Canada Indie Artists To Perform Lilla By Festivalen, Sweden

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Fresh Breath, Irish Millie, and Donita Large Win Their Way to Sweden in Inaugural North2North Competition

CANADA / SWEDEN — A new chapter in international independent music collaboration begins as Fresh Breath, Irish Millie, and Donita Large have been named the inaugural winners of the North2North: The Artist Gateway competition. The three Canadian artists will travel to Rinkaby, Sweden to perform at Lilla By Festivalen on June 12 and 13, 2026 — marking the first time a competition has created a direct performance pipeline between Canadian indie artists and one of Sweden’s most celebrated grassroots festivals.

Representing diverse corners of Canada’s music scene — from London/Windsor, Peterborough/Toronto, and Edmonton — the winners embody the range and strength of today’s independent sound. Festival co-founders Malin Östh and Jonas Tancred praised the selections:

“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 Lilla By Festivalen 2026 and look forward to sharing their music with our audience in Sweden.”

Each artist will perform twice during the festival — on the main stage and inside the beloved Kanaladan (Canada Barn), a symbolic space celebrating the cultural ties between Canada and Sweden.

A Transatlantic Bridge for Independent Music

North2North is produced by Cashbox Canada, Lilla By Festivalen, Rise & Reign, and EMG Collectives — partners who have spent more than eight years strengthening creative connections between the two countries.

“The relationship between Canada, Sweden and the Lilla By Festivalen has been growing every year,” said Sandy Graham, Publisher of Cashbox Canada and North2North 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 så mycket Lilla By Festivalen!”

The competition was open to all Canadian indie artists, with every submission receiving written feedback from an elite panel of adjudicators, including Sandy Graham, Eric Alper, Vance McKenzie, Juno-nominated artist Lisa Hartt, Ashley Andrews, and festival founders Malin Östh and Jonas Tancred.

More Than a Competition

Beyond performance opportunities, the North2North winners receive prize packages valued at up to $12,000 CAD, including:

Two live performances at Lilla By Festivalen
Full accommodations in Rinkaby, Sweden
Feature coverage in Cashbox Canada and Record World International
Radio rotation on Cashbox Radio
Artist development sessions and grant-writing support
Professional recording sessions
Social media video packages

Adding to the initiative’s long-term impact, producer Vance McKenzie will select a Swedish artist during the festival to perform in Canada before the end of 2026 — extending the cultural exchange in both directions.

Producer Ashley Andrews emphasized the program’s broader vision:

“Music doesn’t recognize borders, and initiatives like this prove that great songs and creative collaborations can travel far beyond geography.”

About Lilla By Festivalen

Founded in 2021 by Malin Östh and Jonas Tancred, Lilla By Festivalen takes place on private land in the scenic countryside of Skåne County, Sweden. In just a few short years, it has become a cherished destination for music, culture, and community — with the Kanaladan standing as a powerful symbol of the enduring Canada-Sweden connection.

About North2North

North2North: The Artist Gateway is a competition, showcase, mentorship program, and international bridge designed to elevate independent artists beyond borders. For its inaugural winners, the journey to Sweden represents more than a performance — it signals the beginning of a global pathway for Canadian indie talent.