NSMW 2023 | DAY 1 RECAP

WRITTEN BY: KATIE GORDON // PHOTOS BY: MITCHELL JODREY // THE BOOM AT NOON 

Dave Casey of Like A Motorcycle performing at NSMW 2023.

For the first time in eight years, Nova Scotia Music Week (NSMW) returned to Yarmouth/Kespukwitk and kicked things off on November 2, marking its 26th year of spotlighting Nova Scotia’s vibrant music scene.

Daniel James McFadyen

Indie-folk singer-songwriter Daniel James McFadyen kicked things off at the ECMA Stage at the Rodd Grand Yarmouth. His lively performance featured upbeat and catchy favourites ‘Sunshine,’ ‘Caroline,’ and ‘Hot Sun,’ which got the crowd singing and dancing.

Marlee bubar

Seventeen-year-old Marlee Bubar, who is from the area, was the first artist to take the stage at Haley’s Lounge. She wowed the crowd with her big vocals as she sang alongside her former guitar teacher, who she now writes songs and plays with.

POSTFUN

Halifax-based indie rock five-piece Postfun had an energetic showcase at the ECMA Stage. Hot off the heels of their EP release, “Rear Window,” which dropped on September 29. Near the end of their set, Jade Bennett joined them on stage.

THE TOWN HEROES

The Town Heroes had a throwback set, performing as a duo, much like they did at their first NSMW showcase 10 years ago, which also took place in Yarmouth. The band is gearing up for the release of their forthcoming single, "In Your Head," which is set to drop later this month.

PEANUT BUTTER SUNDAY

The Acadian punk rockers from Baie Sainte Marie brought the night to a spirited close at Johnny Patch’s Pub with their high-energy set. Notably, their posters adorned the walls of NSMW showcase venues, proudly proclaiming them as the only band to have opened for Green Day. Their electrifying performance left no doubt as to why they were a fitting addition to that billing.

LIKE A MOTORCYCLE

Closing out the evening was Like A Motorcycle, performing at the ECMA Stage. The band performed a series of gritty favourites, including their newly released single, “Skin,” which is the first single from their upcoming album.

Stay tuned for further updates as we continue to cover this year's NSMW, bringing you all the latest news and highlights from the weekend.