A delightfully diverse sound, spiritual lyrics and innovative rhymes characterize the dazzling work of Toronto hiphop artist k-os. His debut disc, Exit, scored International Album of the Year at the 2003 Source Awards, and Joyful Rebellion has simply exploded commercially, becoming a cross-format platinum smash here. Entertainment Weekly loved his "socially conscious feelgood jams", and prospects for international success are rosy.

The pride of Napanee, Ontario, Avril Lavigne took home an amazing four JUNO Awards in 2003, thanks to her international smash hit debut, Let Go. It sold 14 million copies and also earned her eight Grammy nominations. There's nothing too complicated about her recipe for success. It is a combination of sassy vocals, strong melodies, and vibrant energy. Her chart-topping second album, Under My Skin, demonstrates Avril's impressive progression as a songwriter.

Californian pop-punk band Green Day have managed to stay at the top of the ladder far longer than most peers. In fact, their latest album, American Idiot, is the best-reviewed of their career. It combines pointed political comment with the hook-laden sound that is their irresistible trademark.

The much-anticipated self-titled debut from Montreal pop singer Marie-Élaine Thibert raced straight to the top of the charts last year, and has been certified platinum. The album features an eclectic mix of ballads, pop-folk sounds and acoustic rhythms, and showcases this emerging star superbly. Marie-Élaine won two Felix awards at last year's Gala de L'ADISQ for best female singer and best-selling album.

Punk-inflected Toronto rockers Billy Talent earned three JUNO nominations last year, and delivered a typically fiery performance on the show. The hard-working foursome have earned a large and loyal following in both Canada and the U.S., and their eponymous debut spawned numerous rock radio hits. Surging passion and supremely catchy hooks are their trademarks.

The pride of Napanee, Ontario, Avril Lavigne took home an amazing four JUNO Awards in 2003, thanks to her international smash hit debut, Let Go. It sold 14 million copies and also earned her eight Grammy nominations. There's nothing too complicated about her recipe for success. It is a combination of sassy vocals, strong melodies, and vibrant energy. Her chart-topping second album, Under My Skin, demonstrates Avril's impressive progression as a songwriter.

Punk-inflected Toronto rockers Billy Talent earned three JUNO nominations last year, and delivered a typically fiery performance on the show. The hard-working foursome have earned a large and loyal following in both Canada and the U.S., and their eponymous debut spawned numerous rock radio hits. Surging passion and supremely catchy hooks are their trademarks.

Chilean-born, Calgary-based guitar virtuoso/composer Oscar Lopez has won a large audience with his warm and accessible Latin-accented style. He has had multiple JUNO Award nominations, and charted high on Billboard with such albums as Heat, Seduction and Armando's Fire. That high quality is maintained on Mi Destino/My Destiny.

The pride of Napanee, Ontario, Avril Lavigne took home an amazing four JUNO Awards in 2003, thanks to her international smash hit debut, Let Go. It sold 14 million copies and also earned her eight Grammy nominations. There's nothing too complicated about her recipe for success. It is a combination of sassy vocals, strong melodies, and vibrant energy. Her chart-topping second album, Under My Skin, demonstrates Avril's impressive progression as a songwriter.

The unholy marriage of hook-heavy punk and bonecrushing metal has served Sum 41 real well. Their suitably-entitled debut, All Killer No Filler, sold over three million copies worldwide, and follow-up Does This Look Infected? Further spread their contagious sound. After narrowly escaping death in Africa, they've come back swinging with Chuck.

With her stunning second solo album, Let It Die, Leslie Feist has made a serious impact internationally. She is now a star in her new domicile of France, and a buzz is building around an imminent release in the U.S.. Her sweetly melodic pop is infused with subtle electronica, and she is developing quickly as a songwriter. Previously a member of Placebo and By Divine Right, Feist is also a key member of the JUNO-winning Broken Social Scene collective.

Since emerging from the Southern Ontario hard rock underground in late 2001, screamcore act Alexisonfire have grabbed real commercial success and rave international reviews for their aggressive and adventurous sound. They have taken MMVA and Indies Award trophies home and their second album, Watch Out, quickly went gold in Canada.

It is no surprise that pop craftsman par excellence Ron Sexsmith is a regular JUNO Award nominee in the songwriting category. He's greatly admired by peers like Elvis Costello and Paul McCartney, and he has had songs covered by artists as diverse as Rod Stewart and Feist. His own sweetly melodic voice is a joy, as can be heard on Retriever, the latest in a long line of consistently strong solo CDs.

