Canada’s Most Influential Musical Acts
When most people think about the broader music industry, they usually think of the United States. In all fairness, the USA does hold massive sway in the world of entertainment, which is why many artists do their best to move to the country. However, that doesn’t mean that all of the most influential musical acts are American.
Indeed, the American music industry would not have gotten as big as it is without acts like The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and Black Sabbath, as well as other acts from the so-called “British Invasion,” moving to the country in pursuit of a career. But, English musicians are not the only ones who’ve had an influence on the musical landscape. Canada has certainly played a major role as well.
Canadian Influence on Music
The Canadian music industry is certainly not as big as the USA’s, or even England’s. In a recent study, it was shown that the Canadian music industry has produced $500 million in revenue, at least in 2022. When compared to the $12 billion and $2 billion of the USA and England respectively, it seems like Canada can’t compare.
However, music by Canadian acts can be felt everywhere. It is present in massive arenas, films, television, video games, and even iGaming. Especially with Ontario recently legalizing online casinos, a lot of Canadian musicians are lending their songs to popular slot games. Fans can play at casinos that pay out well, and will almost certainly hear a song produced by a Canadian.
With the huge influence that Canadian artists have had on the industry, it is only fair that we take a look at some of the most popular Canadian acts, and talk about how they’ve shaped the musical landscapes of today. And of course, there is no Canadian band more worthy of this discussion, than the absolute legends themselves…
Rush
Geddy Lee, Alex Lifeson, and Neil Peart are perhaps the most iconic members of Rush. However, they were not the first to form the band. In 1968, guitarist Alex Lifeson came together with frontman Jeff Jones and John Rutsey. When a series of inconveniences led to a change in the frontmen, Geddy Weinrib joined the band, and the iconic trio were set.
Rush were heavily inspired by the bands of their time. The Beatles were, of course, a primary influence, as they are on most genres of contemporary rock and pop music. However, one could make an obvious parallel between Rush and the early metal bands, like Black Sabbath, Led Zeppelin, and more. As their music evolved, fans started noticing a lot more similarities between Rush and the English progressive rock bands of the era.
The blending of inspirations and influences led to a very unique sound, that famous prompted frontman Geddy Lee to say “You either love Rush, or you hate Rush.” That is most certainly true, however, it seems that most fans of rock, metal, and progressive music truly do love Rush. The band has been cited as a major influence by members of System of Down, the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Rage Against the Machine, and more. Their influence is truly staggering.
The Tragically Hip
In 1984, the stars aligned in Kingston, Ontario, and brought together Gord Sinclair and Rob Baker. The two students of Kingston Collegiate performed together for the first time at a variety show, which then escalated into them talking about forming a band. Thus, The Tragically Hip were born. The blues-influenced rock group remains one of the most celebrated, and simultaneously underrated Canadian rock acts of all time.
In their native Canada, The Tragically Hip are one of the most popular musical acts. They fill up venues, and never fail to draw applause from even the most cynical of attendees. However, they simply have not attained that incredible mainstream success overseas, or even in neighboring America. Though the group has been rediscovered recently, close to forty years after their formation.
If one were to compare The Tragically Hip to another major act, one would have to look at some of the greats. Think of people like Bruce Springsteen, Bob Dylan, and similar acts. However, as one New York Times writer said, there is something more to the band than just Dylan or Springsteen inspiration. It is as if these acts have been woven together into a singular “poet-philosopher,” as the article called it.
Nowadays, The Tragically Hip are name dropped by several notable Canadian and American rock and pop groups, including Dallas Green, Kevin Drew, and more. Their mark on the Canadian music industry cannot be understated.
Leonard Cohen
There are a few names that come to mind when somebody mentions “folk” music. Bob Dylan, of course, is the first among them. Simon and Garfunkel, Neil Young (Canadian himself), and John Denver are also worth mentioning, not just due to their talents, but due to their influence as well. However, it is most people’s first instinct to say “Leonard Cohen” when asked to name a popular folk musician.
During the 1950s, Cohen pursued a career as a poet, however, did not find much success in the Republic of Letters. So, in 1966, he began work on his first album, which released a year later. Songs of Leonard Cohen is a beautifully personal work, which serves as the first in a trilogy, and was quickly followed up by Songs from a Room and Songs of Love and Hate.
Drawing inspiration from musical contemporaries, as well as romantic poets, Cohen became quite famous in his native Canada, and soon worldwide. He has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, has been invested as a Companion of the Order of Canada, and has won several musical and literary awards.
Cohen tackled themes of political and social injustice, faith in God, the supernatural, and a greater power, and of course, hope and a new, brighter world that he believed was right on the horizon. His name has been mentioned as an influence, not just by other musicians like Kurt Cobain, but also by filmmakers, poets, and notable literary figures. If not for Rush, he would certainly be the most influential figure in the Canadian music industry.