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Cadence is a singer/ songwriter from Northern Ontario. Her music is a fusion of folk, pop, and country played on 6 string guitar, 12 string guitar, and guitalele. Her songwriting is an honest account of the perks and pitfalls of her life to this point. Whether they are written in the midst of a whirlwind romance, or from the pain of a broken heart, she hopes to convey the grace and courage that is art in it's truest form.
Paul Cresey is an 18-year-old folk artist who uses clever fingerpicking and strumming techniques backed by strong witty lyrical accompaniments. His songs are filled with a wide range of emotions, grounded in his philosophy that emotionless art is not art. His lyrics betray his young age, and through developing his own unique style rather than borrowing from other singers, his vocals often adopt a European sound.
In his own words, "this must be woven deep within my genes, given to me by my ancestry; how else can you explain it, growing up on the prairies?" How else, indeed, can a young artist like Paul make such a deeply mature impression on everyone who hears him perform?
Singing on stage since the age of 7, Kayla Patrick has warmed the hearts and captivated audiences singing at Classic Country Festivals throughout Alberta. Now at the age of 13, Kayla has added Songwriter to her resume and continues to wow audiences with a voice beyond her years.
Alanna's music comes from real experiences in her life and that's why she's able to connect with her listeners. This summer, her song ‘Fine Line' will be featured on Degrassi's new movie ‘Degrassi Goes Manhattan', debuting July 16 here and in the U.S. Now, along with super talented writer and producer Luke McMaster, who's written for Rihanna, Nick Lachey and Kalen Porter, they've co-written many songs together and completed Alanna's new six song EP!
Singer/songwriter Kessler Douglas, 11, has been playing for over four years and performing his own songs for a year. Armed with a guitar and microphone, he enjoys singing, playing, and talking with his audiences, engaging them with the stories behind his songs and the music that inspired them.
He writes about themes that seem well beyond his years and has stolen the hearts of audiences at cafes and halls alike, not missing a beat as they clap along to the catchy beats and contemplative blues riffs.
James Slater has explored various avenues and listened in depth to styles of various artists, ranging from The Rolling Stones through Bob Dylan, Leonard Cohen and more recently Jakob Dylan, Ron Sexsmith and Iron and Wine which heavily influence his solo material. Although the melody is very important, James strives to make his lyrics subtle and at the same time paint a word picture of a scene or an experience.
14-year-old Reece Runco has been studying music since the age of 5. The Edmonton-raised, multi-instrumental musician, has been working hard to get his music out to the public. Having started out with Suzuki Strings, he played the classical violin for seven years. He stopped taking lessons a few years back, and is now on his fourth year of guitar at Grant MacEwan in the Outreach program.
Inspired by his Slavic heritage, his background is portrayed through his music. Flowing melodies, both sweet and dark, are a huge part of Reece’s music. Reece’s playing is full of passion and emotion, elements that makes his sound unique. He practices guitar many hours each day, and also enjoys the whistle and percussive instruments.
The Doll Sisters (Jenna-18, and Shelby-16) are singer/songwriter/musicians from the Rocky Mountain House area in Central Alberta. The girls have worked hard to create their own style of music while writing songs inspired from the Roots genres they love so well. Whether it be Celtic, Bluegrass, Appalachian, Folk, Cowboy, or East Coast Canadian, their music is full with depth and dimension that reaches past what you would expect from someone their age. They've worked hard to create thoughtful arrangements, and a rise and fall to their music.
James Clarke is a talented pianist attending his final year of Grant MacEwan's Music Program. From Sherwood Park, he began studying music from the age of four, and has won several competitions at both the local and provincial levels. For the last four years, while continuing his classical training, jazz has become his primary focus, and despite his young age, James Clarke is beginning to garner the attention of the Edmonton jazz community.
"When I heard Oscar Peterson's playing for the first time, I knew that I wanted to be a jazz musician. Music has become my world, and I can't see myself doing anything else."
Trevor McNeely is an ambitious singer/songwriter who seamlessly combines his unique acoustic guitar style with harmonica in a perfect flow reminiscent of his idol, Neil Young.
Trevor not only plays guitar and harmonica, but also piano, ukulele and mandolin. Expect to see lots coming out of this young singer/songwriter in the next couple of years.
