Many people think Canada’s indie scene really took off in the early 2000’s, but the 90s were a golden age for Canadian indie music. Here are some of the bands that paved the way for bands like Arcade Fire, Broken Social Scene and countless others.

THRUSH HERMIT

This is Joel Plaskett’s old band, and they were a big part of Canada’s East Coast indie explosion.
 

ERIC’S TRIP

Julie Doiron and Rick White influenced countless bands with their stoner-jams in the 90’s.
 

SIANSPHERIC

Canada’s greatest shoegaze band took an extended hiatus but came back with a new EP last year.
 

THE SUPERFRIENDZ

Their album Mock Up Scale Down is one of my favorite indie records of the 90’s.
 

SLOAN

Still kicking ass after all these years, Sloan continues to be one of our greatest indie exports.