• Comment: Please focus on revising the draft and adressing the issues before resubmitting. NeoGaze (talk) 17:52, 4 March 2026 (UTC)


New Friends
OriginToronto, Ontario, Canada
GenresAlternative pop, alternative rock, pop rock
Years active2018–present
Members
  • Stefan Boulineau
  • Conrad Galecki
  • Cole Wilson
  • Nico Elias
Past members
  • Ayden Miller

New Friends is a Canadian alternative pop and rock band from Toronto, Ontario. Formed in 2018 while its members were students in the Music Industry Arts program at Fanshawe College in London, Ontario, the band gained national attention after winning Slaight Music’s It’s Your Shot competition in 2021. Since then, they have released multiple singles and EPs, toured internationally, and signed with American producer Timbaland in 2024.[1]

History

edit

Formation and early years (2018–2020)

edit

New Friends was formed in 2018 by vocalist Stefan Boulineau, bassist and multi-instrumentalist Conrad Galecki, keyboardist Ayden Miller, and guitarist Cole Wilson while attending Fanshawe College’s Music Industry Arts program in London, Ontario. The group began writing and recording original material while still in school, drawing from alternative rock, pop, and electronic influences.[1]

The band released their debut single, "Purple Candy," in 2019. The track achieved significant online success, accumulating millions of streams and receiving national broadcast placement on Canadian television.[1]

Breakthrough and Lovestruck EP (2021–2023)

edit

In 2021, New Friends won Slaight Music’s nationwide $100,000 It’s Your Shot competition, which provided recording funding, marketing support, and industry mentorship. Later that year, the band released their debut EP, Lovestruck, featuring the title track "Lovestruck Energy." The release marked a major step in the group’s professional development and helped expand their national audience.[1]

During this period, New Friends performed extensively across Canada, appearing at major venues and music festivals, and building a reputation for energetic live performances.

International expansion and Timbaland collaboration (2024–present)

edit

In 2024, New Friends signed with American producer Timbaland, marking a major milestone in their career. The collaboration led to new studio recordings and increased international attention, with support and endorsements from high-profile artists including Justin Timberlake and Ryan Tedder. The band also expanded its touring schedule outside of Canada.[2]

Musical style and influences

edit

New Friends’ sound blends alternative rock, pop, and electronic elements, incorporating nostalgic influences from classic band-driven pop alongside contemporary production techniques. Their songwriting often emphasizes melodic hooks, emotional themes, and high-energy arrangements, contributing to their crossover appeal in both pop and alternative music scenes.[2]

Members

edit

Current members

edit
  • Stefan Boulineau – lead vocals
  • Conrad Galecki – bass, backing vocals
  • Cole Wilson – guitar
  • Nico Elias – drums

Former members

edit
  • Ayden Miller – keyboards (founding member)

Discography

edit

Extended plays

edit
  • Lovestruck (2021)

Singles

edit
  • "Purple Candy" (2019)
  • "Lovestruck Energy" (2021)
  • "Wait4me" (2025)

Awards and recognition

edit
  • Slaight Music – It’s Your Shot Competition Winner (2021)[1]

References

edit

References

edit