Mercedes Arn-Horn: vocals/guitar
Phoenix Arn-Horn: drums/vocals
David Blake-Dickson: bass/vocals
Courage My Love. Their name comes from a line in the 1936 Movie Things To Come; their passion comes from the same inner wellspring that has fueled every great artist who has ever picked up a brush, an instrument, or a pen; and their music comes from their hearts.
Courage My Love are Mercedes, shredding the guitar and leading the assault; her twin sister Phoenix, whose power and taste behind her drum kit matches Mercedesʼ chord crunching guitar attacks, the intensity of which belies their diminutive stature; and David, their bassist and musical conscience, the man who shares their energy, enthusiasm, and commitment to music. They are never still, never complacent. They rock, and they rock hard.
Even though the music is forceful and not timid when it comes to volume, their finely tuned voices cut through, as melodic and harmonious on top as the music is solid and driving on the
bottom. Friends since grade school, they now stand, just a few short years later, on the threshold of a great adventure. The adventure of creating real music, touring and recording—building a career doing what they love to do.
With parents in tow, they have been hauling their gear, paying their dues, and gaining a loyal following throughout Ontario, Canada. The sheer joy they exhibit on stage marks them as old souls with an abundance of youthful energy, and an understanding of entertaining an audience that is far beyond that of most performers their age and older.
The band is currently hard at work in the studio, putting the finishing touches on their debut album. The first release is Bridges with an accompanying music video directed by multiple MuchMusic Video Award winner Warren P. Sonoda.
Courage My Love want to play for the world, one stage, one club at a time. Now is their time, and now is the time for you to see them and hear them. This is real music, real passion.
In 2007 Synje Norland released her debut album "Skipping Stones" on Norland Music, a label she set up with her father. It was a truly collaborative effort that united the talent and passion of the family and many talented friends.
The commitment paid off: Synje’s compositions were selected for the soundtrack of ARD’s soap opera "Rote Rosen", carrying her music to a wider audience.
In the fall of 2009 Synje Norland’s album "SKIPPING STONES" was once again honored by having two of its tracks featured on the soundtrack of the motion picture "Liebe Mauer".
Synje Norland’s music reflects her love of travelling and feeling at home in the world. Her sense of adventure led her all the way to Canada, where she not only discovered her love of songwriting, but also her love for a certain Irish-Canadian – the beginning of a long journey.
Today, the artist divides her time between the high north of Germany and the deep south of Canada. She travels near and far, high and low: with open arms, open ears and an open heart.
Her recently finished album "To The Other Side“ bears evidence of her comprehensive living space, setting a new artistic landmark along with co-producer Benito Battiston.
A sophisticated and lovely synth/drum duo whose most recent album, Once Smitten, was produced by the stellar Gavin Brown (Metric, Billy Talent, Sarah Harmer) and Dave Mohacsi.
It showcases their unique brand of post-indie-dance-rock, blending authentic and imaginative sounds through a mixture of gorgeous vocals, heavy analog synths, lovely melodies and huge complex drum beats that reverberate in your mind for days and days and days.
The Killbots have been garnering much attention and acclaim from press and radio alike, with an outstanding live show and recent achievement of #1 on the electronic radio charts!
ONCE SMITTEN PRESS!
Once Smitten is a darkly dancetastic robot masterpiece.
- Dan from TWM
This is a phenomenal piece of work. Almost every song will resonate with you after only one listen and it proves that, to quote Dan Managan, robots need love too.
- Michael from Greyowl Point
Much like the impending robot enslavement of all humanity, you would be wise to keep your eye on this talented electro-pop duo. With a new album under their belt, the Lovely Killbots are ready to take over.
- Orlando from Soundproof Magazine
Texas-born songwriter, Jarrod Dickenson's slightly spooky melodies and lyrics invoke a mid-Western post-war America, when cars ran on leaded gas, television hadn't yet kidnapped the country's imagination, and men wore hats every day. His reflective lyrics, almost like hand-written letters, remind us that human stories of lost love, sudden fortune, and abiding mystery transcend the decades...and nothing is better or worse right now than it's ever been.
Jarrod's debut album entitled "Ashes On The Ground" , which was released in early 2009, has been raising plenty of eyebrows, and his brand new live album release "Live at Roost House" offers a look at his intimate live performance. Now based in Nashville, TN, Jarrod spends most of his time on the road touring throughout the United States and UK, and is quickly, and not-so-quietly taking the folk music world by storm. Stay tuned for more exciting news, and be sure to check the calendar to see when Jarrod is playing near you.
“Ontario’s next big thing” states John & Amber of Shakin’ Katz Radio
”Throat-punching country-fried rock ‘n’ roll” is how Paul Pengelly (vocals), Gary Kuiper (guitar/vocals), Paul McGrath (guitar/vocals), Darrel Lascelles (bass) and Spider Costello (drums/vocals) describe this guitar powered train ride.
The 5-piece band is currently promoting their debut release, The Biggest Hand. Recorded and released in the end of 2009, the album blasts out 12 powerful tracks mixing country, rock and bluegrass into a melodic, danceable bash. From the album’s first track, “4 a.m.”, to their holiday single and video “Christmas Wish at the End of the Bar” (released on a separate, self-titled album), The Vanishers take fans on a rock n’ roll musical roller coaster! “4 a.m.” is equal parts rock, country and drunken courage, beginning with a guitar melody akin to Brian Setzer and Cliff Gallup before busting into a harmony laden chorus. “It’s 4 a.m. and the phone is ringing and you don’t have to ask, it’s me again and I’m calling you from the bottom of my glass”, cries Paul Pengelly on vocals. Like the caller’s tale of woe, the track never wavers, even when the vocals make way for one of Gary Kuiper’s signature country/rockabilly guitar bridges. The Biggest Hand was nominated for a Hamilton Music Award for Best Roots/Folk album of the Year.
The Vanishers are a proudly Canadian, independent band with incredible drive and passion for music and performance. They are unique in skills, not only with great musical talents, but are also stocked with their own graphic design and video crews. Trucking forward into the 2011 country/rock scene is in the forefront of the band’s plans, as they continue to perform shows throughout Ontario.
April, 2011 will see the release of their second album, Hagersville Dance Party. A progression from their prior release, fans can expect to hear more harmonies, more guitars and a whole lot more rock and roll…!
Toronto, ON - July 25, 2011 - Indie Week and The McKee Agency are joining forces to deliver a knock-out lineup for the festival's urban showcase on Oct 12 & 13 at the Annex Wreckroom. Prizes include: A single to be released by Richmond Street Records and serviced to Urban radio stations across Canada. Read more