Hello, fellow music fan!

Welcome to the first Listen Up! newsletter from CBC Music. We love to listen to everything and then tell you about it because we live to serve: live music, short videos, deep dives, lists, radio specials and so much more. 

Every Saturday we’ll send it all to your inbox because we know you don’t want to miss a thing. From cowboy crooners to timeless dancefloor producers, blooming hip-hop MCs to pop queens of our bleeding (exes’) hearts, we’re kicking things off with one of the most exciting announcements of the year: Juno nominations! 

Pop quiz: how many different 2025 Juno-nominated song and album names did you spot in this newsletter so far? Hint: there are at least five.

Who's in the lead at the Junos this year?

This year’s Juno Awards promise to be all about emerging artists, beloved icons and historic debuts.

Did you expect Tate McRae and Josh Ross to vie for nomination domination, making the Weeknd and Shawn Mendes the second most-nominated artists? If you’re wondering why why why — or are waiting to hear your favourite artist’s winning speech on March 30, when the awards air from Vancouver — we have the Juno nominee breakdown for you. 

But wait: we have also updated our much beloved list of musicians who surprisingly haven’t (yet) won any Juno Awards. Can you guess who’s on there?

Did you know Céline Dion wasn't supposed to be able to hit this high note?

Or so David Foster thought. The superstar producer has written hits for everyone, from Whitney Houston to Earth, Wind & Fire, but when he entered the studio with Dion, he wanted to challenge her. So he came up with a note he didn’t think she’d be able to hit.

What's love got to do with it?

Yes, Valentine’s Day was yesterday, but creepy “love” songs are year-round and forever — for instance, Sarah McLachlan's 1993 track "Possession."

Song summary: For when restraining orders fail. Literally, actually, since McLachlan wrote this about her own stalker.

Creeptastic line: "And I would be the one/ to hold you down/ kiss you so hard/ I'll take your breath away/ and after I'd wipe away the tears/ just close your eyes dear."

Time for a dance break with Caribou’s euphoric hometown show

London-based and newly Juno-nominated Canadian electronic artist and producer Caribou played to an ecstatic, sold-out crowd at Toronto’s History, and CBC Music Live was there to transport you to the party. Don’t miss your chance to warm up with the sing-along to his 2014 hit, “Can’t Do Without You,” while in the grip of midwinter.

Sadboi's ode to obsessive love, and 3 more songs you need to hear this week

Our weekly column of songs you need to hear has its eye on a few love songs this week — romantic, platonic and the kind that help you say goodbye.

The power of love — a.k.a. spoken word and music

In this episode of Marvin's Room, host Jemeni celebrates two of her many loves: music and spoken-word poetry. In a fantastic hour of rhythm and lyricism, you’ll hear works from Sade, H.E.R, Mutabaruka, Dwayne Morgan and Gil Scott-Heron.

Special announcement: there are now 2 editions of CBC Music Class Challenge!

For nearly a decade, CBC Music Class Challenge, presented by MusiCounts, has inspired music classes to learn Canadian songs, record videos and compete for prizes like new instruments. And this year, there will be two semesters: in the spring, and the fall. If you're a music teacher, or know one, get ready for the Feb. 18 launch of the CBC Music Class Challenge.  

Thanks so much for joining us for the inaugural issue of Listen Up! If you loved it, feel free to let us know at listenup@cbc.ca — and use the same email if you have questions or suggestions. Please share it with your friends, family and even enemies via cbc.ca/listenup.