Over the decades Canada has produced some of the greatest exports in music history, sending artists around the globe to top national charts and pack concert venues in a pre-pandemic world. There’s something in the water that can’t be easily found in the US or UK, and without a doubt there are even some artists that many of us would never guess are from Canada. While we count down the months until a hopeful reopening of concert venues, we look back on the first half of 2020 and dig into a handful of female artists who continue to make Canada proud. Not only do these artists have the talent and style, but they have a brand that is undeniable and have been busy in 2020 making incredible music to dance the night away to while being safe at home.

Now before you think “wait there’s only five”, believe us it was a hard decision and we’re only discussing active artists with fresh content in 2020. We all love Avril Lavigne, Celine Dion and Shania Twain, but these are our favorites that are putting the right stuff into the world during one of the most unique times in human history. From pop, indie to electronic genres of music, Canada will forever be known as the hotbed for emerging artists while respecting those legacy acts who made it possible for these newer artists to rise and make their mark. Without any further delay, here are our top five favorites for 2020. 

Carly Rae Jepsen

The rising songstress found seemingly instant success years ago on Vine, but has quickly gained notoriety and a solid reputation with multiple releases and new music that dropped in 2020. With over 500 million streams on Spotify, Ruth B could easily be one of Canada’s top performing artists in the world of streaming music. With roots in Edmonton and a Juno nomination, she ultimately won Breakthrough Artist of the Year. In a pandemic dominated music industry where live shows are on hold, Ruth B can be confident that both Canada and her unique brand of pop will be heard around the globe via our favorite Spotify and Apple Music channels. 

The Ruth B train won’t be stopped, and for 2020 she has dropped powerful new music including the single “If I Had A Son” as a follow-up to her 2019 single “Slow Fade”. All proceeds from her latest single are being donated to charity, which makes us love her even more. She also has a new single “Dirty Nikes” planned for release on 8.28, and our ears can’t wait for even more Ruth B in our lives.