It’s the most wonderful time of the year, where we set out to highlight some of Canada’s emerging talent to watch out for during the upcoming year.
Our annual list of Canadian country artists to watch has become a trusted source for fans looking to discover fresh voices and future stars.
These aren’t just names making noise … they’re artists redefining what’s possible in the ever-changing music landscape, carving their own path, and earning their place in the spotlight.
This is Front Porch Music’s list of country artists to watch in 2026.
9 Canadian Country Artists To Watch in 2026
Every year, we have a lot of fun rounding up some stars on the rise for you to discover. In no particular order, here are the 9 Emerging Canadian country artists that you need to have on your radar for this year.
1. Braden Lam
Braden Lam first crossed our radars when he was a semifinalist in SiriusXM’s Top of the Country contest. Originally from Ontario, Braden is currently based out of Halifax. His sound sits at the intersection of Americana, folk, country, and roots, often featuring acoustic guitar, harmonies, and classic songwriting.
He has toured across Canada, Europe, and the UK. Braden is a multi-nominee at the East Coast Music Awards and Music Nova Scotia, and placed third in the 2025 Canada’s Walk of Fame RBC Emerging Musician Program.
Our current fav: Hurricane Season
Listen to if you like: Jack Wharff Band, Noeline Hofmann, Colter Wall
2. Sully Burrows
Sully Burrows is the 2025 CMAOntario Breakthrough Artist of the Year. His single “Rally Around” was featured during MLB Playoffs and charted as his first Top 20 at Canadian country radio this year. Sully was also a finalist in Sirius XM’s Top of the Country contest and landed some major festivals slots at Boots and Hearts Music Festival and LASSO Music Festival.
This year, Sully will hit the stage at major festivals like Big Valley Jamboree and Country Thunder Saskatchewan.
Our current fav: Somewhere In a Smalltown
Listen to if you like: Riley Green, Robyn Ottolini, Owen Riegling
3. Jimi
Canadian singer, songwriter and producer, Jimi balances storytelling, soulful guitar lines, and an intimacy of voice with a musical maturity beyond her years.
Building an impressive following of over 600k on TikTok and Instagram with her guitar riffs and raw vocals, Jimi’s sound is very southern rock, country alternative meets pop.
Jimi is heading out on tour across British Columbia and Alberta this winter.
Our current fav: Digging Up Our Roots
Listen to if you like: Chris Stapleton, Maren Morris, Tenille Townes
4. Brettyn Rose
Brettyn Rose is an emerging Indigenous country artist from Okotoks, Alberta. She participated as a semi-finalist in the 2025 SiriusXM Top of the Country competition.
Brettyn is a 3x Country Music of Alberta Award nominee, including Horizon Female Artist of the Year. She took the stage during Country Music Week in Kelowna, British Columbia for CCMA House, along with a number of festival stages.
Our current fav: Wild West
Listen to if you like: Madeline Merlo, Megan Moroney, Tyler Joe Miller
5. Danielle Ryan
Danielle Ryan initially caught our attention with her 2022 EP Middle of the Madness, which featured top songs “Weather Man” and “Take Me Back”. She’s played major stages across British Columbia and earned national recognition as a semi-finalist in SiriusXM’s Top of the Country competition, a Top-6 finish in the CCMA Discovery Program and a win in CMT’s Chevy From the Tailgate Contest.
Danielle’s current single “Cross Your Mind” is being played across Canada as Bell’s current iHeartFutureStar.
Our current fav: Cross Your Mind
Listen to if you like: Kelsea Ballerini, Andrew Hyatt, Jess Moskaluke
6. Annika Catharina
Based in British Columbia’s Fraser Valley, Annika Catharina first fell in love with pop and rock before discovering country music through the songs of Patsy Cline. Since releasing her first solo music in 2023, Annika has built steady momentum with multiple number one singles on SiriusXM’s Top of the Country Radio and across major streaming platforms. She’s earned editorial support from Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, and CMT Australia.
In 2025, Annika was named a semi-finalist in SiriusXM’s Top of the Country competition and released her debut EP You and Me. Her single “Love and Hate” captured her first Top 40 single at Canadian country radio through Bell’s iHeartFutureStar program.
Our current fav: Better Hands
Listen to if you like: Meghan Patrick, Ashley Cooke, Sacha
7. School House
School House is a trio of best friends who discovered their shared home was a century-old schoolhouse, inspiring both their band name and creative foundation. Since forming, the group has quickly become one of Canada’s most exciting folk-forward country acts.
RELATED: School House were crowned the winners at the 2025 Boots and Hearts Emerging Artist Showcase …
The band has opened for Alan Doyle, won Group of the Year at the 2024 Ottawa Music Awards, and claimed major festival wins at Mariposa Folk Festival and the 2025 Boots and Hearts Emerging Artist Showcase. Known for their three-part harmonies, upbeat singalongs, and emotive folk ballads, School House is set to release their highly anticipated next album in early 2026.
Our current fav: Away We Go
Listen to if you like: Thelma and James, The Redhill Valleys, The Red Clay Strays
8. Josh Stumpf
Saskatchewan-born country artist Josh Stumpf brings a raw, soulful energy to his music, blending influences from outlaw country, 80s two-step, and country rock. A multi-genre songwriter and dynamic live performer, Stumpf continues to carve out a sound that feels both classic and current.
In 2024, he was named Emerging Artist of the Year at the Saskatchewan Country Music Awards and signed with MDM Recordings Inc. His debut label single “Highway Money” climbed into the Top 10 at Canadian country radio, solidifying his place as one of the genre’s rising voices. His current single “Nobody Roads” is currently making its way through the Top 30 at Canadian country radio.
Our current fav: Nobody Roads
Listen to if you like: Thomas Rhett, Luke Combs, Aaron Goodvin
9. Jessica Sevier
Toronto-based singer-songwriter Jessica Sevier blends country, roots, and Americana influences with rock energy and R&B touches. With more than 2 million career streams, she’s built a loyal fanbase through honest songwriting and compelling live performances.
Her recent singles “Good To Drive” and “Panic Years” have earned national radio success, editorial playlist support, and iHeartRadio Future Star recognition. Now signed to Paquin Artists Agency, Sevier continues to establish herself as one of Canada’s most exciting emerging country artists.
Our current fav: Panic Years
Listen to if you like: Ella Langley, JoJo Mason, Sacha
Will 2026 Be The Best Year For Music?
If the momentum we’re already seeing is any indication, 2026 is shaping up to be another standout year for Canadian country music.
Beyond the artists on this list, a new wave of talent continues to emerge, bringing fresh perspectives, sounds, and stories that reflect where country music is headed next.
We’re excited to watch artists push creative boundaries, connect with fans in more meaningful ways, and continue releasing great music.
Want to keep discovering what’s next? We’ve curated a Spotify playlist featuring some of the best indie country music Canada has to offer, give it a follow and press play.
In country music, the Front Porch has long been a place of reflection. A place where you can look at the life you have inside that front door. A place where time almost seems to stand still, where you can get away. It’s also a place where you can go to observe the world as it passes by you. To think about your place out there beyond the driveway.
