10 Years — 10 New Brunswick Bands
While we love bringing legendary Canadian acts to our stage, there’s something extra special about giving local New Brunswick talent the chance to share the spotlight. A huge thank you to all the incredible local artists who’ve graced our stage over the years — we hope you’ve had as much fun performing as we’ve had cheering you on!
Here’s a closer look at each of the amazing New Brunswick acts performing at AREA 506 2025. Check them out, give their music a listen, learn the lyrics, and get ready to sing along with us this New Brunswick Day weekend!
Poets and Liars is a powerhouse trio made up of seasoned New Brunswick music veterans.
Kendra leads with powerful vocals, life-driven lyrics, and no-nonsense guitar riffs, while Warren’s groove-heavy drumming keeps the energy high. Kortni’s bass ties it all together, adding punchy low-ends and harmonizing with Kendra’s vocals in perfect rock harmony.
Blending Kendra’s years of original writing with their own songs, Poets and Liars is hotter than a pair of pleather pants on a sunny southern New Brunswick day!
The Last Call is a high-energy four-piece rock band from Saint John, New Brunswick, bringing a fresh twist to nostalgic retro influences. Known for their electric live shows, they thrive on connecting with fans and delivering an unforgettable experience every time they hit the stage.
Over the last two years, they’ve shared the stage with artists like Classified, Two Hours Traffic, and Virginia to Vegas, and played well-known events across the East Coast, including the AREA 506 Waterfront Container Village, Harvest Music Festival, and Moonlight Bazaar.
Their debut single Wine Bottles is out, and they’re gearing up to release their first full-length album this year.
The Kingston Collective is a five-piece band bringing high-energy performances and a fun-loving spirit to every stage they play. Blending rock, pop, funk, reggae, and more, they’ve created a sound that’s uniquely their own.
In the past year, they’ve been gaining momentum in the local music scene, drawing in crowds with their energy and stage presence.
Blending the dark, moody side of indie rock with energetic performances, The Merci Buckets walk that fine, interstitial line of the East Coast experience.
Consisting of Travis Flynn (guitar/vocals), Paul Hayes (bass/vocals), and Johnny Marino (drums), The Merci Buckets have accomplished a lot in a short time.
Their debut record, Allure, was nominated for Music NB’s Recording of the Year and was described as, ‘…a challenge to normcore and the monotonous pursuit of Big Box Beauty,’ by Grid City Magazine.
The Motorleague has been a staple of the East Coast music scene for nearly two decades. Recently, they’ve taken their sound nationwide, earning multiple East Coast Music Awards and Music New Brunswick awards.
Their music has evolved from skate punk to stoner metal, but their ability to craft huge riffs, memorable hooks, and focus on melody and dynamics remains constant.
With every mile on the road, every performance, and every chord, The Motorleague’s mission is simple: to grow and become a stronger band with each step.
WOLF CASTLE W/ THE OLYMPIC SYMPHONIUM
Wolf Castle is a two-time ECMA Nominated Mi’kmaq Rapper, Singer, Producer and Songwriter from Pabineau First Nation in New Brunswick.
His music carries a powerful energy covering topics about love, empowerment, having a good time and going against the odds. His lyrics have been described as catchy and confessional, often connected to his indigenous roots and experience being raised on an indigenous reserve.
He’s bringing along Fredericton friends, The Olympic Symphonium.
Today Junior is an East Coast Electronic/Emo band from Saint John, New Brunswick. Blending atmospheric synths with raw emotion, they craft a unique sound that resonates with both electronic and alternative music fans alike.
Their debut album, Picking Up The Pieces, is out now — offering a deep dive into themes of nostalgia, resilience, and self-discovery.
BAIE is an Acadian pop and disco group known for its vibrant and colorful stage performances.
Listening to BAIE is like diving into tales of romance and heartwarming stories, set to music that tastes like fruit punch and Froot Loops, with a nostalgic beachside feel under a sunset-colored sky. Their vocal harmonies touch the soul, while the reverb-soaked guitars and light basslines create a sound that falls somewhere between ABBA and Fleetwood Mac, evoking the sunny vibes of Earth, Wind & Fire.
After winning Artist of the Year in Music at the Éloizes, Breakthrough Artist of the Year at MusiqueNB, and Album of the Year at GAMIQ, the band also received multiple nominations, including Francophone Album of the Year at the ECMAs, Recording of the Year (PRIX MNB), Video of the Year (PRIX MNB), and Song of the Year (PRIX MNB).
Best buds Ura Star & Fireball Kid have always made music for good times, kitchen parties, barn burners, and foggy night drives. With a fresh take on indie pop through a blurry DIY lens, the duo transitioned from backing punk bands in Saint John, New Brunswick, to carving their own path as rowdy party pop stars in their adopted city of Montréal.
After wrapping up a trilogy of upbeat, feel-good records — Emotional Bros Hotline, Gas Station, and Heartracer — their latest work blends smokey, synth-driven indie rock, fusing all the elements to light up the corners of the endless party and the hangovers that follow.
Red Cardinal is an Alternative Rock band from Saint John, New Brunswick, blending the raw energy of 90s grunge with the punchy vibes of 2000s pop-punk. Known for their electrifying live shows, they’ll keep you hooked from start to finish.
Their highly anticipated new album, Find Yourself, drops on May 16th and will be available on all streaming platforms.
And there it is… TEN New Brunswick bands for TEN incredible years of AREA 506. Go ahead, give their music a listen, learn the lyrics, and get ready to sing along with us this New Brunswick Day weekend!