Artists
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Alanna Sterling
Alanna Sterling, a mental health advocate and proud member of the LGBTQ+ community, stands at the intersection of art and activism. As a non-binary singer-songwriter, they infuse their work with a profound sense of identity and purpose. Battling bipolar disorder, cPTSD, OCD and ADHD, Sterling’s music has always been a vessel for self-expression used to navigate life’s adversities. Through their heartfelt lyrics and music, they’ve been able to connect with a global audience of dedicated fans, and help them through their darkest moments. Alanna's journey is a testament to resilience and self-discovery, reflected in their diverse genre-bending style, poignant lyrics, and evocative melodies.
Upon learning piano at the age of 2, Alanna made it their mission to pursue the arts in all of its forms - music, visual arts, dance, drama, literary works. In their teen years, Sterling took it upon themself to learn over 40 different instruments and start writing poetry, as a way to escape from bullying, trauma, social anxiety and depression. Music ultimately became their sword and saviour and gave them the confidence they needed to carry on. Songwriting came naturally, and since the age of 12, Alanna has composed hundreds of songs, most of which will remain hidden in a notebook, never to be recorded.
In 2022, Alanna Sterling released their groundbreaking album 'Mind/Matter', a deeply personal exploration of the human experience and a diary of their fight against mental illness. Now, they're poised to unveil their highly anticipated follow-up, 'Everything's Gonna Be Just Fine', slated for release on May 26th. Recorded in Montreal with esteemed producer Pierre Marchand, known for his work with Sarah McLachlan, this raw live piano album promises to guide the listener on a deeply moving emotional journey.
To kick off this new album, Alanna Sterling's recent single 'Goodbye', was released on April 19th, accompanied by an iconic black and white music video shot by visionary director, Yang Shi. In under a week, it has amassed 13k views worldwide, and on its six month anniversary, it hit half a million views and continues to climb.
Turning sorrows into magical movements of song, Alanna Sterling reaffirms the transformative power of music as a catalyst for healing and change. Their voice, both figuratively and literally, echoes the sentiment that amidst life's challenges, 'everything's gonna be just fine'.
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Claude Munson
Claude Munson is an independent folk rock singer-songwriter from Ottawa, Ontario. Writing and performing his original music for more than a decade Claude’s singing can be described as Paul Simon meets Andy Shauf. Exploring his innermost thoughts and feelings Claude uses his unique and angelic voice to deliver vulnerability and perspective about the human spirit. Whether solo or accompanied by his talented bandmates and with his versatile and rhythmic guitar styling, Munson and his group create beautiful and dynamic musical landscapes.
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MELO-T
Tumelo “MELO-T” Ponalo has been pioneering African Electronic Dance Music in Canada for over a decade with shows across Canada and many countries, He recently completed a tour of Brazil promoting his new single Saudade which he collaborated with Monkey Jhayam. The song and music video were recorded and filmed in Sao Paulo, Brazil, which was well received. The release was featured on Spotify’s, New Music Friday Canada, Mint Canada, Crxss Current, Flow Romance and Feel It - R&B editorial playlists. He has performed at Ottawa Bluesfest, the largest festival in Canada including countries like the USA, Portugal, Netherlands, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Brazil and many more due to his unique African Electronic Dance Music approach. 2023 saw him have his busiest year performing more shows in the one year than his entire career combined.
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Rise Ashen
Ottawa-based Rise Ashen has devoted his life to the study of sound and movement. From his early years as a B-Boy in Montreal in the 80s to his studies at Fanshawe College (North America's Oldest Recording School) and the Banff Centre for the Arts, to his evolution as a Global Grooves and House Music DJ, his focus has been on applying hi-fi knowhow to underground music. His record collection spans the 4 corners of the world with house and club music of all tempos as his primary focus. As a DJ and live looper/finger drummer, he blends it all in a worldy mash and is always the sweaty and dynamic life of the party.
He has performed in clubs and festivals in the US, Canada, Scandinavia, Europe and Asia and his music regularly gets support from A-list DJs worldwide. His study of Yoga has led him to combine his musical journey with his Yoga journey and he has been DJing extensively for yoga classes, festivals and events since 2012. A long-time househead who has trained with many pioneering NYC dancers, since 2008 he has also been co-leading Capital Sessions Community House Dance Practices with his partner Tangent and teaching at Ottawa’s Flava Factory Urban Dance school.
He believes music and dance are essential to human culture and he aspires to embody the wise words of Fela Kuti: "when the higher forces give you the gift of musicianship …it must be well used for the good of humanity"
Watch his 10-minute video-memoir here: https://youtu.be/iMrmg1MkC40
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Sean Tansey
Multi-instrumentalist Sean Tansey has been a staple in the Ottawa music scene for over a decade. He is most well known as lead singer and songwriter for the award winning indie rock band, Lost to the River, and as drummer for the Roots rock band, Main Street Revival. Tansey’s lyrics are a narrative of his rural upbringing, societal observations and relationships past and present.Multi-instrumentalist Sean Tansey has been a staple in the Ottawa music scene for over a decade. He is most well known as lead singer and songwriter for the award winning indie rock band, Lost to the River, and as drummer for the Roots rock band, Main Street Revival. Tansey’s lyrics are a narrative of his rural upbringing, societal observations and relationships past and present.
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Mark Leo
Mark has been performing on the Ottawa music scene for several years with various projects, including his original soul funk band, 'Mecca of Stank'. While practicing yoga and meditation for over a decade, he has been able to merge his love of music and movement by collaborating with Jenn and other yogis to augment the yoga experience with soulful sets of original music and interpretive covers, overlayed with soothing sounds of nature. Notable influences include Marvin Gaye, Zero 7, Thievery Corporation, Air, and Michael Kiwanuka.
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Eniid Goodman
ENiiD aka Carol Goodman is a farmer, artist/songwriter/musician (specializing in Joni Mitchells music) & teacher. She lives at her farm (Ferme 100 Miles) in Wakefield, Quebec (Canada) with her husband & blended family of 5 adult children & grandchildren. Eniid’s passionate about hosting guests for get a ways & events at her farmhouse B & B & Big barn venue space. She also teaches courses & one on one classes to fellow art, music & yoga lovers with a particular fondness in working with people with special needs.
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DJ Magda Costa
DJ, healer, and seeker of the pulse beneath stillness. I blend music and energy to create experiences that move both body and soul. My journey through life’s challenges has taught me to embrace transformation, and I bring that depth and presence to every set I play. Through sound, I invite others to release, reconnect, and rediscover themselves—one beat at a time.