2024 PARTICIPANTS
Avery Jane
Québec
Avery Jane
Avery Jane, originally from Victoria BC, is inspired by genres such as jazz, pop, folk, neo-soul and R&B. After years of performing in big bands, theater, folk and indie-jazz bands, she began to pursue her solo career. With songs topics ranging from forgetting to buy toothpaste to giving her mother a room to visit, to unconditional love, Avery’s insightful, relatable lyrics touch on many aspects of the human experience.
BOBBI
Québec
BOBBI
BOBBI’s musical journey is a profound exploration of self-discovery and resilience. The artist’s introspective process is evident in her new EP ‘Harsh,’ premiered by London’s Wonderland magazine. After years of chasing a fantasized reality of love, relationships, and success within the commercial music industry, she made an abrupt shift in her personal life and sonic direction. This propelled her into a period of reflection, therapy, and the creation of raw, honest music.
A Canadian artist, BOBBI draws inspiration from the indie and experimental electronic scenes she immersed herself in while living in London. Rejecting the pursuit of mainstream success, she partnered with experimental-electronic producer Model 86 to craft an EP that captures the genuine essence of her experiences. The collaborative effort resulted in a unique sound that pushes boundaries in what she calls ‘Experimental Emotional Pop,’ while staying true to the authenticity BOBBI seeks in her music.
Caelin Rivers
Alberta
Caelin Rivers
Caelin Rivers is the pseudonym for Andrea Shipka. With roots in folk and pop music, Andrea grew up singing and performing. While never having thought of herself as a composer, in 2020, Shipka decided to challenge herself to explore her creative abilities and began writing instrumental piano scores. These pieces steadily began gaining popularity, sparking her interest in finding a way to combine instrumental music with her love of folk. Now, her music lives somewhere between Phoebe Bridgers and Ólafur Arnalds. At the core of her music lies a strong desire to connect with others, a passion for cinematic scores, and a genuine longing to capture life’s experiences. Caelin is working towards releasing an EP scheduled for late 2024.
Carmen Elle
Ontario
Carmen Elle
Carmen Elle is a queer, non-binary and neurodivergent musician, composer, producer and songwriter based in Toronto and Los Angeles.
Dubbed the “guitar prodigy and secret shredder of the Toronto underground,” Carmen (they/them) has played in musical projects such as Polaris Award-nominated DIANA, Army Girls and Austra. Carmen’s composition work appears on the Peabody Award-winning show Sort Of, for which they have been nominated for two CSA awards. Carmen’s clients include Netflix, CBC, HBO Max, EPIX, CTV, MTV, YouTube and InsideOut Film Festival.
A passionate advocate for musicians with disabilities, Carmen has been featured in Nylon Magazine, Vice, MTV, Exclaim! and the Toronto Star speaking about their experiences living with Autism, OCD, and ADHD. Carmen strives to uplift and inspire other disabled artists with their work and their story.
Cinzia & The Eclipse
Québec
Cinzia & The Eclipse
Mirroring the cathartic reassurance of a close friend during tough times or the celebratory energy of a meaningful connection, Montreal-born, Toronto-based artist Cinzia & the Eclipse strips away the ostentatious flare of modern songwriting to reveal the relatable side of relationships, self-discovery, and growth with her music.
Cinzia’s signature sound of blending pop and organic folk is redefined and has even greater depth as she continues to charm and dazzle her listeners with her new album, Springland. Her iconic vocal tone and playful phrasing have established her as one to watch as she finds inspiration from heartbreak, nostalgia, and the human condition.
Frank Mighty
Alberta
Frank Mighty
Syrian-Canadian artist Frank Mighty merges indie-rock with neo-psychedelic sounds, likened to “Passion Pit and MGMT” (Wonderland). His debut EP, “Whispersongs” (2021), garnered critical acclaim and was featured on Netflix’s Ginny & Georgia (70 million viewers). His latest release, “Never Homesick” (2023), reflects on themes of home and nature, featuring “Unattainable,” a fast fan favourite, earning him festival slots across Canada. Frank is gearing up for his next EP, “Nexterday,” set for release in fall 2024, along with an accompanying tour spanning Canada and the US.
GETCHNAH
Ontario
GETCHNAH
GETCHNAH is a Tamil-Canadian rapper from Scarborough. She is a first generation child of Sri Lankan refugees, and a child of the foster care community. Her goal is to share her story, in hopes of inspiring souls alike across the globe.
GETCHNAH is a multi-faceted artist. She is a professional dancer, rapper, singer and an audio engineer. She always knew the performing arts and grand theatrics was her true calling. Her path ultimately led her to creating her own music which infused many genres, such as Alternative, Rap, EDM, RnB, along with influences from South Asian music.
JD
British Columbia
JD
JD, the innovative hip hop/rap artist from Vancouver, Canada, is revolutionizing the music scene in an overlooked hip hop hub. With infectious energy and captivating storytelling, JD’s music moves and motivates listeners.
Passionate about connecting with his audience, JD crafts resonant lyrics that invite fans to join his musical journey. At performances, he immerses himself in the crowd, fostering genuine connections and elevating his fan base.
Having shared stages with industry giants like Lil Baby and A Boogie wit da Hoodie, JD embodies the essence of a self-made artist. His dedication to every aspect of his craft cements his status as a rising star in music.
Beyond his art, JD advocates for the South Asian community, showcasing how perseverance leads to endless opportunities. Experience JD’s power and passion through his music as he continues to inspire audiences worldwide.
Labadé
Alberta
Labadé
Labadé is a unique artist who enjoys blending elements of surrealism and abstraction in his music. Rather than sticking to traditional genres, he hopes to create a soundscape that invites listeners into a world of dreamlike melodies and thought-provoking compositions. Labadé’s approach is about gently pushing artistic boundaries and offering a fresh perspective on music. His work, characterized by its evocative lyrics and unconventional arrangements, aims to captivate and inspire. In the ever-evolving music scene, Labadé remains committed to exploring new ideas and embracing the unconventional, all while maintaining a modest and introspective outlook.
LostsOfficial
Ontario
LostsOfficial
LostsOfficial is a young prodigy from Milton, Ontario, Canada. He is on the rise, gaining recognition around the internet for singing to streamers and connecting with famous influencers such as “Kai Cenat”, “iShowSpeed”, “Adin Ross”, and more. LostsOfficial’s hit record “Bite Me” has amassed over 5 million views on all platforms since 2021. This is thanks to Lost’s determination and spontaneous appearances on various live streams. As a young, brown artist from Canada, LostsOfficial is determined to break barriers and become the next big name in the music industry. With a unique talent and an unstoppable drive, LostsOfficial is ready to inspire others and pave the way for more diversity in the spotlight. “It’s not about if I’ll get there, it’s about how much work I have to put in to get there.” – LostsOfficial
Manna Music
Ontario
Manna
With a strong love for music and entertainment, Manna launched his SoundCloud profile in 2017. He began posting remixes of popular Punjabi songs and quickly gained attention for his mashups. With the popularity of his mixes, Manna began his career as a DJ for Eminence Entertainment.
