Nova Scotia native Baby Nova, who previously attended the Osheaga Music Festival in Montreal as a spectator about ten years ago, will now be gracing the main stage as a performer this Saturday. Reflecting on her festival debut, she expressed excitement and nervousness while striving to deliver a stellar performance. Baby Nova, an indie-pop artist hailing from Halifax and now based in Los Angeles, gained recognition with her debut album, “Shhugar,” which received positive reviews and secured a spot on the longlist for Canada’s prestigious Polaris Music Prize.
Having been featured on Spotify’s Artists to Watch list for 2026 and showcased at Rolling Stone Canada’s Future of Music event, Baby Nova is set to perform at various upcoming music festivals including Fono Festival in Quebec City and Sommo Festival in P.E.I. Despite her seemingly rapid rise to fame, she has dedicated almost two decades to honing her craft, with her decision to pursue a music career initially sparked by a dubious talent scout encounter during her childhood.
Inspired by the television series “Hannah Montana,” which aired from 2006 to 2011, Baby Nova embarked on her musical journey after attending a summer camp organized by purported talent scouts seeking the next pop sensation. Following this experience, she began writing songs in the style of Hannah Montana, a phase she now views as pivotal in igniting her passion for music. Reflecting on her early compositions, Baby Nova acknowledges their flaws but credits them for fueling her dedication to music.
Securing a publishing deal at 17 to write songs for other artists, Baby Nova soon relocated from Halifax to Montreal after completing high school. Over the past decade, she has navigated a nomadic lifestyle across Montreal, Toronto, New York, and Los Angeles, relentlessly pursuing her musical ambitions. Despite facing financial and emotional challenges, a serendipitous encounter in Los Angeles led to a breakthrough moment for Baby Nova, propelling her career forward.
The encounter with an artist and repertoire (A&R) representative in Beverly Hills, where she showcased her music and received an informal offer, served as a turning point for Baby Nova. Recalling the experience as a source of motivation during challenging times, she remains steadfast in her pursuit of musical success.