While we try to cover as much ground as possible with our focus on Canadian music during these final weeks of 2025, artists from across the pond continue to land on our radar. Our British, Irish and Australian cousins are making some incredible music – yet only a small percentage breaks into the North American market. Time to rectify that with this Commonwealth Connections installment of the Video Vault.
Ye Vagabonds, “On Sitric Road”
We had the pleasure of catching siblings Diarmuid and Brian Mac Gloinn here in PA recently as the opening act for US folk trio I’m With Her. Joined by multi-instrumentalist Alain McFadden, these three talented musicians very quickly endeared themselves to the room – it’s not often that an opening act earns (and deserves) a standing ovation. This recent single was performed on this night – and fueled the desire for this feature.
Janileigh Cohen, “As a Child”
With her distinct last name, Bolton, UK artist Janileigh Cohen cites ‘Leonard’ as one of her primary musical influences – ‘Bob’ and ‘Joni’ too – inspiring songwriting at an early age and performing to the spiders “in a shed at the bottom of my Grandma’s garden.” From busking to gigging, to a cover tune featured on an episode of the EMMY Award winning US drama, “This is Us,” Janileigh is just getting warmed up – keep your eyes peeled.
Ellur, “The World Is Not An Oyster”
I’ve lost count of how many times friends from back home tell me that the northern part of the UK is a thriving hotspot for new artists and independent music right now. Thanks to a pal for name dropping Ellur recently, a Britpop-rocker based in Halifax who has been releasing a bunch of original music since the pandemic, Ellur taps beautifully into the 90s indie rock vibe – and as one who spent many hours in that bubble, this is nostalgia at its finest.
Maia Toakley, “Don’t Blame You”
Hot new tunes are not just limited to the UK and Ireland – there is a vibrant independent music scene down under too – as we discovered with this pop banger from emerging Sydney, New South Wales artist Maia Toakley. Released just last month, “Don’t Blame You” is one of those rarities that unites mainstream audiences with those of us comfortable in the outliers. This tune crosses both worlds – and deserves to be heard.
The British guy that crossed the ocean and crash landed in central Pennsylvania (to quote Greg Keelor, “And I wonder what am I doing here?”). As the youngest of four siblings, exposure to music from a very early age nurtured my passion and appreciation for many musical genres. Continuing to discover some amazingly diverse and talented musicians based in Canada, I gravitate to live music experiences and remain devoted to spreading the word about such a vibrant music scene.