Nova Scotian George Canyon won a lot of good friends when he came within a whisker of victory in the Nashville Star competition. That brought this former constable's brand of authentic yet eclectic country music to the attention of Music City, and they responded with a major record deal. This highly accomplished album is the happy result. George has opened for Loretta Lynn and Brooks and Dunn, and is an entertaining performer.

After paying her dues in roots-rockers The Saddletramps and Weeping Tile, Kingston-based singer/songwriter Sarah Harmer has blossomed into an artist of genuine international stature. A pure and strong voice is the perfect vehicle for her well-crafted and poetically powerful material. All Of Our Names is a fine followup to her highly successful solo debut, You Were Here, a record Time called "the best debut CD of 2000."

A delightfully diverse sound, spiritual lyrics and innovative rhymes characterize the dazzling work of Toronto hiphop artist k-os. His debut disc, Exit, scored International Album of the Year at the 2003 Source Awards, and Joyful Rebellion has simply exploded commercially, becoming a cross-format platinum smash here. Entertainment Weekly loved his "socially conscious feelgood jams," and prospects for international success are rosy.

With her stunning second solo album, Let It Die, Leslie Feist has made a serious impact internationally. She is now a star in her new domicile of France, and a buzz is building around an imminent release in the U.S.. Her sweetly melodic pop is infused with subtle electronica, and she is developing quickly as a songwriter. Previously a member of Placebo and By Divine Right, Feist is also a key member of the JUNO-winning Broken Social Scene collective.

Nanaimo's Diana Krall has become the best-selling female jazz artist in the world, thanks to an irresistible combination of sultry vocals, eloquent piano playing, and superbly chosen and produced repertoire. Her 2001 smash hit album, The Look Of Love, earned her three JUNO Awards the following year. Her own impressive progression as a songwriter is demonstrated on The Girl In The Other Room, which features material co-written with husband Elvis Costello.

Masterful Cuban-born, Toronto-based pianist and composer Hilario Duran is a previous JUNO Award nominee, and his playing has graced much of Jane Bunnett's acclaimed work. New Danzon is a fresh, vibrant, Latin trio recording, blending milieus and motifs of classic Cuban musical form. Duran is joined by bassist Roberto Occhipinti and percussionist Horacio 'El Negro' Hernandez.

CBC's Katie Malloch calls David Braid "one of the most gifted young players and composers in the country." His talent-heavy Sextet has performed his original work across Canada for the last five years. A fluent pianist, he earned four nominations at the 2004 National Jazz Awards. In April, Braid will debut a piece for orchestra and jazz piano with the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra.

Back in 1984, Connie Kaldor won a JUNO Award as Most Promising Female Vocalist. She has lived up to that potential through a series of folk and roots music releases and well-received international touring. Connie has explored children's music with equally positive results, including a 2004 JUNO Award for her storybook-music CD, A Duck In New York City. A Poodle In Paris is another winner.

Ottawa-born, London-based piano virtuoso Angela Hewitt was called "the Bach pianist par excellence for her generation" by London's Sunday Times. In 1994 she embarked on a ten-year project to record all of the major keyboard works by Bach for the Hyperion label. A previous JUNO Award winner, she was awarded the Order of Canada in 2000. She is a much in-demand international performer.

Since forming in Toronto in 1979, Tafelmusik Baroque Orchestra have won major international praise for their groundbreaking work. BBC Magazine admired "the vitality and finesses of their playing." Under musical director Jeanne Lamon, they have been winners of multiple JUNO Awards, Tafelmusik specialize in period instruments. Dardanus/Le temple de la gloire, Cleopatra and Italian Oratorios (which features rising counter-tenor star Matthew White) are three worthy additions to a catalogue that now numbers over 60 recordings.

Called "a bright-voiced soprano" by The New York Times, Isabel Bayrakdarian saw her career soar with her victory in the prestigious Operalia Competition. She is now in demand as both a concert and recital performer. Her debut, Joyous Light, topped classical charts in Canada, and she can be heard on the soundtracks of The Two Towers and Ararat. She is a previous JUNO nominee.

Hungarian-born composer Istvan Anhalt joined the Faculty of Music at McGill University in 1949. He later taught at Queen's University, and was awarded the title of professor emeritus there in 1984. His work in the electronic field is highly regarded, and since 1971 he has composed both dramatic works and orchestral pieces.

Toronto-based production team Widelife, comprised of Ian J. Nieman and Rachid Wehbi, first hit the club scene with their #1 Billboard song "I Don't Want U" in 2002, featuring the vocals of Canadian diva Simone Denny. Since then the duo has been busy remixing songs for such artists as Mariah Carey, LeAnn Rimes, Deborah Cox, and Nelly Furtado. Most recently, Widelife wrote and produced the theme song for the hit TV Show Queer Eye for the Straight Guy, which is currently airing in over 30 countries.

