“Running River” is produced by LeBarons’ bassist and Juno-award winner John Dinsmore.

This is the first release since the album, Days Are Mountains (2023), where the lead-off single, “Through To You,” was named in “best new Canadian music” by Exclaim; has received regular airplay on 94.9 The Rock, and will be included in the soundtrack to the indie feature, His Father’s Son.

Between Days Are Mountains and this current release, MacDonald released his second novel, Days And Days: A Story about Sunderland’s Leatherface and the Ties That Bind (ECW Press, 2024) to both critical and commercial success.

Remarks on Days Are Mountains:

Chris Tanner of 94.9 The Rock FM says, “Lead singer and storyteller Chris MacDonald paints a beautiful and haunting portrait here that scratches your brain with a dense brush, and a catchy chorus that’ll make you sing along in your sleep.”

Influential UK music blog, The Rocking Magpie says, “There’s a self-belief and ragged glory that underpins many of the songs here…”

“Expertly crafted,” – Aesthetic Magazine; “haunting and hypnotic,” – Canada’s Music; “evocative,” – Post To Wire; “epic, brooding, and emotional,” – The Rocking Magpie.

Name:

LeBarons

Genre:

Alt-country

Founded:

2013

# of Albums:

ALLISTON EP (2016); Summer Of Death LP (2018); Days Are Mountains LP (2023)

Latest Album:

Days Are Mountains (2023)

Latest Single:

Running River (2026)

Latest Video:

Favourite musician growing up:

Leatherface

Favourite musician now:

SG Goodman

Guilty pleasure song:

Total Eclipse Of The Heart – guilt free!

Live show ritual:

Go for a long walk on the day of.

Favourite local musician:

Skye Wallace

EP or LP?

LP

Early bird or night owl?

Burning that candle at both ends! (But take lots of naps)

Road or studio?

We love them both!

Any shows or albums coming up? 

We have a new single, Running River, and we think it’s something special. It came together really easily. It’s moody and understated, until it isn’t, and it builds in a really wonderful way.

Where can we follow you?

Instagram | Bandcamp | Spotify

***

Rapid Fire Local Questions:

What is your favourite local restaurant?

Easy Restaurant

What is your favourite street in your city and why?

College St – especially the area West of Ossington towards Brock. Great shops, restaurants, cafés, and a real sense of relaxed, supportive community.

What is your favourite park in your city and why?

The Toronto Islands. It’s such a special, magical place that can make you feel absolutely transported. And its more important than ever to protect the Islands now that (some) powers that be want to commodify it for essentially business travellers from out of town.

What is your favourite music venue in your city?

The Dakota (RIP). Toronto, save Sneaky Dee’s – please!

What is your favourite music store in your city?

Sonic Boom!

The post Five Minutes With: Alt-Country Band LeBarons appeared first on Toronto Guardian.

Now, we’ve brought those discoveries together in one playlist. From emerging voices to established local talent, these tracks offer a snapshot of the artists who caught our attention this summer—and a chance to keep their music playing long after you’ve finished reading their stories.

Press play, turn it up, and discover the musicians behind our Summer 2026 lineup:

• Echo the Screen –  (Read Article)
• Miserable Weekend –  (Read Article)
• The Cross Sea –  (Read Article)
• Duo Pick a Piper –  (Read Article)
• Breez Kennedy –  (Read Article)
• Zuffalo –  (Read Article)
• Irish Millie –  (Read Article)
• ROSHANAK –  (Read Article)
• STUDIO MAHILO –  (Read Article)
• Elina Filice –  (Read Article)
• Project ch4ins4w –  (Read Article)
• Don Denaburg –  (Read Article)
• D Howell –  (Read Article)

Toronto Guardian Summer 2026 Spotify Playlist

The post Toronto Guardian Summer 2026 Spotify Playlist appeared first on Toronto Guardian.

