, 2017, with a stop “Up North,” and again on July 9, 2021, in celebration of Nunavut Day. Now, in 2025, we’re returning once more to hear what’s new in the territories with Northern Notes 2025, focusing on artists who have released music in the last four or five years.

Tradition Meets Innovation

Traditional Inuit music remains a cornerstone of northern culture, rooted in the rhythm of drums used in dance, storytelling, and celebration, alongside the distinct vocal art of katajjaq — known in English as throat singing. This ancient form has captivated listeners far beyond the Arctic, its mesmerizing textures and harmonies now recognized worldwide.

According to the Indigenous Peoples Atlas of Canada, Inuit music is defined by story singing, complex rhythmic organization, and a modest melodic range. Yet, it continues to evolve. Across the North, you’ll now hear acoustic and electric guitars shaping songs that blend folk, country, pop, and rock with a distinctly northern artistic flair. And in the hands of younger artists, Inuktitut proves to be a powerful and poetic language for hip-hop, perfectly suited to the rhythms and cadences of modern beats.

Listen and Explore

The Northern Notes 2025 playlist shines a light on the artists who are carrying these traditions forward while carving bold new paths. From soulful singer-songwriters to genre-bending innovators, these musicians capture the spirit of the territories — where old meets new, and the landscape itself seems to sing along.

🎧 Now streaming on Spotify, TIDAL, and YouTube.

Take a moment to journey north with us, and let the sounds of the Yukon, Northwest Territories, and Nunavut remind you just how vast and vibrant Canadian music truly is.

TIDAL Music:

https://tidal.com/playlist/3e5ec9b1-3d50-4d4a-a6de-a912985f8036