Shad
shadk.com
Hip-Hop
London, ON
As genuine and affable as his lyrics in his live performances, Shadrach Kabango burst onto the hip-hop scene with first place in a radio competition allowing him to record his 2005 debut When This Is Over. His second release The Old Prince, garnering rave reviews across Canada, set Shad up to be hailed “socially conscious” and “Canada’s best rapper”. What stands out is his lyrical authenticity and versatile musicality: Shad plays piano and bass and his guitar-accompanied freestyles have become a staple at concerts.
Life Support
lifesupportmusic.com
Rock/Worship Arts
Antigonish, NS
With echoes of Switchfoot, Delirious? and Hillsong United, Life Support’s history has been an ongoing mission of inspired worship arts. Beginning with a group of friends at St. Francis Xavier University seeking to transform atmospheres through worship, we fast forward to 2009 with a JUNO and an ECMA nomination. Life Support’s summer this year includes festivals and a cross-Canada tour.
mewithoutYou
mewithoutyou.com
Philadelphia, PA
Post-Hardcore
With a new album in the works for the summer, mewithoutYou exhibits a creative musical style involving powerful rhythms, overdriven guitars, chiming harps, woodwinds, and an unconventional mixture of sung, spoken, and wailed vocals. They stand in the crossroads of independence and mainstream contemporaity. Signed to Tooth & Nail, their rise to popularity in the indie circuit comes with a grain of controversy as they attract a diversity of fans. It is impossible to overlook the rich spiritual imagery in their music, and yet their musical integrity alone is enough to attract any music fan regardless of their beliefs.
Jacob Moon
jacobmoon.com
Folk-Rock
Hamilton, ON
His good looks, breathtaking tenor, and masterful guitar technique cause the listener to wonder why Jacob Moon is not more critically acclaimed, but he has always preferred the grassroots approach (nonetheless he is no stranger to folk music awards). A steadfast supporter of social justice initiatives, Jacob regularly puts his talents to work at benefit concerts for the likes of International Justice Mission and Compassion Canada.
Maclean
myspace.com/macleanband
Alternative Rock
Vancouver, BC
Maclean play an ambient, melodious alternative rock with a progressive edge. Having achieved local acclaim with their album Hang This On Your Wall, this year’s release Talker and its corresponding promotional tour sees heightened sophistication and harmonious live performances, accompanied by some clear ‘fan favourites’.
Breaking The Fourth Wall
myspace.com/btfw
Experimental/Punk
Montreal, QC
Breaking the Fourth Wall experiences success in infusing a message of liberation into an emblematically relentless sound. Recently adopted by several musical instrument lines, they have toured for most of March and are preparing to put out a new EP. Personable and fan-oriented, they make time for “hangouts” in their touring schedule. Garnering press and gathering crowds, Breaking The Fourth Wall is moving on to new heights with their fans alongside them.
Kassie Tyers
Winnipeg, MN/Sudbury, ON
Acoustic/Folk
Kassie sees her music as ministry to the hurts of feminine youth. Her folk-inspired contemporary laments are true to biblical form, ending not with despair but with hope – a beautiful reflection of healing and restoration in Christ.