Valley is a four piece band whose goal is to bring back classic sounds of the 70's. They have been compared to bands like Uriah Heep, The Who, Led Zeppelin, Rolling Stones and The Doors. They may be young, but they're taking the Edmonton music scene by storm and their live shows will leave you screaming for more!
Charlotte & Sarah are two sisters who share a passion and love for music and performing, and at 14 and 11 they continue to delight audiences with their mature songwriting, multiple instrument accompaniment and fabulous harmonies.
Once she realized that singing was her true passion, it took Tatum Williams all of about 2 seconds to realize Country Music was the way she was going to pursue that passion! At just 20 years old, this singer/songwriter knows exactly what she wants to do with her life. She wants to make music that comes from her heart, sing songs that tell a story, and she wants to share it all with you!
Adam Holm, is in one word: goofy. An extraordinarily versatile musician - he has an uncanny ability to pick up and play virtually any instrument within minutes - at only 20 years old, his repertoire of original songs is constantly growing. It's clear that Adam shines when he is playing music and performing is all he wants to do for the rest of his life.
His funky and unique style, combined with his witty persona, infuses every show that he presents with something fun and enjoyable. "Music is the biggest part of who I am, and no matter if it's a hobby or more, I'll be playing at open mics and gigs all my life."
Lethal Dose makes music that rides that thin line between modern country and southern flavored classic rock with original lyrics of substance easily related to by a wide range of ages combined with melodies you can't get out of your head. This, coupled with the high energy performance of youth provides a very entertaining show.
Singing and songwriting since she was 5 years old, her angelic voice moves audiences with original songs and lyrics that demonstrate depth far beyond her 15 years. Couple this with beautiful original piano compositions and you have the amazing young performer that is Sarah Clark.
Sarah's musical style is contemporary/pop with undertones of blues and jazz. Her songs explore the experiences and emotional issues that happen to her or people around her. She has a wide variety of musical interests and enjoys listening to many different artists. She has a truly unique style that captivates listeners.
Jordan Norman is a singer/songwriter living in Fort Saskatchewan whose influences range from the power of grunge, such as Nirvana, to the soft hearted acoustics of Neil Young and Damien Rice. His blend of these styles can best be described as “grunge goes acoustic”.
With a depth of expression far beyond his age, a unique and profound voice, Jordan's songs are creative and exude a maturity and feelings rarely seen in performers twice his age.
Now here's a pretty face you won't find in a dress. Making her way into the heart of the city, this small town girl has started living in an uptown world, equipped with tattered converse and blue jeans.
At the age of 21, only one year after the release of her first EP "House With No Doors", Stephanie Bosch was invited to play the Edmonton Folk Music Festival (August 2009) along with such names as Kathleen Edwards, Steve Earle, Tracy Chapman and Sara McLachlin. During that time, Stephanie released her full length album, "Departures" and only a week later was #24 on the CKUA top 30 radio charts, as the youngest and only Alberta artist. Two weeks after that, she was at #9.
17 year old Robert Mulder's beautiful vocal melodies show off great range and his lyrics reflect a maturity and depth not often found in his genre and cohort. His music has been likened to the soulful surf-rock of Jack Johnson, hauntingly beautiful vocals of Hawksley Workman, rhythms of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, and strongly symbolic lyrics of Death Cab for Cutie.
His talent was discovered singing in school and church choirs, shaped by Suzuki method training, sharpened in musical theatre, and is now blooming into his own original style as a singer-songwriter. Attracting attention wherever he goes, Robert Mulder is destined for a promising and successful future.
The Juice is a young, energetic band comprised of four multi-talented teens who have been taking Edmonton by storm!
Performing together for over 4 years, they have wowed the crowds at Next Fest, The Provincial Alberta Museum Theatre, Canada Day Celebrations, The Works, Edmonton Northlands Capital Ex and Festival Place to name just a few.
With a solid set list of music inspired by the roots of rock 'n roll, this young band has cultivated a dedicated following and never fails to get your toe tapping and whip a crowd into a dance floor frenzy.
Lucas Chaisson is a 16-year old singer songwriter from Cochrane, Alberta. Both as a writer and performer Lucas exudes a maturity far beyond his years. His soulful original songs and imaginative arrangements of covers make a strong emotional connection with his audience. With songs described as roots, rhythm and blues and comparisons to the likes of John Mayer, Martin Sexton and Ron Sexsmith, Lucas continues to capture audiences and grow as an artist. When he's on stage, he is exactly where he is supposed to be.
