This week’s playlist is a continuation of our cross-country journey that we’re taking throughout the year, and today we’re stopping in Manitoba to soak up some Manitoba Melodies. Back in the early days of OurBasement, we took this trip before, and it felt like the right time to revisit one of Canada’s most quietly influential music hubs. We first stopped in Manitoba in October 2016, returned again in 2021, and now we’re back to hear what’s new and exciting in this prairie province. I’ve used those earlier playlists to seed this one, added a bunch of fresh finds, and dug through Manitoba Music and other sources to highlight artists with recent releases.

Friendly Manitoba is where Canada’s Heart Beats — and those beats have a pretty great rhythm. As always, there’s both a Tidal Music version and a YouTube version for you to explore.

The current Manitoba indie music scene is as vibrant as ever, particularly in Winnipeg, where a diverse range of genres thrives side by side. Indie rock, pop, folk, roots, hip-hop, electronic — it’s all there, often blending cultural influences in ways that feel fresh and deeply rooted at the same time. A strong sense of community underpins everything, with organizations like Manitoba Music and the emerging Winnipeg Indie Music Foundation offering huge support through funding, mentorship, and promotion. This kind of infrastructure has helped local artists gain traction far beyond provincial borders.

Live music is the beating heart of the scene, with venues like the High And Lonesome Club, The Osborne Taphouse, The Handsome Daughter, and the West End Cultural Centre hosting a steady flow of shows from local and touring acts. Showcase events also play a major role, including the recent BreakOut West festival in Winnipeg, which brought together Western Canadian artists and industry delegates — a great opportunity for discovery and career development.

And let’s not forget the artists shaping the current landscape. Manitoba’s indie roster includes standout names like Begonia with her lush alt-pop sound, William Prince with his nationally acclaimed folk and roots work, and JayWood, who keeps things groovy and collaborative. Slow Leaves remains a favourite in the indie-folk scene with ongoing recognition, while Fontine has been celebrated for their debut album Good Buddy. Meanwhile, up-and-coming artists like Solaire bring a fresh, Gen-Z energy as they work toward their debut EP, and Burnstick continues to make an impact with their emotionally rich folk storytelling.

Take some time to enjoy the Manitoba Melodies of the Land of 100,000 Lakes before we carry on with our journey. There’s a lot happening in this province — and its soundscape is only getting richer.

Tidal Music Playlist:

https://tidal.com/playlist/8789a5f3-c54e-42d7-a1f1-af3bb287b9a1