Drummer and bassist Moa-Linn Rösenlof (Orkan, Spela Död) first met guitarist Craig Fahner when his Toronto-based group Motorists played in Gothenburg in 2024. Since then, they’ve been writing and recording a suite of songs steeped in lush vocal harmonies and reverb-soaked steel guitar, creating a sound that is both timeless and uncommon, at once melancholic and hopeful.

Name:

Fuses

Genre:

Folk Rock

Founded:

2024

# of Albums:

1

Latest Album:

Sawdust in the Transmission (Debut album came out June 26th)

Latest Single:

Aniline

Latest Video:

Favourite musician growing up:

Moa-Linn: Green Day
Craig: The Beatles

Favourite musician now:

M-L: November
C: The Beatles

Guilty pleasure song:

M-L: any Abba song after 1 am
C: I once listened to Lido Shuffle by Boz Scaggs 80 times in one day. I’m not guilty about it though.

Live show ritual:

We always try to sit down for a nice meal the day of the show. If we are in Toronto, that meal is usually at Ari’s Place.

Favourite local musician:

Toronto: Roy
Gothenburg: Givana

EP or LP?

LP! Love listening to a whole album

Early bird or night owl?

Night owls

Road or studio?

Impossible to answer!

Any shows or albums coming up?

We’ll be in Toronto soon for a release show later in the summer.

Where can we follow you?

Instagram | Linktree

***

Rapid Fire Local Questions:

What is your favourite local restaurant?

Toronto: The Gemini
Gothenburg: Hängmattan

What is your favourite street in your city and why?

Toronto: Sterling Road because it smells like chocolate
Gothenburg: Karl Johansgatan because it has almost all our favourite Gothenburg venues and restaurants on it (Hängmattan, Fyrens, Diket).

What is your favourite park in your city and why?

Toronto: Trinity Bellwoods because it has many good dogs
Gothenburg: Välens Naturreservat because it has long-haired cows

What is your favourite music venue in your city?

Toronto: Low Bar
Gothenburg: Hängmattan

What is your favourite music store in your city?

Toronto: Paul’s Boutique
Gothenburg: Musik utan gränser

The post Five Minutes With: Folk-Rock Band Fuses appeared first on Toronto Guardian.

A Toronto-based singer-songwriter raised in the isolated mill town of Dryden, Ontario, his work is grounded in a plainspoken, conversational voice. Cinematic indie folk meets blue-collar poetry. His songs often circle what goes unnoticed, the quiet patterns beneath ordinary life, the feeling of something just out of frame.

His latest album, Sumac, traces the moment when those patterns come into focus. Written through years of chronic pain and an uneven recovery following a life-altering car accident, alongside a late diagnosis of neurodivergence, the record holds both the grief and relief of finally naming what was always there. It opens at a crossroads and moves toward something harder to name, not quite resolution, but recognition

Sonically, Sumac moves between hushed intimacy and more expansive arrangements built on lush, reverberant guitars, cinematic strings, and a rhythm section that leaves room to breathe. Songs begin in a conversational tone and open outward, sitting somewhere near Sufjan Stevens, John K. Samson, and Big Thief. Expansive in arrangement but intimate in writing, the music holds to a simple principle, four chords and the honest truth, carried through shifting textures and changing light.

“I am begging you: Trust these songs. They will honour that trust unfailingly.” — David Newberry (singer/songwriter, host of My Favourite Chords)

Name:

Erik Bleich

Genre:

Singer/songwriter, Liminal Americana, Indie Folk

Founded:

2010

# of Albums:

3ish (1x each “proper” LP & EP + some online releases, live stuff, DIY and a handful of abandoned and unfinished projects). I love making stuff, but actually getting it out takes a lot of executive function that I haven’t always had. So I’m thrilled for the new record to be within reach.

Latest Album:

Sumac

Latest Single:

Leslie Spit

Latest Video:

Favourite musician growing up:

So much of my earliest musical exposure came from small-time troubadours passing through my hometown. In the summers, my family volunteered at folk festivals, which meant getting into performer campfire jams where the real magic happens, that cross-pollination of styles and instruments. I loved dancing in the mud with the hippies to bands like The Duhks, and I treasured my cassettes of 90s Winnipeg singer-songwriters like Ben Sures and Keith Dyck. At the same time I was absorbing my older brother’s music collection, Nirvana was huge. My mom played The Shirelles, my dad would sit around playing acoustic Beatles deep cuts. Pink Floyd, though, was mine.

