SHOW
CASE
If you are an unsigned Canadian artist and would like to be featured in Showcase, visit www.applyforshowcase.com. Submissions
are free - all you need is a Reverbnation account with a high-res photo. You can check out tracks from our Showcase artists at
www.canadianmusician.com/showcase.
By Andrew King
OZZMANIC
What:
Hip-Hop/Afro Pop
Where:
Toronto, ON
Visit:
www.ozzmanic.com
Toronto’s Ozzmanic basically hit the ground running when
he dropped his debut single, “B. (BENJAMINS)” back in 2013.
The track – which showcases a slick, spellbinding production
supporting the MC’s swag-for-days flow – hit number one
on the Reverbnation hip-hop charts for Toronto. Just a few
months later, he earned an enviable slot at the 2014 edition
of Canadian Music Week without an LP or EP to his name.
In 2016, he dropped his hard-hitting debut EP, The Risk Tape,
and continued turning heads towards his boundary-pushing
Afro-trap style with hints of influence from Michael Jackson,
Akon, and The Weeknd to Jay-Z and J. Cole laced throughout.
The more explorative and expansive Rainbow EP followed in
2019, pushing his one-of-a-kind sound into new territory.
His latest single, “Happiness,” dropped earlier this year, boasting
a dancehall-tinged production and hooky melodies that are
as engaging as they are endearing. We’ve already seen several different facets of Ozzmanic’s
artistry, and every time a new one is revealed, it seems increasingly likely he’ll soon hit it big.
Not many artists can incorporate influences ranging from Mac
DeMarco to Mac Miller and have it sound so effortlessly cohesive, but
therein lies one of the most compelling parts of Cam Blake’s music.
Despite his relative youth, the Maple Ridge, BC-based wunderkind
weaves everything from rap to R&B to indie, alternative, and psychedelic
rock into a sonic world that’s all his own.
Look on further than his most recent single, “Losing My Mind,” for
proof. The track, which has already been picked up by major stations
out west and hit number eight on Reverbnation’s Canadian indie charts,
boasts a maturity and masterful execution beyond Blake’s years. It makes
sense considering he’s been writing and performing since the age of
eight, delving into different genres and musical settings over the years
and obviously picking up plenty of tricks along the way. He also has
an eye for the visual – check out the stylish and fun vid for “Losing My
Mind,” directed by Raunie Mae Baker (Ludic, Leisure Club). We’re looking
forward to what’s next.
CAM BLAKE
What:
Indie Rock
Where:
Maple Ridge, BC
Visit:
www.camblakemusic.com
SELFISH
BODIES
What:
Alternative
Where:
Edmonton, AB
Visit:
www.facebook.com/
selfishbodies
Once you’ve heard their anthemic, arena-ready brand
of hyper-modern alt-rock, it seems crazy to think that
Edmonton’s Selfish Bodies have only been a band for
two years. First uniting through an ad on Kijiji, the five
members came together and fleshed out a sound based
on their distinct and diverse influences. The first taste,
their 2019 single “Come and Go” from the Gold Hair EP,
pure and simple, doesn’t sound like a debut. At all. The
impact and eerie energy of Muse and Silversun Pickups
meets the undeniable hooks of Mother Mother, The 1975,
and Of Monsters and Men with a lot more tied in for good
measure. Their most recent release, the exciting and explosive
“Waitress,” builds on their already-solid foundation
with a sharp sense of dynamics and huge chorus you’ll be
humming for days.
What’s especially cool is the band has a clearly-stated goal of exacting a change in the mental
health community. Through their uncompromising lyrics and undiluted image, they want to lend an
ear to those that need someone to listen, and lend a voice to those with something to say – or scream.
Be selfish, love yourself, and get some Selfish Bodies into your life.
78 CANADIAN MUSICIAN