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Broken Social Scene

Broken Social Scene is a Canadian indie rock band and musical collective formed in Toronto in 1999 by Kevin Drew and Brendan Canning.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Broken Social Scene is a Canadian indie rock band and musical collective formed in Toronto in 1999 by Kevin Drew and Brendan Canning. Its lineup has fluctuated widely over time, often including members associated with other Toronto acts such as Feist, Metric, and Stars. The group is known for its collaborative structure and expansive, layered sound.

History

Broken Social Scene began in Toronto in 1999 as a collaboration between Kevin Drew and Brendan Canning. It grew into a larger collective through connections with musicians from Toronto’s indie scene.

Musical style

The group is generally described as indie rock and alternative rock, with a layered, collaborative sound. Its recordings and performances often feature shifting instrumentation and a large ensemble approach.

Discography

Notable releases include Feel Good Lost (2001), You Forgot It in People (2002), Broken Social Scene (2005), Forgiveness Rock Record (2010), and Hug of Thunder (2017).

Associated musicians

Over time, the collective has included or featured musicians such as Leslie Feist, Emily Haines, Amy Millan, Evan Cranley, Jason Collett, Andrew Whiteman, Charles Spearin, and Justin Peroff.

Key facts

  • Founded in Toronto in 1999 by Kevin Drew and Brendan Canning.
  • The group functions as a fluid musical collective rather than a fixed lineup.
  • Its membership has included musicians from other Canadian indie acts.
  • The band’s early releases helped define 2000s Canadian indie rock.
  • Broken Social Scene has released albums including Feel Good Lost, You Forgot It in People, Broken Social Scene, Forgiveness Rock Record, and Hug of Thunder.
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Canadian context

Broken Social Scene is one of the best-known Canadian indie rock collectives and is closely tied to Toronto’s music scene, making it relevant to Canadian music history and culture.

Frequently asked questions

What is Broken Social Scene?
Broken Social Scene is a Canadian indie rock band and musical collective formed in Toronto in 1999.
Who founded Broken Social Scene?
It was founded by Kevin Drew and Brendan Canning.
Is Broken Social Scene a fixed band lineup?
No. Its membership has varied over time, with different musicians joining for recordings and performances.
What genre is Broken Social Scene?
It is generally classified as indie rock and alternative rock.
Where is Broken Social Scene from?
The group is from Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Broken_Social_Scene
    Supports: Founding date, founders, Canadian origin, collective nature, core members.
  2. Arts & Crafts — https://www.arts-crafts.ca/biography/bss.html
    Supports: Toronto origin, formation in 1999, collaborative collective structure, major releases.
  3. NPR — https://www.npr.org/sections/world-cafe/2006/03/02/5242145/everyone-fits-in-broken-social-scene
    Supports: Variable lineup size, Toronto base, founders, associated musicians, Juno-winning album reference.
  4. Rolling Stone — https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/broken-social-scene-new-music-interview-1235554903/
    Supports: Canadian ensemble, fluctuating membership, major albums and later releases.
  5. Encyclopedia.com — https://www.encyclopedia.com/education/news-wires-white-papers-and-books/broken-social-scene
    Supports: Formation in Toronto, lineup variation, key members, discography.