Favourite musician now:

I tend to come back to idiosyncratic songwriters, Tom Waits, The Weakerthans / John K. Samson, people who build whole emotional worlds out of detail and voice. Big Thief and Adrianne Lenker were a big influence on the record, especially in how direct and unguarded a song can be while still feeling expansive.

Guilty pleasure song:

I have a soft spot for weirdos trying to make pop music, and I will defend Cake and their version of “I Will Survive” until the coastlines fall into the sea. On the surface, they can seem like a bit of a one-trick band, but if you dig in there’s really thoughtful songwriting underneath; they pull from specific influences and recombine them in a way that feels immediately recognizable and completely their own. And their choice of covers gives you a perfect context map. Disco grooves, classic country, rock riffs, lounge singers, & the Muppets. It’s all there.

Live show ritual:

Lea Kirstein, Kathryn Merriam, and I take a few moments before shows to draw small dots around our eyes. A quiet moment to connect and step into a shared space onstage.

Favourite local musician:

Depends on the day of the week. On Sundays it’s Doghouse Orchestra. I’ve been following Corin Raymond’s music since I was a kid and have spent nearly 20 years catching his shows at the Cameron House. Basset are undeniable, Medusa Quartet have almost otherworldly chemistry, and MOONRIIVR’s newer material is fantastic. I feel lucky to be part of a city with such a vibrant and generous musical community.

EP or LP?

An EP is a nice snack, but I love a full-length album. Give me a record that has time to explore some side roads, find its way back, and reveal itself over the course of a journey.

Early bird or night owl?

Oh, I’m firmly in the night owl camp. It’s in my DNA. I feel most present in the liminal hours. And I love the quiet solitude. The intimate, drifting conversations that find homes in that space. The strange and wonderful people I’ve gotten to know. “One of which was myself,” to quote a favourite Bukowski poem, “Throwing Away The Alarm Clock”

Road or studio?

I love being in the studio, and I love studio record. I love the exploration. But you also make decisions in a moment that last forever. There’s something about reinterpreting songs and making spontaneous choices that are only in the moment. Connecting with real people and the vibe of the room. I feel most at home in that space.

Where can we follow you?

Instagram | Facebook | YouTube

***

Rapid Fire Local Questions:

What is your favourite local restaurant?

Whelan’s Gate (especially on Wednesdays for Canadiana Music Night). It’s a true neighbourhood public house & one of the oldest pubs in the city.

What is your favourite street in your city and why?

I love Davenport for its history. I’m fascinated by the great glacial lakes of the last ice age, and flood mythology. Most cultures have their own. Davenport traces the old shoreline when the Toronto basin was all underwater, diverted from the St Lawrence River. It’s humbling to think about that power of nature. And to honour the people who were here before we showed up and started changing everything.

What is your favourite park in your city and why?

I love this city’s parks in general, from shortcuts through parkettes to the vast expanse of High Park. I love the Riverdale park & how it’s split by the Don River. But my favourite has to be Tommy Thompson / Leslie Spit, where my latest single is set. It’s this accidental wilderness that wasn’t supposed to be there. And it’s all built up from decades of change in the city. We built subways and dumped all that aggregate into the lake, leaving parts of ourselves out on the edge where no one would go. But then nature came in and found this spot to grow up from. Migratory birds and cottonwoods found a home. Sumac groves grew up from the rubble. It’s a surreal spot where beaches are filled with these stones made out of asphalt, concrete and brick. And you can see the sun set behind the cityscape across the harbour.

I’m far from the first to take inspiration from it, and I love being a part of that tradition. So many songwriters use American geographic reference points because they think that it will limit their demographics if they don’t, but place makes up so much of who we are. I wanted to write about a place where you could go to leave pieces of yourself, trusting that something new would grow out of the old. And that’s what the Spit represents to me. It’s hope that we can recover from our mistakes.

