Joel Plaskett

Artist Bio

For over 30 years, Joel Plaskett has been a driving force in Canadian music—constantly evolving, always authentic. The Nova Scotia-born singer-songwriter is known for his genre-defying discography, which spans everything from gritty rock anthems to intimate folk ballads. Whether solo, with his band The Emergency, or alongside his father Bill, Plaskett’s performances are infused with heart, humour, and East Coast soul.

His body of work includes standout records like Down at the Khyber, Ashtray Rock, and the ambitious multi-album sets Three and 44, each reflecting his boundless curiosity and love of storytelling. His latest release, One Real Reveal (2024), strips everything back to raw, honest songwriting—capturing the human touch in every note.

Beloved across the country and beyond, Joel has played iconic venues like Massey Hall, opened for legends like Paul McCartney, and earned accolades from the JUNOs, Polaris Music Prize, and East Coast Music Awards. Yet he remains deeply rooted in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, where he runs Fang Recording Studio and curates community-driven events like Window Inn Wednesdays—a no-phones-allowed variety show celebrating slow art and real connection. With every project, Joel continues to shape the Canadian music landscape in his own unmistakable way.