Canadian musicians, songwriters, producers and audio engineers have made so many contributions to the wider music industry over the years — but they often fly under the radar. We want to give them their 10s by highlighting some huge hits with surprising Canadian connections. 

Whether it be Toronto’s Jessie Reyez writing for Dua Lipa or the Rolling Stones pulling inspiration from k.d. lang, Canadians have a lot of unknown influence behind the songs we love. 

Continuing the Canada lovefest: for a hit of good old nostalgia, take a look at our list of songs that only Canadians will remember. These songs by Prozzak, k-os, Down With Webster and more were smash hits but pretty much only within our borders. 

What songs will be on your Canada Day playlist? Let us know by replying to this email.

Lucy Dacus of boygenius jams out to Lady Gaga, Tegan and Sara and more

On the latest edition of Jam or Not a Jam, Lucy Dacus stopped by CBC Music to give her honest opinion on Lady Gaga’s dark pop smash Abracadrabra, Rob49’s befuddling single, WTHelly, Tegan and Sara’s throwback anthem, Walking With a Ghost, and more. 

Sebastian Gaskin’s journey from young violin prodigy to Juno-winning singer

Everything you need to know about emerging R&B/pop Cree singer Sebastian Gaskin, in one minute. 

5 songs you need to hear to celebrate Pride Month

The Toronto Pride parade is this weekend, kicking off a summer filled with Pride events happening across the country. This week’s edition of Songs You Need to Hear is dedicated to new music from exciting 2SLGBTQ+ artists. Check out what releases we’re loving from Rae Spoon, Bambii, Vivek Shraya, Kimmortal and Vera. 

Aysanabee brings his roots-rock edge to a sold-out show at the Mod Club

Aysanabee performed songs from his new album, Edge of the Earth, plus throwbacks from his 2023 EP, Here and Now, and 2022 debut album, Watin, at the Mod Club in Toronto. His powerhouse vocals and stellar guitar shredding were on full display for the amped-up crowd. Relive all the glory from the comfort of your living room with CBC Music Live. 

Catching up with Jonita

Punjabi pop princess and Bollywood music mainstay Jonita shares her love for Jessie Reyez and hypes up her new “banger” of a single, Beparwai.

SOCAN and Polaris launched a new songwriting prize

Why stop at just albums? SOCAN and the Polaris Music Prize have come together for another award to coincide with Polaris’s annual album prize. This one is focused solely on songs, with the winning Canadian song of the year receiving $10,000. Check out the list of 20 nominees above.

'I just had this really strong fire burning in me': Hanorah on her desire to make music

Montreal singer-songwriter Hanorah caught up with The Block’s Angeline Tetteh-Wayoe to chat about her new EP, Closer Than Hell, her musical beginnings, her time on La Voix, Quebec’s version of The Voice singing competition, and more.

Reclaimed continues Indigenous History Month celebrations

The histories of Indigenous peoples in Canada aren’t just national — they're linked to Indigenous Nations beyond Turtle Island, and music and songlines help to fortify these connections. Prepare for a sonic voyage starting in North America, heading to South America and stopping by the South Pacific. Get ready to experience the nebulous space of Native dreamscapes and reveries, and the pathways that can be created to ancestral connections. Reclaimed is celebrating Indigenous excellence in the month of June and beyond. 

Lola Young kicks fellow UK act Wet Leg out of top spot on the Top 20, Lights and Kathleen Edwards debut

She's back! The rapidly rising British singer Lola Young has announced a new studio album for the fall and the first single, One Thing (No. 1) has blasted up the chart in just three weeks, dethroning our former chart toppers, Wet Leg, with their hit fight song Catch These Fists now at No. 2. Entering the chart this week is White Paper Palm Trees (No. 18), a cool new breeze from Lights, as well as the long-awaited new single from acclaimed songwriter Kathleen Edwards, Say Goodbye, Tell No One (No. 20). 

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.