Nova Scotia native Baby Nova is set to make a triumphant return to the Osheaga Music Festival in Montreal, this time as a performer on the main stage. A decade ago, she attended the festival as a spectator, but now she is thrilled to showcase her talents as a musician. Baby Nova, an indie-pop artist hailing from Halifax and based in Los Angeles, gained recognition this year with the release of her debut album, “Shhugar,” which was longlisted for Canada’s prestigious Polaris Music Prize.
Having been named as one of Spotify’s Artists to Watch for 2026 and having recently graced the stage at Rolling Stone Canada’s Future of Music showcase, Baby Nova is making waves in the music scene. She is also lined up to perform at the Fono Festival in Quebec City and the Sommo Festival in P.E.I. Despite her seemingly sudden rise to fame, Baby Nova has been honing her craft for nearly two decades, driven by a childhood experience that sparked her passion for music.
Baby Nova’s journey began when she was 11 years old, inspired by the television series “Hannah Montana” and the promise of stardom. After attending a summer camp for aspiring talents, she found the confidence to pursue songwriting, filling a binder with over 300 songs by the age of 16. While she now views those early compositions as amateurish, her dedication to music remained unwavering.
At 17, Baby Nova signed a publishing deal to write songs for other artists, which further developed her skills. Leaving her hometown of Halifax after high school, she embarked on a musical odyssey that took her to Montreal, Toronto, New York, and eventually Los Angeles. Despite facing financial and personal challenges, Baby Nova persisted in her pursuit of a music career.
In a turning point, Baby Nova’s resilience was rewarded when she caught the attention of an artist and repertoire representative in Los Angeles. Offered a deal after a serendipitous meeting in Beverly Hills, she was motivated by the experience to keep pushing forward, even during the toughest times. Baby Nova’s story exemplifies the tenacity and passion required to chase one’s dreams in the competitive music industry.
