New Brunswick's Matt Andersen has a larger than life showmanship that has been earning him a fervent and steadfast audience wherever he graces the stage. Matt's sprawling blues, roots and rock musical hybrid with his sorrowing and soulful voice has sparked a phenomenal buzz on Canada's East Coast and that grass roots word of mouth cannot be contained any longer!

In the past couple of years, Matt has released an introductory EP along with two critically-acclaimed live fans' favorite's and the full length release "Second time around". Along with a very busy touring schedule as a headliner at major festivals, clubs and theatres throughout North America, Matt has also shared the stage and toured with America, Randy Bachman, the late Bo Diddley, Little Feat and a host of others.

Matt has just finished his second successful UK Tour along with airplay on the BBC and opening dates for Mississippi Delta Blues Icon "HoneyBoy" Edwards. Matt's hectic touring schedule includes over 200 live dates a year that encompass North America and the rest of the world. Matt's new release "Something In-Between" slated for July 2008 is on Canada's Busted Flat Records (Distribution – Sonic Unyon/Universal) and is one the most anticipated original studio releases this year.

Matt Andersen is a very real, rare, raw talent and career artist, - vital to our musical landscape. For more info on Matt and the new studio release go to www.bustedflatrecords.com.

Born somewhere in the north Atlantic on a large fishing vessel, Tom's mother was an Austrian gypsy who had disguised herself as a male deck-hand in order to board the ship and create a new life on the other side. Her identity was revealed when she went into labour and shortly after Tom's birth was forced to walk the plank.

Tom was taken ashore by an aging sailor named Whisky Gibbons who deposited him at a brothel on the edge of a small town somewhere outside of anywhere. So it was that Tom spent most of his childhood being raised by call girls, learning cuss words and card tricks from tramps, vagabonds and outlaws, developing a fondness for cheap perfume, bourbon & show tunes.

When Tom was 13, having learned all he could learn at the brothel he set out on his own, finding himself at a rock quarry, smashing rocks into pebbles and pebbles into dust. He was taken under the wing of a seasoned miner - a black man named Alibi Slims. On top of showing Tom how to drink without taking his cigarette out of his mouth, Alibi taught Tom how to sing the gospel songs he learned growing up; "You've gotta sing 'em with yer nuts, child".

Years passed and Tom had smashed a mountain into dust. Grabbing his few meagre possessions (including a pocket-sized sun dial and the 4 stringed guitar Alibi had given him), he hopped a refrigerated box-car and "hiccuped his way across the country".

Some more time went by; new bottles of whisky turned old and the Good Ship Tommy Fun found itself docked in the rumored 'basement' of the abandoned Vogue theatre in Sydney, Nova Scotia. Here Tom began constructing his laboratory dedicated to "tin-can clanking, bottle cap- tapping & dizzy, dizzy shaking". As word spread of the late night howling heard to be emitted from the bowels of the Vogue, a league of turned-on, former gentlemen began joining Tom in his laboratory for "all night celebrations of musical excess and prescribed chaos". By means of their musical genius, The Holy Microphone Machine - as they became known - began to supersonically spread Tom's message to an ever-growing congregation.

With the nationwide release of their award winning single, "The Feel Good Song," Halifax-based Andrew Hunter & The Gatherers are continuing to build on their "band to watch" buzz. Producing a sound that combines infectious melodies, catchy lyrics, and a high energy performance, this tight trio rocks listeners with driving rhythms, solid vocal harmonies and thick guitar tones. A native Maritimer, lead singer/guitarist and songwriter, Andrew Hunter, hails from Florenceville, New Brunswick.

Over the last decade, Andrew split his time between the Island of Maui and the shores of Nova Scotia. But by 2005, the call of the Maritimes prevailed… the move was made back to Halifax to follow the music and the surf. A solo record followed, along with a tour and ultimately, creation of the band. One of the top up and coming acts on the East Coast's crowded and highly competitive music scene, this hard-working band has been pounding the pavement, criss-crossing the country and steadily building a solid national following and devoted fanbase.

Their recent accolades include: Regional winner of the Canadian RadioStar National Songwriting Competition; and selection as showcase artists at NSMW, ECMA and CMW 2009. Bodog Music says of the band, "Songwriting is obviously their forte" and Q104FMs J.D. DeRosiers call them "One of the most full sounding three piece acts I have seen." Available on Itunes or cdbaby.com as well as fine record stores and surf shops throughout Atlantic Canada.

Raised in Dieppe, New Brunswick, Theresa grew up surrounded by a musically-talented family. When she was quite young, her mother introduced her to the big band era of the 1940's. When she first discovered the blues, she was so taken aback by the music; she would spend long hours listening to the recordings of her favorite performers in order to learn their techniques. At the age of fourteen, she made her singing debut at a high school variety show. Reaching deep into her soul, she sang with such feeling and emotion that the unsuspecting audience went absolutely wild.