Soon enough those mash-ups of other songs inspired him to create original music, which led him to a career in music direction. Manna was featured in many records as the music director alongside Deep Jandu. He appeared on music credits with Deep until he dropped his debut producer album “Dreams” in 2019.
Working with household names in the industry such as Karan Aujla, Deep Jandu, and DIVINE, Manna continues to release music that catches attention. His biggest song “Sheikh” with Karan Aujla amassed over 60+ million streams on its music video. Manna continues to aim big and has lots in store!
Maze
Québec
Maze
Based in Montreal, Maze is a singer, songwriter, music producer and video director whose unique sound and hypnotizing universe has landed her placements with Samsung, Netflix, BBC and more. She received support from SiriusXM and was nominated in the top 10 producers by TRAKGIRL x Aiaiai audio collaboration. Maze has made a name for herself in the local Montreal music scene with her dark and mysterious persona and her mix of alternative and electro-R&B music featuring elements of hip-hop, reggaeton, Afrobeats and cinematic sounds. Growing up in a family of sound engineers, she has worked as a producer on many writing camps such as the SOCAN Kenekt camp and the UMG x Banx & Ranx camp where she got to collaborate with artists such as Geoffroy, Lili-Ann De Francesco, High Klassified, Meghan Oak, Tianda, Grae, Izabel and more. She gets her extensive music influences from her many years as a competitive hip-hop dancer.
Nette
British Columbia
Nette
“Effortlessly soulful and self-effacingly playful, Nette’s pop gems are captivating.” (The Georgia Straight, 2024.). Since beginning her professional career as an artist, songwriter and producer in late 2021, Nette’s relatable lyrics, sparkling vocals and Swiftie-inspired production have landed her over one million streams across online platforms and 200,000 followers on TikTok. Her growing following has given her opportunities to perform at The Barnside Harvest Festival, Surrey Canada Day and the Khatsahlano Main Stage. Recently Nette was a finalist in MRG’s Elevate Music Project with the finale performance taking place at the historical Vogue theatre in Vancouver. You can find Nette performing her latest releases at local festivals this summer with much more new music on the way!
Olivia Khoury
Québec
Olivia Khoury
Olivia Khoury, a Montreal-born singer-songwriter and interdisciplinary artist, is deeply rooted in indie, jazz, and folk influences, creating a sound that defies easy categorization— blending ethereal, highly produced soundscapes with earthy acoustics. As a backing vocalist, she has shared the stage with artists such as LaRoie, Mopao Mumu, Adib Alkhalidey, Bayta, Noémie Kaiser, and Jeanne Laforest. In March 2023, she released her bilingual EP, “Portraits,” inviting listeners to contemplate six sonic portraits, showcasing elements of her vast influences, from pop to jazz. Olivia is currently working on new music to be released in the upcoming year.
Skip Waiters
Ontario
Skip Waiters
Born in Toronto but raised in the suburbs of Brampton, Skip Waiters found his joy in creating music that reflects his experiences growing up in the inner city. An individualist, Skip Waiters taught himself how to produce, write and eventually create his own sound through his love of visual arts and storytelling throughout his music. With a unique sound, Skip Waiters has been described as a blend of artists such as Kendrick Lamar, J.I.D & Anderson Paak with his wide range of flows, paired with Tyler the Creator’s unorthodox production ability.
In 2021, Skip released his first Mixtape: Personal Stereo, which was supported across all streaming platforms via multiple playlists, partnered with being the cover artist of the playlists: The New Black on Amazon Music & The Canadian-Come Up on YouTube Music. Personal Stereo gained approximately 200,000 streams across all major streaming platforms and was also acclaimed by Live Nation, Rolling Stones, Variance Magazine and Hello Canada.
In 2022, Skip released two separate EPs (Compact Disc and MP3 Player) that dove into all thing’s mental health, ego, and growing up black in Canada. He was supported across all streaming platforms via multiple playlists, partnered with being the cover artist of the playlists: Breakthrough Canada on Amazon Music, Outliers on Spotify and Canadian Come-Up on YouTube Music. Both EPs have garnered over 500,000 streams across all major streaming platforms. Now with over 2M catalogue streams, 2023 saw Skip introducing Streams of Consciousness, his first commercial album. This body of work weaves together his EP themes and underscores the significance of therapy for Black Canadians. 2024 will see Skip Waiters release his sophomore album The Human Experience that continues the discussion around self-identity, being a black Canadian, and the black family nucleus.
SLM
Québec
SLM
Hailing from the vibrant city of Montreal, Shailah L. Morris – SLM (pronounced “Slim”) – is a hip-hop artist whose roots extend from the city’s bustling downtown to the serene South Shores, seamlessly blending her Guyanese heritage into the eclectic rhythm of her upbringing. With a dimensional, evolutionary, & avant-garde sound, SLM made a mark on the music scene with her album, The Complete Flex Season (2020), her EP, Real Talk Radio (2021) & her mesmerizing performances across the nation, including Rolling Loud (2022) & The Festival Mode et Design (2022 and 2023). Metamorphic & entrancing, the scope of SLM’s talents & artistry are magnified in her latest project. As the echoes of her experiences bleed into her work, Broken Hearts Look Like Angel Wings, set to release in early 2025, promises to not only be a groundbreaking chapter in her musical evolution but act as a kaleidoscope of poetry & reverberation of her voyage through life.
Exploring the peaks and valleys of her odyssey, offering a fresh perspective on love, loss, & personal growth that connects with the reality of existence, Broken Hearts Look Like Angel Wings is not only an ode to beingness but an artifact of her unyielding dedication to sonic mastery & fervor for raw self-expression.
Spitty
Ontario
Spitty
Spitty is an Indian rapper and community leader from Brampton, Canada who is creating a monumental buzz with a dedicated following. His music carries a thoughtful yet energetic nature as he strives to inspire listeners through his songs. South Asian samples and instruments blend with North American influence to birth his unique approach to hip hop.
