{"id":30166,"date":"2020-02-17T04:07:30","date_gmt":"2020-02-17T04:07:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.expedia.com\/stories\/?p=30166"},"modified":"2021-10-28T17:28:10","modified_gmt":"2021-10-28T17:28:10","slug":"toronto-playlist-music","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.expedia.com\/stories\/toronto-playlist-music\/","title":{"rendered":"Toronto Playlist – Great Music by Musicians from Toronto"},"content":{"rendered":"

Toronto<\/a> is one of the world\u2019s most cosmopolitan and diverse cities. Approximately two hundred different languages are spoken in the city. And nearly every race, ethnicity or culture can be found in the city. That diversity is also reflected in the music. Rap, jazz, rock or pop, Toronto has it all. From Drake to Metric, this playlist has a slice of Toronto\u2019s incredible music scene.<\/p>\n

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1. All Hands \u2013 Tim Baker \u2013 2019<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Originally from the Maritime provinces, Tim Baker got his first start performing in Toronto and hasn\u2019t looked back. His unique blend of folk-pop garnered him a spot on the shortlist for the 2019 Polaris Prize.<\/p>\n

2. Eight Easy Steps \u2013 Alanis Morrisette \u2013 2004<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Alanis Morrisette helped shape the landscape for female alternative artists. Her album Jagged Little Pill<\/em> remains a cult classic and the bitter irony of her lyrics is evident in her 2004 single Eight Easy Steps<\/em>.<\/p>\n

3. All I Want \u2013 Joni Mitchell \u2013 1971<\/strong><\/h2>\n

A true Canadian icon, Joni Mitchell is universally lauded for her songwriting, musicianship and performance. She is considered one of the greatest folk musicians of all-time, as well as one of the world\u2019s best guitarists. Her unique open tuning on the guitar forever changed the genre, and her songwriting remains classically timeless.<\/p>\n

4. Wavin\u2019 Flag \u2013 K\u2019NAAN \u2013 2009<\/strong><\/h2>\n

A poet, musician and songwriter, Somali-born K\u2019NAAN is an example of Toronto\u2019s incredible ethnic diversity. His music emphasizes the problems, concerns and challenges of life outside of the first world, and his music overtly avoids American gangsta rap clich\u00e9s.<\/p>\n

5. Hasn\u2019t Hit Me Yet \u2013 Blue Rodeo \u2013 1993<\/strong><\/h2>\n

One of Canada\u2019s most well-known country rock bands, Blue Rodeo helped popularize the genre among the Canadian public. They have released fifteen studio albums and continue to be one of the genre\u2019s most prolific performers.<\/p>\n

6. Here \u2013 Alessia Cara \u2013 2015<\/strong><\/h2>\n

A musical activist, Alessia Cara is as noteworthy for her social stances and comments as her music. Her first single Here<\/em> was an introverted anthem for social wallflowers, she\u2019s spoken honestly about her struggles with hair loss due to alopecia and she\u2019s noted for not wearing make-up or wearing provocative clothing while performing.<\/p>\n

7. Take Care \u2013 Drake, Rihanna \u2013 2011<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Inarguably Toronto\u2019s most famous son, Drake is one of hip-hop\u2019s biggest. A relentless self-promoter, Drake is also an impassioned advocate for his home city. He\u2019s become an icon of Toronto, commonly cited as a source for Toronto\u2019s 2010\u2019s tourism boom as well as working as an official spokesperson for the Toronto Raptors.<\/p>\n

8. Help, I\u2019m Alive \u2013 Metric \u2013 2009<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Indie band Metric hails from Toronto, even though their lead singer is Indian born and two members are American. The diversity of the band is emblemic of the city. Their music kept them as an indie favorite throughout the 2000\u2019s and 2010\u2019s.<\/p>\n

9. Treat You Better \u2013 Shawn Mendes \u2013 2017<\/strong><\/h2>\n

One of Canada\u2019s fast rising talents, Shawn Mendes burst onto the scene in 2014 with a self-titled EP before releasing three studio albums and launching multiple world-wide tours. He is one of the youngest ever to release three number one albums.<\/p>\n

10. Sweetest Kill \u2013 Broken Social Scene \u2013 2010<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Featuring as many as nineteen artists at once, Broken Social Scene is less a band than a musical community. Most of the members are based in Toronto and all have different side projects that they shuffle between their Broken Social Scene responsibilities.<\/p>\n

11. Fall To Pieces \u2013 Avril Lavigne \u2013 2004<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Another icon of her generation, Avril Lavigne merged punk and pop to make an alternative sound that forever changed the genre. An entire generation of artists from Paramore to Billie Eillish cite Lavigne as a major influence on their music.<\/p>\n

12. Tom Sawyer \u2013 Rush \u2013 1981<\/strong><\/h2>\n

An eclectic rock band from Canada, Rush is known for their complex compositions as well as science fiction, fantasy and literary influences. They are one of the best-known progressive rock bands and worked within a wide variety of different genres.<\/p>\n

13. The Watchman\u2019s Gone \u2013 Gordon Lightfoot \u2013 1974<\/strong><\/h2>\n

One of the most popular folk artists to come out of the 60\u2019s and 70\u2019s, Gordon Lightfoot brought guitar virtuosity and insightful songwriting to an audience starved for folk revival music. He continues to be one of Canada\u2019s most beloved songwriters.<\/p>\n

14. Right Now \u2013 Jazz Cartier \u2013 2018<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Rapper, songwriter and musician, Jazz Cartier has been nominated for the Polaris Prize and is one of Toronto\u2019s most popular hip-hop performers.<\/p>\n

15. Simple Dude \u2013 Tokyo Police Club \u2013 2018<\/strong><\/h2>\n

An indie band originating out of southern Ontario, Tokyo Police Club has been nominated for multiple Juno Awards and are cited as one of Canada\u2019s best contemporary alternative bands.<\/p>\n

16. I Feel It All \u2013 Feist \u2013 2007<\/strong><\/h2>\n

An indie rock mainstay, Feist has been performing and releasing albums since the early 2000\u2019s. She continues to tour and has released five studio albums and been nominated for multiple Juno Awards.<\/p>\n

17. One Week \u2013 Barenaked Ladies \u2013 1998<\/strong><\/h2>\n

One of Canada\u2019s quirkiest bands, the Barenaked Ladies were a popular throughout the 90\u2019s and early 2000\u2019s and matched unusual chord compositions with outlandish lyrics and artistic imagery.<\/p>\n

18. Harvest Moon \u2013 Neil Young \u2013 1992<\/strong><\/h2>\n

One of the original rock stars, Neil Young is lauded for his longevity as much as his musicianship. A founding member of the two of the greatest rock groups in history in Buffalo Springfield and Crosby, Stills & Nash, Neil Young also released music under his solo label. He is famous for his emotionally poignant lyrics, distinctive voice and incredible guitar work.<\/p>\n

19. You\u2019re Still The One \u2013 Shania Twain \u2013 1997<\/strong><\/h2>\n

A country music staple, Shania Twain is one of Canada\u2019s most beloved exports. She is one of the best-selling artists ever, and the best-selling country artist. Her album Come On Over<\/em> is a country music classic and the best-selling country album of all-time.<\/p>\n

20. Up We Go \u2013 Lights \u2013 2016<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Widely played in indie pop circles, Lights is a famous Canadian musician, songwriter, author and illustrator. She received a 2009 Juno Award for Best New Artist and has released four studio albums.<\/p>\n

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Follow us on Spotify<\/a> for more great destination playlists<\/p>\n

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