What is your favourite music venue in your city?

The Cameron House has incredible music multiple times a night, every night of the week. It’s an ecosystem where Americana music, in particular, thrives. It’s a history lesson, a tradition, a home to many an outcast. Drom Taberna is the same, but with incredible food, vibes, music from all over the world. They’re a block apart, and they cover so much rich ground. It’s so queer-friendly and welcoming to other cultures, and they really advocate for musicians. You can go hear a quiet, singer/songwriter, stay for the Balkan brass, wander through an ambient jam, and land in a nostalgic queer dance party. There’s so much incredible music in this city.

What is your favourite music store in your city?

I love She Said Boom! on Roncey. You can pop in for a few moments and leave with an out-of-print By Divine Right CD, a new record from a local band and a Miriam Toews novel.

The post Five Minutes With: Indie-Folk Musician Erik Bleich appeared first on Toronto Guardian.

Kunlé has captivated audiences since the release of his 2015 five-track debut EP ‘Amí N Relé.’ Moving seamlessly between Yoruba, Pidgin and English languages, he balances cultural depth with a soulful, contemporary sensibility, bridging acoustic traditions and Yoruba proverbs to connect with a global audience.

His highly-anticipated new album ‘Kunlé – The Journey,’ released on June 26, 2026, kicked off earlier this year with the lead double-single pre-release for Ilé L’àbọ̀ (featuring a new video) and Cabana – out March 6, 2026 on all streaming platforms. The songs on ‘Kunlé – The Journey’ were recorded in Kunlé’s home studio in Toronto and at Catherine North Studios in Hamilton, ON. It was produced at Catherine North with Kunlé as co-producer and Will Crann (Blue Rodeo, Whitehorse, Feist, The Glorious Sons and more) as co-producer and recording engineer.

In recent years, Kunlé’s creative path expanded. These experiences shaped the new phase in his practice – one that blends music, memory and performance in ways that feel both intimate and cinematic, and culminates into his 2026 seven-track sophomore album release, ‘Kunlé – The Journey.’

Kunlé’s 2024 debut at Toronto’s Koerner Hall, performing alongside South African icon Thandiswa Mazwai, marked an important artistic moment, placing his sound on one of Canada’s most prestigious stages.

Theatre credits include the 2024 Dora Mavor Moore Awards with a win for outstanding production and a nomination for outstanding sound design and composition for co-scoring Soulpepper Theatre’s ‘Three Sisters,’ a nomination for the 2022 Premier’s Awards for his role as music director, composer and performer in Stratford Festival’s ‘Death and the King’s Horseman,’ and guitarist for the Canadian Opera Company’s 2024 opera ‘Aportia Chryptych.’ Plus, his composition “My Little Fingers” won the Folk Music Ontario Award for best instrumental in 2015, leading to endorsements from Furch Guitars and Stonebridge Guitars.

Reviewers often note Kunlé’s warmth and endearing presence onstage. Mike Hill, former Artistic Director of Mariposa Folk Festival, wrote, “Join Kunle as he leaves you basking with gentleness and optimism.”

And after watching him perform at the 2015 Mariposa Folk Festival, the legendary Gordon Lightfoot exclaimed to Kunlé, “You are meant to do this. Don’t stop!”

The 2019 Just Music Concert Series, Accra Unplugged, Accra, Ghana, offered concisely, “Afro-Folk Prince.”

“Kunlé, originally from Nigeria, was totally engaging.” – veteran promoter Richard Flohil, Artists You Should Look Out For, Stories from the Edge of Music, March 7, 2025.

“…he settled in Canada in 2014. …Almost immediately, he was booked to play the Mariposa Folk Festival, prompting him to record a five-song EP in 2015.” – Heather Kitching, Roots Music Canada, June 4, 2023.

