The Black Eyed Peas broke through with 2003’s Elephunk which went on to sell over 9 million copies worldwide and the group took home a Grammy in 2005 for Best Rap Performance By A Duo Or Group for “Let’s Get It Started.”
Since 2005’s Grammy winning Monkey Business, members of the Peas have extended their success to their own respective solo careers releasing albums and producing records for other artists. The band will release their highly anticipated album, The E.N.D. June 9th.
', 'links':[{ 'link':'http://www.blackeyedpeas.com', 'text':'OFFICIAL SITE' }, { 'link':'http://www.myspace.com/blackeyedpeas', 'text':'MYSPACE' }] }, 'simpleplan': { 'stage':'stageone', 'name': 'SIMPLE PLAN', 'bio': 'Following Simple Plan’s Quadruple Platinum debut release in 2002, the band have released two subsequent albums, a live album, a DVD, had a string of radio hits with “I’d Do Anything,” “Addicted,” “Perfect,” and “Welcome To My Life,” crossed five continents and played thousands of shows. Along the way, the band picked up a few hundred thousand fans and sold more than seven million albums worldwide.
The band has been recognized with many, many awards in Canada over their career including: “Favourite Canadian Band Award” at the MuchMusic Video Awards for a record breaking four years in a row (2003-2006), “People’s Choice Award for Favourite Canadian Group” at the 2006 Junos, the “Rock Group” at the 2005 Teen Choice Awards and the 2006 ADISQ award for “Most Popular Artist Outside of Quebec.”
Don’t miss Simple Plan when they take the stage in Montreal at Virgin Festival, June 19th! A worldwide legion of fans can testify to the power of one of the fiercest live shows ever to hit the stage.
', 'links':[{ 'link':'http://www.simpleplan.com', 'text':'OFFICIAL SITE' }, { 'link':'http://www.myspace.com/simpleplan', 'text':'MYSPACE' }] }, 'hedley': { 'stage':'stageone', 'name': 'HEDLEY', 'bio': 'The Vancouver punk-pop quartet Hedley is led by frontman Jacob Hoggard, who first rose to national prominence as a finalist during the 2004 season of the television talent contest Canadian Idol. Though voted off the series in its penultimate episode, Hoggard proved a major fan favorite, guaranteeing significant media exposure for his subsequent pursuits. In 2005, he formed Hedley with guitarist Dave Rosin, bassist Tommy Mac, and drummer Chris Crippin, all of whom previously teamed in the Vancouver band Everything After. The band generated a healthy buzz at the Canadian Music Week 2005 media showcase and, soon after, signed a demo deal with Universal Music Canada. After cutting three songs with producer Brian Howes, the label extended an LP deal, and the band\'s self-titled debut followed that fall, generating the radio hits "Trip" and "On My Own." The album quickly went platinum as a third single ("321") entered heavy video rotation on Much Music, and Hedley spent the summer of 2006 supporting Yellowcard and Matchbook Romance on a North American tour before their album hit U.S. stores in September. The band\'s popularity in Canada didn\'t translate into American success, however, and Hedley returned home to work on a sophomore effort with several co-writers. Largely recorded in the beachfront community of White Rock, British Columbia, Famous Last Words arrived in October 2007.
', 'links':[{ 'link':'http://www.hedleyonline.com', 'text':'OFFICIAL SITE' }, { 'link':'http://www.myspace.com/hedley', 'text':'MYSPACE' }] }, 'newcities': { 'stage':'stageone', 'name': 'THE NEW CITIES', 'bio': 'Blending the timeless tastiness of classic synth-pop to the intensity and dynamics of modern punk and the irrefutable rump mobilization of the recent dance-rock insurgence, the New Cities are primed to bring their own form of urban renewal to the Canadian pop-music scene and beyond as their first single, “Dead End, Countdown,” hits radio in February, with the full album set to hit in May.
The band says “It took three years but everything is falling into place,” talking about the New Cities’ steady rise through the ranks, of course—the Quebec band’s initial, independent forays into recording, releasing and touring to test the waters, through their serendipitous hook-up with producer and manager Greig Nori, their baptism of fire in Toronto, their signing to the Sony label and the ever more high-profile gigs they’ve snagged even before their first single hits the radio waves.
