CAMERON WHITCOMB
Origin: Nanaimo, BC
Track Name: Quitter | Quitter
In a world that often prizes surface-level honesty, Cameron Whitcomb is the rare artist with the courage to uncover his most uncomfortable truths. After leaving home at age 17 and getting a job on a pipeline, the British Columbia native discovered his passion for singing and devoted himself to making music, soon breaking through with his 2024 debut EP Quitter—a fearlessly candid collection of country/folk songs inspired by his journey in overcoming addiction.
In a testament to the pure force of his storytelling, the 22-year-old singer/songwriter has ascended to tremendous heights in the past year alone, including headlining multiple tours across North America and Europe, amassing over 500 million global catalog streams, and landing on 2025 Artist to Watch lists from Spotify and Amazon Music—all before releasing a full-length project. On his debut album The Hard Way, Whitcomb now shares his most powerful work yet: a selection of songs that willfully stare down his demons, instilling every moment with equal parts grit and sensitivity and explosively poetic detail.
NOMINATION CATEGORY:
- Breakthrough Artist of Group of the Year (2026 WINNER)
- Country Album of the Year (2026 WINNER)
- TD Juno Fan Choice (2026 Nomination)
- Single of the Year (2026 Nomination)
- Album of the Year (2026 Nomination)
ALBUM: The Hard Way
AYSANABEE
Origin: Toronto, ON
Track Name: Gone Baby Gone | Gone Baby Gone
Aysanabee (Ace-in-abbey) is a two-time JUNO Award-winning alternative indie artist, multi-instrumentalist, producer, and singer-songwriter. He is Oji-Cree, Sucker Clan of Sandy Lake First Nation, a remote fly-in community in Northwestern Ontario, Canada. Now based in Toronto, he began releasing music under his mother’s maiden name when moments of stillness allowed him to create songs that more fully reflected his identity as an artist.
On his sophomore album Edge of the Earth (June 20, 2025, via Ishkōdé Records), Aysanabee explores will, sacrifice, and self-discovery. Following the personal narratives of Watin and the introspection of Here and Now, the new album expands his sonic range, blending fingerstyle guitar with lush, cinematic soundscapes.
His music has earned wide recognition. On March 23, 2024,
Aysanabee made history as the first Indigenous artist to win both Alternative Album of the Year and Songwriter of the Year at the JUNO Awards, for his EP Here and Now. He was also the first Indigenous artist to reach Number 1 on Mediabase Canada’s Alternative Rock chart with “Nomads” in March 2023. Aysanabee has been short-listed for the Polaris Prize and has performed nearly 300 shows on major stages and festivals across Canada and internationally.
NOMINATION CATEGORY:
- Alternative Album of the Year (2026 WINNER)
- Contemporary Indigenous Artist of Group of the Year (2026 WINNER)
ALBUM: Edge of The Earth
ÈBONY
Origin: Toronto, ON
Track Name: Break My Skin | Break My Skin
Hailing from Toronto, ÈBONY, comprising Jordan Gardner and R-ODERICK, stand out with their innovative fusion of Detroit techno and Chicago house, enriched by South African melodies. Since their impactful debut with the EP Real Truth and a notable collaboration on FeelmyBicep’s Love Myself, they have become recognized figures in the electronic music scene.
ÈBONY’s work is characterized by a unique blend of subgenres that captures the essence of avant-garde dance music, making their sound distinctive and forward-thinking. Their approach not only respects the roots of techno and house but also pushes the boundaries by incorporating global influences.
NOMINATION CATEGORY: Electronic Album of the Year (2026 WINNER)
ALBUM: Shades of Meridian
SADBOI
Origin: Toronto, ON
Track Name: Baddies | Baddies
Ebhoni Cato O’Garro, aka “SadBoi,” is an Atlanta-based artist originally from Toronto, Canada. With a Jamaican & Antiguan heritage deeply ingrained in her musical roots, SadBoi expertly weaves elements of reggae, dancehall, and Caribbean culture into her captivating sound, blending R&B, rap, rock, and pop, creating a unique sound that resonates with her diverse fanbase. Her fans, known as “The Crybabiez,” share a grungy, alternative, and underground aesthetic, em- bodying a badass feminine energy.
