The Award is given annually to an artist whose exemplary work produced away from the spotlight of the moment and without fanfare, has been been a notable source of inspiration to others in the arts and/or whose visionary contributions to the arts and broader communities have been made in under-acknowledged or ‘behind the scenes’ roles.

Beverly Glenn-Copeland has had a significant impact across many spheres over his fifty-year career as a singer, songwriter, recording artist, and transgender advocate. As an artist, he has masterfully blended genres and expanded musical horizons, pushing boundaries and using his passion for nature and science, to craft a distinct sound. As a trans artist with a diverse cultural heritage, he has been a passionate supporter of Black, Indigenous, and LGBTQ2S+ communities both in Canada and abroad.

"I am extraordinarily honoured to know that I have been chosen for the 2023 Robert Johnston Visionary Artist Award,” says Glenn-Copeland. “We live in challenging times and it means a great deal to me in this, my 80th year, to know my work has served as an inspiration to others.”

Al Simmons, the master of one-man, multi-prop, music-filled performances, is back with his latest release, "The Whistling Egg Man —and other tall tales." For over 55 years, Al has entertained audiences worldwide, spreading joy and laughter to people of all ages with his clever comedy, delivered with heartwarming charm.

Watch “Digging A Hole” on YouTube here:

Skyzz, the pop singer known for his 2021 risqué summer anthem “Lento Y Pegadito,” drops his newest single, “Without You.” This latest offering delivers an enticing combination of Top 40 and pop elements, guaranteed to touch on that soft spot for his audience. Check it out on YouTube here:

Growing up with a love of music, Skyzz found his passion when he played drums at a young age, revealing his natural talent for the instrument. So talented that at age 17, he used his dream and a pair of drumsticks to pursue his music career further. His musical influences draw from Alternative Rock, R&B, and Reggaeton. However, deep down, Skyzz’s inspiration originates from his Belizean foundation.

Originally from Créteil, French pianist Simon Denizart arrived in Montreal in 2011 and wasted no time in getting his music heard.

Initially working with the Canadian label The 270 Sessions, he produced three albums, Between Two Worlds (2015), Beautiful People (2016) and Darkside (2017). This productive period earned him the Radio-Canada Revelation award in 2016 and two ADISQ nominations in 2017 and 2018.

9-4 on YouTube here:

Music Box here: youtube.com/watch?feature=shared&v=LhJ9uCS6TlA

 Released in 2021 on the Laborie Jazz label, his fourth album NOMAD offers a dynamic and original encounter between the piano and the calabash. It was again nominated for an ADISQ award in the Album of the Year Jazz category that same year.

Toronto singer-songwriter Ryan Burger has lived more lifetimes in the past two years than most people ever will. On his sophomore album The More They Stay The Same, he offers listeners his gentle epiphanies from the road trip of a lifetime. The record, featuring lead single “Running Through Your Heart,” check it out on YouTube here:

With his debut solo album, To Begin With, Ritesh Das invites listeners to join him on a groundbreaking musical voyage that seamlessly blends the vibrant mastery of the tabla and transcends borders with a fusion of genres. This energetic and visionary album is a harmonious blend of meditation, psychology, and celebration.

The second single and music video from this album, "Forgiveness of Trees," as a distinctive blend of tabla and rock and roll, featuring the raw vocals of Canadian rock icon Bif Naked and the powerful guitar work of Ash Ravens. Check it out on YouTube here:

Back during the Covid lockdowns, award-winning songwriter and musician Tara Dunphy spent much of her time walking in St. Peter’s Cemetery in London, Ontario, getting to know the stones and imagining the stories of the people whose names she read aloud. “I heard somewhere that so long as you say someone’s name, they’re never truly gone, so I tried to get everyone at least once” she explains. One stone kept grabbing her attention. “It bore two names,” she continues. “Thomas O’Meara, with a birth and death date, and below that it read ‘Beloved husband of Bridget O’Brien, 1885.’ Only a birth year, no death year.”

