This week’s playlist continues our Cross-Country Tour, the year-long journey we’re taking through Canada’s rich and varied music scenes. Today, we’re stopping in Ontario to soak up some Ontario Oratorios.

Back in the early days of OurBasement, we’ve made this trip before—and it felt like the right time to return to one of Canada’s most quietly influential music hubs. Our first Ontario stop was in November 2016, followed by a return visit in 2021, and now we’re back again to hear what’s new and buzzing in 2025. I used those earlier playlists as a starting point, then layered in a stack of fresh finds, digging through MusicOntario and other sources to highlight artists with recent releases.

Ontario is a place where artists grow—and the sheer size and diversity of the scene makes it impossible to capture everything in a single playlist. Consider this a curated snapshot, and an open invitation to explore further. There’s a lot here, and so much more waiting to be discovered.

Ontario’s indie music scene is a vibrant, ever-evolving mix of genres—folk, rock, punk, electronic, and everything in between. While Toronto is often seen as the centre, the scene thrives across the province, built on a strong DIY ethic and a deep sense of community. Historic venues like The Horseshoe Tavern, Lee’s Palace, The Rivoli, Sneaky Dee’s, and El Mocambo have helped shape generations of artists, while newer spaces such as Drake Underground and platforms like Wavelength Music continue to foster emerging talent. Radio support from Indie88 also plays a key role in championing local voices.

Beyond Toronto, the scene stretches far and wide. Organizations like MusicOntario support artists across the province through professional development, showcases, and resources, while cities like Kingston and others maintain their own thriving local ecosystems with distinct sounds and strong community roots.

This playlist reflects that spirit—grounded in collaboration, curiosity, and creativity. You’ll hear familiar names alongside artists who may be brand new to you, all contributing to Ontario’s rich and constantly shifting musical landscape.

Enjoy some Ontario Oratorios on this stop of our journey—and stay tuned as the Cross-Country Tour rolls on.

Tidal Music Playlist:

https://tidal.com/playlist/1725baf4-a823-431f-a822-fe7116f0c981