SadBoi embraces vulnerability and emotional depth in her music, captivating listeners with soulful vocals and introspective lyrics. She fearlessly addresses themes of love, heartbreak, and self-discovery, connecting with her audience on a profound level. Her songs reflect her personal journey and the complexities of human emotions as she showcases a growing discography of captivating tracks that encompass catchy hooks and genuine storytelling. She effortlessly combines different genres, creating a unique and powerful musical experience. As SadBoi’s journey unfolds, her unique blend of genres and powerful stage presence will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on the music scene.
NOMINATION CATEGORY: Rap Album/EP of the Year (2026 WINNER)
ALBUM: DRY CRY
DANIEL CAESAR
Origin: Toronto, ON
Track Name: Who Knows | Who Knows
Daniel Caesar (born Ashton Simmonds on April 5, 1995, in Oshawa, Ontario) is a Canadian singer, songwriter, and producer known for his soulful blend of R&B, gospel, and alternative sounds. Raised in a religious household, Caesar began performing in church choirs before developing his own distinct musical style that combines emotional vulnerability with smooth, melodic vocals.
He gained early recognition with his 2014 EP Praise Break and the 2015 follow-up Pilgrim’s Paradise, but his 2017 debut album Freudian propelled him to international acclaim. The project, featuring hits like “Get You” (featuring Kali Uchis) and “Best Part” (featuring H.E.R.), earned him multiple Grammy nominations and won the Grammy Award for Best R&B Performance in 2019.
Caesar’s sophomore album, Case Study 01 (2019), showcased a more experimental sound and included collaborations with artists such as John Mayer, Brandy, and Pharrell Williams. In 2023, he released Never Enough, further solidifying his reputation for introspective lyricism and genre-defying production. Known for his heartfelt storytelling and refined musicianship, Daniel Caesar remains one of the defining voices in contemporary R&B, bridging traditional soul with modern sensibilities while continuing to explore themes of love, faith, and identity.
NOMINATION CATEGORY:
- Contemporary R&B Recording of the Year (2026 WINNER)
- Internation Achievement Award (2026 WINNER)
- Songwriter of the Year (2026 WINNER)
ALBUM: Son Of Spergy
DESPISED ICON
Origin: Montreal, QC
Track Name: Death of an Artist | Death of an Artist
Established in 2002, Montreal deathcore pioneers Despised Icon return with their seventh full-length album, Shadow Work. The album marks a significant chapter for a band whose core lineup has remained largely unchanged since its inception, allowing them to stay grounded in the sound and spirit they helped define.
Lyrically, Shadow Work explores themes of resilience and inner healing, drawing inspiration from the psychological process of confronting and integrating one’s darker aspects. It’s a deeply introspective record that reflects both personal growth and the turbulence of the world around us. Their first new music in six years, the album stands as Despised Icon’s most fine-tuned and dynamic effort to date, balancing relentless speed, crushing grooves, and morbid melodies, while remaining true to their signature blend of extreme death metal and hardcore grit. Produced by the band’s own Alex Erian and Eric Jarrin, Shadow Work was mixed and mastered by Christian Donaldson (Cryptopsy, Shadow of Intent, Signs of the Swarm), with artwork by Eliran Kantor (Hatebreed, Thy Art Is Murder, Cavalera).
Featuring guest vocals by Matthew Honeycutt (Kublai Khan TX), Scott Ian Lewis (Carnifex) and Tom Barber (Chelsea Grin, Darko US), Shadow Work will be released on October 31, 2025, via Nuclear Blast Records. Grind forever.
NOMINATION CATEGORY: Metal/Hard Music Album of the Year (2026 WINNER)
ALBUM: Shadow Work
