Bif Naked talks new album ‘Champion,’ performing in northern Ont.

Canadian singer Bif Naked was in northeastern Ontario over the weekend performing at What the Fox Trot's Pride in the Woods festival in West Nipissing.

Alt-punk rock icon Bif Naked sits on a white couch wearing a black hat. (Supplied/What the Fox Trot)

Organizers say Pride in the Woods is more than just a festival – it is a celebration of love, diversity and community. The event’s mission is to create an inclusive space for all.

“The festival features a wide range of activities designed to entertain and inspire,” said organizers in a news release.

“Highlights include drag shows, dance parties, campfires, swimming in a private lake (and) camping.”

• Download the CTV News app now

Bif Naked performed an exclusive acoustic show on Saturday at Fox Haven Campground.

“Bif Naked's dynamic presence in music, TV, film and dance has made her a celebrated and notorious performer,” reads the festival’s news release.

“Her journey from being orphaned in India to finding liberation through punk rock is a gripping tale of resilience, rebellion and relentless advocacy. Overcoming challenges such as breast cancer, kidney failure, heart surgery and navigating the cutthroat entertainment industry, Bif Naked stands as a true icon.”

Prior to her performance, the alt-punk rock icon took some time to sit down with CTV News Northern Ontario to discuss her recently released album, Champion, and her connection to performing in northern Ontario.

Bif Naked sits down with CTV News Northern Ontario to talk about her new album, 'Champion,' and her connection with northern Ontario ahead of her acoustic show at Pride in the Wood on August 24, 2024. (Amanda Hicks/CTV News Northern Ontario)

Champion, is Bif Naked’s first album in more than a decade. The legendary Canadian punk rocker told CTV News that she originally intended to release this album back in 2020 – but after the pandemic hit, she decided the timing didn't feel right.

"There was so much social unrest and really for me personally, I just didn't believe the world needed a Bif Naked record,” she said.

“The world needed us to all just come together and really join forces just through social justice."

The artist used the time to add additional songs to the record.

The cover art for Bif Naked's Champion album released June 15, 2024. (Bif Naked/Rock Paper Merch)

Bif describes her Champion album as a reflection of her perseverance and the woman she is today after being orphaned as a child in India and diagnosed with breast cancer at age of only 37.

Officials with Pride in the Woods called the album as “a testament to her enduring spirit and incredible talent.”

Bif said the album also encourages others to realize that their own 'champion' exists within themselves.

"I think we're all champions of something,” she said.

“You know, we all have triumphed so much in our lives, in our personal and professional lives just getting through the pandemic, for example. It's really remarkable that we can."

Champion was released on the 25th anniversary of the release of I, Bificus – the album that launched her career and propelled her into the media spotlight.

The cover art for Bif Naked's I, Bificus album released in 1998. (Bif Naked/Rock Paper Merch)

However, Bif said she is just getting started.

"You know, I don't feel like I'm at a mid-career level. I feel like I'm starting, you know, this fresh chapter in a way,” she said.

“It feels really, you know, really special, really magical I will never stop… I love what I do and I love performing and I just think that I'll keep going."

Alt-punk rock icon Bif Naked dressed as a boxer. This undated photo was used as the cover art for her Champion album. (Supplied/What the Fox Trot)

• Get local breaking news alerts
• Daily newsletter with the top local stories emailed to your inbox

While Bif Naked has performed to sold-out crowds in large cities around the world, she said after growing up in northern Manitoba, there's a unique sense of pride and community you can't find in a big city. That's why she told CTV News that coming to northern Ontario is so special to her.

Bif said performing at Pride in the Woods is important to her.

"Just think that it allows us to not only be together, but to set an example for the larger community and for the young people that would really hope to find, I guess, some sense of belonging and inclusion,” she said.

“Hopefully we can provide that to them."

"Pride in the Woods is a unique celebration of our diverse and resilient community in northern Ontario,” said the festival’s executive director Ryan Jackson.

“We're thrilled to host Bif Naked, an artist whose journey of courage and advocacy deeply resonates with our mission. This festival is about coming together, having fun, and celebrating who we are in a safe and inclusive space.”

Bif Naked continues her tour into the fall in Rama, Ont., and Vancouver B.C., and a documentary based on her life is set to be released sometime next year.