Winnipeg, MB-born; Nashville, TN-based songwriting force Leanne Pearson has done it again with her new single. A culmination of her songwriting spark, notorious humor, and unique lyricism, “I Do Again” is a fresh ode to marriage and love. Check it out on YouTube here:

 The talented, multidimensional writer brings to the song the deeply personal story of the tumultuous journey she and her husband embarked upon as they planned their wedding nearly four years ago. But the restrictions of the 2020 global pandemic caused them to reschedule three times before finally canceling their big day and eloping—with an Elvis-themed ceremony, no less! In the fall of 2023, though, they finally got the wedding of their dreams, with friends and family in attendance.

Singer/songwriter Erika Kulnys is sharing her latest cross-cultural collaboration with a double-A side release of her singles “Alcanzando la Rosa” and “Fantasma” from her forthcoming album, Stand Together.

“Alcanzando la Rosa” on YouTube here:

“Fantasma” on YouTube here:

Carla Muller is spreading the love to her listeners and community members alike with her new single “I Can Hear The Bells.” It’s available everywhere now, and 100% of proceeds from both the digital download and the single on CD will benefit the Food Bank of Waterloo Region. Check it out on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zfa2Ga7-xKM

Sometimes, a little push is all you need. And a push is what you’ll get from “Forward,” a slice of tender tough love from Belgian indie-popper Heyoka’s most recent EP, Mercure.

A hypnotically persuasive anthem that combines old-school symphonics with modern martial beats, “Forward” finds the high-minded Heyoka challenging us listeners to move beyond our bad mental habits. With an unassuming purr, he insinuates himself into our inner mind like the voice of an ancient conscience, then plants a message there that’s inspirational and aspirational – a wake-up call that a brighter day is coming if we want it.

It’s time to look into your lies
Can you tell me when you look into my eyes
That you’re happy about how you live your life?
I can’t help unless you let me in
I can’t say if you need me or not
I trust you I know you’ll be alright
Even if it’s hard sometime

Canadian singer and songwriter Annabel Gutherz reveals her new single, “Eclipse,” out today on all streaming platforms. Blending classic rock influences with modern pop sounds, “Eclipse” is a vivid and textured song that showcases an artist who has found her voice. The new single was co-written with and produced by Mikal Blue (OneRepublic, Jason Mraz, Colbie Caillat) and Bret “Epic” Mazur (Crazy Town, Prince, The Black Eyed Peas). 

“‘Eclipse’ is about my tendency to compare myself to others and the impact this has on my self-esteem,” Annabel says. “I would rather be concentrated on purpose than consumed by comparison despite how challenging it may be at times, especially given the ubiquitous nature of social media. This single showcases my desire to focus on my own path and nurture my inner confidence.” 

Listen to "Eclipse" on all streaming” here ffm.to/ageclipse

XL Syndicate is a group of creatives that produce diverse music from lots of different genres. The artists grew up in Caribbean households, playing lots of Soca, Reggae, R&B, and Hip-Hop.

The artists chose their name XL Syndicate to play on the word’s meaning, a group of individuals joined together to promote a common interest.

With an impressive 20 thousand followers across their social media, the group is looking forward to their upcoming releases. “Every day is a new chance to create, enjoy ourselves doing this and collaborate with cool people,” they said. “That’s all that matters at the end of the day.”

Their new Starfall Sonata EP, out now and single “Fantasy,” was all about capturing “raw energy,” say the group of the collaborative effort featuring Canadian artists Leonardo and Raeya The Munro, and listeners can hear vibes and sounds from diverse cultures and of course that infectious energy XL Syndicate spoke of.