A few years later, and still under age, Theresa stole quietly into a local bar and asked to sing with the great Dutch Mason – needless to say, she brought the house down. The blues-loving crowd was so thrilled that Theresa had to sing three more numbers and repeat her first before they would let her off the stage! It wasn't long before Theresa formed her own band and started to make an impact on audiences wherever she played; people raved about the New Brunswick girl who sang like Janis Joplin.

Theresa herself was not yet content until she had tackled the one goal she had at that point: the release of her first album titled "Turtle Blues", and although it may have been a small basement studio production, it managed to sell over 3,000 copies faster than anyone had expected. Her next project, "Your Good Thing", was recorded live at The Dock in Fredericton and this time 4,000 were shipped out and grabbed by eager enthusiast. "Your Good Thing" also won Theresa recognition with nominations for Best Female Artist at The East Coast Music Awards in 1993, as well as, Best Female Artist and Blues Artist in 1994.

With all the success, it was in 1994 that Theresa decided it was time to develop her own style and record original music written especially for her. She also wanted to feature those songwriters and musicians from the Maritimes whom she had always admired, including many of those talented artists that had often joined her on stage. This resulted in the CD "Eye of the Hurricane". With so much interest directed toward the CD, the production company released a single, which did well on radio stations across Canada. It was no surprise that in 1995 Theresa won The East Coast Music Award for Best Female Artist.

Her next CD titled "Little Girl Blue", featured songs originally performed by Janis Joplin. This project brought her nominations for Female Artist of the Year at the 1997 & 1998 Canadian Maple Blues Awards. In 1998, Theresa moved to Europe, where she released "Piece of My Heart", a compilation of songs from "Eye of the Hurricane" and "Little Girl Blue". It wasn't long before she began to develop a strong following in Belgium and Holland, and because of this she decided to form her own band in Europe, The Midnight Believers. In 2001, they released a CD together titled "Listen Up!" This CD has not yet been released in Canada.

In August 2002, Theresa returned to Canada and began performing throughout the Maritimes with her new group "The Instigators". In 2004, they released the CD "Shades of Blues", which was recorded live at Fredericton's Harvest Jazz & Blues Festival. The year 2005 saw another nomination for Female Artist of the Year at the Canadian Maple Blues Awards. The summer of 2007 saw the release of Theresa's CD "My Best", a compilation of the best songs from her seven releases. You can be sure that Theresa will continue to get rave reviews wherever she is performing! .

Meet The Stanfields, a maelstrom of rock and roll, bluegrass, celtic and blues.

Hailing from the gritty post-industrial towns of Nova Scotia, The Stanfields play every show like it's their collective last night on earth. Their kitchen party harmonies, ruthless rhythm section, high octane stage show and genuine chemistry have won over audiences clear across their tiny corner of the world.

Since forming in the summer of 2008, The Stanfields have wasted no time making their mark on the venerable Atlantic Canadian music scene. They were voted 'Best Band to get Trashed to in 2008' by the readers of Halifax weekly The Coast and hailed as 'The Clash meets Steve Earle' by Great Big Sea's Sean McCann. With a relentless touring schedule behind them and a list of injuries akin to a hockey team during the playoffs, the closing days of 2008 saw the band forge its identity, ready to take their ten-legged gong show into the studio.

Under the guidance of gifted engineer Darren Van Niekerk (Matt Mays, K-OS, Wintersleep), The Stanfields captured their knuckle-busting take on roots music at Halifax's revered Sonic Temple in January 2009. Released as a self titled EP 2 months later to a crazed, packed house on St Patrick's Day, the boys thought it fit to bring in videographer William Hirtle and Fortress Studio (Jimmy Swift Band, George Canyon) to capture the show and all its madness, both on and off the stage. SNAPHalifax soberly reflected on The Stanfields later; "The enthusiastic, outstanding dynamics of their thundering rock rhythms, bang on Celtic melodies and bringing it back home harmonies and lyrics brought on an energy from the crowd not to be outdone or forgotten".

Her earliest musical influences were sounds of Makem and Clancy, Planxty and Bob Dylan being played by her parents as they drove around the Caribbean island of Trinidad where she lived as a child. 1996 saw her based in Sweden to start what would be a 4 year tour of Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Finland and the U.K. She started work on her debut album "Republic of One" which she recorded in Bohus Studios Gothenburg, Sweden. In 2000 she moved to Australia where she quickly established a large and loyal following. Again festivals and large support slots would follow. 2003 saw the release of "Appreciate" on Myth Records.

