Canadian Artists to Watch in 2010

Canada saw its decade-long musical renaissance carry on through 2009, as acts ranging from indie songsmiths Rural Alberta Advantage to booty-shakers Thunderheist to Lil Wayne-approved rapper Drake grabbed themselves a piece of the spotlight. 2010 looks to continue the trend as Canuck musicians show they can hang with the best the rest of the world has to offer.

Here are just a handful of names that you'll likely be hearing a lot of over the next 12 months:

Owen Pallett

Why We Love Him: The baroque-pop of the Toronto violinist formerly known as Final Fantasy would be astonishing under any name. Weaving gossamer webs of looped strings, Pallett draws listeners into an ambitious narrative song cycle (about an ultra-violent farmer named Lewis, set in the imaginary landscape of Spectrum) on his much-anticipated third album, 'Heartland,' slated for release on Jan. 26.

Listen: 'Lewis Takes Action'

Basia Bulat

Why We Love Her: The London, Ontario songstress' plush folk-pop landed her a deal with renowned UK label Rough Trade, which releases her winsome second record next month. Recorded with exacting precision by Arcade Fire producer Howard Bilerman, 'Heart of My Own' showcases Bulat's smoky voice and sprightly, complex melodies evoking Old World romance.

Listen: 'Gold Rush'

Dan Mangan

Why We Love Him: Vancouver's Dan Mangan turned the boring singer-songwriter stereotype on its head with his infectious and wide-ranging sophomore release, 'Nice, Nice, Very Nice,' which won a bevy of Canadian awards, including XM Radio's Artist of the Year. Now he's dead-set on winning over audiences around the globe.

Listen: 'Robots'

Shad

Why We Love Him: London, Ontario rapper Shad's smart, catchy Polaris Prize-nominated 2008 album 'The Old Prince' went viral with its hilarious 'Fresh Prince of Bel-Air' parody video for the title track and even grabbed Kanye's attention with the clip for 'Compromise', but the MC's tunes stand on their own. His March sophomore effort should bring Shad's clever quotidian rap to a far wider audience.

Listen: 'Compromise'

Woodhands

Why We Love Them: With drummer Paul Banwatt's other band Rural Alberta Advantage still building buzz, it's amazing he's got a second, equally hyped act on the go with Woodhands. After dropping jaws with their feverishly energetic live act, his disco-riffic duo with vocalist/producer Dan Werb is bringing the dance party back when their electro-drenched follow-up 'Remorsecapade' drops next month.

Listen: 'Pockets'