The Sound of Cape Breton Indie

A wide-ranging snapshot of Cape Breton’s indie music scene, “The Sound of Cape Breton Indie” brings together both longtime veterans and up-and-coming voices from across the island. Drawing from a mix of rock, folk, and alt-pop influences, the playlist nods to the region’s storytelling roots with tracks like “Hockey Fights” by The Town Heroes and “Backroads Of Heaven” by Kim Dunn, while songs like “Sunburn” by Gordie Sampson and “Drunk’s Not Dead (& I'm Not Punk Enough)” by Electric Spoonful highlight the diversity of styles represented.

There’s a steady balance of introspective ballads, upbeat anthems, and gritty guitar-driven cuts throughout. Artists like Carmen Townsend, Colette Deveaux, and Dylan Guthro bring a modern edge, while others like John Allan Cameron and Heather Rankin tie back to Cape Breton’s deep musical tradition. Whether it’s the coastal imagery in “Maggie of the Cove” by Villages or the playful energy of “Tow Truck Song” by Mary Beth Carty, this playlist offers an easygoing dive into how indie sounds take shape on Canada’s East Coast.