', 'links':[{ 'link':'http://www.thenewcities.com', 'text':'OFFICIAL SITE' }, { 'link':'http://www.myspace.com/thenewcities', 'text':'MYSPACE' }] }, 'carlyraejepson': { 'stage':'stageone', 'name': 'CARLY RAE JEPSEN', 'bio': 'Carly Rae Jepsen knew she was pushing her luck as Canadian Idol 2007 rolled on - choosing songs that were a nightmare in terms of clearance, like Rickie Lee Jones’ “Chuck E’s In Love”, and then shoving her retroussé nose into the arrangements more than any contestant before her. “I got a reputation for that on Idol,” she giggles, sheepishly. “I‘m a stubborn girl. And it caused some headaches.”
One year down the line, a vindicated Carly comments, “You gotta push to get what you want, but as long as you do it politely and treat people well, there’s no wrong in that.”
Tug Of War is no less than the album Carly Rae Jepsen wanted to make. And that’s all that need be said in the end. Although she should probably have the last word.
“I want to play good music that lasts a lifetime. You don’t need to be known by everybody. You just reach out to the people who feel what you’re doing, you know?
Spoken, as somebody once said, like a true musician.
', 'links':[{ 'link':'http://carlyraejepsen.idolblogs.ca/', 'text':'OFFICIAL SITE' }, { 'link':'http://www.myspace.com/carlyraemusic', 'text':'MYSPACE' }] }, 'evaavila': { 'stage':'stageone', 'name': 'EVA AVILA', 'bio': 'When then 19 year old Gatineau singer Eva Avila stepped in to the spotlight in 2006 she set out to accomplish and embrace her life long dream of becoming an artist. She immersed herself in the process and worked hard to define herself in the industry.
Her debut album Somewhere Else was the launching pad for much success to follow. The album debuted # 6 on the Canadian Album Charts, garnered her three hit singles including the Double Platinum digital single \'Meant To Fly\', which quickly reached #1 on the Single Sales Charts and earned her a 2007 JUNO Nomination in the Category \'New Artist of the Year\'.
The 21 year old singer is now back with her sophomore album Give Me the Music released October 28, 2008 and determined to prove that she has staying power.
', 'links':[{ 'link':'http://www.evaavila.com', 'text':'OFFICIAL SITE' }, { 'link':'http://www.myspace.com/evaavilamusic', 'text':'MYSPACE' }] }, 'stereos': { 'stage':'stageone', 'name': 'STEREOS', 'bio': 'The pop-perfect combination of sugary hip hop/r&b hooks and the heartfelt soul music of the 50’s and 60’s makes Stereos a band for any crowd. The members dedicate themselves 100% to the touring/musical lifestyle and love nothing more. Having the experience of numerous North American tours in former bands, they have the right work-ethic to make their way to the top.
Making up the band is Pat K (Vocals), Daniel (Bass), Robb (Guitar), Miles (Keys/Guitar) and Brad (Drums). They are currently touring to an already devoted following, garnered through two Canadian tours which have included sold-out opening spots for bands such as Shiny Toy Guns, Ill Scarlett and Social Code.
Already, without the release of an album the band has attracted industry attention and is certainly the group to look for in the near future. So make sure you aren\'t late to the party!
', 'links':[{ 'link':' http://www.myspace.com/stereos', 'text':'MYSPACE' }] }, 'kreesha': { 'stage':'stageone', 'name': 'KREESHA TURNER', 'bio': 'A lot will be said and written about Kreesha Turner\'s exciting debut album Passion and its eclectic blend of soulful, jazzy, pop-infused R&B. But for the young artist whose sweet soprano shines on every track, the album can be described quite simply. "It\'s just good music to enjoy and listen to over and over again," says Kreesha.
On Passion, Kreesha collaborated with some of the best in the business including Grammy Award-winning songwriter Harold Lilly (Alicia Keys, Janet Jackson), producer Devo Springsteen, another Grammy winner (John Legend, Aretha Franklin) and Toronto-based songwriter and producer Jon Levine (Philosopher Kings, Nelly Furtado).
Like any true artist, Kreesha hopes her music touches people. "I want them to know which song they can turn on if they\'re feeling a certain way," she says. "Regardless of what emotion it is, for me to be able to create that emotion is a privilege and an intimate type of interaction."
