Canadian independent artists to perform at Lilla By Festivalen June 12-13, 2026 - in a landmark first for Canada-Sweden musical exchange
The inaugural North2North Competition named three extraordinary Canadian indie artists who will be heading to Sweden, to not only perform at featured showcase shows but to proudly represent Canada at a time when we are being recognized as a country with amazing musicians.
Canada’s Prime Minister, Mark Carney, states that Canada is the 3rd largest exporter of music: www.youtube.com/shorts/ppP2s72e3Fs
Fresh Breath, Irish Millie, and Donita Large have each earned a spot in a Canadian landmark event, where they will perform on the main stage and in the beloved festival's very own Canada Barn, where our Canadian flag is flown with pride. This is the first time a competition of this kind has opened a direct performance pipeline between Canadian indie artists and one of Sweden's most warmly regarded independent festivals.
The three winners represent the full breadth of what Canadian independent music sounds like right now.
1st Place Winners: Fresh Breath - Rock Pop Band Singer/Songwriter Duo – Cottam, Ontario
“We are absolutely thrilled to be the first-place winners of North2North. To be able to bring our band with us to perform at Lilla By Festivalen is a dream come true! We are so grateful for this opportunity, and we can’t wait to share our music & motto of: ‘Peace, Love & Fresh Breath’ with everyone there.”
2nd Place Winner and Breakthrough Artist 2026: Irish Millie – Fiddle Singer/Songwriter Peterborough, Ontario
“I’m so honoured to represent Canada in Sweden. The music I play has roots in Europe, so there’s something really special about carrying it back across the ocean after all this time. It’s travelled so far to become part of who we are in Canada, evolving into something that feels like home, and it’s helped shape who I am as a musician. I’m excited to share it with new ears and new friends.”
3rd Place Winner Donita Large – Indigenous Singer/Songwriter Alberta, Canada
“I’m excited and humbled by this incredible opportunity to bring my music to Sweden as an Indigenous Indie Artist from Western Canada. I look forward to connecting with the people, the stories of the land, and celebrating music beneath a shared Northern sky across the sea.”
Lilla By Festivalen co-founders Malin Osth and Jonas Tancred - who will host the Canadian contingency in Rinkaby - said it best: "This year's winners highlight the scope and talent of Canadian music, from the warm Canadiana harmonies of Fresh Breath to the Celtic pop rock energy of Irish Millie and the emotional voice of Donita Large. We are truly excited to welcome these fantastic artists to perform at the Lilla By Festivalen 2026 and look forward to sharing their music with our audience in Sweden."
North2North is produced and presented by Cashbox Canada and and EMG Collectives - a coalition built on eight-plus years of cross-Atlantic music relationship-building between Canada and Sweden.
"The relationship between Canada, Sweden and the Lilla By Festivalen has been growing every year," says Sandy Graham, Industry Icon and Publisher of Cashbox Canada and North2North Executive Producer. "I couldn't be prouder to be Canadian at this time in a world that sees what an amazing country we have, and the music speaks for itself. Tack sa mycket Lilla By Festivalen!"
Also travelling to Sweden are Vance Mckenzie and Lisa Hartt, who will be co-producing the Canadian representation in the Canada Barn, where there will be a welcoming meet and greet event, The Maple Mingle Fika, serving up Tim Horton’s coffee and Maple Sugar Cookies, while our video and live presentation will proudly include the singing of our National Anthem O Canada by Fresh Breath’s Katie Pescoe, O Canada, as well as an Indigenous acknowledgment of the Sami People by Donita Large, and Irish Millie will be serving up some fiddle tunes for our kick off party.
Eric Alper of That Eric Alper PR: “I’m truly honoured to be part of North2North and to help spotlight the incredible depth of talent coming out of Canada right now. Initiatives like this open doors, build lasting bridges between artists, audiences, and cultures and I can’t wait for next year!”
Lisa Hartt: “It was an honour to adjudicate these exceptional artists and experience the rich diversity of music they bring from Canada to Sweden at Rinkaby and Lilla By Festivalen. Having performed on both the main stage and in the Canada Barn for two consecutive years, I’ve had the privilege of connecting with outstanding artists and songwriters from around the world. During this time, I was introduced to composer Jonas Gideon while performing with Janne Schaffer in tribute to Ted Gärdestad—with whom I co-hosted a Canada–Sweden television special in the 1970s. Today, Jonas and I continue to collaborate on songs for my upcoming album. The success stories of Lilla By Festivalen and Canada are amazing.”
Vance McKenzie: This will be my first time travelling to Sweden to be at the Lilla By Festivalen, but I am sure it won’t be my last. We are looking forward to presenting our fabulous winners of the North2North Competition and to be looking out for a Swedish act to bring to Canada in 2027. I am also excited to perform my own music in the Canada Barn. Musical memories will be made!”
Lilla By Festivalen - founded in 2021 by Malin Osth and Jonas Tancred on their own private land in the Swedish countryside of Skane County - has grown into a beloved hub for music, culture, and community. The festival's Kanaladan (Canada Barn) stands as a symbol of the deep ties between the two countries. North2North adjudicators included Sandy Graham (Cashbox Canada/Record World International/Cashbox Radio), Eric Alper (That Eric Alper PR), Vance McKenzie (Vance Music World), Lisa Hartt (Juno-nominated singer-songwriter), Ashley Andrews (Rise & Reign), and Malin Osth and Jonas Tancred of Lilla By Festivalen.
North2North is a competition, a showcase, a mentorship programme, and a bridge - all at once. For the artists heading to Rinkaby, Sweden this June, it is the start of something that reaches well beyond any single performance.
Our contest for the 2027 North2North Competitions opens in September 2025. Stay tuned to North2North: https://north2north.ca/ for further information.
Lilla By Festivalen: lillabyfestivalen.se/
Cashbox Canada: cashboxcanada.ca/
EMG Collectives: emgcollectives.com/