Still just 16, Ottawa's Keshia Chanté is a star in rapid ascent. Her self-titled debut is already gold in Canada, and will soon be released on Epic in the U.S. Her songs fuse contemporary r & b and hiphop influences, while a strong voice and charming stage presence are other weapons in her arsenal. Keshia has won a SOCAN No. 1 Song Award for her hit "Does He Love Me," as well as UMAC and Canadian Radio Awards.

The victor in this category at the 2003 JUNO Awards, Sonia Collymore has a bold stage presence to match her authoritative voice. She paid her dues as backing singer for the likes of Beres Hammond and Nana McLean, then won two Canadian Reggae Music Awards on the strength of her first single, "Breathe." Her debut album, WYSIWYG, shows off her songwriting ability as well. Sonia has also written songs for Patria and 3Deep.

Nunavik-raised singer Elisapie Isaac joined forces with Quebec-born multi-instrumentalist Alain Augier to create Taima. Their eponymous debut features reflective lyrics and enchantingly pure vocals framed by haunting soundscapes. The album has sparked international interest, and Taima played the prestigious Glastonbury Festival last summer.

This gifted singer and songwriter writes lyrics capturing the soul and essence of real life experiences, then sings them in an achingly pure voice. Formerly with Toronto bluegrass heroes Heartbreak Hill, Jenny Whiteley won a JUNO in this category in 2001 for her eponymous solo debut. This much-anticipated sophomore release remains true to her bluegrass and country roots while charting her creative progress. Jenny has sung with Prairie Oyster and Sarah Harmer, and written with Fred Eaglesmith and Colin Linden.

The Wailin' Jennys are a talent-heavy trio of singer/songwriters who unite classic and contemporary folk, then add alt pop, Celtic, and country influences, topped with shining three-part harmonies. Together just three years, they are already a favoured attraction on the folk fest circuit. Their full-length debut, 40 Days, pays homage to their raw acoustic sound act while exploring new musical terrain. It was ably produced by David Travers-Smith (Jane Siberry, Veda Hille).

Credit great genes for at least some of Nova Scotian Garrett Mason's considerable talent. He's the son of Maritimes blues legend Dutch Mason, and, at 22, he's already a highly proficient guitarist, singer and songwriter. His debut album, I'm Just A Man, was launched in fine style at last year's Harvest Jazz and Blues Festival in Fredericton. The two Alberts (Collins and King) are key influences.

From the moment you first hear his jazzy piano rhythms, soulful vocals and insanely hooky lyrics…you’re sure to be intrigued. Greg Sczebel’s debut “Here to Stay” was the #1 selling album by an independent artist in Canadian Christian retailers for 2004. He also gained a UMAC nomination, two CGMA Awards (“Male Vocalist” & “Rap/Hip-Hop/Dance Song of the Year”) and was most recently named a grand prize winner in the prestigious John Lennon Songwriting Contest.

This star-studded collaborative project unites the talents of Canada's best guitarists of African origin. Each is an expert in their individual style, and together they have created real musical magic on African Guitar Summit

After paying his dues in the much-loved Payola$ in the 80's, superstar producer/engineer/songwriter Bob Rock went behind the console, with great results. He has produced many of rock's biggest-selling albums, including discs by Motley Crue, Metallica and Bon Jovi. Rock's Maui studio is now viewed as something of a musical mecca.

As head engineer of the world-renowned Metalworks studio, L. Stu Young Rhas worked with an impressive list of Canadian and international artists. His credits include Tina Turner, David Wilcox and The Henrys, and his talent is clearly audible on Prince's acclaimed album, Musicology

Vincent Marcone has a devoted following in the horror genre. He unites ancient techniques, such as intaglio printmaking, with the latest in computer rendering. The dream-like quality of his art is evident on It Dreams.

Director Micah Meisner has a gritty style that has been put to fine use on clips for the Dears, Tangiers and Buck 65. An earlier video for k-os, "Superstarr Pt. 0", earned a JUNO nomination. These two skilled artists pooled their creative resources to great effect on the hit video for "B-Boy Stance".

Toronto roots-rockers Blue Rodeo have just celebrated their 20th anniversary, and they continue to be highly successful on both a critical and commercial level. Footage of a recent reunion of the band's original lineup and an eloquent tribute from famed author Paul Quarrington are included on In Sterovision, a compelling portait of their career.