Founded in 2005 by Robert Williston, the Museum of Canadian Music is a one-of-a-kind digital archive dedicated to preserving, celebrating, and sharing the rich and diverse history of Canadian music. With a collection of over 850,000 digital Canadian sound recordings spanning genres such as garage, psych, indigenous, punk, funk, blues, metal, folk, hip-hop, jazz, and rock, the Museum stands as Canada’s most comprehensive repository of musical heritage, showcasing more than a century of artistry.
Predating the majority of modern streaming platforms, the Museum of Canadian Music is Canada’s sole private National Music Museum dedicated to the archiving and preservation of sound recordings. This cultural treasure has meticulously digitized tens of thousands of rare vinyl records, cassettes, and CDs - including 78rpm, 45rpm, and LP formats - to create an unparalleled listening experience. The collection features music from more than 4,100 artists, representing an extraordinary diversity of voices and stories across the Canadian music landscape.
Beyond offering access to Canada’s musical legacy, the Museum serves as an encyclopedia of Canadian music history. Each artist profile is enriched with detailed background information, historical context, and curated photo libraries, making it a vital educational resource for music enthusiasts, researchers, and the general public alike. The platform also serves as a free promotional tool for artists and record labels, providing them with opportunities to showcase and sell their music.
Supporting Canadian Music
The Museum of Canadian Music encourages visitors to actively support Canadian artists by purchasing music directly from them or their distributors. Whenever possible, links to artists' official websites or sales pages are provided on album listings.
While we do not sell digital media or offer downloads, the music available on this platform is intended to celebrate and share Canada’s musical history in a way that aligns with educational and cultural purposes.
We hope you enjoy exploring the incredible depth of Canadian music. Thank you for supporting the artists who make it possible!
-Robert Williston