The Wire Megazine Concert Blog

Following a breakout run that has seen her earn over one million streams, generate more than 10 million social media views, land a #1 single on the Indigenous Music Countdown, and receive support from CBC, APTN, Spotify, and Apple Music, Indigenous R&B and Neo-Soul artist LOV is preparing to release her debut album, Iskwêw, on June 12, 2026.

Meaning "woman" in Cree, Iskwêw is a soulful and deeply personal eight-track project exploring womanhood, self-worth, healing, culture, and connection. Created alongside acclaimed producer Connor Seidel (Charlotte Cardin, Half Moon Run), the album blends contemporary R&B and Neo-Soul influences with LOV's experiences and perspective, resulting in a body of work both intimate and relatable.

Led by the Plains Cree-language single "Mâci Nîmihtow" and fan-favourite tracks including "Can I?" and "Mama," Iskwêw arrives at a pivotal moment for an artist quickly establishing herself as one of the most exciting new voices in Canadian music.

Chart Topping Indigenous R&B Artist LOV Announces Debut Album, Iskwêw

Produced alongside Connor Seidel (Charlotte Cardin, Half Moon Run), the Neo-Soul and R&B project explores womanhood, cultural reconnection, self-worth,

and the journey toward finding one's voice

"LOV is not simply an artist to watch. She is an artist arriving”.

- The Sound Cafe

Watch: Mâci Nîmihtow https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k_dLdOzpMw0&feature=youtu.be

Release Date: Friday, June 12 2026

by Georgie Lawson

Saskatoon, SK – June 8, 2026 –Saskatchewan-based R&B and Neo-Soul artist LOV has announced her debut solo album, Iskwêw, set for release on Friday, June 12, 2026.

Meaning "woman" in Cree, Iskwêw (pronounced Isk-wee-oh-w) captures LOV at a pivotal moment in her artistic and personal journey. Written during a period of self-discovery and renewed confidence, her debut project explores themes of womanhood, love, healing, purpose, and connection while embracing vulnerability as a source of strength. With her signature soulful vocals, Indigenous musical influences, and contemporary Neo-Soul production, Iskwêw captures the sound and voice of a woman growing into her own. Across its eight tracks, LOV reflects on the experiences that shaped her, the community that supported her, and the evolving understanding of what it means to take up space as an Indigenous woman and artist today.

Having quietly established herself as one of Saskatchewan's most compelling emerging voices, LOV has earned over one million streams, generated over ten million social media views, and built a devoted audience through emotionally resonant songwriting and an unmistakably authentic presence. Her breakout single, "Mama," reached #1 on the Indigenous Music Countdown while earning support from CBC, APTN, Spotify's EQUAL Canada and Fresh Finds playlists, Apple Music's Indigenous Now, and numerous media outlets across the country. More recently, LOV was selected for the AIR program at Toronto's Allied Music Centre and Massey Hall, further cementing her reputation as one of the country's most promising Indigenous artists. Through every release, she has remained committed to creating music that is both personal yet universally relatable, transforming individual experiences into songs that resonate far beyond her own story.

With Iskwêw, LOV introduces herself as an artist rooted in community, culture, and the generations of women whose strength continues to shape her voice. Created in close collaboration with acclaimed producer Connor Seidel (Charlotte Cardin, Half Moon Run), the album draws inspiration from leading Soul and R&B artists including Cleo Sol, Erykah Badu, Norah Jones, and Amy Winehouse while rooted in LOV's perspective and experience. Written largely on acoustic guitar and guided by a desire to connect with a more evolved version of herself, the songs emerged from a period of optimism, reflection, and gratitude. The album journeys through what it means to nurture oneself, celebrate growth, and carry forward the strength passed down through generations of women. Gentle, soulful, and built with intention, Iskwêw introduces a new creative chapter for an artist still exploring the full possibilities of her sound.

Credit by Georgie Lawson

The album's lead single, "Mâci Nîmihtow," (pronounced Mah-chee Nee-mee-toh) serves as one of the project's most distinctive and joyful moments. Built around Plains Cree language and inspired by the excitement of getting to know someone new, the song blends contemporary R&B and Neo-Soul textures with cultural influences that honour LOV's roots while presenting them through a fresh and accessible lens. Translating loosely to the process of getting to know a person, the track is a celebration of curiosity, connection, and the excitement of new relationships that weaves language, community, and culture into a modern love song. Accompanied by vibrant visuals that intentionally highlight the beauty of the land it was filmed on, the track reflects LOV's ongoing commitment to finding new ways to share her culture with wider audiences while encouraging younger generations to connect with their language and traditions.

Other tracks on the album include the breakout single, "Can I?", a groove-driven, melodic, Y2K era inspired track that explores confidence, curiosity, and self-worth in relationships. "Mama" offers one of the album's most moving reflections, inspired by the countless women balancing caregiving responsibilities, work, ambition, and personal dreams. Written after LOV began questioning the traditional definitions of success, the song encourages listeners to pursue the life they were meant to live without abandoning their own aspirations to serve everyone else. On "G.O.S.", LOV explores self-worth, gratitude, and the importance of creating space for encouragement and community, with the remaining tracks throughout the project examining themes of love, self-acceptance, personal accountability, and the quiet confidence that comes with embracing one's authentic self. Together, the songs create a body of work that feels nostalgic, personal, and recognizes each listener for who they are.

With Iskwêw, LOV delivers her most complete artistic statement to date: a record rooted in healing, self-discovery, and the transformative power of embracing oneself. Steering clear of chasing trends or fitting neatly within expectations, LOV leans fully into her artistic authenticity, creating music that feels warm, soulful, and accepting. Through stories of love, growth, culture, family, and womanhood, the album celebrates the strength that exists within everyday experiences while creating a sense of comfort, hope, and connection. A standout debut from an artist solidifying her sound, Iskwêw is a reflection of the current chapter of LOV's own journey and an invitation for others to recognize themselves within it.

Upcoming Performances:

June 13 2026 - Saskatoon, SK - Capitol Music Club - Tickets

https://www.showpass.com/lov-live-in-concert/

June 25 2026 - Winnipeg, MB - sākihiwē festival - Tickets

https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/opening-night-presented-by-the-gord-downie-chanie-wenjack-fund-tickets-1988135288166?aff=oddtdtcreator

July 6 2026 - Saskatoon, SK - Sask Jazz Festival - Tickets

https://www.saskjazz.com/lineup/lov

July 11 2026 - Victoria, BC - Studio 919 (with Siibii and Kiva Mh) - Tickets

https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/live-at-studio-919-siibii-x-lov-x-kiva-mh-tickets-1989110710681

July 12 2026 - Nanaimo, BC - The Terminal Bar (with Siibi and Kiva Mh) - Tickets

https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/live-at-the-terminal-bar-siibii-x-lov-x-kiva-mh-tickets-1989398826443

July 15 2026 - Ucluelet, BC - Army & Navy Club (with Siibi and Kiva Mh) - Tickets