This week’s playlist continues our cross-country journey for the year, with a fresh stop in New Brunswick Notes. Back in the early days of OurBasement, we took a similar trip across the country, revisited it again in 2021, and it felt like the right time to return once more. Our first New Brunswick stop was on January 13, 2017, followed by another visit in 2021, and now we’re back to hear what’s been happening in the province more recently.

This playlist builds on those earlier editions. I used the previous New Brunswick playlists as a starting point, added a handful of artists I’d come across since then, and spent some time digging for newer names and releases. The focus this time around leans toward artists who have been actively releasing music over the last few years, reflecting how the scene has continued to evolve.

From 2021 to the present, New Brunswick’s independent music scene has been shaped by a strong mix of long-running DIY artists and a wave of newer, genre-bending acts. There’s a noticeable rise in synth-driven indie pop, a thriving Acadian (French-language) indie presence, and a continued love for lo-fi, intimate songwriting. Hubs like Fredericton, Moncton, and Saint John remain central to the scene, supported by spaces such as The Cap and organizations like Music·Musique NB, while festivals like AREA 506 help bring local and national audiences together.

Artists such as Caroline Savoie, Les Hay Babies, Maggie Savoie, and Joey Robin Haché continue to push Acadian indie pop and rock forward, while projects like Motherhood and Red Cardinal highlight the province’s art-rock and alternative edges. Longtime figures such as Julie Doiron remain deeply influential, alongside newer voices like Wolf Castle, whose work reflects the growing visibility of Indigenous artists in the province. Across genres — from indie pop and folk to punk, hip-hop, and heavier underground sounds — the New Brunswick scene feels both rooted and adventurous.

As Music Export Canada notes, “The rich tapestry of New Brunswick’s thriving cultural and music sector has produced artists with a dynamic combination of creative and professional skills.” From legends like Stompin’ Tom Connors, Don Messer, Roch Voisine, and Eric’s Trip, to more recent names such as Matt Andersen, David Myles, Lisa LeBlanc, and Measha Brueggergosman, the province has a long history of making an outsized impact on Canadian music.

There’s both a Tidal Music version and a YouTube version of this playlist for your listening pleasure. Settle in and enjoy this latest stop on our journey — New Brunswick Notes, revisited and refreshed.

Tidal Music link:

https://tidal.com/playlist/746f4358-d886-429b-9714-774270cab55a