Recently, Spitty was featured in Complex Canada for being a Brampton Artist Ambassador and putting on free monthly open mic events for the community. His hit single, Not For Me, was featured on HotNewHipHop and Rolling Stone India. Teaming up with EverythingOShauN, Spitty’s next single, Up Now, was featured on Spotify’s Northern Bars playlist, Shifter Magazine, and in HipHopCanada. Over the past year Spitty has also begun giving speeches at schools, doubling down on his mission to motivate & inspire. In late 2023, Spitty became a global brand ambassador for the historic alcohol brand Chivas Regal.
The North Sound
Saskatchewan
The North Sound
At the heart of great songwriting is great storytelling. For The North Sound, songs are a declaration of joy, a hallmark of yearning, and a tender tale of honesty. Yet amidst the rawness, trials and tribulations, there are notes of hope and happiness. This is the duo at their best: Sharing stories in the way they know how. Forged deep in Treaty 7 Territory, where the prairies rush towards the foothills, The North Sound is a partnership between lead singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Forrest Eaglespeaker, and vocalist and composer Nevada Eaglespeaker. A fusion of authentic voices, crisp harmonies and rollicking/burgeoning indie folk-roots rock, the duo — a married couple —weave and wend through themes of family and connection, recovery and addiction. As partners who play and write together, the themes of family, love and sacrifice are inescapable — in their shared sojourn, Forrest and Nevada have forged the core of a rock-solid collaboration. And at the heart and soul of the group is an incredible story of two people who stuck it out and found a collective voice to breathe life into tribulations and traditions.
Travis Dolter
Alberta
Travis Dolter
Travis Dolter is a dynamic country music artist who brings an abundance of energy, witty sense of humor, and engaging stage presence, all while creating an unforgettable live performance. Raised on the family farm in central Alberta, Travis developed his passion for music from a young age, performing with his family band.
Travis’s talent has been recognized with top honors in prestigious competitions and nominations for several awards, including a final ballot nomination for the Country Music Alberta “Fans Choice” Award in 2022. Travis has entertained audiences across Alberta and Saskatchewan spanning a variety of venues, from theatres and rodeo dances to A-list bars and festivals.
Whether performing solo or backed by his talented band, Travis captivates audiences with his solid vocals and charismatic style. His original compositions tell stories that are paired with memorable moments and hooky melodies. Travis has been called an artist to watch and always entertains.
UNA MIA
Ontario
UNA MIA
Toronto-born, Belleville-raised Alt-R&B/Pop songstress UNA MIA embodies all that it means to be your own hero. Marked by soothing melodies and intoxicating lyrics, UNA’s music encapsulates her experience as she navigates her way through adolescence into early adulthood while discovering her sense of self along the way.
2023 PARTICIPANTS
Alex Métivier
Québec
Alex Métivier
Alex Métivier is a multi-instrumentalist, a producer, and a sound recordist and mixer, but what he loves doing best is writing and performing songs. Trained at École nationale de la chanson in 2017, the Saint-Jérôme, Quebec, artist searches for light in an electrical folk song built in a personal and homemade manner. He first became known in 2018 as part of the La Voix television show with his song Éléonore, and was subsequently included in Quebec Radio station charts. His sophomore EP Dans la lumière, with Salomé Leclerc, was released in 2022. Alex Métivier is now working on a debut album.
Anna Melva
Alberta
Anna Melva
Anna Melva is currently training for a BFA in music theatre at the Hartt School for Theatre, Music, and Dance in Hartford, Connecticut. An award winning songwriter, her song “Year in Review” won the 2021 Write Out Loud contest for Young Musical Theatre Composers. In 2022 “Boys on Bikes”, another original song, won a SOCAN Foundation Award for Young Canadian Songwriters. Growing up in Alberta, Canada, Anna had many opportunities for training and performance in music, dance, and theatre. Some notable roles from her youth include Jane Banks in “Mary Poppins”, Polly Baker in “Crazy For You”, Mary in “Mary Poppins”, Katherine Pulitizer in “Newsies”, and Patsy in “Spamalot”.
Audâze
Québec
Audâze
AVIV
Ontario
AVIV
Toronto singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist AVIV, who pens D.I.Y. pop that feels universally relatable, grew up surrounded by music and learned to play piano and guitar at a young age. During the pandemic, she began writing songs in her bedroom, inspired by artists like Elliott Smith, Lorde and Radiohead, which led her to sign with Photo Finish Records in the US, and Dine Alone Records in her native Canada. In 2022, AVIV headed on her first tour, opening for Imagine Dragons in Canada, which coincided with the release of her debut EP, Drowning in the Culture. The title, which shares its name with one of the EP’s standout tracks, came from a feeling AVIV had while writing in LA the year prior, “I had a lot of unanswered questions and somehow every single song answered one of them for me,” she say.
Avril Jensen
Québec
Avril Jensen
Her debut single Attends (feat. EXKY) made it to Spotify’s “Les meilleures chansons 2021” (Quebec) playlist. In April 2022, the young singer-songwriter released COLOURS, her first English-language work. Some of her songs made it to Spotify’s most listened-to playlists, including Indie Pop & Chill (cover), Fresh Finds, New Music Canada, New Music Friday USA, RADAR Canada, IT’S A BOP!, Montréal Chill, etc. Her song “van gogh” brought her a SOCAN Foundation Award for Young Canadian Songwriters. She received her first GAMIQ nomination in the EP Pop category. Avril took part in her first Belle et Bum TV show, and acquired stage experience with the release of Quai des brumes, her participation in the International de Montgolfières in St-Jean-sur-Richelieu, and while opening for Martha Wainwright at Festival Santa Teresa.
Bobo Laurent
Québec
Bobo Laurent
Christine Lee
British Columbia
Christine Lee
Christine Lee is the grunge kid of the RnB scene- the hybrid of the underground 90s Korean Hip Hop kid who sings with soulful colors in the likes of Whitney Houston and Mariah Carey. Her sophisticated musicianship with wild personality births a one-of-a-kind RnB sound. Her catchy hooks will have you singing along with the chorus, but her pop medleys contain philosophical ideas that challenge the mainstream notions of love, politics, and human nature. Her narrative and witty lyrics have won her a spot among the handful of finalists in the 2020 Canadian Songwriting Challenge. Her latest single “Day Drink” has reached listeners in over 67 countries all across Europe, North America and South America, and made it to 215 personal playlists. Christine will release her EP “Eat It” in November 2023.
