Susan Hisey’s music inspires honest connections with her listeners. She crafts lyrics written from the most heartfelt experiences and accompanies them with soulful vocals and soaring melodies that strike every emotional high.  Hisey, a singer-songwriter based in Nashville, Tenn., ushers the listener in to every verse and chorus through her powerful vocal range that cannot hide its classic-rock and soul-country roots.  Simply stated, Hisey’s music begs an authenticity that cannot be duplicated.

Hisey was born with music in her blood.  A native of Elyria, Ohio, Hisey is the daughter of two classical musicians, and grew up singing in local choirs and participating in community theater. Staying true to her roots, Hisey attended Belmont University, in Nashville, Tenn. from 2008 to 2012 where she studied commercial music with a voice principal and minored in music business. There, Hisey received the opportunity to perform alongside established musicians and performers such as Trisha Yearwood, Laura Bell Bundy and CeCe Winans. During
that time, Hisey also sang in an a cappella vocal group, which performed at the historic Ryman Auditorium alongside Imogen Heap.

In listening carefully to Hisey’s music, you’ll pick up on vocal influences by Linda Ronstadt and Patty Griffin.  Departing from her classic-rock and soul-country vocal roots, Hisey’s songwriting takes on a more folk-pop approach with influences from Sara Bareilles and Joni Mitchell.

Hisey is a true artist, working to carefully articulate, highlight and match her vocal abilities with the all-too-relatable stories she’s telling through song.

Chris Assaad is a multi-talented artist, singer-songwriter, wordsmith and speaker. His songs are pure alchemy that open the heart, returning us to a state of wholeness and joy. His music soothes and seduces with exquisite layers of electric and acoustic guitars falling over R&B and soul-infused grooves serenaded by Chris's richly textured emotive vocals. 								

Chris is an up-and-coming artist within the conscious music community and wellness & transformation movement opening up for musical artists Trevor Hall, Ayla Nereo, Michael Franti and The Wood Brothers. He has been growing an international grassroots community, sharing his eclectic blend of soulful roots music, heart-opening songs and stories with audiences in Canada, Australia, the US and Europe playing clubs and festival dates from Wanderlust Whistler to The Sound Dome in Sydney. 								

Chris recently put the finishing touches on his upcoming album entitled GOLDEN. His most raw and vulnerable album to date was recorded in Victoria, BC in collaboration with producer Joby Baker (Deva Premal & Miten, Alex Cuba & the Wailin' Jennys) who also produced Assaad’s LION LP.		

Chris’ artist journey began with a leap several years ago to follow his heart and passion for music. Just as he began exploring his love of singing and songwriting he was suddenly faced with a rapidly progressing hereditary hearing loss condition. Nearly two years and several surgeries later, Chris's hearing was restored and he was given a second chance, further cementing his path of a life dedicated to his artistry. He has become an inspirational voice for others to follow their creative and spiritual paths towards living a life they love. 

Chris has a deep passion and unique gift for supporting others in liberating their voice, amplifying their authentic self-expression and tapping into their infinite creative potential. As a facilitator and guide, Chris holds a powerful sacred space for healing and transformation, drawing upon years of experience, deep empathic attunement and intuitive guidance. He has developed his own Voice Alchemy method to help clients access the healing power of their voice, weaving practical tools, ancient wisdom and multiple healing modalities to bring forth the full potency of their unique soul song and expression. Chris is also the creator of Follow Your Art, a lovingly-crafted online program and detailed map to support the creative journey. 

The GOLDEN album is set for release later this year and will kick off with the first single entitled “Love Is Greater Than” this summer. Chris is sharing the new music live at select Canadian dates beginning with a Toronto date in July in support of Michael Franti & Spearhead at the Danforth Music Hall.

Hearts are broken across the globe on a daily basis, however, not all is always lost. The Finnish-born Sam Shaky treads the line between dark, ethereal Pop and Alternative Rock.

 

Sam's music circulates around themes of inner struggle and difficulties in love. While being abstract by design, his music echoes a relatability to common folk, with depth of emotion, big imagination and real stories. But instead of forcing meanings upon his listeners, he invites people to extrapolate colours and emotions from his dark but hopeful, ethereal sound.

 

Debut single ‘Tomorrow’, made its way to 5th place on Spotify Finland Viral 50. His follow-up single ‘Don’t Let Go’ reached 4th place on the same chart and receiving a feature on the highly regarded ‘Fresh Finds: Six Strings’ playlist on Spotify.

 

Sam's forthcoming album, ‘Arctic Americana’ is a continuation of his story up until now. ‘Don’t Play With The Devil’ is the first single release off the album; featuring Steve Wilmot (OneRepublic, Switchfoot) on production, Dom Morley (Amy Winehouse, Nick Cave, Mark Ronson) on analog synths and legendary Derek Sherinian (Dream Theatre, Billy Idol, Alice Cooper, Kiss) on keys.

 

Sam Shaky is for anyone seeking the rough and the experimental, it’s for lovers of Pop to Rock and Alternative, it’s for those looking for sincerity. Above all, it’s for those craving an experience that far surpasses the hollow, cookie-cutter world.

Uju: The Modern High Priestess with a Dark, Sophisticated Edge

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