East Coast DNA

10/01/2026

🎤 Kendra Lyttle × SoPA Allstars — CBMF 2025

Kendra Lyttle has been on a journey of growth, exploration, and self-discovery, moving between Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Alberta, and Prince Edward Island, and finding her voice through music from the age of seven. Her artistry blends introspection with melodic pop-folk sensibilities, and her debut single “Angel Tunes” showcases the honesty, vulnerability, and self-reflection that define her songwriting.

Shortly after releasing Angel Tunes, Kendra made her first-ever music festival appearance at Cavendish Beach Music Festival 2025, fronting the SoPA All Stars on the RBCxMusic Emerging Artist Stage. The All Stars — a performance ensemble built through Holland College’s School of Performing Arts — bring together a rotating lineup of the college’s standout students, giving emerging artists real-world festival experience.

Kendra led the stage with her distinctive voice, backed by her studio bandmates Ivan Garnica (guitar), Chris Chisholm (bass), Jesse MacCormac (drums), plus additional fellow SoPA students joining for this CBMF All Star lineup. Their set was polished, high-energy, and deeply connected — bringing the honesty of Angel Tunes to life in front of a festival audience for the first time.

Following CBMF, Kendra moved to Toronto in Fall 2025 to continue her degree and develop her sound further, building on a story that is only beginning to unfold.

Moments like this highlight the impact of PEI’s festival scene. In 2025, CBMF and Sommo Festival together welcomed over 80,000 visitors and generated more than $30 million in economic impact, supporting local businesses, extending the tourism season, and giving emerging artists their first taste of a major festival stage.

🎥 Watch Kendra’s full East Coast DNA interview at YouTube.com/
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📸 Photo credit: Darcy Walsh // East Coast DNA

📣 Looking Ahead

As East Coast DNA celebrates its 5th anniversary in 2026, we’re already thinking about CBMF 2026 —
Who should we be keeping an eye on next? Drop your picks below 👇

06/01/2026

🎉 Happy Birthday, DeeDee Austin! 🎉

Even with the clock winding down on the actual date, it still feels important to take a moment to celebrate.

DeeDee was one of East Coast DNA’s earlier guests and her openness, talent, and presence left a lasting impression on us.

DeeDee Austin is an Indigenous pop artist from Fall River, Nova Scotia, and a proud member of the Abegweit First Nation who has become one of Atlantic Canada’s most compelling emerging voices. Her fusion of contemporary pop, traditional influences, and powerful personal storytelling has earned major recognition, including Howie Mandel’s Golden Buzzer on Canada’s Got Talent, multiple Music Nova Scotia Awards, the SOCAN Young Canadian Songwriter Award, and CBC Searchlight’s Outstanding Indigenous Artist. With high‑energy performances for crowds of thousands and a rapidly growing national presence, she continues to shape the future of East Coast music through authenticity, cultural depth, and undeniable artistic momentum.

As we head into 2026 — marking 5 years of East Coast DNA — we’re feeling especially reflective about the artists and conversations that helped shape the journey. While we may have skipped the traditional 2025 recap, expect plenty of moments like this throughout the year as we look back and give acknowledgement to those that supported us along the way.

Wishing DeeDee a year filled with creativity, growth, and even more success. 💛🎶

📸 Darcy Walsh // East Coast DNA
Photos captured during 2025 Sommo East Coast pop up tour and ECMA Flocase. We've covered a ton of the East Coast together

02/01/2026

🎸 Papa Roach, The Used & Sleep Theory – Halifax Takeover! 🎤

With a hectic December schedule, we were beyond stoked to catch Papa Roach in Halifax for our second time—and our first time seeing The Used live. For a longtime fan, this was a true bucket-list show.

Sleep Theory set the tone perfectly for the evening. Lead singer Cullen Moore had the crowd buzzing, even taking crowd surfing to a whole new level—literally walking across the locked arms and shoulders of fans while delivering vocals mid-air. The audience couldn’t have been more thrilled, and it was a masterclass in hyping a crowd.

The Used, making their Halifax debut, worked the audience into a frenzy. Their set drew from across their decades-long career, transporting many of us back to the early 2000s with a full evening of modern nostalgia. Hits like Pretty Handsome Awkward, Buried Myself Alive, and a mashup of A Box Full of Sharp Objects with Nirvana's Smells Like Teen Spirit reminded us why their music still resonates today.

