It's a summer tradition at CBC Music: our annual classical "30 under 30" list, celebrating the achievements of Canada's emerging classical musicians.
They're winning big prizes, graduating from top music schools, writing bold new works, making exciting debuts — and we think they're amazing. Find out who made this year’s list!
 

And don’t forget: we’re only halfway through summer, and there are still plenty of music festivals to check out this year. We may have just added a couple more to our list this week.

Did you know Kaytranada got his big break with a remix of an iconic ’90s song?

“Everything changed after this remix,” he said. The song was never officially released, but it’s still integral to the Kaytranada canon.

This artist development company is the 1st built by and for Black Nova Scotian talent

Maidie Music House is a new project from Katrina Lopes, founder and president of KL Management and longtime manager for Shawn Desman. It's a music company that both comes from and celebrates Nova Scotian Black heritage, and fills a gap that Lopes has seen in the music industry for years.

Everything Jeff Goldblum has been loving lately

Our favourite zaddy sat down to tell us everything he’s been listening to and reading lately — which includes his mild obsession with Frank Sinatra.

The most memorable moments from the Weeknd's larger-than-life Toronto show

The Weeknd was in impeccable form on the second night of four sold-out tour stops at Toronto's Rogers Centre — and CBC Music’s Kelsey Adams was there for it all.

"I just want to take in this moment right now,” the superstar said that night. “This has been a dream for a very long time, I used to come watch Blue Jays games here, it's crazy. Who knew a kid from Scarborough could do this, man, thank you guys so much."

Here's the inaugural 2025 Polaris Song Prize short list

Find out which five songs have made the inaugural Polaris Song Prize short list. (Hint: they’re all from Polaris Prize-shortlisted albums!)

Blind ranking 2000s Canadian pop hits with music producer Intense

It’s hard to rank a list that kicks off with your favourite song of all time, but somebody has to do it.

Mac DeMarco's miraculous awakening, and 3 more songs you need to hear this week

The second single from Mac DeMarco’s upcoming album, Guitar, really has our attention this week, providing us with an animated yet unadorned guitar riff and his signature silvery twang. Fontine, Tops, and Daniel Avery with Cécile Believe also have songs we think you need to hear this week.

JP Saxe pleads with fans to buy tickets, saying his shows are in jeopardy

The Grammy-nominated, Juno-winning Toronto singer-songwriter took to his social media platforms this week with a direct plea to listeners, hoping to keep his tour in motion. 

Marie Davidson critiques evil tech billionaires on her album City of Clowns

The third episode of The Ten, CBC Music’s weekly Polaris shortlist deep dive, is about Marie Davidson's 2025 album, City of Clowns. Listen in for insight and expertise from CBC Music's Melody Lau and Polaris jury member Sarah Mackenzie.

Listen to Kaia Kater's powerful performance of her most recent album

The Montreal banjoist and her trio perform songs off her Juno-winning album at TD Music Hall in Toronto. “True story: I actually had my first kiss at banjo camp,” she said during the performance, while reminiscing on falling in love with the instrument.

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.