SPILL NEWS: STEVE MARRINER EARNS 2026 JUNO AWARD NOMINATION FOR BLUES ALBUM OF THE YEAR WITH ‘HEAR MY HEART’

STEVE MARRINER EARNS 2026 JUNO AWARD NOMINATION FOR BLUES ALBUM OF THE YEAR WITH HEAR MY HEART

CORDOVA BAY RECORDS

Two-time JUNO Award winner Steve Marriner adds another milestone to his storied career with a 2026 JUNO nomination for Blues Album of the Year for Hear My Heart, out now via Cordova Bay Records. The nomination caps an extraordinary run for the album, which claimed the #1 spot on the Roots Music Report Canada Album Chart, landed in the Top 10 on CKUA, and secured the distinction of being the #1 most-played album in 2025 on The Big Blues Chart for Canada.

The JUNO nomination represents Marriner’s third solo recognition from the Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences, following his 2022 JUNO nomination for Hope Dies Last. As co-founder and frontman of MonkeyJunk, he previously won two JUNO Awards for Blues Album of the Year, establishing himself as a dominant force in Canadian blues. But the MonkeyJunk legacy extends beyond national borders—the band made history when they became the first Canadian act to win a Blues Music Award in Memphis, a groundbreaking achievement that put Canadian blues on the international map and demonstrated that the country’s artists could stand toe-to-toe with the genre’s American titans.

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With over twenty years of relentless touring and recording under his belt, Marriner has earned his reputation as one of Canada’s most versatile and hard-working musicians. Nicknamed “The Swiss Army Knife” for his multi-instrumental prowess, he excels as a harmonica player, guitarist and bassist, soulful vocalist, and creative producer – a rare combination that has made him both an invaluable collaborator and a formidable solo artist. This versatility shines throughout Hear My Heart, where Marriner’s ability to inhabit multiple musical roles creates richly textured soundscapes that feel both intimately personal and expansively ambitious.

Beyond his performing career, Marriner has established himself as a producer with an intuitive understanding of what makes great blues recordings resonate. He helmed two albums—Yeah! by David Gogo and This Old Life by Big Dave McLean—both of which earned Blues Album of the Year nominations at the 2025 JUNO Awards. The achievement of producing two JUNO-nominated albums in the same year while simultaneously earning his own nomination for Hear My Heart in 2026 speaks volumes about Marriner’s impact on contemporary Canadian blues. His production work demonstrates an ability to bring out the authentic blues spirit in other artists while maintaining the genre’s emotional core.

HEAR MY HEART ALBUM REVIEW

Marriner’s collaborations read like a who’s who of blues royalty. He has shared stages and studios with legends including Buddy Guy, Randy Bachman, and Colin James, absorbing influences while contributing his distinctive musicality to each project. These partnerships have enriched Marriner’s artistic vocabulary while solidifying his standing as a musician’s musician—someone equally comfortable supporting others or commanding the spotlight himself. His Ottawa roots and Toronto base have positioned him at the heart of Canada’s music scene, where he has become a fixture known for his relentless work ethic and undeniable talent.

What Steve Marriner has accomplished over the past decade continues to impress on multiple fronts. Simply put, it is astounding that this multi-instrumentalist, songwriting singer has driven, guided, and participated in so many acclaimed recording and live performance projects. He sits at or near the top of the list as “Canada’s hardest working person in show biz,” a title earned through dedication and an insatiable appetite for musical exploration. With Hear My Heart, Marriner brings new emotional depth and musical grit to his work, continuing to evolve while honouring blues traditions and solidifying his status as one of the most compelling voices in modern blues.

The 2026 JUNO nomination for Blues Album of the Year crowns a remarkable chapter in Marriner’s journey—one defined by chart success, critical acclaim, and an unwavering commitment to authentic blues music. “Straight Line” and the larger Hear My Heart project demonstrate an artist at the peak of his powers, unafraid to push boundaries while respecting the genre’s rich heritage. As he continues to tour, record, and produce, Steve Marriner remains a vital force in Canadian music, bringing virtuosity, authenticity, and heart to every note he plays.

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Photo Credit: Jeff Topham