IPO Toronto 2026

Artists From Toronto Artists

 
The Allwells – Drawing inspiration from the catalogs of late ‘70s/early ’80s artists such as Elvis Costello, Glenn Tilbrook, The Jam, The Cars, and The Knack, The Allwells deliver melodies, hooks, and harmonies with a playful punk attitude and some gritty old school rock n’ roll swagger. Their recently released self-titled album is full of well-crafted tunes that could have been radio hits back in the day – definitely a must have for any true power pop fan!
 
Andy Butler & The Diplomats – Butler is known to many as the main man of IPO veterans, The 905s. He and the band are back, with a new “live in the studio” album, Play Rock N Roll, which offers a taste of how much fun they are live – we can hardly wait to see and hear him do his thing again. If you love classic punk-edged rock n’ roll in the vein of Buddy Holly, Elvis Costello, and Dave Rave (see below), you will LOVE Andy Butler & The Diplomats!
 
The James Clark Institute – The musical outlet of singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist James Clark, their latest full-length release, Under The Lampshade, like their previous one, was produced by iconic Canadian musician/producer Moe Berg (The Pursuit Of Happiness), and has had several singles in the top 100 all over the worldwide internet radio charts. “James Clark is one of Canada’s songwriting treasures. His songs have a timeless quality born of a writer who studied the best and refuses to bow to the wind and rain of any current day. His lyrics never underestimate the audience’s intelligence and his melodies will stay with you long after the record has finished playing” (Moe Berg). Fans of intelligent quirky introspective pop artists, such as John Lennon, Neil Finn, and Elvis Costello, who are not already fans will want to check out his IPO showcase and keep an eye out for a new JCI album due out soon!
 
Clockwise – Check out their most recent EP, Blow Your Soul Bright , or any of their equally awesome earlier releases, and you’ll be instantly hooked! Their sound is influenced by Elvis Costello, The Kinks, Joe Jackson and Squeeze, tempered with more contemporary artists like Crowded House and The Beautiful South, and they efficiently crank out three-and-a-half minute pop songs with hooks that will stick with you long after that initial investment in time has been spent. Their classic Toronto power pop style fit right in at The World Famous Cavern Club in Liverpool, where they joined us for IPO four years in a row, and we’re very glad they did! Those who attend their IPO Toronto showcase are in for a treat!
 
Cool Blue Halo – An integral part of the ‘90s Halifax power pop scene, Cool Blue Halo released an independent cassette before being signed to No Records and releasing their landmark full length, Kangaroo, which turns 30 this year! They don’t play very often, so we’re thrilled that they join us for IPO each year – you do NOT want to miss it!!
 
Flash Bangs – Do you like glam, punk, new wave, and rock n’ roll? Well so do Flash Bangs, and it shows! This trio of seasoned Toronto area musicians (including James Clark-see above) will have you jumping and dancing like it’s 1981 all over again!
 
Rich Freed & The Renegades – A Scottish singer/songwriter originally from Glasgow, Freed has been carving out a place for himself in Toronto’s diverse music scene. Inspired by artists such as The Beatles, Radiohead, Oasis and The Arctic Monkeys, his style combines pop, indie rock, and blues with catchy tunes, interesting chord changes and introspective lyrics.
 
Just Jillian – One of Toronto’s most gifted singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalists, Jillian is the former lead guitar player for ADHD the band, and has played keys for Remote Wonder and bass for alternative synth pop band, All Dressed. Her songs make subtle use of catchy pop choruses and pop-rock guitar riffs to put a lighthearted spin on thought-provoking lyrics. Check out her latest album, Story of Mine, and her IPO showcase!
 
Montgomery – If you don’t believe pop rock could sound this full and sweet coming from just a two piece, come to IPO and check these guys out for yourself! Their counterpoint harmonies and hooks will turn you into an instant fan!
 
Mark Malibu & The Wasagas – IPO does not typically book instrumental bands, but when they’re this much fun, we just can’t resist! Canada’s original surf-punk instrumentalists, Wasagas had their original heyday from 1979 to 1982 when they played with many new-wave and punk bands, confusing audiences everywhere. They’ve released several albums and have had two #1 hits on the surf charts since reuniting and show no signs of slowing down. They were one of the big fan favorites at IPO Liverpool in 2025, and they’re back for their fourth straight IPO Toronto armed with their recently released album, Knock Me Out! Come catch the wave!
 