Born into a musical family, twins Braden and Marlee Gates have cherished the beautiful gift of music their parents gave them 17 years ago. Now, as they continue to grow musically and as performers, they seek to promote and maintain the Old Time Fiddle Music their father passed on to them.
At 19-years old, Daniel Moir is a force to be reckoned with. In just a short time, the young singer/songwriter has already accomplished feats that take many a lifetime to achieve. Composing music from the tender age of four years old, Daniel has since become an accomplished player on the Guitar, Piano, Drums, Banjo, Bass Guitar and Harmonica. Drawing inspiration from personal insight and life experience that varies from a rocky childhood to vagabonding through Europe, Daniel has created a unique blend of folk music that shines wisdom far beyond his years... After several Canadian tours and performances at various festivals, including playing for est. 15,000 at the Edmonton International Folk Festival, it is safe to say that the future is bright for Daniel Moir.
Jonathan Drachenberg is a young acoustic guitarist living near Stony Plain, Alberta whose main influences have been world renowned guitarists including Don Ross, Andy McKee and Antoine Dufour. He plays with an unusual and unclassifiable musical style that borrows from jazz, folk, rock and classical music.
Lyra's innate ability for writing stories, poems and lyrics began at a very early age, along with her wonderfully paired penchant for melody and rhythm on the piano. She has ears that transform her creative imagination into sound. Altogether, Lyra has a unique sound demonstrated by her sincere vocals, intuitive sense of wordplay and inventive melody writing.
Brian picked the guitar at 12, began more serious self-study of music at 14 and from there never really looked back. Throughout school most of his spare time was consumed by his passion for music. While studying yoga in the Laurentians, Brian was introduced to Kirtan, or group singing of Sanskrit verses and learned how to play the harmonium.
His intricate, delicate guitar work coupled with sweet soulful vocals and solid song structure identified him as an exceptional young talent, and his live outdoor performances draw in listeners from blocks away. Brian is a unique and gifted musician who will surely have a long and bright future as a performer.
Rebecca Lappa is a born story teller, who crafts songs with strong melodies and haunting lyrics. At the age of 13, she has already penned over 40 songs in a contemporary mix of pop and folk with a hint of jazz. They range from ballads to up-tempo tunes all sung in her expressive clear soprano.
Having completed two EP’s of original songs, Rebecca is presently recording a full length CD with Peter Stone of 100 Mile House. New songs continue to spring forth as this prolific songwriter is inspired by life events and the wealth of music around her. Rebecca has stories to tell and a voice to tell them.
Painting with Ella is composed of Emily Guthrie (Piano, guitar, Vocals), Robyn Newman-Wilson Guitar, Piano, Vocals), and Brittany Turville (Guitar, Mandolin, Vocals). All three members attend Victoria School of Performing and Visual Arts, are in Grade 11, are 16 yrs old, and have been friends for many years. They focus their studies in the choral music and Jazz programs, and have been studying general music since elementary.
Their repertoire consists mainly of original music written by all members of the group. Their songs are diverse, in terms of subject matter, ranging from brokenness, war, and revenge, to joy, love, and geographical memories and the vocal arrangements are outstanding.
When enjoying a performance by Beaumont's Erin Faught, you may feel as though youve come to visit an old friend in her living room.
Erin takes a genuine interest in everyone who comes to see her, creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere that compels her audiences to invest in her performance and they cannot be disappointed.
Tanner Gordon is a 19 year old musician/songwriter living in Edmonton, Alberta. Writing songs since the age of fourteen, his original songs come from the heart, derived from personal experiences and observations. Inspired early on by Bob Dylan and Neil Young then artists like Dallas Green, he categorizes his music as Tattoo Folk. With primarily acoustic guitar sound, his songs are a mix between folk and rock.
Tyler Butler's heartfelt lyrics and passion for his music are apparent in his frequent live shows around Edmonton. He is heavily influenced in his writing by the people who live with him and the people who live around him.
Takes to the stage armed only with his guitar, voice, songbook and a ragtag collection of ever-changing people who call themselves, collectively, The Thousand, Tyler recently finished a cross-Canada summer journey by train in 2008 during which he played in venues across the nation.