Then, Papa Roach brought the energy levels off the charts. Jacoby Shaddix worked the crowd like only he can—walking through fans, interacting, and rallying everyone to sing along. From Last Resort to Brain Dead, and including epic covers like 2Pac’s California Love and Linkin Park’s In the End, the band delivered a nu-metal and rap-metal medley that had everyone singing from memory. Ticket holders on the floor became part of the action with circle pits and a pulse-pounding wall of death, giving the night that lived-in, throwback energy.

All three bands showed why they remain relevant after all these years. They reminded emo and nu-metal fans everywhere that you can stay young at heart and in spirit, as the bands of our youth continue to give us new memories with live shows that shake the walls and leave a mark.

📍 Scotiabank Centre, Halifax, NS

🗓️ December 10, 2025

💥 Swipe for video clips capturing crowd-surfing, circle pits, the wall of death, and more high-energy moments from the evening!

📱Video Clips: Darcy Walsh // East Coast DNA
📸Cover Photo (first clip): Chantelle Walsh

26/12/2025

The Ugly Sweater Holiday Bash at Candid Brewing Company brought Christmas week to life in Antigonish, turning a mid-December night into a packed, high-energy celebration of live music, community, and hometown pride.

Advertised as Josée Champoux and Andre Pettipas, the Songs & Stories portion of the evening alone was enough to fill the room, with most tickets sold in advance — proof that when storytelling and connection come first, the audience follows. It’s something we often talk about with artists on the East Coast DNA podcast, and this night embodied it.

After a brief intermission (and some solid merch sales), the evening shifted into Cover Me Up, with John MacDonald (Andre Pettipas and The Giants) joining Josée and Andre on stage for a high-energy run of covers and fan favourites.

The crowd was then treated to a surprise appearance from Andre’s brother, Travis Pettipas, bringing 3/4 of Andre Pettipas and The Giants back to their original home base, performing to a room packed wall-to-wall with fans. With Josée, originally from Antigonish, helping anchor a strong hometown crowd, the room sang and danced along to originals and covers alike.

As we slow down for the holidays, we’re grateful for nights like this and for everyone who continues to show up for live music on the East Coast.

🎄 Happy Holidays from East Coast DNA
Subscribe and stay tuned — recaps from 2025 are coming soon, with exciting new content lined up for 2026.

📍 Candid Brewing Company, Antigonish
🎥 + 📸 Darcy Walsh // East Coast DNA

23/12/2025

Meaghan Smith Closes Out 2025 with Holiday Show & Children’s Book Launch
Meaghan Smith brought holiday warmth to the Bella Rose Arts Centre with an afternoon performance on Saturday, December 20, combining her annual Christmas show with the launch of her children’s book It Snowed. Adapted from her hit holiday single, the book transforms the song into a heartwarming children’s story written and illustrated by Smith herself.
Earlier this season, Smith joined East Coast DNA to discuss the inspiration behind the book and the return of her holiday performances. The December 20 matinee followed a performance the evening prior and marked the final presentation of this special holiday project for 2025. Blending festive music with storytelling, the afternoon offered a family-friendly celebration and a fitting close to the year.
📍 Bella Rose Arts Centre
📅 December 20, 2025
📸 Photo: Darcy Walsh // East Coast DNA

22/12/2025

Our favourite part of music festivals is not the obvious choice of headlining super stars.
It’s the chance to catch new-to-me acts — up and comers, rising stars, tomorrow’s headliners.

That’s what I saw through the lens this summer when Josée Champoux stepped onto the Emerging Artist Stage at CBMF.

Born and raised in Antigonish and now carving her path in Nashville, Josée brings a country-rock grit that feels both polished and deeply East Coast at its core. A graduate of Holland College’s School of Performing Arts and Berklee’s songwriting program, she’s spent the last few years writing, recording, and sharpening a sound that’s unmistakably hers.

Bold vocals. Honest storytelling. A stage presence that hits with intention.

These photos capture that moment — the confidence, the fire, the connection — from a set that made it clear she’s not just “one to watch,” she’s already arriving. And tonight, she brings it all home.

If you’re anywhere near Antigonish this evening, don’t miss the chance to see Josée in her element — hometown crowd, hometown roots, and a voice that carries the whole journey with it. There’s something special about watching an artist return to the place that shaped them, especially when they’re stepping into their stride.

🎄 Ugly Sweater Holiday Bash
🕗 8PM tonight
🍺 Candid Brewing
🎶 Featuring Andre Pettipas & Josée Champoux

📸 Photo Credit: Darcy Walsh// East Coast DNA

As we close out the year, stay tuned for more photos from East Coast DNA’s 2025.

16/12/2025

Epic rock journeys, global sounds, and a trio that defines them.

