The Beaches (Jordan Miller)
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The Beaches, as you may remember from reading our Fall 2023 cover feature, had a huge year with the release of their cult-essque Blame My Ex, which features the impossibly catchy earworm single “Blame Brett” — among countless other hits. Jordan Miller is a femme icon for a new generation of emotional music fans looking to spin their brokenhearted blues into their own empowering success stories.
Who are you and what do you do?
I’m Jordan Miller, lead singer and bassist for The Beaches.
What is something you accomplished in 2023 that you are most proud of?
Playing a sold out tour across America, Canada and Europe. And writing a break-up album that helped a bunch of girlies deal with their own heartbreaks.
How does this list of music you listened to in 2023 reflect the music you’re going to make as an artist in 2024?
I listened to a lot of my ex’s music last year, and listened to “Silver Springs” by Fleetwood Mac like 75 times. I’d love to listen to some new artists next year who don’t make me think of my breakup as much.
Boslen
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Breaking onto the scene as a teenager and still thriving as one of the nation’s most mind-bending hip-hop experimentalists, Boslen continued the momentum he built off of last year’s GONZO EP with three new singles, taking his psychedelic sound in a more bright and melodic direction, and scoring his first Juno nomination. He’ll tell you that the topographical diversity of his West Coast hometown is a big inspiration for his genre-bending ways. We can’t wait to see what he does in 2024.
Who are you and what do you do?
Hey guys it’s Boslen! I am a Canadian artist from Vancouver, BC. I produce, write, design and perform my music.
What is something you accomplished in 2023 that you are most proud of?
Probably my first Juno nomination and seeing my mother, best friend/manager and girlfriend on the red carpet. Made me so proud to see the ones I love with me there and all my family and supporters at home!
How does this list of music you listened to in 2023 reflect the music you’re going to make as an artist in 2024?
I think this year my level of taste in music has improved a lot with the amount of different genres I tapped into. So my goals in 2024 include me releasing more music that showcase my truth and innovating/pushing my sound forward
Read our interview with Boslen here!
Enola Bedard
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A multimedia artist in every sense of the word, Enola Bedard released her second and third original tracks this year after building up a career as a dancer and choreographer – and she’s racked up 16.4 million followers on TikTok where she can show off all of her skills. Whether she’s performing in the middle of a crowded Costco or hitting the studio to record her multilingual electropop tracks, Bedard’s name will continue hitting your screen throughout 2024.
Who are you and what do you do?
Hi, my name is Enola Bedard and I am from Quebec City in Canada. I’m a professional dancer, choreographer, singer and actress.
What is something you accomplished in 2023 that you are most proud of?
Releasing 2 original songs called “Yes, Please!” and “Ça Brûle.”
How does this list of music you listened to in 2023 reflect the music you’re going to make as an artist in 2024?
My biggest inspiration as an artist comes from this playlist. I am super inspired by the sounds from the 2000s, with a mix of Latin and Afrobeat as well. As an artist and creator my goal in 2024 is to come out with an EP and go on tour.
Harper Gordon
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One of Canada’s most prominent producers, having racked up collaborations with global superstars as well as homegrown talents across a wide variety of genres – including his first Grammy-nominated work on Afrobeats titan Burna Boy’s I Told Them… – Harper Gordon has been having a monumental year. A top-tier trumpet player and singer on top of it all, Gordon also makes his own soul, jazz and rock-inspired tunes.
Who are you and what do you do?
I’m a singer/songwriter and producer from Toronto. I’ve jumped around doing stuff with some amazing artists like Burna Boy, Vince Staples, Charlotte Cardin, and Majid of Majid Jordan. Growing up in a household overflowing with old instruments and antique gear, I’ve always obsessed over unconventional sounds and songs. I’ve tried to keep that alive through all my creations.
What is something you accomplished in 2023 that you are most proud of?
The easy answer would definitely have to be getting my first Grammy nomination… but playing my first-ever show felt absolutely insane. Performing personal songs isn’t something I thought I quite had the courage to do yet.
How does this list of music you listened to in 2023 reflect the music you’re going to make as an artist in 2024?
I’ve always been looking for this sort of real genuine writing style that I’ve finally found in people like Arima Ederra and Ryan Beatty. It gives me goosebumps sometimes just thinking about it… their two albums really stuck with me and changed my process for sure. I’m hoping to keep soaking in whatever great things I find next, and bringing it to the music I’m lucky enough to make with my friends. Oh, and I’m trying to get some more shows under my belt. I’m just working away at balancing the stripped-back feeling with moments of production to keep things exciting.
GRAE
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A mainstay in the Toronto alt-pop scene and still riding high off the release of her 2022 debut album, Whiplash, GRAE has been able to find the rare ability to translate her bedroom pop stylings into packed venues through relatable lyricism and a penchant for the sounds of the 80s that people can’t seem to get enough of at the moment.
Who are you and what do you do?
Hi! I’m GRAE, a pop artist from Toronto.
What is something you accomplished in 2023 that you are most proud of?
The highlight of 2023 for me was performing on the main stage of Ottawa Bluesfest this summer to 30,000 people, as the opening act for Ludacris & Pitbull. It was an electric experience, and the energy from the crowd was insane.
How does this list of music you listened to in 2023 reflect the music you’re going to make as an artist in 2024?
Prince, Michael, and Madonna – they’re the holy trinity of the 80s. This era has always been my favourite for music. These artists are my inspiration, my muses. So, when you see my playlist filled with their music, you’re getting a sneak peek into the soul of my own music. In 2024, I’m still channelling that 80s feel into my sound, but in a different and more elevated way. Can’t wait to share what I’ve been working on with everyone!
Owen Riegling
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Owen Riegling is a country singer whose star is on the rise after winning the 2022 Emerging Artists Showcase at Boots & Hearts, Canada’s biggest country music festival. Picking up a CMA nomination to go along with it this year and scoring an opening slot for Florida Georgia Line’s Tyler Hubbard, many have praised the authenticity and charm with which he sings about his hometown and humble beginnings.
Who are you and what do you do?
My name is Owen Riegling, and I’m from a small town in Ontario called Mildmay. I write and sing songs about how I was raised, the people I grew up with and experiences that shaped me into who I am today.
What is something you accomplished in 2023 that you are most proud of?
This past year has been the craziest year of my life: I got engaged to my best friend who I met in college, I signed a record deal, I put out some new music and got some songs on the radio. But arguably the biggest accomplishment this year is getting my own sandwich on the menu of my hometown bar, Harley’s.
How does this list of music you listened to in 2023 reflect the music you’re going to make as an artist in 2024?
I’m a huge fan of all of the artists on this list, I think they have been a huge part of the way I write songs. Specifically the way Morgan Wallen blends genres is something that I want to do a bit more of. I am interested in all types of music, not just country, so it’s super inspiring to see that. My goals are to put out a bunch of music, hopefully a full length record. I want to continue travelling the country and playing music for people, that’s what gets me really excited.
Look back at the top songs, artists, albums that defined your year — Listen to your personalized 2023 Apple Music Replay mix here
