Baby Nova’s Unlikely Music Journey: From Halifax to Hollywood

Indie-pop artist Baby Nova is returning to the Osheaga Music Festival in Montreal as a main-stage performer nearly a decade after attending as a fan in the crowd, according to interviews and festival scheduling. The Halifax-raised, Los Angeles-based musician released her debut album, Shhugar, earlier this year to widespread acclaim, securing a longlist spot for Canada’s Polaris Music Prize and a place on Spotify’s Artists to Watch list for 2026.

From Childhood Auditions to the Osheaga Main Stage

According to Baby Nova, her pursuit of a music career began at age 11 after encountering self-proclaimed talent scouts who held auditions searching for the next Hannah Montana, the hit Disney television series that ran from 2006 to 2011. Participants were sent to a summer camp in Halifax if organizers claimed they showed talent—a process she later described as a scheme to collect money. Even so, she told reporters the experience provided enough false confidence to launch her songwriting journey. Her mother recently uncovered a binder containing roughly 300 songs she wrote before turning 16.

By age 17, she secured a publishing deal to write songs for other artists, a role that helped refine her craft before she eventually left Halifax for Montreal. Over the following decade, she lived as a self-described professional couch-surfer across Montreal, Toronto, New York, and Los Angeles while working toward her own artist career.

Overcoming Near-Burnout in Los Angeles

According to the artist, she nearly abandoned her music career roughly two years ago while living in Los Angeles with only $500 to her name, facing severe financial and mental strain. A turning point arrived during a meeting with an artist and repertoire (A&R) representative. Though the discussion initially focused on her songwriting for other artists, the representative asked to hear her own recorded music.

That prompt led to a follow-up meeting in Beverly Hills. Unable to afford an Uber ride, she walked for two hours from Hollywood to attend. Arriving sweaty, hungry, and candid, she was informally offered a deal that day. She noted that the experience serves as a persistent reminder to push through moments of fatigue, telling interviewers that enduring that walk keeps her motivated when approaching burnout.

Festival Circuit and Future Appearances

In addition to her upcoming performance at Osheaga in Montreal, Baby Nova is scheduled to perform at the Fono Festival in Quebec City and the Sommo Festival in P.E.I. Her recent industry momentum includes the Rolling Stone Canada Future of Music showcase and widespread critical attention for her debut studio record.

Frequently Asked Questions

When did Baby Nova start writing music?

According to the artist, she began writing songs at age 11 after participating in a talent camp in Halifax inspired by the television series Hannah Montana.

What was Baby Nova’s debut album?

Her debut album is titled Shhugar, which was released this year and longlisted for Canada’s Polaris Music Prize.

Which music festivals is Baby Nova performing at?

She is scheduled to perform at the Osheaga Music Festival in Montreal, the Fono Festival in Quebec City, and the Sommo Festival in P.E.I.