The Tea Party took the stage at the Scotiabank Centre in Halifax, showing everyone they remain one of Canada’s most iconic rock acts. With the original trio of Jeff Martin on vocals and guitars, Stuart Chatwood on bass and keyboards, and Jeff Burrows on drums, their chemistry was undeniable, honed over decades of performing together.

From the first soaring notes of Writing’s on the Wall, the band drew the audience into their signature blend of hard rock infused with Middle Eastern and progressive influences—a sound fans and critics call “Moroccan roll.” Each song felt cinematic and immersive, with theatrical dynamics that held the arena in thrall.

One of the night’s highlights was the inventive medleys, weaving songs together seamlessly. The Messenger flowed into Bobcaygeon and back, while The River incorporated a cover of Tool’s Sober before returning to the original, creating moments of surprise and delight. Classics like Heaven Coming Down and Sister Awake were enriched with nods to other iconic tracks, keeping the performance fresh and engaging.

The evening balanced intensity with subtlety, moving from epic riffs to delicate world-instrument flourishes, reminding us why The Tea Party’s music has endured worldwide. For the Halifax crowd, it was more than a concert—it was a journey through decades of artistry, with the original trio guiding every step.

This performance capped off our evening of CanCon rock legends, with plenty of nostalgia.

📸 Photo Credit: Darcy Walsh// East Coast DNA

16/12/2025

🎥 Live from the Round Barn | Interview with Anne Janelle & Scott Munn

Go behind the scenes of the new Bell Fibe TV1 concert series Live from the Round Barn with director Scott Munn and Anne Janelle of Champagne Weather.

In this interview, Scott and Anne talk about the vision for the series, filming inside a 135-year-old octagon barn overlooking the Bay of Fundy, and the collaboration, care, and community that brought this intimate East Coast music project to life.

✨ About the Series
Live from the Round Barn premieres December 17 on Bell Fibe TV1 and the Bell Fibe TV App (exclusive to Canadian subscribers).
The four-part series blends rich live performances with revealing interviews, offering a rare look into the lives, creativity, and communities of the artists shaping East Coast music.

🎙 Featuring performances by:
• Alana Yorke
• Garrett Mason
• Champagne Weather
• Old Man Luedecke

📺 Watch the full interview now:
YouTube & TikTok

✨ Don’t miss the series premiere on Bell Fibe TV1 and the Bell Fibe TV App — December 17!

Follow Live from the Round Barn on Instagram & Facebook for updates.

🎶 Live from the Round Barn – Anne Janelle & Scott Munn Interview 🎶Get an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at Live from the Round Barn, a four-part immersiv...

16/12/2025

Old favourites, new memories, all in one night.

Finger Eleven took the stage in Halifax delivering the kind of set that only comes from a band with decades of shared history. One Thing that truly stands out about Finger Eleven is just how consistent the lineup has remained over the years. Core members Scott Anderson, James Black, Rick Jackett, and Sean Anderson have been together since the early ’90s—a rare feat for any band at this stage. Drummer Steve Molella, who joined in 2014, has now been part of the live band for over a decade himself, adding to that continuity.

That long-standing chemistry shows up in how fluid their live sets feel. Finger Eleven has never been locked into a single lane, moving comfortably between heavier, riff-driven material and more melodic, emotional moments. Songs like Above, Slow Chemical, and Adrenaline hit with raw intensity, while tracks such as One Thing, Falling On, and Last Night on Earth showcased the band’s more introspective side. The new material from Last Night on Earth—their first full-length album in exactly ten years—fit effortlessly alongside the classics, with The Mountain standing out as a commanding addition to the set.

A big part of Finger Eleven’s live power comes from having two guitarists. James Black and Rick Jackett don’t simply double parts; they weave leads and rhythms together, stack harmonies, and build textures that translate beautifully onstage. Jackett’s energetic, physical playing style adds a visual punch that matches the music’s momentum.

One of the night’s standout moments came with Welcome to the Machine, a Pink Floyd cover that shifted the mood into darker, more atmospheric territory—a reminder of the band’s wide-ranging influences, from classic rock and metal to prog, funk, and ’90s alternative.

We personally last saw Finger Eleven in Halifax at The Marquee with local support from Old Blood—a show that feels longer ago than we care to calculate. Seeing them now, commanding an arena stage while still feeling connected to the crowd, was a powerful reminder of how far the band—and the audience—have travelled together.

The energy never dipped. From massive sing-along moments on Paralyzer to the feel-good lift of Good Times, the contrast between heavy and melodic moments kept the set dynamic, proving once again how broad and balanced Finger Eleven’s catalogue really is. By the final notes, it was clear: this was a band fully comfortable honoring its past while confidently moving forward.

