Alanna Sterling keeps the music going

 Photo: Anndy Negative The pandemic has affected artists in plenty of ways, but Alanna Sterling was able to let their music keep going. In the lead up to Sterling's latest record Mind/Matter (Mind Over Matter) they've dealt with recording through Covid regulations, personal injuries and having their own audience on the

Dylan Perkons Escapes to Heal

 While we might expect something rather stripped-down for a singer-songwriter debut, Dylan Perkons manages anything but with The Healing Day. With members of The Luyas, Wooden Sky, L Con and more supporting Perkons through his isolated recording, the album manages to feel welcoming while also full of a life that

One Giant Step for the Tourist Company

 L to R: Swindells, Parry, Levey and Quezada. All photos by Brian Chan photography.  Vancouver’s own The Tourist Company formed in 2013 after camp friends Taylor Swindells (singer/songwriter/multi instrumentalist), Jillian Levey (vocalist) and Brenon Parry (drummer) began playing folk music together. After recording the trio’s first album, Brother Wake Up,

The Journey of ‘Five Crooked Lines’

 Finger Eleven has made a bold return to the Canadian music scene with the release of their sixth studio album, Five Crooked Lines. For the new record’s launch, the band has lined up a full summer tour across North America which includes a stop in Ottawa on August 13. Five Crooked

Meet Country Super Star Myria Webber

 All photos by Paul Couvrette. Myria Webber, a 20-year-old crooning Canadian country singer-songwriter, is all about the Nashville sound while keeping her French- Canadian influence. Born and raised in Quebec, Webber has been singing and performing live since the age of seven. With a history in the music business— both

Don’t Miss Craig Cardiff this Summer

 Craig Cardiff is coming back to Ottawa this summer! The Canadian, Juno nominated, singer-songwriter from Arnprior, Ont., known for his steady and smooth folk rhythms, is hitting the Ottawa festival circuit with performances on June 13 at Westfest and June 28 at the Tim Hortons Ottawa Dragon Boat Festival. Don’t

Pick Zaac For Your Weekend Concert

 Zaac Pick will have Ottawa stargazing with his performance at the Black Sheep Inn on May 7, where he will be sharing songs from his new folk-pop album Constellations. The Vancouver-based singer-songwriter released his debut full-length album last month. Co-produced by Jonathan Anderson, the album was recorded over a span

Ontario’s Newest Folk Star

 Fiddler, singer, and step dancer April Verch is emerging into Ontario’s music spotlight! Recognized for her blissful voice, lively dancing and striking performances, her upcoming appearance at the National Arts Centre (NAC) is not one to miss! With impressive reviews coming from newspapers like the Huffington Post and Toronto Star, there

A Song to Play, A Story to Tell

 Music has always been a part of Steve Bell’s life. His mother was a singer, songwriter and piano player and his father also fostered the family’s passion and love for music. “I have almost no memories of not being involved in music,” Bell says. “It’s always been a part of the

Ottawa Lebanese Festival—A Scene of Cuisine

 The grounds of St. Elias Cathedral are busy this time of year—full of Lebanese festivalgoers eager to eat, enjoy music and have fun celebrating Middle Eastern culture. I went to the festival on an empty stomach so my first stop was the Tannis food tent. The tent had multiple line-ups

Pilar’s Picks: Julie Crochetière

 Canada definitely has talent. I’d love to introduce you to singer-songwriter Julie Crochetière, born and raised in Montreal. Her music tugs deep into your heart and each track has you feeling passionate emotions. Crochetière recently released her fourth solo album Counting Dreams, and you need to give it a listen to! I’m

Making Music Magic: James Leclaire

 Today marks the opening day of RBC Royal Bank Bluesfest! OLM is ready to groove—and so is James Leclaire! Leclaire and The Cable 22’s hit the Barney Danson Theatre tonight at 6 p.m. to bring you some of Ottawa’s best musical talent. Compared to the likes of Steve Earle, Leclaire

Singing Her Soul Out: Kristine St. Pierre’s Infectious Sound

 From her light, delicate finger picking to the stomp of her feet, you can hear Kristine St. Pierre’s soul baring itself to the audience with every melody. Beneath her lyrics of heartache and self-discovery is an artist who has continued to develop her unique sound to become a celebrated local

Q&A With Amir Brandon: Winner of National Singer-Songwriter Competition

 Q:  You grew up in the Ottawa area. What are some of your favourite local places or favourite memories of your youth? A: My experience in Ottawa was probably a little different than most. I was raised in the countryside (Cumberland). My first best friend was my next-door neighbour; we

Pilar’s Picks: NEeMA

 NEeMA is Montreal’s multi-talented singer, storyteller and writer who has travelled world-wide enterataining and performing in front of diverse audiences from Canada, Ireland and Sweden to Belgium. Leave The Light On was released April 8, 2014 which shines upon some of her touring adventures. Leave The Light On features original work and fascinating cover songs,

Pilar’s Picks: Alysha Brilla

 Hi there! My name is Pilar Adams and I am a grade 12 student at St. Mark Catholic High School in Manotick. I’m doing a four-month co-operative education placement at Ottawa Life Magazine and I couldn’t be more excited about it. I will be uploading two to three posts a

Young Ottawa Male’s Passion, Results in Unbelievable Success

 Maurice is a multi-talented singer, songwriter, producer, rapper, and engineer from Ottawa who worked hard to pursue his dreams. Although he had a passion for music ever since he was a young boy, Maurice’s career truly jumpstarted when he applied for the Summer Company Grant offered by Ottawa City Hall.