Clara Dahlie
Québec
Clara Dahlie
She moves in colors and music. For Clara Dahlie, these two worlds coexist and are intrinsically linked. Growing up in a family of artists and being passionate about music from a young age, Clara combines and draws inspiration from both disciplines to create her own musical sanctuary. After studying jazz singing, Clara started producing music and fused different musical styles such as electronic music, soul, jazz and r&b, and blended her inspirations from different eras and artists such as FKA Twigs or D’Angelo. Harmonizing poems, textures, atmospheres and nuances, Clara Dahlie transports herself into a universe that is inclusive and free, as soft as it’s powerful and inviting.
Clarissa Diokno
Ontario
Clarissa Diokno
Clarissa Diokno is a Filipino-Canadian artist of soul and honesty presented in slick, pop production. Her rich, emotive vocals lie at the heart of her songs. Melodic arrangements, contemporary production, and engaging and relatable lyrics inspired by love, life, and heartbreak blend together electro-pop with R&B elements to formulate Clarissa’s dynamic style. She loves encouraging people to use creativity as an outlet for expressing emotions and hopes to inspire other artists to dream big and share their passion with the world. With five independent releases and two more by the end of this year, over 100,000 collective streams, and regular live performances in her hometown of Kitchener, Ontario, she also wants to represent her Filipino heritage and inspire other Filipino and Asian artists to chase their ambitions and know that they have a voice in this industry.
Danie
New Brunswick
Danie
Danie is a 21-year-old Singer/Songwriter. She likes to think of her music as genre-less and boundless with sprinkles of soul, color, and intimacy. Danie grew up in the Kennebecasis Valley, New Brunswick and now calls Toronto home. In July 2022 Danie was featured in an article by Nashville’s, Two Story Melody and was also a recipient of SOCAN Foundation Awards for Young Canadian Songwriters Awards. As she continues to evolve, Danie’s passion and dedication shine through, poised to leave an indelible mark on the music industry and touch the hearts of listeners worldwide.
Dilettante
Ontario
Dilettante
Dilettante — meaning “amateur of the arts” — is the semi-deadly-serious moniker of a quintet that reflects like a seasoned collective, only to laugh like absolute beginners. Reborn from Toronto mainstay For Jane, Dilettante’s “amateur” self-titled debut effort is a modulated cabaret that tests how wryly powerful pop can be. Bittersweet throwback bops create technicolour characters, shaking and glimmering like the last sequin clinging to an attic-bound jumpsuit; then, thumping ballads croon and cry like dancing slowly, alone in the spotlight with all of your closest friends. Bandleaders Natalie Panacci and Julia Wittmann are kindred vocalists — two unmistakable voices that blend impossible shapes and colours, but never lose themselves in each other. Drummer Bradley Connor, bassist Zachary Stuckey, and keyboardist Yunjin Claire Lee wheel a theatre of set pieces out to the dance floor. Expect bongos, rolling low end, and show-thieving synth leads.
Hansom Ēli
Québec
Hansom Ēli
Hansom Ēli is a Montreal-based duo born in 2019 – representing over 3.6 million streams and over 300K listeners per year – with editorial playlists bigger than ever supported in part by Spotify (The Hit List) and Apple Music (The 100 Best Songs of 2021). The duo’s opening concert for Clara Luciani at Les Francos de Montréal (2022) had a positive spin-off with the booking agency Evenko (owned by Live Nation) joining the team and quickly programming them at SXSW 2023. Artists trust them and open the door for featurings: Mike Clay (Mezcal), Nico de Andrea (Satin), KAS:ST (Our Last Dance and Who’s to Say What’s Real), Bertholet (Feel).
Laura Lucas
Manitoba
Laura Lucas
Singer-songwriter and poet Laura Lucas fell in love with storytelling from a young age. Her introspective songwriting is delivered by delicate vocals and dreamy instrumentation rooted in a warm, modern take on the indie-folk genre. Laura’s ability to captivate listeners and distill complex emotions through song is reminiscent of some of her influences such as Phoebe Bridgers and Lana Del Rey. Occasionally, her two disciplines merge, such as with poem-turned-song Moon Dream, which UK-based blog For the Rabbits described as “a luxurious slice of alt-folk, a tapestry of rich vocal harmonies.” Her poetry has appeared in various publications such as About Place Journal, Press 53, Iris Literary Journal, and elsewhere. Laura’s sophomore EP “The Dreamer,” recorded with Dustin Tebbutt, will be released in 2023.
Lev Snowe
Manitoba
Lev Snowe
Forever an observer of the fast turning world, Winnipeg-based poet Lev Snowe finds stillness catching perfect words from the sky, combining them with earthly guitars, synths, or whatever it takes to preserve a tiny moment in time. Calling on a tradition of songwriting that is both reflective and forward-seeking, Lev winds up creating the type of dreamscapes that toy with our emotions like distorted neons, channeling loose memories of 90s alt rock, 60s psychedelia, and contemporary indie folk; all woven together from the confines of his home studio.
magenta
Ontario
magenta
magenta is a 17 year old singer-songwriter born in Newcastle, England though she has spent most of her life in London, Ontario. magenta treats writing as an emotional outlet as she lays all her feelings out, without filters, pulling from her own experiences and the experiences of others. magenta aims to create music that is relatable and allows people to feel heard. She has been songwriting since the age of 13 and released her debut single, “finding myself”, in 2021. She has since then collaborated with other artists and producers. She released her first collaborative single, “Over and Over”, with French electro chill-pop artist, Lonely in the Rain, which has gained over a million streams to date. magenta also released her debut EP titled “lost in plain sight” on March 3, 2023. Her indie/folk/pop musical style alongside her relatable and vulnerable lyrics connect deeply with her growing audience.
Moira & Claire
Nova Scotia
Moira & Claire
Born on one side of Canada and now living on another, Antigonish, Nova Scotia’s Moira & Claire write lighthearted, indie folk-pop songs that appeal to East and West Coasters and everyone in between. The sisters have been singing together for longer than their professional careers, their voices harmonizing in the kind of familial magic that only living together your entire life can attain.
This year, they were a recipient of the 2023 Her Music Honourable Mention Award presented by SOCAN. In addition, their debut album was also nominated for three 2023 East Coast Music Awards including Rising Star Recording of the Year, Group Recording of the Year, and TD”s Fan’s Choice Video of the Year.
On TikTok, Moira & Claire have gained 160K followers from around the world. Their most viewed video to date, with 2.9M views, is a cover of indie folk artist Noah Kahan’s Stick Season, who has since publicly praised the duo, saying “Moira & Claire rock”, and “they never miss”.
Their following also extends outside of social media, with 35,000 monthly listeners on Spotify, and over 3.2M all-times streams. Their music has been featured on several Spotify editorial playlists including New Music Friday Canada, Fresh Finds, and Folk & Friends.