📸 Photo Credit: Darcy Walsh // East Coast DNA

16/12/2025

Some moments come full circle.

November 7, 1997.
A young Pictou County man made the trip to Halifax, spent the afternoon visiting friends, and then stationed himself outside The Grawood, hoping to score a last-minute ticket for the night’s show. The lineup? The Gandharvas opening for Headstones. Luck was on his side, and once inside, a rip-roaring party kicked off.

Both bands delivered high-octane, balls-to-the-wall performances, but Headstones’ set was something else entirely—rocking the venue to its foundation. Frontman Hugh Dillon shared drinks with the front row as waves of bodies surged toward the stage, fans singing along and clawing for proximity. The room was packed wall-to-wall with youthful CanRock devotees, fully locked into the moment.

After the set, that young fan had the chance to chat with Hugh. As a line formed for autographs, the conversation carried on—touching on Hugh’s acting career, indie films he’d appeared in, and the future he was carving out beyond music. That early exchange sparked years of following both his musical and acting journeys, eventually seeing his face become even more familiar through roles like Flashpoint. That night has remained a fond memory ever since, complete with Hugh’s signature now sitting proudly in the home studio—a reminder of an early encounter with a true CanCon icon.

Flash forward to December 13, 2025.
The man isn’t quite as young anymore, but now regularly interviews Canadian musicians and continues crossing items off the bucket list. This time, it came in the form of photo pit access at the Scotiabank Centre in Halifax, capturing the tour featuring The Tea Party, Finger Eleven, and Headstones.

What an experience it was to witness Headstones from the other end of the spectrum—decades of experience behind them, performing for a massively larger audience. Even so, the connection remained intimate. We were thrilled to still get as close to the action as possible.

And just like in 1997, Hugh brought his unmistakable personal touch. He worked the crowd relentlessly—leaving the stage to perform from the floor, scaling the lower bowl, hopping across seats, and weaving through the audience. A stagehand followed close behind, carefully managing the XLR cable as Hugh continued to sing crowd favourites, giving fans a rare up-close-and-personal experience.

The evening did come with last-minute changes. Hugh had fallen ill earlier on the tour and was unable to perform at some stops. In Halifax, however, he pushed through, his health on the upswing, and kicked off the night with Headstones opening the show, albeit with a slightly reduced set time.

Next up: Finger Eleven.

Photo Credit: Darcy Walsh // East Coast DNA

15/12/2025

🚗💥 Steve Poltz is back on the road — no seatbelts, no helmets.

Born in Halifax, currently spinning somewhere in East Nashville, Steve Poltz returns to Canada this Spring 2026 with a 17-date tour supporting JoyRide, his 14th solo album and a beautifully unhinged document of chaos, caffeine, and accidental poetry.

JoyRide was lured into existence by Dex Green with the promise of “maybe one song” and turned into ten tracks of unsaturated, unadulterated art — real humans making real noise in real time. From yelling at the news in “If It Bleeds It Leads” to barefoot-brunch energy on “Petrichor,” cosmic co-writes, dream conversations with Jesus, and lines only Poltz could rhyme without getting arrested, this record is exactly what it sounds like: a love letter to the road, the mess, and the magic.

The title track “JoyRide” feels like a warm hug after a long drive — which is fitting, because Steve rarely stops driving. A founding member of The Rugburns, longtime collaborator of Jewel, and certified musical trickster, Poltz is known for shows that blur the line between concert, comedy, and group therapy.

🇨🇦 Spring 2026 Canadian Tour:
📍 April 15 – Berwick, NS
📍 April 17–19 – Halifax, NS
📍 April 21 – Pictou, NS
📍 April 22 – Fredericton, NB
📍 April 24–30 – Ontario
📍 May 1–2 – Ottawa, ON
📍 May 3 – Chelsea, QC

🎶 JoyRide — coming soon
🔗 Tour dates & music via https://poltz.com/

15/12/2025

🎶 AVAILABLE NOW 🎶

Our latest episode with Alvaro is live.

We sit down with the Halifax-based singer-songwriter to talk about ALone TOGETHER – the live record, a powerful live reimagining of his debut EP ALone. In this conversation, Alvaro walks us through the inspiration behind the project, the creative process, and what it meant to capture these songs in a live setting.

The episode also features a clip of “EYES ON YOU” at the end — and we strongly encourage listeners to experience the full live performance over on Alvaro’s YouTube channel.

🎥 Full live performances: https://www.youtube.com/

💿 ALone TOGETHER – the live record is available now on all streaming platforms:
https://ffm.to/alone-together