Hello, fellow music fan!

Welcome to the second Listen Up! newsletter from CBC Music. We’ll stop counting soon, we’re just excited to be here.

This week in music was a quieter one than last, as the Juno nominations settle in and we start to look forward to the big awards night on March 30 in Vancouver. 

But don’t worry, there’s lots for you to love — including a Tragically Hip jukebox musical (time to start practising!), Black History Month on The Block and a ranking of highly Juno-nominated pop star Tate McRae’s five best dance breaks. (Be honest: how many have you already learned by heart?)

Did you know this Justin Bieber hit was meant for another big pop star?

“Love Yourself” was not originally meant for Bieber, and you may be surprised as to whom co-writer Ed Sheeran wanted it for. Hint: she hasn’t released an album in nearly a decade, but shines bright like a diamond nonetheless.

The Block is Black history in the making

We’re making Black history every day on The Block, but during the month of February it’s a privilege to give those that came before us the flowers they deserve. Listen to The Block right now and check out Sounds from the Block’s epic playlist right here.

It’s a Good Life if You Don’t Weaken — and if you’re a Tragically Hip fan

Come From Away producer Michael Rubinoff, along with producers David and Hannah Mirvish, announced they’d be mounting a Tragically Hip jukebox musical titled It's a Good Life if You Don't Weaken. An open casting call is set for March 9 at the Creative School Chrysalis at Toronto Metropolitan University — mark it in your calendars.

Neko Case on finding her voice and being punk in Trump's America

Grammy-nominated honorary Canadian Neko Case released a memoir this year, titled The Harder I Fight the More I Love You, where she details some of her most important musical relationships. So we asked her: what are five songs that changed your life?

Her list is thoughtful and detailed, and may introduce you to a few singers. 

“When I heard these voices of these women I thought, that’s what my voice was supposed to do,” she said of Trio Bulgarka, who reminded Case of her Ukrainian ancestors. “Because my voice was neither pretty nor really strong but it’s really nasal. I think that record made me feel not so weird or different. Took away some anxiety.”

How Tate McRae is bringing dancing back to pop

Before Tate McRae was a pop sensation, she was a darling of the dance world. 

McRae began her training at a young age, learning multiple styles at the dance company her mother owned in Calgary. Music started to blow up for McRae in 2017, but she didn't leave dance behind: from her live shows to her most memorable music videos, McRae is devoted to serving a sickening eight-count. She's been compared to Britney Spears in that regard, and was even interviewed by the pop icon last year. 

To mark the release of her third album, So Close to What, CBC Music decided to take a look back at McRae's best dance moments so far.

Pup's sorrowful gut-punch, and 3 more songs you need to hear this week

A few words about Pup’s new song, which is on our must-hear list this week: 

A breakup, a search for self and analyzing his relationship with his bandmates forced Pup lead singer Stefan Babcock to pen some of his most heavy and honest lyrics yet for "Hallways," the lead single from the Toronto punk band's upcoming fifth record, Who Will Look After the Dogs?. Over roaring guitars, echoing bass and a buzzing melody (which sounds like a tip of the hat to the Kinks' "Waterloo Sunset" and Peter Bjorn and John's "Simple Song of Sin"), Pup powers through the pain.

Heads up, Vancouver and Toronto: Paul Simon is coming for you

Paul Simon announced this week that he’ll be heading to Vancouver and Toronto later this year for three shows in each city. The news comes on the heels of Simon’s duet with pop star Sabrina Carpenter for the 50th anniversary special of Saturday Night Live. Time to make a new plan, Stan.

Lu Kala marks historic three-peat with No. 1 song ‘Cry Baby’

On the CBC Music Top 20, Lu Kala continues her dominance at No. 1 for a second straight week with her latest hit, “Cry Baby.” This also marks Top 20 history: Lu Kala is the only Canadian artist (so far) to have a song hit No. 1 in 2023, 2024 and 2025. New names on the chart this week include Milk & Bone, Lucy Dacus, the Weeknd, and Thelma and James.

If you have a favourite song on the chart, now’s the time to vote and have your voice heard.

Thanks so much for joining us for this 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.