I listen to a fair bit of free music online, the majority of it by independent Canadian artists on New Music Canada. One of the best sources for getting introduced to these artists is Grant Lawrence’s CBC radio 3 weekly podcast. All songs played on the podcast are available for free listening at New Music Canada. They list all the podcast playlists on the site as well.

I need a place to keep the links to my favourites so I’ll put them here in case anyone else is interested. I may add brief notes about the links or artists but generally the page you’re taken too contains bios of the artist as well.

• The Deadly Snakes, Chameleons who’re just plain good. Oh, and they can play hockey too. Again, good hockey players but nothing compared to the tunes.
• Elliot Brood, Country music you won’t be able to get out of your head.
• Wintersleep, Pearl Jam in bed with….someone louder….mixed with a bit of Hayden.
• Illuminati, Old school, Deep Purple, early Metallica rock. I’m finding it difficult to convince people that Carte Noire is one of my favourite songs of the decade.
• Matthew Barber, I’ve played hockey with Matt. He’s a better musician than he is a goaltender and he’s a pretty good goaltender.
• Bedouin Soundclash, white guy reggae. CBC 3 studio set.
• Arcade Fire, CBC3 studio set.
• Panurge, Sugary sweet pop.
• Evan Gordon. Evan’s from Guelph, he scares and delights all at once.
• All Purpose Voltage Heroes, good music, better live show, go see them live if you have the chance.
• Great Aunt Ida.
• Shout Out Out Out Out.