Yukon Territory at Breakout West!

Music Yukon is thrilled to be heading back to BreakOut West, taking place September 30 to October 4 in Victoria, BC.

BreakOut West brings together artists and music industry professionals from across Western Canada and beyond for several days of live music, professional development, networking and connection. This year, the depth and breadth of Yukon talent is excellently represented by FRANKLIN, Joey O’Neil, John from Dawson and Ryan McNally joining the 2026 showcase lineup.

Music Yukon will be on the ground in Victoria supporting our artists, building connections with industry delegates, and helping create new opportunities for Yukon music beyond the territory.

Heading to BreakOut West? Make sure these four incredible Yukon artists are on your schedule

FRANKLIN

Catch FRANKLIN at BreakOut West:
Thursday, October 1 | 10:00–10:30 PM | Studio 919
Friday, October 2 | 8:00–8:30 PM | The Open Studios

Hailing from Whitehorse, Yukon, FRANKLIN is the melodic, sludgy, tension-building riff-machine your nightmares have been waiting for. This two-piece metal-menace features Kirsty Wells screaming ethereally harsh vocals and slamming the fuzz and distortion-fuelled bass, while Evan Joel hits drums with blunt-force intensity alongside raspy support vocals. FRANKLIN reflects the under-sung desolation, mania, and limitlessness typical of the north.

Lovingly dubbed “gateway metal” by listeners, the duo spent 2025 sharpening their teeth with a storm of festivals and tour dates throughout the year, plus four slow-burning but gnawing singles, a fiery music video, and a three-part live-off-the floor series. FRANKLIN independently released their debut LP decay in January 2026 after landing features in CBC’s Top 100 Canadian Songs of 2025 and Exclaim!’s Most Anticipated Albums of 2026.

Website | Instagram | Bandcamp | Spotify | Apple Music

JOEY O’NEIL

Catch Joey O’Neil at BreakOut West:
Friday, October 2 | 10:30–11:00 PM | Metro Studio
Saturday, October 3 | 7:30–8:00 PM | Fort Tectoria

Critically acclaimed Yukon folk songbird Joey O’Neil is bewitching audiences across Canada with hauntingly heartfelt anecdotes from a woodland life. Offering vulnerable vocals, engaging banter, and bittersweet wordplay floating atop a bed of fingerpicked guitar, O’Neil’s clever sincerity is sure to make you laugh and cry simultaneously.

With a decade of touring to her name, her live performance has been described as “gentle and intimate” by Exclaim! and “absolutely touching, even a little heartbreaking” by NEXT Magazine. O’Neil’s spirit-focused album, Phantom Vibes, weaves poignant storytelling with her theremin’s ethereal howls and a mélange of folk-jazz instrumentation produced by Aaron Goldstein.

Her clever sincerity has earned her regular spins on CBC Afterdark, an appearance on Global News’ The Morning Show, as well as a place on !earshot’s National Folk/Roots/Blues chart. When taking a break from chopping wood and hauling water around her off-grid Klondike cabin, O’Neil has played more than 200 concerts around the country.

Website | Instagram | Bandcamp | Spotify | Apple Music

JOHN FROM DAWSON

Catch John from Dawson at BreakOut West:
Saturday, October 3 | 12:00–12:30 AM | CODA Main Stage
Saturday, October 3 | 9:30–10:00 PM | Upstairs

John from Dawson is a hip-hop artist from Dawson City, Yukon, on the Traditional Territory of the Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in.

With music that has been described as a mix of Mac Miller and the Bloodhound Gang, JFD uses emotional inner thoughts to create catchy hooks that keep crowds energized and engaged. JFD channels his emotions and life experiences through his music, creating hip-hop that expresses his positive outlook on life and aims to uplift and inspire the youth of the Yukon and beyond.

Having opened for recognized Canadian hip-hop artists such as Haviah Mighty, Super Duty Tough Work, Shad and Snotty Nose Rez Kids, JFD is known for creating genuine connections with audiences, making his performances unforgettable. After attending the Canadian Music Incubator’s Artist Entrepreneur West Program and performing at festivals including The Great Escape, Dawson City Music Festival, Keno Festival, Edmonton Fringe Festival and BreakOut West, JFD has set his sights on touring within Canada and Europe.

Website | Instagram | Bandcamp | Spotify | Apple Music

RYAN McNALLY

Catch Ryan McNally at BreakOut West:
Friday, October 2 | 9:30–10:00 PM | Metro Studio
Saturday, October 3 | 8:30–9:00 PM | Fort Tectoria

While he’s best known for his interpretative playing of traditional acoustic blues, jazz and old-time music, audiences can’t help but notice the influence that Northern living has had on Ryan McNally’s music. For the past 13 years, McNally has called Whitehorse home.

Originally from rural southern Quebec, Ryan first discovered jazz and blues by uncovering a huge collection of 78 records that belonged to his grandfather. As a teen, his curiosity for the sound and history anchored his love for the genres, and it’s only grown stronger since.

His first album, Down Home, was recorded live by CBC North and received a feature on Saturday Night Blues. In 2017, his second album, Steppin’ Down South, was nominated for Blues Artist of the Year at the Western Canadian Music Awards.

McNally has become known for his diversity as a multi-instrumentalist. He plays guitar, harmonica, mandolin, violin and banjo in many different styles. Whether performing solo or with his band, his music is grounded in the legacy of generations of players who came before him, while continuing to push the boundaries of his own signature sound.

Website | Instagram | Bandcamp