Nova Scotia native Baby Nova, who last attended the Osheaga Music Festival in Montreal as a fan around ten years ago, is set to make a comeback at the festival as a performer on the main stage this Saturday. Excited but nervous, Baby Nova, an indie-pop artist originally from Halifax but now based in Los Angeles, released her debut album “Shhugar” this year, receiving accolades and even a longlist nomination for Canada’s Polaris Music Prize.
Having been recognized on Spotify’s Artists to Watch list for 2026 and having performed at Rolling Stone Canada’s Future of Music showcase, Baby Nova is now gearing up for upcoming concerts at Fono Festival in Quebec City and Sommo Festival in P.E.I. Despite her seemingly sudden rise in the music scene, Baby Nova has been honing her craft for nearly two decades, tracing her roots back to a pivotal experience during her childhood.
The inspiration for Baby Nova’s music career came from her encounter with self-proclaimed talent scouts seeking the next “Hannah Montana” when she was just 11 years old. Following a summer camp experience organized by these scouts, Baby Nova found the false confidence to pursue songwriting, eventually leading her to develop her unique musical style. Reflecting on her journey, Baby Nova shared that her passion for music has been a driving force since her early years, shaping her determination to succeed in the industry.
After securing a publishing deal at the age of 17 and relocating from Halifax to Montreal, Baby Nova embarked on a musical journey that took her to various cities, including Toronto, New York, and Los Angeles. Despite facing financial and emotional challenges along the way, Baby Nova’s perseverance paid off when she impressed a music industry representative with her original tracks, ultimately leading to a significant breakthrough in her career.
The transformative experience of that pivotal meeting in Beverly Hills serves as a reminder for Baby Nova to push through challenges and continue pursuing her musical aspirations. As she prepares to take the stage at Osheaga and other upcoming festivals, Baby Nova’s story is a testament to the power of determination and passion in the face of adversity.