Sim Bansal of Action Forever grew up in Brantford, Ontario. His obsession with music began at age five and, for the next two decades, his natural talents were fostered by a musical family upbringing and constant exposure to a unique and eclectic mix of influences ranging namely from 80’s pop, to progressive rock, to jazz and Indie.
For years, he has been working on a body of original fringe-pop music for a 4-piece band, now being released under the name Action Forever. The music, while lively, electric, melodic and danceable, explores darker themes such as loneliness in a digital age, abusive relationships, loss of identity, and mental health.
The semi-autobiographical track, “In The Dead of Night,” is a reflection on the obvious downsides of being in a long distance relationship – not being able to hold your partner in your arms, look into their eyes, or hear their real voice next to you. For Sim, he started to believe the seed for the song, in part, came from a feeling of co-dependency. Upon analysing what he’d written – in the moment, sort of quickly and instinctively, those lyrics struck him as more troubled than romantic.
Described as, “a multi-genre marvel,” Kellie Loder (they/them) is a JUNO Award nominated singer-songwriter who began their musical journey on the shores of Newfoundland & Labrador, lending to their unmatched songwriting prowess, and distinctive blend of folk, Americana and indie pop influences. Kellie’s signature sound coupled with their magnetic stage presence has earned them notable accolades including, “Songwriter of the Year,” and “Fan’s Choice Entertainer of the Year” at the 2023 East Coast Music Awards, and placed as first-runner-up on Canada’s Got Talent (2022).
Songs need room to breathe. It took Kellie over two years to complete their song, “The Month of May.” The first part was written when they were hurting, and the rest of it was written when they were healed.
Kellie felt that it had an old school, retro feel, so they used an old guitar amp from the 50s. They also brought in three gospel-based backup singers to sing choir-like parts and make the song feel as big as it deserves.
For Kellie’s recent releases, these songs encapsulate different types of transitions. Transitions in life and relationships can be beautiful, hard, but necessary.
Incorporating traditional Ojibway music and culture with modern influences, roots/rock musician Mitchell Makoons has received radio play across Canada, United States and on SiriusXM with three of his singles reaching top 10 on the Indigenous Music Countdown.
Formerly known as Mitchell Mozdzen, he released five EPs under his legal name accompanied by their own Western Canadian tour. In early 2021, Makoons decided to change his stage name to something that nodded to his Ojibway heritage. Makoons is an Anishinaabemowin word that means “Little Bear or Bear Cub.” Since Mitchell Mozdzen’s spirit name is “Standing Strong Black Bear” and he is only 5’5, this name is perfectly fitting.
Jean Caffeine “is the most famous person you’ve never heard of.” Her latest single, “I Don’t Want to Kill You Anymore,” presents a nice tension between the almost punky vocal delivery and sentiment, and the hooky, more sugary retro-pop sound. Co-written with John Kovach (The Eggmen), with Zack Humphrey (Megafauna) on drums and Jon Notarthomas (Faces’ Ian McLagan) on guitar, Poprock Record describes “I Don’t Want to Kill You Anymore” as “hilarious and earworm infectious. Disguised as an homage to early 1960s girl group twee pop…This is one perfect feminist rock and roll statement, both hard-hitting and hooky…Caffeine has produced a 3 and half minute masterpiece.”
It’s accompanied by a brand new music video, featuring a mash-up of footage and stills from a lo-fi band rehearsal in her living room, a gig at Buckminster’s Cat Cafe in Buffalo, silly animal hats worn alongside bassist Angela Tran, and a cemetery in Tlaplan, Mexico City where she took part in a visual arts residency. As a mixed media artist and art educator, she teaches collage and works with layers, incorporating her artwork into videos where possible.
