Country, Americana
A departure from the unconventional indie-rock sound of his primary project, GHOSTKEEPER, Canadian artist Shane Ghostkeeper’s latest musical endeavor returns to his country and western roots.
Growing up in several Northern Alberta Métis communities, Ghostkeeper found inspiration in the records that defined his childhood. Such influences have become the basis for his forthcoming album, Songs For My People, set to release July 28th via Victory Pool Records. Each song off this album is part of one big love letter to the places he grew up and how it continues to shape his musical career.
His dedication to family translates into his latest track, “V Chill,” which was born from the practice of soothing his teething baby boy. The lyrics appear as fatherly advice and blessings for his son, practically forming themselves after hours of entertaining the child. A strong love of story and song is palpable in each melody.
Hip-Hop
Longtime music disciple S-ONE spent his childhood in Jamaica secretly spinning his father’s records to explore their melodies, nurturing a keen ear for unique sounds and production techniques. After his immigration to Canada, his older brother introduced him to hip-hop, the genre that would light the flame of his musical path to come. Though his music adopts from various genre inspirations, S-ONE takes particular elements of hip-hop, interlacing them to hone his personal sound.
An artist of many talents, S-ONE has since relished in acclaim as a producer, competitive hip-hop dancer, emcee, and prominent DJ. His lifetime of infatuation with music has only added to the expertise and passion with which he crafts his own spellbinding beats and sticky lyrics. The latest from S-ONE is the single, “Lil Bit”, just in time for summer. Featuring 23Dreamz, the energetic track is designed for the dance floor, intended to inspire listeners to “find a lil bit of love in our loveless world.”
Indie Pop-Rock
After a foray into the Kingston, Ontario, music scene and two music festival performances, it was clear that indie dream-rock band, Lost Cousins, were quickly headed on a positive trajectory. Their 2015 move to Toronto proved a catalyst for their budding career, plunging them into the area’s rich music scene. Originally born from three former Queen’s University students, the quintet is preparing for their forthcoming album this summer.
Their recent release, “Dreamer”, instantly transports the listener to the forest cottage in which it was written. Alight with luminous melodies, charming vocals, chirping birds, and tranquil wave sounds, the whole effect is organically harmonious. The band’s peaceful surroundings influenced the song’s overall tone, inspiring a steady rhythm and pulsing guitar accompaniment. While diving into the self-doubt that comes with nearly any creative process, the lyrics encourage positivity in the midst of tough relationships.
Hip-Hop
A maestro of many talents, songwriter Moh Flow is making waves in the Middle Eastern music scene with his distinctive style and a dedication to artistic expression. Originally from Dubai, the artist began his career in the world of rap. Since then, he has transitioned to the singer-songwriter pop realm, adding hints of hip-hop, soul, and R&B; the genre shift has marked a pivotal change in Moh Flow’s career.
Committed to overcoming language and cultural barriers with his craft, he uses his platform to advocate for regional artists and to connect with listeners on an intimate level. His rising success can also be attributed to collaborations with well-known artists like Pusha T and Serious Klein.
Heavily influenced by Arabic pop, his latest single, “Show Me”, is a true testament to Moh Flow’s stylistic diversity. Full of 90’s R&B influences fused with hip-hop flair, the track expands yet another layer of his artistic dimension. A celebration of his culture, Moh Flow describes “Show Me” as “the first record that’s inspired me to write pure Arabic sections,” just another element of his burgeoning musical prowess.
Featured photo: Shane Ghostkeeper