', 'links':[{ 'link':'http://www.kreeshaturner.com', 'text':'OFFICIAL SITE' }, { 'link':'http://www.myspace.com/kreeshaturner', 'text':'MYSPACE' }] }, 'nkotb': { 'stage':'stageone', 'name': 'NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK', 'bio': 'Following the media sensation that revealed their official reunion last year, NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK released their new album titled The Block. The band has since returned to the world stage, and are slated to return to Montreal’s first Virgin Festival!
The group split in 1994, but has recently reunited in the recording studio to create new music, working in partnership with a new record label, Interscope Records, and a cadre of world class music producers.
A phenomenal fan base has always been one of the cornerstones of the group’s success. New Kids On The Block sold more than 80 million albums worldwide -- including back-to-back international #1 songs, 1988’s Hangin’ Tough and 1990’s Step By Step -- and a series of crossover smash R&B, pop hits like “You Got It (The Right Stuff),” “Cover Girl,” “Didn’t I (Blow Your Mind This Time),”“I’ll Be Loving You” and “Tonight.” The group shattered concert box office records playing an estimated 200 concerts a year, in sold out stadiums throughout the world. They still hold many of these records to date. They were Forbes highest paid entertainers of 1990, beating out Michael Jackson and Madonna. The band boasted an extensive and highly profitable merchandise line which included everything from lunch boxes and sleeping bags to comic books, marbles and dolls.
', 'links':[{ 'link':'http://www.nkotb.com', 'text':'OFFICIAL SITE' }, { 'link':'http://www.myspace.com/newkidsontheblock', 'text':'MYSPACE' }] }, 'akon': { 'stage':'stageone', 'name': 'AKON', 'bio': 'After winning music fans over with his 2003 double-platinum debut Trouble, Senegalese singer AKON returned with his sophomore album, Konvicted, which soared to the top of album charts around the world and is now certified multi-platinum. Akon has established himself as an in-demand record producer and guest artist (T-Pain, Eminem, Snoop Dogg, Obie Trice, Daddy Yankee, Gwen Stefani). The international star has sold over 15 million records worldwide.
AKON’s 2008 release Freedom has been an undeniable success with tunes like Right Now (Na Na Na) and Beautiful tearing up charts worldwide. His last performance in Montreal was in front of a packed Bell Centre in July 2008.
', 'links':[{ 'link':'http://www.akononline.com', 'text':'OFFICIAL SITE' }, { 'link':'http://www.myspace.com/akon', 'text':'MYSPACE' }] }, 'davidusher': { 'stage':'stageone', 'name': 'DAVID USHER', 'bio': 'Born in Oxford, David is a Canadian who has lived in England, Canada, Thailand, and Malaysia, the East Village in New York and now Montréal. He has a degree in Political Science from Simon Fraser University in Vancouver.
With his band, and as a solo artist, David has sold over 1.3 million records.
He has won 5 Junos (the Canadian Grammy) including 2002 Pop Album of the Year. Also in Canada, he has had 10 different singles hold the #1 spot on radio, and 10 singles in the top ten. David has also had “top ten” and “top twenty” radio singles in England, Germany, Switzerland, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Poland, Russia, Hungary, Sweden, Austria, Czech Republic, Israel, Greece, Italy, France, The Philippines, Singapore and Taiwan.
David has traveled to Burma for WarChild to film a documentary on children affected by war. He has performed for Fashion Cares and is presently part of the campaign to Make Poverty History. David recently recorded a cover version of John Lennon’s ‘Watching the Wheels’ for Amnesty International.
', 'links':[{ 'link':'http://www.davidusher.com', 'text':'OFFICIAL SITE' }, { 'link':'http://www.myspace.com/davidushermusic', 'text':'MYSPACE' }] }, 'live': { 'stage':'stageone', 'name': 'LIVE', 'bio': 'Live rose to chart success on the strength of its anthemic music and idealistic, overtly spiritual songwriting, two hallmarks which earned the group frequent comparisons to U2. Live first formed in the early \'80s in their hometown of York, Pennsylvania
Their album ‘Throwing Copper’ slow build climaxed with the funereal "Lightning Crashes," which propelled the album to the top of the charts and paved the way for the hits "White, Discussion" and "All Over You." The band resurfaced two years later with The Distance to Here. Through 2003, the band continually refined their ambitious, spiritual sound; both 2001\'s V and 2003\'s Birds of Pray cracked the Billboard Top 30.