Listen on Spotify here: open.spotify.com/album/5fnIAcjwXNjOpScbqKx8pX

Calgary-based Music with Mandy, the charming children’s jazz artist, is back with her latest single, "Sugar Rush." Mandy Morris, the creative force behind Music with Mandy, weaves her magic with warm vocals and light-hearted compositions. Check it out on YouTube here:

The inception of "Sugar Rush" in April 2020 coincided with a moment of uncertainty. It unfolded when Mandy faced a temporary halt in the production of her previous album, "From My Head to My Toes." Undeterred, Mandy, was determined to turn a setback into something sweet, as she collaborated with the imaginative 7-year-old prodigy, Graham Smart, over Zoom. Together, they crafted a musical tale centred around the irresistible allure of candy, inviting listeners on a whimsical adventure into a candy store filled with sugary delights.

The third edition of LASSO Montréal festival, presented by Bell in collaboration with Coors Original is set to take place in August and country fans have much to rejoice about, as the LASSO Montréal team is thrilled to announce headliners Eric Church and Sam Hunt! They are two of country music’s most celebrated artists, and they'll be taking the stage at one of the North America’s most beautiful festival sites. With the massive success of the first two editions of the festival making waves all round the country music world, Montreal has become a country music hotbed, and is preparing to host one of the biggest countryfied parties north of Nashville this summer.

Following on from 2022’s impactful Darkside of Christmas Chapter 1, Collette Cooper, known for her individual, unmistakable voice returns this festive season with Darkside of Christmas Chapter 2 (Thelonious Punk Records.)

Check it out on YouTube here:

Reflecting the current political and social environment caused by the impact of national and global events, Darkside Of Christmas Chapters 1 & 2 takes a more poignant approach to the seasonal album, aiming to recognise the recent difficulties that have been felt by many around the world, touching on themes of love, loss and empathy, tied together with wry wit, edgy humour and outstanding musicianship.

In a groundbreaking move at the intersection of music and technology, Run The River has harnessed the power of artificial intelligence (AI) to create their latest music video “Punch The Dark.” Check it out on YouTube here:

Experience the innovative Fusion of Psychedelic Rock, Blues, and Funk with Traditional Percussion and MPB Música Popular Brasileira of “Capoeira Blues,” the second single from the self-titled album by the internationally acclaimed artist Mestre Sérgio Xocolate, also known as XOCÔ, out now on Lulaworld Records, This musical odyssey transcends boundaries, weaving together the rich heritage of the Brazilian people.

From Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil, XOCÔ embarks on a mission with the XOCÔ project to bridge cultural and musical gaps. Initiated in South America and on the shores of Turtle Island South and flourishing in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, “XOCÔ” is not just an album but a cultural exchange, a musical journey, and an homage to XOCÔ’s Afro Indigenous heritage.

As a master teacher of Traditional Capoeira, XOCÔ invites listeners on a transformative experience, urging respect for Indigenous cultures, honouring Black heritage, preserving Mother Earth, and fostering unity. “Capoeira Blues” promises an auditory adventure that merges Afro Indigenous Brazilian rhythms with soulful and electric arrangements.

Singer-songwriter Victoria Houser showcases her superb storytelling once more in her new single “By the Ocean” from her new EP Somewhere Close To Home. Check it out on YouTube here:

The song is an ode to her East Canadian roots and explores the magic of her upbringing in the coastal town of Hubbards, Nova Scotia. Each verse pays homage to a member of her family and the crucial role they played in her early life.

“My family and the vibrant tales of our home served as the heartbeat behind ‘By the Ocean.’ Each verse encapsulates the essence of one of them; my mom, my dad, my two sisters, and my brother, all of whom played roles in shaping who I am.”

Cross-genre sensation Valentina Cherico unites everyone through the power of dance and music. Her latest single of the year, “Dance Until The Sunrise” is a formidable anthem that resonates with the masses on a widespread level. Unlocked now, Valentina continues to bloom within the pop/R&B genre. Check it out on YouTube here:

This track was written and produced from the comfort of her home- with help from her father, Mickey Cherico. “Dance Until The Sunrise” embodies an integration of Disco with a modern Pop Funky feel. It is evident in the additional lead and backup vocals from the family band, Casanova, and solid production by The Vault Recording Studio in Pittsburgh.