Irish was in the studio June 2006 recording her new E.P "Fallen me" with Paul Mills at the Millstream Studio in Toronto, Canada. This recording sold quickly and got some massive reviews so she decidedto recorded the full album 'Sweet Necessity' with Mills at the MILLSTREAM January 2007, and judging by early sales, this album is going to be the one that firmly plants Irish on the map.

"It was an amazing time and the musicians I worked with were just second to none. Paul is such an easy guy to work with who brings out the best of you every take. I am so proud of this album" She has played all over the world sharing stages with such artists as Tom Paxton, Paul Brady, The Dubliners, Richie Havens,and this summer saw her sharing the stage with some of the top Canadian acts such as Gordie Sampson,Dave Gunning,Matt Anderson, J.P Cormier, Bruce Guthro and the list goes on and on.

Her earliest musical influences were sounds of Makem and Clancy, Planxty and Bob Dylan being played by her parents as they drove around the Caribbean island of Trinidad where she lived as a child. She later moved to the Middle East with her parents and this is where she took up the guitar, singing and writing songs.

After completing her secondary education Irish went on to the Ballyfermot "rock School" for 2 years where she studied musical performance as well as the practical side of the music industry.

1996 saw her based in Sweden to start what would be a 4 year tour of Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Finland and the U.K. She also started work on her debut album "Republic of One" which she recorded in Bohus Studios just outside Gothenburg, Sweden.

In 2000 she moved to Australia where she quickly established a large and loyal following. Again festivals and some large support slots would follow.

2003 saw the release of "Appreciate" on Myth Records

2006-Another move,this time to Canada to play The Stan Rogers Folk Festival in Canso,Nova Scotia. Again armed with her latest release: "Fallen Me" produced my Paul Mills. The E.P sold out over the weekend and so in 2007 off she went back to Toronto to record the full album "Sweet Necessity" again with Paul Mills. Early sales indicate that this is the one that shall plant Irish firmly on the map of The Music Business!

She has shared the stage with such acts as The Dubliners, Gordie Sampson,Joel Plaskett, Bruce Guthro, Matt Anderson, Dave Gunning and according to her, her finest moment was "going on stage before the master Richie Haven, an utterly out of musical experience"

Irish has a way of delivering her songs that leave you wondering long after the show is over.

For seven years, Darrell was the singer/songwriter/guitarist behind the exciting contemporary folk trio, MODABO. Known in the 1990's for their powerful live performances, heartfelt songs, and a quirky sense of fun, the lads were twice nominated in the East Coast Music Award Category, Group of the Year. Their enduring self-titled debut cd (produced by Garnet Rogers, penned by Grant) was nominated for an ECMA Album of the Year. After many performances coast to coast, and one more acclaimed release, MODABO disbanded in 1999.

Since then, Darrell's been working away, creating and recording music in a relaxed project studio he calls The Digital Pitchfork. Here he's built a catalogue of almost 300 songs, instrumentals, and experimental soundscapes. At The Fork, he has created, produced, and recorded music for three documentary/information films, and also one dramatic NB Film Co-Op production, Reading Tom Sawyer. He's just finished a gig as the Director of Music for an hour long social documentary, in which 11 original compositions were placed or created. Darrell's music publishing company, Turn Up That Music Inc. (1997) administers rights for his own music as well as the Modabo catalogue of tunes.

Darrell's lyric sense of music lures the listener into the simple beauty of the acoustic guitar, and then into colourful splashes of electric and virtual guitar technology. Intricate finger picking and percussive right hand techniques span realms of alternate tunings, and explore partial capo effects. The deep energy of his verse is forged into sure melodies by a strong and distinctive voice; his phrases are infused with a "poet's heart." This strength is informed partly by his academic background: Grant is a summa cum laude English graduate of St. Thomas University. For his graduate work, he was awarded a Special Canada Council Masters of Arts Scholarship (awarded annually to Canada's top 100 students).

Darrell's love of a lyrical story has led him to cast some beloved poems into song. On his solo album, Arrow and Wheel, for example, there is a Yeats favourite, "The Song of the Wandering Aengus", and also Lord Byron's classic, "So We'll Go No More A-Roving." "The Weaver", A poem of spiritual consolation, written by Grant Colfax Tullar, recieves a simple, uplifting musical arrangement. And then there is "A Musical Garden of Songs: Poems by Robert Louis Stevenson, Music by Darrell Grant", an altogether special project. Here are 17 poems selected from Stevenson's outstanding children's book, A Child's Garden of Verses, set to melodic and intimate folk-styled music. It is his favourite musical project to date, for the album is inspired by the witnessing and nurturing his own son's growing love of music and rhyme. The creation of both new albums have been generously supported by artsnb, and the Province of New Brunsick.