', 'links':[{ 'link':'http://www.friendsoflive.com', 'text':'OFFICIAL SITE' }, { 'link':'http://www.myspace.com/live', 'text':'MYSPACE' }] }, 'lights': { 'stage':'stageone', 'name': 'LIGHTS', 'bio': 'A prolific songwriter since her pre-teens, Lights is a multi-instrumentalist. Now in her early 20’s, she captures the attention of anyone who has heard her music.
Hailing from a small town in Canada, she started writing and producing music in her attic bedroom at age 12, shaping her craft with each note that she wrote. Influenced by such artists as Bjork and Annie Lennox, her melodies and lyrics paint a musical landscape, that is both fresh and new. Her sound is electronica based pop, that demonstrates a maturity well beyond her years.
This emerging songwriting revolution now based in Toronto, Canada consistently impresses listeners, and gathers new fans with every musical creation.
', 'links':[{ 'link':'http://www.iamlights.com', 'text':'OFFICIAL SITE' }, { 'link':'http://www.myspace.com/lights', 'text':'MYSPACE' }] }, 'jessemccartney': { 'stage':'stageone', 'name': 'JESSE MCCARTNEY', 'bio': 'Jesse McCartney, whose multi-platinum 2004 debut album Beautiful Soul launched his career as an international singing star. At sixteen, Jesse launched his solo career, creating songs for his first record while performing on dozens of soundtracks. Released in 2004, Jesse’s debut album Beautiful Soul sold over 1.5 million copies, while the first single of the same name burned up the U.S. charts while topping the charts in Australia, Italy, the Philippines and Taiwan, making \"Jesse Mac\" a household name in the teen world.
Jesse also racked up a number of awards and nominations including an American Music Award nomination for “Best New Artist,” an MTV Award nomination for “Best Pop Video” and three Teen Choice Awards, including “Choice Male Artist,” “Breakout Artist” and “Crossover Artist.”
While establishing himself as a successful songwriter is certainly in Jesse’s future plans, his current focus is his latest album. “I spent over a year on Departure and I’m thrilled with how it turned out.” This music really is my passion and I’m ready to get out there and share it!”
', 'links':[{ 'link':'http://www.jessemac.com', 'text':'OFFICIAL SITE' }, { 'link':'http://www.myspace.com/jessemccartney', 'text':'MYSPACE' }] }, 'karlwolf': { 'stage':'stageone', 'name': 'KARL WOLF', 'bio': 'Karl Wolf makes a powerful return to the music scene around the world with the launch of his second solo album: Bite the Bullet. The first single, “Africa”, is quickly climbing the charts in many parts of the world in Europe, Middle East, Australia and Canada.
As a powerful songwriter, producer and singer of serious skill and originality, Karl actually began his musical career “behind the scenes.” He has participated as a songwriter, composer and producer on many multi platinum albums in Canada, such as Gabrielle Destroismaisons, Mitsou, Quebec’s Star Académie, Emily Bégin, and was a member of both Platinum selling groups Dubmatique and SKY.
He was awarded a Felix Award in 2001 for “Best Mix and Sound of the Year” for his work on Gabrielle Destroismaisons’ Etcetera and a SOCAN award in 2004 for “Best Pop Song” for his work on Star Académie I.
“Africa” became an instant success across Canada due to massive radio airplay topped off by DOUBLE-PLATINUM status sales with over 80,000 digital downloads in a matter of twelve weeks!
', 'links':[{ 'link':'http://www.karlwolf.com', 'text':'OFFICIAL SITE' }, { 'link':'http://www.myspace.com/karlwolftheartist', 'text':'MYSPACE' }] }, 'divinebrown': { 'stage':'stageone', 'name': 'DIVINE BROWN', 'bio': 'For years, musical powerhouse Divine Brown has been quietly carving out her own history on the Canadian R&B and soul circuit.
Divine\'s effervescent energy and formidable stage presence - not to mention her mind-blowing vocal range - made her a star before she finally released her much-anticipated self-titled debut in 2005
Three years later, Divine has returned with a tour-de-force album, a virtual trip through both the last half-century of soul music and the roller-coaster ride of love dubbed - appropriately - The Love Chronicles. It\'s an album that should catapult her to the stratospheric heights of her heroes.
