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Born unto a family of musicians, it was predestined that Halifax singer-songwriter, actor, and educator Melanie Doane would join the family business. 
Fitting in perfectly with the folk-rock sound of "women's music", Melanie released two good records, one really great song, played Lilith Fair, and was crowned the Best New Solo Artist at the 1999 JUNOs. But was her heart ever really in it? 

Also discussed: Tate ‘The Traitor’ McRae and other CanCon betrayals, other Frosh-Week Core bands, The October Game and Sarah McLachlan, MuchMoreMusic, the ukification of Canada, the Doane Music School, and more.

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We're going to Mac's memory palace to discuss the brief but potent popularity of Mississauga reggae-rock-ska-punk band illScarlett. Hit the bong and find out how Canada's Sublime became a brief major label success story.

Also discussed: big to you bands, street signs, theft, Warped Tour afterparties, Supernova, Brad Rubens: Philadelphia lawyer, the One-A video shoot, rerecording your songs over and over, being let down by bands, becoming an influencer and more.

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We breakdown the various performances from 2010 Vancouver Olympics closing ceremony and then give our instant reactions to the 2026 JUNO nominations. Who are these awards for? What are sales? Is it still 2005? Things are strange out there.

NOTE: This episode was recorded before Tate McRae defected to Team USA...more to come on that.

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During the 2010 Vancouver Olympics, Canada was in the palm of Nikki Yanofsky’s hand. At just 16 years old, this child star captured the heart of a nation by singing the official Olympic anthem, “I Believe.” But this undeniable power ballad is an anomaly in Nikki’s career which is otherwise filled with all that jazz.

Also discussed: Dad Rap, 2010 Olympic memories, scatting, “child prodigies”, Quincy Jones, Ella Fitzgerald, being rizz-less, and much more.  

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After nearly fifteen years of grinding, Classified finally reached the summit of CanCon when he unleashed his Inner Ninja. But, when the industry wants him to start his next climb (towards the top of the whole world), Class chose to stay grounded, be Dad, smoke weed and revel in his accomplishments at home. On this episode we examine how Classified's commitment to Canada has earned him a venerated place among this country's hip-hop success stories.

Also discussed: Much Video Dance Parties, "Off the Beat 'N Path", Patio Lanterns, "genre dysphoria", acoustic guitars, Snoop, being addicted to weed and much more.

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It's as unlikely a story as any: a white boy from Enfield, Nova Scotia becomes one of the greatest Canadian rappers of all time. And yet, by some combination of hard work, lack of international ambition, and weed, Luke Boyd aka Classified made it happen.

In part one of a two-part exploration of "Class", Mac and Laura discuss the early days of his career including his major breakthrough: a song that samples the fucking national anthem.

Also discussed: the national anthem, white people embracing hip-hop, JUNO albums of the year, Kim Mitchell's shirt, loving weed, Maestro Fresh Wes, grindin' and more.

Is this quintessential CanCon summer song bad? Or are we suffering from an extreme case of Patio Lanterns Exhaustion? We trace Kim Mitchell's journey from his days in Max Webster to the zenith of Canadian musical fame: beating Bryan Adams for album of the year at the Juno's. Look what you made him do, Kim.

Also discussed: our Patreon (click here to subscribe wooo), being good enough, becoming the circuit, having a lyric writer, Sarnia, M.A.D.D., that hat and much more.

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In Big in Canada's first Patreon subscriber only bonus episode, we discuss Heated Rivalry, the hottest show on TV when the CanCon is as plentiful as the hockey and the sex. Plus, we discuss Ashley MacIsaac's recent run-in with Google AI and why the New Years Eve concert is a shit gig.

Thanks for supporting Big in Canada and Happy New Year!

On part two of Big in Canada's special year-end wrap up episode, we count down our favourite albums from 4-1.

Also discussed: Bryan Adams' A Great Big Holiday Jam, other Bryan Adams Christmas songs, Three Strong Words, fatherhood, the location of Pho No Café and more.

SEE YOU NEXT YEAR!

Because yeah, we're a music podcast too.

On the first of two special year-end wrap up episodes, we count down our favourite albums from 10-5. Next week, we go 4-1. The suspense is getting you killed. CanCon laws ARE in effect.

Also discussed: Three Strong Words, the Toronto (Still) Loves Jacksoul Map, Christmas music contradictions and mistakes, Tate "Cars" McRae, the band "Christmas" and more.