A celebrated live performer, Kunlé’s collaborations include working with Juno Award-winning artists such as Töme, sharing stages with acclaimed artists like Julian Taylor and AHI and international touring as guitarist for legendary Canadian blues vocalist Shakura S’Aida. His dynamic sets have captivated audiences globally at events like Germany’s Africa Day Festival, Summerfolk, Mariposa and the Peterborough Folk Festival.

Building on this rich history, his eagerly awaited 2026 touring season started with his album release concert on June 25 at Toronto’s Small World Centre, featuring landmark appearances at the prestigious Mariposa Folk Festival, Theatre Collingwood’s Porchside Festival and the 28th annual Southside Shuffle Blues and Jazz Festival—solidifying his place as one of Canada’s most vibrant and yet deeply rooted artists.

Name:

Kunlé

Genre:

Root Contemporary/Folk/Global

Founded:

2012

# of Albums:

2

Latest Album:

Kunlé – The Journey

Latest Single:

Ilé L’àbọ̀ / Cabana

Latest Video:

Favourite musician growing up:

King Sunny Adé, Angelique Kidjo, Majek Fashek, Don Williams, Phil Collins, Tracy Chapman

Favourite musician now:

Jose Gonzalez, King Sunny Adé, Asa

Guilty pleasure song:

Good Ole Boys Like – Don Williams. It’s a bit of a contradiction, but it’s ‘Good Old Boys Like Me’ by Don Williams. People are always shocked that I’m a huge country fan—but growing up in Nigeria, Don Williams was practically a local legend. His storytelling is so universal, it transcends borders. To keep people guessing, I’ll pair that with ‘Brooklyn Baby’ by Lana Del Rey. I love the way she leans into that persona; it’s fun, it’s self-aware, and honestly, it’s just a great track to drive to.

Live show ritual:

Good sleep, no food 3hrs before, vocal warm-up, prayer, no alcohol before stage (I like to be of clear mind and take in the beauty of the moment with little to no influence), sometimes looking at my family pictures, picturing the day they will be in the audience or backstage with me. They have never seen me perform live in person. That’s my show ritual.

Favourite local musician:

This one is hard; there is so much talent locally, but I say Basset The Band

EP or LP?

It depends, but I lean towards LP most. I grew up on it. 😊 I still listen to full albums.

Early bird or night owl?

Night Owl for sure; however, I rarely look for sleep. When I need it, I close my eyes, and I am gone. C’est fini. People ask how I handle the late nights, but I’m lucky—when I’m done, I’m done. I don’t lie awake overthinking. I close my eyes, and I’m out – BYE!!!!!

When I need to be up early, I can handle it as well.

Road or studio?

Road for sure.

Studio is a necessity for idealising but my creativity starts from the stage. I started as a performer and wrote music for stage before I ever step foot in the studio.

Any shows or albums coming up?

I’m incredibly proud of my sophomore album, Kunlé – The Journey, released on June 26th. It really is a body of work with something for everyone, drawing from my life, my Nigerian roots, and the paths I’ve travelled. It’s deeply personal—even the cover art features a photo of me at two years old with a guitar-shaped birthday cake my mother made. It’s funny because, looking back, it feels like she knew before I did that the guitar would become my first instrument and my life’s work.

Where can we follow you?

Instagram | Facebook | TikTok | Website

***

Rapid Fire Local Questions:

What is your favourite local restaurant?

These questions are hard 😊 I love to cook, and I would say I know my way around the kitchen; however, I like Si Lom Thai. It’s a cute small restaurant on Church Street.

Recently went to Lao Lao Bar; I liked it.

What is your favourite street in your city and why?

Ossington Street.

Then Queen & Augusta radius.

What is your favourite park in your city and why?

Riverdale Park – I love watching the city lights come on. There is just something about sitting on that hill looking at the city and just watch the lights one at a time come on.

What is your favourite music venue in your city?

This is also hard, but if I can, I would say Painted Lady and Poetry Jazz Café.

Drom Taberna for the vibes and unexpected talents.

What is your favourite music store in your city?

Long & McQuade.

Dead Dog Records on Church Street.

The post Five Minutes With: Folk Musician Kunlé appeared first on Toronto Guardian.