The Plain Janes (formerly the Vissia Sisters) are quite the opposite of what the name suggests. Far from plain, this group of young women is creating a buzz with their rootsy brand of folk music. Drawing on influences from bluegrass, country, folk, and everything in between, The Plain Janes have an acoustic sound that is very much their own.
A little bit folk, a little bit country, a little bit Americana, the Plain Janes are definitely a little something you don't want to miss.
Guitar Virtuoso Calum Graham has been blasting his way through the Alberta music scene in the short 5 years he’s been playing. From the small town of High River, Alberta he is truly a unique talent that is destined for the “World Stage”. Known as “The kid with the Golden Hands”; this 18-year–old fretwork phenom has a dynamic and upbeat style, and is at the forefront of a new generation in music.
Four talented sisters aged 14, 13 and 10 year old twins, make up this refreshing, energetic and dynamic family fiddling group from Chestermere, Alberta. These musical sisters have captivated audiences at fairs and jamborees in and out of Alberta. As well as playing Traditional Celtic, “East Coast” style fiddle tunes, the girls sing and clog to their music with their Mom accompanying them on her guitar. Entertaining audiences with their toe tapping fiddle music is what keeps them motivated to practice and continue to work hard.
Ky Babyn brings a rowdy performance that will have you stomping your feet and shaking the tables. This rural Alberta boy sings about swinging hammers and drinkin' whiskey with an intense percussive, yet poetic lyrical style. Born and bred in St. Paul, Alberta, he has passionately pursued performing in music and dance. Upon relocating to Edmonton, Ky focused on the backwoods of his upbringing. Now composing timeless songs woven with the stories of olden days, he is lyrically driven and sure to inspire.
Growing up in a small town in Saskatchewan, Kalsey Kulyk first got a taste of the limelight as a performer in the Saskatchewan Telemiracle, and helped raise millions for needy people. From this early start, her talents have won her competitions, scholarships, and acclaim at every turn.
There’s nothing else Kalsey would rather do than play the guitar and write her own songs. In 2008, Kalsey was diagnosed with cancer -- a 'minor' stumbling block that put her singing career on pause but didn’t stop her songwriting. Being more inspired than ever, she wrote songs about her experiences, about love, and about positivity. Now, with her cancer in remission, Kalsey Kulyk is once again enjoying the experience of performing for appreciate live audiences throughout the region.
Ashanti Marshall is an Edmonton singer-songwriter and front-woman for the band Noisy Colours. She has been playing guitar for 7 years, and piano for 11, and is always hoping to grow and learn as a musician, whether it is on her own in coffee shops, or in the depths of the Edmonton club and pub scene.
Born to the tiny inuit village of Umiujaq in northern Quebec and stolen away to Lethbridge, Alberta at age two, Patrick has always wondered what makes him want to ride walruses off into the sunset rather than a good ol' fashioned horse. A fully fledged bilingualbertan from respectively English- and French-speaking parents, a lifetime of duality has made a songwriter out of him...
Call it the indescribable "wow." It's that quintessential moment for anyone involved in music, when out of the blue a talented new artist stops you dead in your tracks, and there is the need to retrieve your jaw from the floor. So it was when Canadian icon and musical renaissance man Randy Bachman crossed paths with Calgary teenager Lindsay Ell.
"I was on tour and a friend passed along a CD with Lindsay’s demos. When we listened for the first time, our reaction was, "we've put in the wrong CD. This is Chet Atkins -- not a 15 year old girl. Then my band and I were assured that it was Lindsay Ell playing a complex Tommy Emmanuel piece."
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U22 was developed by founder and creator Rhea March, whose passion for mentoring up-coming songwriters is surpassed only by her commitment to creating credible viable performance opportunities for these exceptionally talented young musicians. She has been deeply involved with Edmonton's live music scene for many years but her unshakeable dedication to inspire young talent took root in 2004, through a community based “Young Singer/Songwriter” concert series that ran quarterly from Riverdale Community Hall in Edmonton. Rhea is entertaining, engaging, and supplies an undeniably deep sincerety and love of the craft to nurture even the newest of performers to achieve their highest potential.
Here's your chance to get up close and personal with Canadian songwriter Danny Michel 