In terms of his own craft with words, Darrell hopes to release Collected Lyrics and Poems, before too long. Darrell lives on an old farm in rural New Brunswick (his home province) with his wife, son, cats, fish, and guitars. A gentle collection of compositions for acoustic guitar, Handmade Instrumentals, is also currently available.

Inspired by the writing styles of artists such as David Gray, Howie Day and the Dave Matthews Band, New Brunswick's Andy Brown has a musical spirit that eludes conventionality. With a contemporary folk rock style all his own, Andy's lyrically bittersweet songs transcend a realm torn between love, happiness and sorrow.

Based on the backbone of his captivating stage performances, Andy has received underground acclaim for his honesty as a songwriter. Whether he's belting it out in one of his solo shows, or rocking out with his band (Chris Craig, Jason Berube), Andy's emotionally raw vocals and haunting lyrics continue to earn him fans all across the country.

2008 was a big year for Andy. He was nominated as one of the top five finalists for the 2008 Galaxie Rising Star Award (NB) and made a lasting impression on stage. As a result, he landed a gig to perform at the internationally-renowned Harvest Jazz and Blues Festival (Buddy Guy, The Derek Trucks Band, Bloc Party), right in his hometown of Fredericton, New Brunswick. Andy also made his mark around Canada this past summer. With performances in Halifax and Calgary, to a showcase at the 2008 North Rocks the Bay Festival in North Bay, Ontario (Colin James, David Wilcox, Hedley, Blue Rodeo), Brown doesn't plan on slowing down anytime soon. With an ever-expanding set-list of original compositions and crowd-pleasing cover material, Andy Brown's star is certainly on the rise.

In September of 2006, Andy independently funded the recording of his debut studio album, Quicksand Confusion. The six song E.P. highlighted his diverse musical talents as a songwriter. Andy's highly anticipated sophomore album False Alarm, produced by Brad Perry of Forward Music Group, will be released on May 30th, 2009 at the Capital Bar in Fredericton, NB. A tour of Eastern and Central Canada is set to follow.

19 Year old blues guitar player, Keith Hallett of Fredericton, New Brunswick, has been turning heads for a little while now. He has something to say through his music and the audience feels it instantly.

Keith has been playing guitar since the age of 13, got into the blues around the age of 15 nd has enjoyed studying and playing it ever since. In a very short period of time, Keith has been able to play many festivals and special events.

He has had the opportunity to open for such groups as Grady, Paul Rishell & Annie Raines, Watermellon Slim and the Workers, and has shared the stage with names such as Matt Anderson, Ross Neilson, Morgan Davis, John Cambelljohn, Thom Swift and The Lee Boys.

In September, Keith's hard work paid off in the form of the 2007 Galaxie Rising Star Award, presented to him during the anual Harvest Jazz and Blues Festival.

Keith Hallett's Future is a bright one. Loaded with a ton of talent and audiences falling in love with his infective style on a daily basis, he is sure to be around for a long time to entertain us.

Jens is a bluegrass hybrid. Now with national distribution through HMV Jens is able to spread his own style of music across the country as well as on the internet. You can order Jens' first two albums Making Time and Time To Go online! Now in the studio working on his third and final album "Time Alone," Jens looks to finish off the Time Trilogy he began in December 2006 before the end of this year. The aim of the trilogy is to show the stylistic progression of an artist over a certain period of time. Jens looks to refine the music that he loves without losing the edge, the energy, the intensity or the excitement that he is known for on stage. This album will deliver everything that Jens has been working on and learned over the past three years. The goal of this project is to take yet another strong step forward, not only in the industry but with respect to his songwriting and the musicianship. You can expect a great album to be released this year with a few surprises in store.

Guitarist, harmonica player, and singer, Joel has been co-leading the band Hot Toddy for over 10 years. Each member inputs new ideas into a already impressive mix. The band continues to thrive on improvisation, audience interaction and creating a fresh experience.

Joel became well known for his harmonica playing in the early nineties on the UNB and STU campuses. Joel earned a BA in Honours History from St. Thomas University. He completed one year of a Masters programme at UNB before deciding to pursue music.

Joel has co-produced 6 albums with Hot Toddy. In 2005, the group received the East Coast Music Award for Best Blues Album. In January 2007, they won a Maple Blues Award for Acoustic Act of the Year for their collaboration with Isaac & Blewett, Live at the Black Box. Joel and Hot Toddy have also received two Dutchie Mason Awards from the Harvest Jazz and Blues Festival.

Joel's interest have lead him to co-found other bands, including Big Alice which is a mix of NeoFunk, Jazz and Blues and most recently the Joel LeBlanc Trio, which focuses on jazz.