Nova Scotia-born singer-songwriter MINOE reveals empowering new single ‘Small Town Girls which is an anthemic battle cry for young women who had to be the hero of their own story’ MINOE shared.
Powerful and fiercely defiant, Small Town Girls sees MINOE show up for her younger self. Honest songwriting offers a poignant insight into growing up in abusive environments.
Small Town Girls is the fifth single to be revealed from her upcoming debut album, but it was the first to be written. Sharing more, MINOE explained: ‘When I wrote Small Town Girls, it instantly became the anchor of the entire album. The lyrics are an ode to the young women raised in tough situations, and an aspirational envisioning of what life can look like once you leave home. My small town shaped me, and today, I wouldn’t change a thing about being a small town girl’.
Small Town Girls follows MINOE’s recent single ‘Shell’ which arrived back in July. Powerful and relatable, it saw her confront her harsh inner critic. Amplified by body dysmorphia and the damaging expectations that society places on women and their bodies, the song offers a chance to examine the way we speak to ourselves.
2026 is working out to be MINOE’s year. She’s been gaining great momentum after kicking the year off in February with brooding and addictive ‘Loophole’. It was snapped up by 26 editorial playlists including GLOW, New Music Friday, Pop All Day, Pop All New on Spotify, as well as Apple Music’s New Music Daily, Made in Canada and more. It quickly gained momentum on TikTok with over 3 million views as well as reaching over 180k streams on Spotify. Intoxicating beats and clean production frame her vocals and dynamic songwriting as a powerful moment of reclaiming her peace.
Recent single Foghorns saw MINOE look back at the early influences that shaped her sound. Slick DNB inspired beats and atmospheric production sit beside subtle Irish influences that emerge beneath the surface, thanks to MINOE’s Nova Scotian roots.
She treated fans to the live experience at the end of June when she supported Cailin Russo’s Montreal show. This was a great chance for MINOE to do what she does best; win and wow hearts with her artistry and luminous stage presence.
Already making a name for herself as an up and coming alt-pop powerhouse, fans will be thrilled to learn that MINOE has a debut album on the way titled ‘Stella Marina’. Back in 2023, MINOE shared her debut EP ‘Bleeding Hearts Disco’. The release united the pop girls, gays and theys with a brilliant nod to disco, pop and self-empowerment. Wracking up over a million streams and support from the likes of The Line of Best Fit, Complex CA, Consequence of Sound, Wonderland and CBC, it saw MINOE captivate listeners ahead of a European tour which saw her play multiple shows in London and Paris.
Since her impressive debut EP, MINOE’s flexed more strings to her bow with three stand alone anthem’s; ‘Jealous’, which debuted at legendary Canadian festival Osheaga, ’Lollipop’ which saw her team up with Slater Manzo and ‘Liquorlips’ which arrived in collaboration with fellow Canadian artist Renon. The latter is closing in on a devilish one million streams.
Now based in Toronto via Montreal, MINOE took to songwriting at the tender age of 7 as a way to process her turbulent upbringing and navigate her queer identity. In this latest chapter, MINOE reimagines her early life through a mythical lens, following a mermaid who escapes captivity off the coast of Nova Scotia and finds freedom in the anonymity of Montreal nightlife. Sharing more, MINOE explained: “Stella Marina is an ode to my Celtic roots, growing up broke in Nova Scotia, and fighting to break away from my toxic situation. There’s instruments in there I used to hear in Kitchen parties or play in drumming circles, atmospheric sounds from the coast like waves, whales and gulls. I wanted to really create something that represents who I am and where I come from. Even though it was hard, I am incredibly proud to be Nova Scotian and I love my hometown. This project is for small town girls who had to grow up tough and protect their whimsy alone in their rooms.”
MINOE’s experiences have driven a desire in her to create a safe space for listeners and build a warm and supportive community surrounding her music. With lots more to come this year, keep all eyes on MINOE.