', 'links':[{ 'link':'http://www.divinebrown.ca', 'text':'OFFICIAL SITE' }, { 'link':'http://www.myspace.com/divinebrown', 'text':'MYSPACE' }] }, 'jonathanroy': { 'stage':'stageone', 'name': 'JONATHAN ROY', 'bio': 'A pristine album that resembles him. WHAT I’VE BECOME is Jonathan Roy’s debut album. The young singer/composer/songwriter makes his music industry debut with a touching and powerful first opus.
Inspired during a meeting with producer Richard Samson, this first album came to life and has become the fruit of a unique and wholeheartdness desire for the commitment to success. Impressed by Jonathan’s natural talent, Richard Samson immediately took him under his wing and together, they put countless time and effort into the creative process and took it to a whole new level.
WHAT I’VE BECOME is an incredible collection of unique lyrics and unforgettable melodies filled with honesty, insight and emotion. WHAT I’VE BECOME showcases not only Jonathan Roy’s musical talent, but his songwriting gift as well. Truly a modern music innovator, Jonathan captivates music lovers with pulse pumping tracks.
Crafting pop, folk and rock with poignant lyrics, and breaking the mold with this first release, Jonathan Roy’s WHAT I’VE BECOME defies all expectation the minute he starts to sing.
Jonathan put together his own ‘’dream team’’ for his WHAT I’VEBECOME, featuring such renowed artists as Peakefeller, Dick Duff #8, Frisco, Sylvie Desgroseilliers and Kim Richardson.
WHAT I’VEBECOMEis available in stores now on Imperial Records label and distributed by Select.
', 'links':[{ 'link':'http://www.jonathanroymusic.com', 'text':'OFFICIAL SITE' }] }, '2amclub': { 'stage':'stageone', 'name': '2AM CLUB', 'bio': '2AM Club know how to throw a party—and it’s not one you’re going to forget the next day. Funk, pop, rock, blue-eyed soul, hip-hop, new wave, and electro all converge to create a genre-bending sound that’s completely unique, instantly relatable, and practically begging to be danced to. These six 20-something guys—singer Marc Griffin, emcee Tyler Cordy, guitarist Matt Reagan, keyboard player Dave Dalton, drummer Ian O’Neill and bassist Matt Warshauer, AKA “Sauce”—bring a diverse array of influences to the table (Jay Z to the Beatles, Duran Duran to the Beastie Boys, Stevie Wonder to The Strokes), effortlessly synthesizing the very best of all that has come before them to create music that is resoundingly modern.
', 'links':[] }, 'sambradley': { 'stage':'stageone', 'name': 'SAM BRADLEY', 'bio': 'Sam Bradley was born in London in 1986 and began his schooling at the age of three in Hong Kong. Shaped by a diversity of cultures and influences, he began playing music at the age of 17 before audiences at any venue that would have him. It was in Vancouver, BC that he started a small music night at a local café; all the while recording songs on both a borrowed four-track and his trusted computer. After a few years of writing and performing, Sam received his first musical "lucky break" in late 2008 with a co-write on the platinum selling Twilight Soundtrack.
', 'links':[] }, 'tse': { 'stage':'stageone', 'name': 'TEN SECOND EPIC', 'bio': 'Ten Second Epic are back in the saddle following almost a year spent writing and recording the follow up to 2006’s “Count Yourself In”. “Hometown” was released on January 27th 2009, and features the singles “Life Times” (Nominated for Rock Video of the Year at the MMVA’s) and “Welcome To Wherever You Are”.
The band recently completed their headline tour in support of the new record, but they have a busy summer of festivals planned, including Cutting Edge and more. The band is also set to release their 3rd single, “Every Day” which features Juno New Artist of the Year and all-around sweet lady, LIGHTS. Keep an eye out for a big summer!
', 'links':[] }, 'jabbawockeez': { 'stage':'stageone', 'name': 'JABBAWOCKEEZ', 'bio': 'JabbaWockeeZ is an all-male dance crew, created in 2003, originating from San Diego, California. The group gained fame by appearing on America\'s Got Talent before winning the MTV hip hop dance reality series, America\'s Best Dance Crew in 2008. The crew is known for wearing plain white full-face masks and gloves and synchronized dance moves.
', 'links':[{ 'link':'http://www.jbwkz.com', 'text':'OFFICIAL SITE' }, { 'link':'http://www.myspace.com/jabbawockeez', 'text':'MYSPACE' }] } }