Mr. Mouray – A man of impeccable 1950s style and taste, Mr Mouray has been reborn as a band a half-century later through modern words and music. One of the many musical projects featuring the ubiquitous Jaimie Vernon, founder of one of the best pop music labels in Canada, Bullseye Records, and one of the foremost authorities on all things Canadian music. In celebration of Bullseye’s 40th anniversary, they’ve released a limited CD and vinyl version of Mr. Mouray’s classic EP, A Whiter Pale of Shade. Vernon is the author of The Canadian Pop Music Encyclopedia, a hefty two-volume treasure-trove of information about Canadian artists both well- and lesser-known, a story-teller of Bardic proportions, and a pop-meister of the highest caliber, so this is one show you will not want to miss!
 
Mark Ripp & The Joyful Hope – Ripp describes himself as a taller Canadian version of artists such as Tom Petty, Bruce Springsteen and John Hiatt all rolled into one. He writes, sings and plays thoughtful melodic roots rock, and his performances typically include a variety of original songs and a few selections from his wide repertoire of covers. The name of his latest project, The Joyful Hope, perfectly sums up the feeling of his recent songs.
 
Laurence Roscoe of Roscoe GT – Whether fronting his current power trio, Roscoe GT, or as leader of The Roscoe Project, who played several IPOs in the early and mid-00’s, Roscoe continues to do what he does best: radio-friendly roots-rock-influenced power pop with glorious harmonies. It’s no wonder that Roscoe GT singles are being picked up by various stations across Canada as well as across the border in Detroit! He’s going it solo for IPO this year, but his songs are just as catchy done in folk rock troubadour style! We can hardly wait!
 
The Swinging Pussycats – A groovy time is sure to be had by all as these hep cats bring their own brand of ‘60s inspired rock n’ roll, complete with reverb-drenched surf guitar, garage rock, and girl group pop, back to IPO! Check out their 2022 album, Going Out With The Swinging Pussycats, or their recent singles and you’ll understand why we’re looking forward to seeing them do their thing live again!
 
Telejet – If you love classic Beatle-esque and harmony pop, orchestral pop, or prog pop, and a bit of everything in between (and let’s face it, who reading this doesn’t?), then you will LOVE Telejet! Check out their latest album, Spiritual Age, (which was my number 1 of 2024!) and their IPO showcase! This is a band that pop fans all over the world NEED to know about! Watch for a brand-new album due out soon!
 
Tara Van – Van is a lifelong singer-songwriter, and active participant in Toronto’s “Beautiful Breakdowns” singer-songwriter series. Her debut album, Rise, showcases her catchy upbeat brand of soulful indie folk pop. Her vocal and stylistic range and sunny disposition earned her friends and fans when she joined us in 2024 for IPO’s Liverpool and Copenhagen, and we can’t wait to see and hear her do her thing again back in her hometown!
 
Erika Werry – With five albums already to her credit, Erika Werry brings deeply personal, uncompromising and new perspectives to the age-old themes of life and love. The songs are short and fun, often with tongue-in-cheek lyrical humour, and sometimes with devastatingly poignant lyrics on relationships. “An observant poet, a cliche distorter, a fearless traveler, a band leader – Miss Werry is all of the above…” (Mary Beth Carty, Penguin Eggs). Her faster songs are also incredibly catchy, so don’t be surprised if you find yourself dancing!
 
 

Canadian Artists From Outside of Toronto

 
Droids Osaka – A power trio from Hamilton, their sonic output aligns within the parameters of modern indie power pop enriched with nuanced references to punk subroutines. Their recent Closer To The Credit Roll album will appeal to fans of artists from Bowling For Soup and Ryan Hamilton to Jason Falkner!
 
The Foreign Films – The musical outlet of Hamiltonian Bill Majoros, known for his Beatlesque melodies and intricate arrangements, they’ve got five critically acclaimed albums, as well as a recently released six “sided” vinyl LP box set, appropriately titled The Record Collector…and if you love classic pop in the vein of ELO, Supertramp, and Jellyfish, you will want this in your collection!
 
Dave Rave – The venerable Mr. Dave Rave began popping very powerfully indeed a near quarter century ago as part of the legendary Canadian bands Teenage Head and The Shakers, has often been referred to as “The Canadian Nick Lowe,” and is now an inductee in the Canadian Indie Music Hall of Fame!! (Congratulations, Dave!!) A recent CD, Live With What You Know. was nominated for a Grammy, as was one of its songs, “Anne Marie.” His latest album, the appropriately titled Seven, is his sixth release with his Minnesota-based backing band, The Governors, and showcases him at his in-your-face twangy garage pop best! From 2010 to 2014 he played 50 IPO festivals in a row (yes, you read that right), and he still plays many of them…and we look forward to many more. Thank you, Dave!!