The trio EMP, rooted in the heart of Texas, is a musical force formed by the exceptional talents of Alex Erhardt, Nathan Mays, and Maxx Salazar. Their sound is a dynamic fusion, drawing from a diverse mix of influences such as progressive rock, jazz, post-punk, and electronic music. EMP’s music is a collision of rhythm, energy, immersive ambience, and an unyielding passion for unexplored musical territories. They bring a vibraphone to a knife fight, consistently emerging victorious and leaving behind a trail of sonic marvels. Their latest release, “Tryst Issues,” encapsulates the essence of their musical journey.

Each EMP composition is a musical expedition, inviting listeners along on a thrilling adventure. Their unique sound is crafted from vintage tones, intricately woven from collective imagination and fervent musical intensity. “Tryst Issues” came to life swiftly, inspired by a mix of a Dead Kennedys melody, elements from a favorite book (“Seven Footprints to Satan” by A. Merrit), and an ominous recording using an old telephone mic.

EMP’s music is an auditory odyssey, painting vibrant sonic landscapes and pushing the limits of instrumental expression. Their goal isn’t just making music but crafting an immersive experience where every note and rhythm carries emotion and invites exploration.

In the ever-changing realm of music, EMP stands as a symbol of artistic innovation, blending diverse influences into a captivating tapestry of sound. Their performances and compositions showcase the infinite possibilities within instrumental music, evolving their melodic language and promising more thrilling adventures for their audience.

David Lotey-Goodman, better known as Lowgo, is a fast rising 23-year-old electronic music producer whose background as a jazz pianist sets him apart from the crowd. His deep passion for music began at two years old, when his parents offered him a small toy keyboard as a gift. This set him on a lifelong path of musical exploration. His experimentation with music software has led him to develop a unique style, using both traditional and innovative musical techniques.

His notable released collaborations include Lou Phelps, Veggi, Speng Squire, Mosey (Pierre Sarkozy), Kris the $pirit, Benita, Jayde, Tibe, Jonathan Emile and more. Lowgo continues to collaborate with various artists around the world such as Zach Zoya, PT, CJ Flemmings, Clerel and Joseph Tilley, with no plans on stopping.

Highlighted single, “Soap Opera Pretty” (with Zach Zoya), comes off the sophomore self produced EP From Here as track one to set the tone of an EP delving into other moods as Lowgo explains: I’ve rarely delved into themes of heartbreak and darker subject matter. This EP represents an effort to change that.

The four track EP features a different vocalist on each single and is produced in Lowgo’s purposeful style of tension and release in song structure, and more retrospective lyricism. 

Toronto-based singer-songwriter Julian Taylor has released Anthology Vol. 1, his first career spanning collection of songs which reflect on his decades as an artist, fronting Staggered Crossing and the Julian Taylor Band, as well as developing a celebrated solo career.

In addition to the 15 vintage tracks which feature on Anthology Vol. 1, Taylor has added a trio of all-new songs exclusive to the release, which serve to bridge the gap between those historical roots of yore and the forward-leaning songwriting template he forged during the making of his two most recent solo LPs, 2020’s highly acclaimed The Ridge (which garnered Taylor’s anointing as Solo Artist of the Year at the Canadian Folk Music Awards) and 2022’s equally lauded Beyond the Reservoir. Each of these three new tracks — the reflective singalong drive of “Georgia Moon,” the transient travelogue that is “City Song,” and the plaintive acceptance of “Long Time Ago” — confirm Taylor’s ever-upward creative trajectory. The gentle folk rock of “Long Time Ago” was composed many years ago in collaboration with Taylor’s friend, artist Robert Priest. Taylor reflects on the song’s meaning: It conveys themes of lasting impact, continuity, and the influence of past actions. Whether those actions were positive or negative, they all have a lasting effect. Sometimes our choices can be deemed right or wrong, but their effects continue to affect the individual. “Long Time Ago” speaks to the idea that these effects remain, even if they might not always be immediately apparent.

FKB is a high-energy, four-piece, indie pop band based in Edmonton and Nashville, influenced by the mystique, glamour, and excess of the 1960s-1980s entertainment business.  The band is fronted by JUNO Award-nominated songwriter (2019) Drew Shalka (lead vocals/bass), and features Travis Topylki (lead guitar), Derek Chalut (drums), and Alex Fedorouk (rhythm guitar). 

The band won the Jim Beam National Talent Search (2023), which culminated in a performance at the Indies Awards at History (Toronto). Since 2017, they have performed over 300 shows across North America.

FKB’s infectious, disco-inflected single “Color Blind” is produced by Shalka who says:
“Color Blind” is us finding a way to connect our influences from the past, like The Beatles, Elvis Presley, and The Beach Boys, with the modern sounds of Foster The People, Portugal the Man and The Weeknd. We wanted to draw from the excitement of our live shows and give people something they can dance to.

Ynana Rose [pronounced Y’nah-nah] captivates audiences with her unique blend of the traditions of American roots music, penning songs threaded with folk, country, blues and jazz influences while reaching for new horizons in her writing. A versatile singer, Ynana sings of the joy and heartbreak of living in a rich, soulful voice. The “Strawberry Moon” is visible in June. For Ynana, a summer moon is haunting, sensual and nostalgic, so it felt fitting to tell the yearning story of forbidden same sex love between women in early American history. She harnesses the classic country sound with a modern message that inspires gratitude to be born in the here and now, where one can choose how to be and who to love. 

Ynana will release Under A Cathedral Sky on November 3, an album about facing fear and creating beauty from it. These are songs written at the crossroads of midlife, assessment, crisis, unraveling…as well as dancing, whiskey and dating. She wrote her first song at the age of 37, which opened up a world of creative passion. As a vocalist, she has enjoyed a wide background ranging from choral ensembles to folk, traditional Música folclórica, western swing, blues and bluegrass.  

Born out of the chaotic dive bar scene in Toronto, Harley Olivia has seen it all. From fronting metal bands to circus-punk and everything in between, Harley has always felt most alive on the stage. Her energetic performances are characterized by punchy synths, infectious melodies and Harley’s signature swagger. But at the heart of it all, a Harley Olivia show is an empowering, rock n’ roll dance party where anyone is free to come join in and shake off the shame. 

Harley worked as a flight attendant for 10 years which meant that she spent a lot of time in hotel rooms in foreign countries, feeling lonely and burnt out, missing her family. In the beginning it was an exciting job, but over time aviation pulled her away from creating music. She dealt with depression and anxiety and ultimately realized that she was unhappy because she wasn’t pursuing her dreams. It was finally time for her to bet on herself, and make a big change. 

“Every time I found myself alone in a hotel room, I couldn’t turn off my thoughts,” says Harley. “A combination of jet lag, anxiety and loneliness caused me to constantly overthink, which felt like being ‘haunted’ by my own thoughts.”