NIA NADURATA
Ontario
NIA NADURATA
NIA NADURATA started singing and performing on stage in grade 3 and never stopped. Since graduating from the Etobicoke School of the Arts, NIA has been cultivating her soulful, indie, Pop sound to make you fall in love with your most vulnerable years. While working as a songwriter and vocalist alongside artists such as Russ, Nonso Amadi, Chris LaRocca, and Boslen, NIA has recently began releasing singles, as she prepares the release of her own debut EP “break stuff”. Highlighting her upbringing and coming of age, NIA’s music mirrors the sounds of Amy Winehouse, Taylor Swift, Carol King, and Billie Eilish. NIA’s lyrical vulnerability shines as she shares her trials and errors navigating through her late teens and early 20s. She opens up about self-growth, finding confidence, strengthening friendships, falling in and out of love and the art of breaking stuff (even if you’re breaking your own heart).
Omega Mighty
Ontario
Omega Mighty
Canadian R&B-fusion/dancehall artist Omega Mighty has an eclectic sound, switching from Jamaican patois, sultry vocals and an energetic rap flow with confidence. Her 2021 EP “Me & Youforia” put her on the map with the exploration of genres such as R&B, dancehall, afro-beats and pop. Born to a Jamaican father and British-Bajan mother, playing records at home is one of Omega’s earliest memories. She started in music early training in classical piano at the age of 4, vocal by age 6 and dance by age 9. Growing up in what is known as the most diverse city in Canada “Toronto”, Omega has been exposed to varying rich culture which has helped to shape her sound. Omega has since been seen gracing the stages of various festivals including RBC Canadian Open, Canada Day Vancouver, Riverfest, AfrowaveTO and more opening for acts such as Flo Rida, Fefe Dobson and The Wailers. Inspired by 90’s R&B and new age music alike, Omega draws influence from artists such as Rihanna, Wstrn, Doja Cat, Missy Elliott, Brandy, Stefflondon and Vybz Kartel. Her live performance encompasses smooth sultry vocals, vibrant movement and a militant aura. Wearing multiple hats, Omega brings together energetic stage performances as singer-songwriter, producer, and creative director.
qwinn
New Brunswick
qwinn
Brittany McQuinn (qwinn) is an award-winning Canadian East Coast singer, songwriter and producer. Her early musical influences of film and video game soundtracks have shaped the synth pop sound that audiences know today. She opened for k.d. lang during her 25th Anniversary Ingénue Tour and performed at the World Junior Hockey Championships. She has songs placed on several Spotify official playlists and label releases on Circus Records and Monstercat. Her song Welcome to My Life landed a sync placement on Netflix’s Ginny & Georgia.
Sahati
Ontario
Sahati
Sahati is an artist, producer, and multi-instrumentalist from Kosovo, currently based in Toronto, ON. With no musical confinements in her process, Sahati’s music merges genres and alternates between languages: new-wave and classics, pop and indie, Albanian and English. Performing at a variety of stages from a young age, she has made appearances at a plethora of venues and festivals throughout North America and Europe, most notably opening for Dua Lipa at Sunny Hill Festival in 2022. At the age of 14, she won first place at the International Drummers Competition in Macedonia, which encouraged her to start recording, producing, and releasing her own music. Most recent projects include collaborations with Canadian artists Molly Annelle and Maxton Cunningham of CHEEYA. When not performing her own music, Sahati can be found playing the drums or bass for other acts, or deejay-ing an eclectic club mix throughout the night.
Sheperd
Ontario
Sheperd
Sheperd’s upcoming musical venture combines the rebellious spirit of punk icons with a fusion of hyperpop, rap, and D&B, resulting in a sonic experience defined by its angry, abrasive, and antsy energy. With previous successes in the realms of pop, rap, and dance, accumulating over 2 million streams and gaining airplay on top Canadian radio stations, Sheperd has proven his versatility as an artist. However, fueled by disillusionment and a quest for authentic expression, he now seeks rebellion, resistance, and resonance.
Stromer Hills
Alberta
Stromer Hills
Vancouver born rapper, singer-songwriter, and music producer Stromer Hills continues to push boundaries and create a musical footprint. His fearless, tell-it-like-it-is songwriting style has cultivated a dedicated audience that follows his moves closely as he grows on social media and music platforms. Upon graduating from high school School in Calgary, Stromer Hills released a string of new singles, getting almost half a million plays on SoundCloud and numerous charting positions in his first year. This is a different direction from his first steps on music platforms as a rocker under artist name Skar Boy in early high school years. He spent his early years performing rock music on multiple stages around Calgary with School of Rock and his band, Off Grind. Stromer currently records, produces, mixes, and masters solo songs in the R&B/Soul and Country category. His latest EP’s track “cost you” has garnered over 10,000 views on Apple Music organically since it’s release.
Summer Bennett
Newfoundland and Labrador
Summer Bennett
Summer Bennett is a 15-year old singer-songwriter from Paradise, Newfoundland who won the 2021 MusicNL New Found Talent Contest. Her first release “Carsick” won a 2022 Government of NL Arts & Letters Award and was listed as one of the top 125 songs in the Canada-wide 2022 CBC Toyota Searchlight competition. Summer was also selected as one of fifteen female artists across Canada to attend the 2022 HoneyJam program for emerging Canadian female artists. Summer’s original music has been receiving immediate feedback from early listeners across the country. Summer was also recently awarded a 2023 Arts & Letters Award and a Youth Performing Arts Award in Newfoundland. Summer currently has three singles released and just signed with Scilly Cove Records – and is currently working with 2 x Grammy winner Greg Wells!
Velours Velours
Québec
Velours Velours
Velours Velours is Raphaël Pépin-Tanguay’s outlet. Active on the local circuit since 2022, his project has quickly carved out a place for itself among Québec’s music lovers. After performing alongside Étienne Coppée, Velours Velours recently launched its first EP, co-produced with Philippe Brach.
Velours Velours’ tasty, youthful pop offers a colourful, comforting universe of infinite possibilities. His songs’ enchanting grooves take us on a journey through everyday life, contemplating his surroundings, from the backstreets of the metropolis to the salt waters of the Gaspé Peninsula. Velours Velours is featured on Nouvelle Radio-Canada as an artist to watch in 2023, and was recently awarded the SOCAN Foundation award for a young Canadian singer-songwriter.
Yohvn Black
Nova Scotia
Yohvn Blvck
Yohvn Blvck, born Edwin Yohance Hull in St John’s, Antigua, can be found continuously breaking boundaries in Canada since immigrating to Halifax in 2013. Notable for his unique sound, charisma and exuberant performances, Blvck is an up-and-coming artist drawing from his Island roots with influences from hip-hop, R&B, and rock. He is in his element whether in the studio or on stage, where he alternates between reveling in and surrendering to his own vulnerability.
