Spring is often referred to as a time of hope and renewal, but honestly? At the end of April, many of us are still waiting for the threat of snow to lift. (Here’s glaring at you, Vancouver, whose cherry blossoms were in full bloom during Junos season in March.) 

We can always take cozy comfort in a season of new music while we wait — more on that below — but what’s equally as fun? Planning the summer. So we want to know: which Canadian music festivals are on your must-see list? 

Each year we dive into the summer music festivals you won’t want to miss — last year’s counted 46! — and we’d love to hear your thoughts as we prepare 2025’s feast. Heading to a hard-to-get-to locale that you think we should know about? Ready to pack the picnic basket for a brand new weekend of music that’s hit your town? Reply to this email and tell us all about it.

Spring 2025 album guide: 16 new releases you need to hear

Spring has officially sprung, and with the new season comes new music. From early releases that we've been loving since late March, to upcoming albums we're waiting on with anticipation, check out all the albums and EPs we'll have on heavy rotation this spring.

Wild Rivers put on a heartfelt, harmony-rich final tour performance

Indie-folk phenom Wild Rivers wrapped its Everywhere We Go world tour with a sold-out show in Toronto, and we caught it all. The trio, made up of Devan Glover, Khalid Yassein and Andrew Oliver, opened with their latest release, Never Better, immediately setting the vibe of what was to come: layered vocals, introspective lyrics and a warmth that’s become their signature.

Carly Rae Jepsen is writing music for a 10 Things I Hate About You Broadway production

We hate the way we don’t hate this. Not even close, not even a little bit, not even at all.

Did you know that Tate McRae got her big break on a reality competition show?

Even though she didn’t win, it set the stage for her rise as a pop star.

Zeina's no-nonsense warning, and 3 more songs you need to hear this week

Every summer needs a feisty kiss-off anthem — and with equal parts sexiness and biting criticism, Zeina's Times Two is ready to take the 2025 crown. Check out her latest release, plus new tracks from Rachel Bobbitt, Shelailai and Boyfrn.

Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today

In this episode of The Block, Angeline Tetteh-Wayoe shares fresh, new music from Chlothegod, Sage Harris, SiR, Bridge Music and celebrates the music legacy of Prince.

10 books that all music lovers need to read

It's always fun to get a little nerdy about the music we listen to, so for World Book Day this year we revisited our list of books every music lover, regardless of musical preference, should read.

No lights, no camera, action! Canadian actor-musicians reel up the Top 20

This week on the CBC Music Top 20, two prominent Canadian actor-musicians continue their side-by-side climb up the chart: the feel-good emo-indie of Toronto's Mae Martin (co-star of the TV show Feel Good) and the jangly power pop of Vancouver's Finn Wolfhard (leader of neighbourhood group the Party in Stranger Things). Other new additions to the chart include tracks from Miley Cyrus, Koko Love and Zach Zoya, Aysanabee, and Wardrobe.
 

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.