The Paperboys

The Paperboys are a Canadian folk-rock band formed in 1992 in Vancouver, led by Mexican-born musician Tom Landa. The band is celebrated for its eclectic and joyful “multi-culti” sound, which seamlessly blends Celtic reel and jigs with Mexican Son Jarocho, bluegrass, ska, and pop.

Genre: Folk-Rock, Celtic Rock, Americana, and Worldbeat.

Important Albums/Songs: Their discography includes the Juno Award-winning album Molinos (1997) and acclaimed releases like Postcards (2000), The Road to Ellenside (2006), and Score (2018). Notable songs include “Waiting,” “California,” and “Better Than The Last.”

Why They Are Known: They are primarily known for their high-energy live performances and their ability to bridge diverse cultural traditions through music. As a staple of the international folk festival circuit, they have earned a reputation for technical mastery—specifically in their use of fiddle, flute, and tin whistle—combined with accessible, pop-sensible songwriting. Their longevity (over 30 years) and ability to evolve while maintaining a signature “happy” sound have made them icons of the Canadian roots music scene