2022 PARTICIPANTS
Mint Simon
Quebec
Mint Simon
Mint Simon is the debut solo project of the front person of indie-pop band Caveboy. Born and raised in Montreal, Canada, Mint is a theatre kid, turned band lead, turned pop star living somewhere on the gender spectrum between Cher and Prince. This debut solo project sees Mint’s new musical romance unfolding, and their soul spilling out. The new music is a sonic and lyrical exploration on love, missed opportunities, desire and sexual liberation. Mint has collaborated with & been a part of many different projects but has never fully explored their own personal musical journey in a public way until now. Leather, pleather, shimmer n glimmer – they are unapologetically queer – a pop prince tapping into their 80s and 90s influences with this new music. The time has come for Mint Simon to be unabashedly themselves and explore their own music and identify with zero restrictions.
Mez Mariyé
Ontario
Mez Mariyé
Mez Mariyé is a Canadian/Ethiopian rapper, singer, songwriter, & director. Growing up in Toronto’s east end, Mez found his way through music during his early high school years. His music first drew attention across social media and online sources in 2009, due in large part to his distinctly crafted and melodic sound, as well as his strong and mature presence as a songwriter. His biggest release ‘Alive’ (2020) was the first release to gain international attention from several countries around the world with over 276,000 views on YouTube and thousands of streams across digital platforms. Mez continues to use his music as a vessel to inspire hope, strength, and peace as he enjoys taking a conscious approach when writing music. His musical influences range from artists like Teddy Afro, Bob Marley, The Beatles, Nas, J-Cole, Kendrick Lamar, Drake & Frank Ocean. His diverse sounds and styles appeal to a wide audience and set the basis of a growing, young artist’s stake to claim in the current musical landscape.
Shades Lawrence
Quebec
Shades Lawrence
Shades Lawrence is a Montreal-born hip hop artist, of mixed British, Jamaican, Irish and Scottish heritage. Shades Lawrence’s music is about the emotion. To date, her sound has been compared to Drake, Doja Cat, and Mahalia. Shades Lawrence has performed at 40+ shows as a spoken word poet and hip hop artist. Shades has shared the stage with a variety of artists, including Big Freedia, Princess Nokia, and Cakes da Killa. Shades Lawrence’s performances include Festival POP Montreal, Fierté/Pride MTL, and Calgary’s Femme Wave Festival. Shades Lawrence counts among her current influences; Drake, Cardi B, and J. Cole. Currently, Shades Lawrence’s sound encompasses soul-infused productions, and trap beats, with Drake-type emotional delivery, lyrics, and flow. To find out more, subscribe to her mailing list at www.shadeslawrence.com.
X. ARI
Ontario
X. ARI
X. ARI is a queer Alt-Pop singer, writer, and mental health advocate, public speaker, & founder of non-profit WisdoMania Foundation. Her life motto is all about turning “Pain Into Power” through art and self-care. Having comorbid mental health challenges is not her identity, but her superpower. X. ARI’s visceral lyrics transmit messages of hope as often as they ponder tragedy. Her sound comes to life in the middle.
She is currently working on her 6th EP slated to be released in support of World Mental Health Day in October of 2022.
Newby
Ontario
Newby
Despite his name, Toronto-born artist, Newby is far from a newbie when it comes to music. With a skillful combination of youthful energy, playful rhymes and a signature visual aesthetic, Newby proves himself as a well-seasoned artist worthy of recognition. His modern take on Pop-Rap brings a well-needed refreshment to the local Hip-Hop scene and positions Newby to be an exciting, new favorite among music listeners worldwide.
Jerry Sereda
Manitoba
Jerry Sereda
Multi-award winning Canadian country singer Jerry Sereda who paid homage to his Indigenous heritage with the release of his fourth studio album, Classic Country Couple, on June 21, 2021 for National Indigenous Peoples Day, has now won “Best Country Album” at the Summer Solstice Indigenous Music Awards, and garnered several nominations for the “Manitoba Country Music Awards” including: “Country Album of the Year”, “Music Video of the Year”, and “Male Artist of the Year”. The all-Indigenous production team — Sereda, award winning producer/songwriter Troy Kokol, and Jamie Lillie — have recorded an album reflective of Sereda’s recent personal and musical evolution. Sereda’s inspirations include Garth Brooks, Merle Haggard, Eric Church, and his Grandma Dottie. Dottie taught her grandson his first guitar chords and shared her love of country music with him. Sereda said she was one of his biggest supporters throughout his life.
Meghan Oak
Quebec
Meghan Oak
Meghan Oak is a young singer-songwriter from Montreal who started making her mark on social media in January 2018. The public was quickly touched by her sentimental voice and her words in her first single « Au revoir » which cumulated more than 1.3 million streams. Following the release of her debut EP “Étrangère” in fall 2020, Meghan joined Star Académie, a singing competition television show. After a year spent focusing on songwriting, Meghan Oak will release a French EP in fall 2022, followed by an English project in 2023.
Sam Krüger
Quebec
Sam Krüger
“In 2016, I had spent enough time working the over-night shift at McDonalds. I took a 4-day trip from my hometown of London, ON, to Montreal. The short trip was enough to convince me to move there the next month. With some clothes and an acoustic guitar, I quit my job and left – landing by chance, a literal spiral staircase away from my new musical neighbours in a locally famous band. It wasn’t long that I started to release some of those songs that I wrote over that filthy McDonalds grill.” Sam is a singer-songwriter based out of Montreal, Quebec. He’s played shows across Canada; in bars, street corners, markets, cafés, living rooms, forests, on top of busses and even in laundromats. When the pandemic started, he honed down on fingerpicking. Now, he’s sitting on a large collection of new folk songs that are ready for an audience.
Bukola
British Columbia
Bukola
Hailed by Exclaim! as one of their new favourite emerging artists in 2021, Bukola is a 20-year-old musician who blends the sounds of R&B and Jazz to create her own soulful sound. She’s influenced by artists such as India Arie and John Mayer, and has been pursuing her dreams of becoming a professional musician since she was 9. The grand prize winner of the Nimbus School of Recording Arts x Juno Host Committee provincial Battle of the Bands competition, Bukola has since performed at the Juno Awards pre-event Let’s Hear it! Live, the Honey Jam and at the Vancouver International Film Festival. Bukola has also been featured on eTalk, CBC the National, and MuchMusic. Bukola worked with award winning producers, Chin Injeti and Ben Kaplan on her debut EP “The Chronicles of A Teenage Mind”, which is out now on all streaming platforms.
