Creating a diverse, harmonious and unique playlist is no easy task, especially when crafting the ultimate summer song story. It can’t be too long or too short, it needs to be diverse enough to be played at an outdoor jam, park chill, and beach bash – and it needs to be fire.

There are many artists who are notorious for pumping out summer bangers. We can usually expect some classic summer tunes from the likes of Katy Perry, Drake, DJ Khaled and lately – Kanye West and friends. But what about the Canadian tunes? Despite all Canadians highly anticipating the release of ‘Scorpion’ Drake’s latest project, there are plenty of dope Canadian artists you must add to you summer playlist.

The Sorority

Our fave track: Srty

The Sorority is an all female rap group from Toronto. pHoenix Pagliacci, Keysha Freshh, Lex Leosis and Haviah Mighty met at a cypher hosted by TeamBackPack in 2016 for International Women’s Day. The group really blew up after their “Ladies Night” cover for International Women’s Day 2017 featuring Toronto MC LeilaDey. Since then, the group have dominated Toronto’s hip hop scene acting as front women for the female hip hop and rap movement in the city. Their sound is raw and unapologetic with uplifting tones. The girl anthem “SRTY” off their latest project Pledge will have you and your squad chanting all summer long.

Just John

Our fave track: Noise

Just John is a cultural icon in Toronto, between running creative collective Blank Canvas, curating exhibits, producing music and fostering events for creative collaboration – Just John is anything but just John. A hip-hop superhero with one mission, to create meaningful art to share with his city. “Noise” is the perfect summer bike jam. The house inspired beat and smooth vocals make this easy listening track a summer classic.

Birds of Bellwoods

Our fave track: Let You Go

Toronto based alt-rock group Birds of Bellwoods is made up of 4 incredibly talented guys: Adrian Morningstar, Kintaro Akiyama, Chris Blades and Stephen Joffe. This group has amounted wild success since their first EP The Fifth. They are now signed to eOne Music Canada and are supporting acts to Canadian stars The Arkells and Wintersleep while even headlining shows of their own. Their unique rock-alternative-indie-folk sound is addicting, with incredibly catchy lyrics you can’t help but belt. Think summer montage video music. Check out their recent single Let You Go for a head-banging good time!

The Beaches

Our fave track: T-Shirt (Acoustic)

Let’s give it up one time for an ALL FEMALE alternative rock group? These girls are seriously no joke. The killer group made up of singer and bassist Jordan Miller, guitarist Kylie Miller, guitarist and keyboardist Leandra Earl and drummer Eliza Enman-McDaniel has some insane skills. Their smooth 70’s inspired sound is perfect for a summer day, whether you are dancing at a backyard jam, or laying in the grass. Toronto has an insanely bursting hip hop and R&B scene, but The Beaches are bringing the rock n’ roll wave back to the city and we can’t wait to see what they do next.

Jahkoy

Our fave track: No Regrets

This smooth R&B singer hailing from Toronto has jet-setted his way into the hearts of music legends from Zane Lowe, to Drake and even to the legendary Pharrel Williams. The once SoundCloud rapper has been seen on tour with Kehlani, travelling to LA, and making the perfect summer jams. “No Regrets” is a bonfire classic, the perfect summer night sing a long jam. Jahkoy’s simple lyrics and airy delivery are effortless, and make this song an obvious summer classic.