Canadian pride is stronger than ever.

It hit me (literally) when the giant Canada flag nearly suffocated me in the crowd at the ceremony: the JUNOs’ whole shtick? Celebrating the créme de la créme of what this country’s music scene has to offer. From Breakthrough Artist winner Nemahsis’ powerful acceptance speech and performance to Snotty Nose Rez Kids’ celebration of culture and refusal to conform, this year’s JUNOs redefined what it means (and looks like) to be Canadian. As for Michael Bublé’s opening? It gave the crowd exactly what they craved—a love letter to his hometown and a full-throated nationalistic monologue. “I’m a hometown kid who never left,” he declared, but it was his next line that really sparked the frenzy and got the crowd going: “We are not for sale.”

bbno$ is a drag (and toilet) fan?

It makes sense that Vancouver-born rapper bbno$ is a drag fan, but seeing him share the stage with a squad of queens (and kings) voguing to “it boy” simultaneously caught me off guard and totally delighted me. His performance was hands down one of the night’s highlights. Between the toilet paper wrapped around his arm and his red carpet look—a giant toilet, no less—he had me grinning from ear to ear, reminding me once again of his absurd, yet lovable, sense of humour.

Anne Murray’s stylist needs a raise.

Not only is Anne Murray the well-deserved recipient of the 2025 JUNO Lifetime Achievement Award, but she might just be the most stylish 79-year-old I’ve ever seen. Presented by none other than Sarah McLachlan, Murray took the stage in a fully bedazzled Canadian jersey, exuding grace and energy that defy her years. She delivered a speech that was equal parts nostalgic and heartwarming, reflecting on her legendary career while expressing deep gratitude for the journey that’s spanned decades and changed the Canadian music landscape forever.

JUNOFest brings the best of Canadian music together in unexpected ways.

Mock Media performing at JUNOfest “in association with RANGE Magazine” on Saturday, March 29 at the Cobalt.

Under the impeccable direction of Music BC, JUNOFest this year was unforgettable, packing in a lineup that wasn’t just heavy on B.C. talent, but also brought the best from across the country for a full-blown Canadian music marathon. Highlights included a shirtless Mock Media tearing it up at the Cobalt, WAIT//LESS rocking so hard while opening for JUNO winners Anciients at the Rickshaw that bassist Allie Sheldon even sprained her ankle mid-set (but kept shredding through the pain), and RANGE Magazine’s April cover star young friend giving us all the feels at the Fox Cabaret. Canadian music is alive and kicking, fully embracing the quirks that make us us—and if JUNOfest was any indication, the future is as bold and unpredictable as the artists who represent it.

Sum 41 taught me how to persevere even when it might look like there’s no coming back.

Now listen—I’m no punk aficionado. In fact, I’m an Ariana Grande stan who was only a few months old when Sum 41 released their debut album. But there’s something about the band’s journey that really resonated with me. Through lineup changes, personal battles, and some serious public struggles with substance abuse, Sum 41 kept going. Deryck Whibley’s fight with alcoholism nearly cost him everything, but he came out on the other side, not just surviving but thriving. Watching them get inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame, followed by their final performance? That’s a moment I’ll never shake off.

Talking about food is a great way to keep a convo going.

I’m still a rookie at this whole networking thing, and honestly, it’s (sometimes) painfully anxiety-inducing trying to figure out what to say next. Naturally, this came up in conversation later that night, and I got the most brilliantly simple advice from my editor: “When in doubt, ask them what their favourite sushi spot is.” Sure enough, it works — Networking 101!

Universal Music knows how to serve up a mean meatball.

Speaking of food, I’d heard whispers about Universal Music’s epic after-parties, but it wasn’t until I found myself in the middle of one that I had no choice but to admit—they’ve mastered the art. I won’t dive into the gritty details of the party—better to let your imagination run wild—but I will say this: sipping a dirty gin martini poured through a giant ice sculpture was something, and I’m still daydreaming about the tray of heavenly meatballs that I annihilated.

Open bars don’t have your best interest at heart.

This one’s pretty self-explanatory, so I’ll keep it short: repeat after me, future Cam—an endless supply of free, boujee cocktails does not mean you should end up giving a toast to the bathroom mirror. (However, do take advantage of an endless supply of free, boujee meatballs…)