Toronto band, Ace of Wands, formed around Lee Rose in 2017 to reflect a life-altering period of mental illness. Surreal and beautiful, Ace of Wands creates immersive and intricate soundscapes to explore the meaning of Dream Rock. From the tension and dread of a nightmare to the effortless freedom of lucid dreaming, Ace of Wands compels audiences to listen with attention, not shy away from the dreams that may reveal hidden parts of themselves.

Starting off with a bang, their song “Desiring You” showcases the emotional ferocity and creative musicianship that lies at the heart of Ace of Wands’ music. Powerful Alt-Rock guitar chords morph into swirling Dream-Pop countermelodies, while heartfelt female vocals explore the conflict of what it means to desire a hurtful thing. 

The song was inspired by Lee’s toxic relationship and the addictive and sometimes destructive nature of desiring what was not good for her. Her way of dealing with it was to put music to the feeling of being completely unseen by the person she most desired being with. The song explores the tension, the anger and her ultimate refusal to be strung along. 

Brynn Knickle was born and raised in Nova Scotia, where her love for music and the arts was nurtured early by talented and generous mentors. Rather than narrow in on one category of arts, Brynn explored each thread: dance, piano, guitar, singing, and acting. Eventually, it led her to acting and fight choreography in New York. Throughout all of these adventures, songwriting has been (and continues to be) a comfort to her. 

Her first release, “Fool No More,” was initially inspired by an unfortunately unhealthy relationship. After taking a break from the song and coming back to it, however, she realized that it now symbolized the growth and eventual peace that comes with realizing what you need from a partner… and what you don’t. Knickle is an advocate for mental health and finds sharing her stories through music therapeutic and creatively fulfilling.

Her song is a collaboration with one of NS’s amazing singer/songwriter/producers, Carleton Stone. 

The worsening war on Gaza in 2021 inspired Laurence DaNova’s new single, “This Island,” which finds the artist creating a sonic place of refuge from the chaos of the world. 

Heavily influenced by 80s and 90s pop, along with soul and trip hop, “This Island” is a dreamy, chaotic and dynamic search for a sense of peace.

It’s a reminder that we are all human and want the same thing at the end of the day. 

“This Island” is an enthralling yet intimate song which creates a space for listeners to reflect.

Naomi Tessler’s music is a dance of vibrant vocals, earthy folk, jazz, R&B and Kirtan with soulful and poetic lyrics. She collaborated with international bassist and producer Chris Gartner of Redwood Studios for her debut recording, “Till The Shadow,” under the tutelage of her vocal mentor/coach Aviva Chernick and The Holy Gasp’s Benjamin Hackman.

Tessler describes the song as a map.. narrating her journey through the paradigm shift we’re collectively navigating at this time.. guiding her to embody trust & courage in sharing her gifts with the world. It’s a reminder of the divine dichotomy: to be a light in this world, we must embrace our darkness.