Maggie Andrew aka JORIE
Nova Scotia
Maggie Andrew aka JORIE
Always pushing boundaries, you can expect the unexpected from alternative-pop artist JORIE. Meshing together dreamy, synth-laden melodies with edgy lyrics, “JORIE makes music with teeth.” – Pigeons & Planes. Having grown up in Halifax, NS, JORIE infuses her music with the struggles of personal life and past traumas. “When I write my music, it’s often a reflection of who I am and what I’ve been through. These new songs will introduce a whole different side to me as an artist, it’s next level, and it’s going to take the world by storm”. Having landed herself on the radar of pop superstar, blackbear, their collaboration “Sleep 4Ever” has amassed over 3M streams and recent projects garnered press on Billboard, Rolling Stone India and was featured on Apple Music’s Chart Show with Brooke Reece.
sahara
British Columbia
sahara
After stumbling into Toronto’s music scene back in 2018, sahara found herself in an entirely new and undiscovered world – and it was no doubt she was exactly where she was supposed to be. In 2019, she wrote and released her debut single, “LVOE” and weeks later found herself with tens of thousands of streams alongside significant praise for her lyricism. Her next release, “fallin fallin,” which she wrote and performed with Parisian artist, Fhin, was released under Délicieuse Records and earned her over a million streams within just a couple of months. To follow was the release of her sophomore single, “white noise,” as well as the euphoric and impressively honest song, “bad news.” Most recently, her latest song, “fire with fire,” earned sahara placements on major editorial DSP playlists such as Spotify’s “Fresh Finds” and “Fresh Finds Pop.” The proud LGBTQ+ artist is already well on her way to bringing a new and intriguing flavour to the chill pop genre as she continues to gain the attention of listeners globally with her picture-painting lyrics and intoxicating melodies.
Terez
Alberta
Terez
Terez is a fiercely creative artist whose talent knows no boundaries. Still, in her early twenties, the Métis singer-songwriter is also a creative director, women’s rights and LGBTQIA+ advocate, and ranks among the 2.1% of female music producers in the industry today. With nearly a lifetime of songwriting and performances under her belt, Terez has performed alongside Keith Urban, opened for Canadian artist Ria Mae, and was slated to perform alongside breakout Canadian artist RALPH in the spring of 2020. She has been commissioned to write songs for dozens of artists around the world, creative direct music videos and artist’s brands in Toronto and Calgary, and much more. With her ability to write and perform most genres of music, Terez’s own unique musical style blends pop and R&B with a punk edge and are complemented by her deep and meaningful lyrics and velvety yet powerful vocal tone.
Kylie V
British Columbia
Kylie V
Kylie V (they/them) is an 18-year-old singer songwriter based in Vancouver who creates evocative indie folk-rock-pop-etcetera. This up-and-coming teen’s lyrics paint vivid pictures and are wise beyond their years, earning them recognition and listeners from their local scene to across the globe. Kylie started their career in 2018 with a collection of completely self-made songs called “lotus eater” but made their proper debut with the album “Big Blue” in 2021. “Big Blue” came out to critical acclaim from outlets like KEXP, Exclaim!, and The Line of Best Fit, and over half a million streams in the first year. Kylie is currently hard at work on an EP before their sophomore album, set to release in 2023.
Mackenta
Ontario
Mackenta
Mackenta seamlessly dances her vocals between moody R&B melodies, and clever rap flows. Formerly known as Mack Davis, the Toronto-based recording artist hit the music scene with her singles, “Issues” and “No Finesse” which gained attention from The Source, Noisey, and OVO Sound Radio. Her EP’s “Over the Influence” and “When the Poison Drained” are dreamy-sounding conceptual projects, full of deep meanings and thoughtful lyricism. Mackenta allows listeners into her personal evolution as she journeys away from a drug and party-filled nocturnal lifestyle, into a path of healing and following her soul’s calling. She reflects on love, heartbreak, and her experience in the male-dominated underground Toronto entertainment scene. She has performed throughout Toronto at shows including Manifesto, 199Z, and Blockobana, and on CBC’s Emancipation Day Special. Mackenta’s new single, “Lately” was featured on Spotify’s “Mood Ring” playlist and is sure to create anticipation for a new chapter of storytelling.
Holly Santonato
Ontario
Holly Santonato
Holly Santonato is a R&B singer/songwriter from Toronto. At a young age, Holly was drawn to singing and poetry. Music became a sense of therapy for Holly, creating a safe haven to ease life circumstances. In 2016, Holly decided to build her music oasis into a career. Attending Seneca college’s IMP (Independent Music Production) Program, Holly absorbed information about the music business, production, song writing, photography, marketing and a lot more. That same year, Holly released 3 singles, which became a part of an E.P, totaling 8 songs that were released in 2017. Engulfed in creativity, and networking with producers, Holly has continued to release music in the years following 2017 and started 2022 with her latest release “You and I”. Catapulted in her art of deep sounds Holly is eager to continually develop and create stimulative, emotional music for everyone to hear.
The Moon & I
Quebec
The Moon & I
The Moon & I is a solo project from Montreal-based indie alternative artist Eric Nguyen, a singer-songwriter, producer, and classically trained pianist. His sound has been described as dreamlike and melancholic, drawing comparisons to artists like Thom Yorke and James Blake for its use of cinematic piano, synths, and electronic drum loops. His lyrics are introspective and touch on themes of mortality, love, and mental health. His music was included in Cult MTL Magazine’s top 100 Montreal songs of 2020 and made him one of the most blogged about artists on HypeMachine. His song “Day In, Day Out” was featured on Freeform/Hulu’s hit TV show “Good Trouble”. He is currently working on an album.
Kaili Kinnon
Ontario
Kaili Kinnon
Kaili Kinnon makes smoky alt-pop and meditative bops for late nights. With a “rare and splendid voice” (L’Express) that is “smoother than velvet” (Jazzkaar), she will move you and make you groove. Known for captivating performances and her emotional songwriting, her music has taken her on tours to Europe, gained her festival spots in Estonia and garnered radio play on CBC and Radio 2 in Estonia. In 2020, Kaili Kinnon started the year with a sold-out show at the Drake Underground in Toronto before heading to the Banff Centre for the esteemed Singer-Songwriter Residency. Later, in lockdown, Kinnon produced Zoom concerts, hosted a weekly livestream and composed The Evening Songs (due out July 2022). In late 2020, she released ‘Bone Alien’ written with and produced by Marcus Paquin. 2022 will see the release of The Evening Songs EP, a fall single and ‘Leave it at the door (New Year’s Day)’ a Christmas/New Year’s double single.
