Folk & Roots Rock
Originally from Victoria, British Columbia, Jesse Roper emerges as a blues-Americana artist known for crafting contemporary indie-fused roots rock compositions, and delivering live performances accented by his virtuosic guitar playing.
After the release of his March single, “Make It All Work Out,” which gave a glimpse into his upcoming album scheduled for later this year, Roper has since unveiled the second among a series of spirited, innovative tracks that exude soulful R&B influences.
“Throw This Rope” delves into the experience of being dictated on how to steer one’s life and career by individuals whose own paths are veering off course, and does so with a killer groove and strong, soulful vocals. Regarding the song, Roper said, “’Throw This Rope’ is about being told how to run your life and career by folks who are currently running theirs aground. I sure don’t know everything, and I never will, but I’ve been given every manner of advice from folks who have no idea what their talking about.”
Classical
Alex Whorms is a musical architect, sculpting a sound uniquely her own. Positioned at her cherished piano, this also Hamilton, Ontario-based singer, songwriter, and composer possesses the ability to seamlessly traverse a spectrum of styles and sonic realms. With graceful finesse, she interweaves elements of classic singer-songwriter pop, jazz, rock, folk, classical, and any other genre that captivates her imagination. Infused with profound honesty, her compositions draw from her personal life and encounters, exuding genuine sentiment.
The genesis of her EP, Once, In a Dream, can be traced back to a period of unprecedented disruption during lockdown. While grappling with the tumultuous events of life in confinement, Whorms found solace in translating her emotions through her piano keys.
Among the standout tracks, “Faded” stands as a testament to the emotional landscape that enveloped many during the quarantine phase. It mirrors the sense of solitude and distance experienced by countless individuals, capturing the quiet isolation that paradoxically offered a poignant sense of liberation.
Indie, Folk
“I’ve Got A Lot Riding On You”
Since his early days, Montreal-based singer-songwriter Daniel Isaiah has always found solace in music. He later set out on journeys around the globe with his guitar, playing with his indie rock band, Shoot The Moon, before embarking on his solo career.
Isaiah has since released three studio albums and toured with artists like Sloan, Van Dyke Parks, Mother Mother, Basia Bulat, and more.
For his latest album, he embraced a personal challenge by embarking on a journey to learn piano from the ground up. With this newfound skill, he composed the entire album, pouring his creative energy through with this primary instrument.
The premier single, “I’ve Got A Lot Riding On You,” transcends the notion of dependence. Instead, it encapsulates the idea of two individuals navigating the journey of life together, mutually reinforcing each other’s strength and sustenance in this shared human experience.
Folk, Singer-Songwriter
Madam Sad, the brainchild of Hamilton, Ontario’s Maddison Schrieber, has navigated life as a disabled and queer person, channeling their creativity through art. Working within the confines of available resources while maintaining an intimate scale, Madam Sad is devoted to the essence of Americana and folk musical genres. In a unique expansion of their artistic portfolio, Madam Sad contributes to a psychological horror concept album titled Paradise.
This album derives its inspiration from the chilling truths of capitalism, delving into the heart of its harsh realities. The most recent addition to this album, a track titled “Accepted,” weaves a narrative where the central character attains the long-sought acceptance within the story’s framework.
The symbolic connection between violence and acceptance stems from the notion that within the capitalist structure, coercion often leads to recognition and admiration. The recording itself is deliberately stripped down, showcasing a minimalistic and raw approach.
Featured photo: Jesse Roper
