It’s that time of year again where it is a look back at the standout local releases that defined 2025.
Tracking down the best from Ottawa wasn’t easy, but after much listening, here are the Top 10 Ottawa releases that made this year unforgettable:
1. Orchidae – True Beginning
A striking debut that blends dreamy synthscapes with introspective songwriting.
True Beginning feels like a hopeful, bright, and beautifully layered.
2. The Retrospects – Vaporwaves
A nostalgia-soaked journey through shimmering guitar lines and hazy grooves.
This one’s perfect for late-night drives and vintage-tinted memories.
3. fanclubwallet – Living While Dying
Raw and candid, this release pairs edgy production with lyrics that hit where it hurts (and heals). It’s a bold commentary on modern life — chaotic, heartfelt, and endlessly replayable.
4. Kathleen Edwards – Billionaire
Kathleen’s lyrical finesse continues to shine here.
Billionaire balances sharp wit with deep emotion, delivering some of her most compelling songwriting yet.
5. Chris Page – Split Seconds on Earth
An atmospheric, thoughtful collection that bends time and space.
Chris Page’s soundscapes here feel cinematic and introspective is a high point in his catalogue.
6. Just Fine – This Is All Good Enough
Bright, honest, and catchy, this release celebrates simplicity without skimping on depth.
It’s feel-good indie pop with heart and melody in equal measure.
7. Push Come Shove – Push Come Shove
Self-titled and self-assured, this album hits hard with confident riffs and punchy energy.
It’s a solid rock-infused statement that demands attention.
8. Guest Room Status – Eventually?
A moody, genre-bending release with hooks that linger and textures that shift with every listen.
Eventually? is playful, unpredictable, and deeply musical.
9. Area Resident – protanopia
A conceptual standout — the title nods to vision and perception, and the music matches. Experimental yet approachable, this release pushes boundaries while staying grounded.
10. Stoby – pamplegoose
Quirky, creative, and undeniably unique. pamplegoose mixes playful sounds with unexpected twists, leaving listeners curious and charmed.
HONOURABLE MENTION:
thee male nurse – Life Is More Than Anyone Can Say It’s Beautiful
2025 was a vibrant year for Ottawa’s music scene, full of genre-blending releases, bold newcomers, and creative risks.
From dreamy synth to introspective folk and electrifying rock, this list captures the diverse soundscape that made local fans — and new listeners — sit up and take notice.
