Folk 2026: Get a taste of this year’s artists

Folk on the Rocks has long brought together musicians from across Canada and beyond but, despite its name, the festival has never been limited to folk music.

The 2026 lineup showcases everything from hip-hop and electronic music to fuzz rock, Celtic traditions and children’s pop. While each artist has a distinct sound, many share a similar approach to creating music: drawing inspiration from personal experiences, culture, and the stories they want audiences to hear. 

For rapper Cadence Weapon, music has always been about challenging ideas. 

“I like to speak truth to power,” he said. 

The Edmonton-born artist has built his career on lyrics that tackle politics, technology and social issues, often paired with electronic and industrial-inspired production. His latest album, Forager, takes inspiration from fashion history and the craftsmanship behind vintage clothing. 

Rather than simply writing about style, Cadence Weapon compares the care that goes into making a quality garment with the artistry behind classic hip-hop.

“I consider maybe your average AI slop that you find on streaming to be like the Shein of music,” he said – a reference to a Chinese fast fashion brand – explaining his desire to create something with lasting value instead of following trends.

For Daughters of Donbas, existing genres don’t quite describe what they do. 

The contemporary acoustic project blends indie folk, chamber music and traditional Ukrainian influences, but the group says its performances are better described as “musical artivism.”

Inspired by artists like Banksy, the ensemble uses music to raise awareness about Ukrainian children abducted during Russia’s full-scale invasion. Every song tells the story of an individual child or family, putting a human face to a crisis that can otherwise feel overwhelming.

“Numbers aren’t real,” one member said. “To tell 10 or 12 stories … people begin to understand the issue from an individual perspective.”

With acoustic instruments, layered harmonies and minimal production, the group lets storytelling remain at the centre of every performance.

Whitehorse trio Electric Lemonade is also carving out its own niche.

The band describes its music as “fuzz rock,” a nod to the thick, distorted guitar tones that shape its blend of alternative rock, punk and grunge. 

The genre reflects not only the band’s sound but also its beginnings. After another project fell apart just weeks before a tour, vocalist Sarah Murphy, bassist Hannah Mazurek and drummer Rob Jones quickly formed Electric Lemonade and wrote enough new material to hit the road.

“We scrambled basically to put together the early days of what would be Electric Lemonade,” Murphy told Cabin Radio.

That fast-paced start became the foundation for a band built on experimentation, energy and embracing unexpected opportunities. 

For Saskatchewan electronic artist June Thrasher, inspiration begins with a visual instead of a melody.

The synth-driven solo project was born from years spent watching films and becoming captivated by their soundtracks. 

“I would watch movies … purely just for the soundtrack,” he said. 

His creative process often involves muting old films or random YouTube videos and composing music to match the emotions unfolding on screen. Many of his instrumental pieces are even written with the hope they’ll eventually find a home in film or television, allowing the music to become part of another story.

Marrow Bones, meanwhile, looks both backward and forward. 

The Nova Scotia trio combines Scottish and French Canadian traditions with improvisation, creating what they jokingly call “Celtic trance” or “Celtic groove.”

“We kind-of enter into a trance when we’re playing,” one member said.

Their music reflects influences from across Canada, blending fiddle tunes, pipes and folk songs into performances that honour tradition while leaving room for spontaneity and audience participation.

Even the festival’s youngest attendees will find music made just for them.

Toronto duo Sonshine and Broccoli perform “Kindie” music – indie pop and rock written from a child’s perspective.

Rather than talking down to children, the pair writes upbeat songs about confidence, kindness and embracing differences. 

“We see life through the lens of a child,” they said.

Interactive choreography, singalongs and movement are all part of the experience, helping children connect with messages like “I am enough,” “different is good” and “born to be brave.”

Audiences will have the chance to experience these diverse sounds, and many more, when the artists take the stage in Yellowknife at Folk on the Rocks from July 17-19. Catch the festival broadcast live on Cabin Radio throughout.