Jay Glavany
Ontario
Jay Glavany
Music holds a special place for most, but for Glavany it’s a way to free himself from his surroundings and let his mind and imagination wander. He’s able to create an alternative reality where he can make his own stories by listening to different sounds and rhythms. “I want my listeners to have the same experience that I feel when I listen to music. I aim to be as relatable as possible through my stories of personal growth, love, and life lessons. It’s important to connect with people through real-life experiences.” The Toronto native has been producing and writing songs about his journey for years. As a Cameroonian-Canadian, Jay’s creative influences span the globe as he continues to draw inspiration from music past, present, and future. His elite production ability has also allowed him to work with talented musicians, including Devontée, Benita and K. Forest to name a few.
Salin
Quebec
Salin
Salin Cheewapansri, aka Salin, is a Thai-born, Canadian based drummer and producer. From playing on Dominique Fils-Aimé’s Juno award-winning-album ‘Stay Tuned’ to sharing the stage with Ariane Moffat, Madame Ghandi and Dabin to name a few, Salin introduced the world to her own debut album ‘Cosmic Island’ in 2021. “Cosmic Island” is a soul/funk album that combines infectious grooves, soulful harmonies and contemplative lyrics. It has been critically acclaimed by the CBC, Le Devoir and Earmilk, with songs being featured on several international radios and Spotify playlists. Salin, joined by a 10-piece live band, has had the privilege to perform at several festivals, including the POP Montreal Festival and Montreal International Jazz Festival.
Siibii aka ANGEL BARIBEAU
Quebec
Siibii aka ANGEL BARIBEAU
With their breathtaking vocals paired and stunningly vulnerable lyrics that cascade over listeners’ emotional terrains, singer-songwriter Siibii aka ANGEL BARIBEAU is a notable force. This Montreal based, queer, non-binary, Indigenous artist originally from the Cree community of Mistissini, Quebec, first started through the formation of their early indie folk outfit, Simple Human Tribe. Their solo work gained momentum in 2014, when they were selected for feature on the #1 iTunes chart-topping N’we Jinan compilation album, Eeyou Istchee Volume 1. Siibii aka ANGEL BARIBEAU’s six-track EP’s debut single Love Is Up The River quickly garnered more than 20,000+ streams on Spotify and hit Top 10 on the NCI FM Indigenous Music Countdown. Currently, Siibii aka ANGEL BARIBEAU is casting their self-titled sophomore album to be released in 2022, which will be an introspective compilation of works as they step into their reclaimed identity. Siibii aka ANGEL BARIBEAU is a powerful changemaker, who unwaveringly upholds the responsibility they feel to pursue their talent while also pushing for more representation within the industry.
Kaiya Gamble
Alberta
Kaiya Gamble
15-year-old Kaiya Gamble’s dynamic and deeply emotional voice will leave you speechless. This soulful pop singer/songwriter, performer and multi-instrumentalist based in Calgary, Alberta has captivated large and small audiences since she was just 9. Her music can be described between Alessia Cara, Sara Bareilles and the legendary Lady Gaga. But it is Kaiya’s powerful message of inclusivity and hope that makes her growing fan base truly become ‘super fans’, proudly a part of her journey to reach bigger and bigger audiences worldwide.
Tracey Richard
New Brunswick
Tracey Richard
Tracey is an Acadian musician and multidisciplinary artist based on the traditional unceded territory of the Wolastoqiyik and Mi’kmaq peoples / Moncton, NB. Growing up in a small coastal village, the ocean has shaped her identity. It’s a theme often portrayed in her work, as a way of trying to protect it and understand its importance. It brings back peaceful moments of her childhood and also raises current social and environmental issues such as sustainability and community. After completing studies in classical music as a flutist, she pursued a creative practice as a media artist, exploring animation, audio-visual installations, and projections. While having an experimental approach gives her the space to manipulate different sounds and recordings, Tracey has released one EP and one full-length album with her psych-rock band Nebullama. She is now focusing on a solo project mixing 90s pop melodies, electronic sounds and Chiac lyrics (Acadian dialect).
Leah Marlene
Ontario
Leah Marlene
Leah Marlene is a songwriter, artist, and producer with a deeply rooted desire to create art unlike anything you’ve heard before. With a unique, engaging voice and a songwriting style that combines elements of pop, soul, funk, jazz, rock, Americana, and more, it’s hard to place her into a box. Leah grew up in a house full of music and guitars as her father, Derry Grehan, is a songwriter and lead guitarist with the Canadian band, Honeymoon Suite. He passed along his knowledge and passion for writing and performing. She began singing and writing her own songs at a very young age and never looked back! Leah has been performing professionally since the age of ten and releasing music since she was thirteen. Now twenty-one years old, Leah is most recently coming off an incredible run on season 20 of American Idol, where she ended in third place.
Jessica Spurrell
Ontario
Jessica Spurrell
Jessica Spurrell is a producer and songwriter from Ontario. Drawing inspirations from folk, indie, and rock styles, her music combines warm, eclectic sounds with lyrics full of poetic feeling. Jessica’s music tells a story, one that audiences can connect with. She has performed locally and beyond, in Collingwood, Penetanguishene, Wasaga Beach, Barrie, and even in her home province of Newfoundland. Jessica’s original song Bury Me is a recipient of the 2021 SOCAN Foundation’s Young Canadian Songwriters Award, sponsored by SiriusXM. The track competed nationally with several established emerging artists, and ultimately came out on top alongside four other incredible Canadian songs. Bury Me is available to listen to across all streaming services. Jessica has called many places home, including Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, and Germany. Her biggest inspirations include Taylor Swift, Phoebe Bridgers, and a small east-coast band called The Once.
Siddartha
Ontario
Siddartha
Siddartha is an Indo-Canadian artist/producer from Brampton, ON. Pulling from his dance experience, Siddartha delivers expertly produced tracks and vibrant narratives depicted through his skilled lyricism. Striking a balance between making music that makes you move, think and feel. He was selected for Manifesto’s discovery series, awarded the winner for the R.I.S.E. and Flow competition, and opened for Koffee and Juno award-winning artist Tobi during Manifesto’s 2020 online festival. His first project: “Reflections of a Stranger,” was sponsored by Ryerson University and the Gladstone Hotel. His latest single, “6uddha,” has over 30 000 streams and has been featured in several publications, including Clash Magazine, F.M.S., and Musicis4Lovers. Siddartha currently has a catalog of new music ready to be released for 2022.