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 . Selected artists will also appear on the
Canadian Musician website at www . canadianmusician . com / showcase .
By Ken Kelley
KOBRA & THE LOTUS
KOBRA & THE LOTUS
What : Heavy Metal Where : Calgary , AB Visit : www . kobraandthelotus . com
Although they may not be a household name quite yet , it could simply be a matter of time before people all over Canada – and the world – know Calgary heavy metal / hard rock band Kobra & The Lotus .
Since their formation in 2009 , the group ,
AMANIE // ILLFATED
What : Pop , R & B Where : Etobicoke , ON Visit : www . amanieillfated . com
Born in South Sudan , amanie // illfated immigrated to Regina with her family in 1992 . After spending years performing at multicultural events throughout the city , amanie was inevitably drawn to music , playing piano and performing her songs in public by age 12 .
The release of a promotional album ultimately helped set the stage for amanie // illfated ’ s self-titled effort , which dropped in November 2015 . Led by her powerful voice , which in turn is complemented by world-class production , the music on her newest record rests firmly in the world of pop and R & B , but is also sprinkled with touches of electronica throughout . With Canada ’ s presence in the pop world getting increasingly bigger with each passing year , don ’ t be surprised to see amanie // illfated ’ s name in lights before long .
AMANIE // ILLFATED
fronted by the impressive Kobra Paige on vocals , has steadily built a dedicated fan base via three full-length efforts and heavy international touring . Later this year , the group will be releasing what will arguably be their most ambitious effort to date , a double album called Prevail . The group successfully crowdfunded the forthcoming effort , ultimately reaching 112 per cent of their goal , a testament to the widespread appeal and relevance of the band .
ZANE
What : Rock Where : Montreal , QC Visit : www . zanemusic . com
With two full-length albums , including 2005 ’ s Stages and 2008 ’ s Wheels Of Time , plus a healthy collection of singles and a career that dates back more than a decade , Montreal rocker Zane is definitively carving out his place in the Canadian music scene .
His music has been licensed for use in both film and television , for which he has also composed original scores . Having learned to play the guitar at the age of 10 , Zane has used music as a means to propel his journey throughout the world , working with humanitarian organizations while also amassing a respectable and dedicated fanbase here in Canada and abroad . The songwriter is due to release his next single , “ Unconditional Love ,” in the near future .
ZANE
Ken Kelley is a freelance writer based out of Moncton , NB . In addition to writing for various media outlets in Canada and the United States , Ken is also a founding member of
Moncton rock band The Monoxides .
78 • CANADIAN MUSICIAN