🎙 AV & The Inner City: Edmonton’s Soul-Soaked Choir of Courage and Community
- Stevie Connor
- 7 hours ago
- 3 min read
There’s something extraordinary happening on the porches and stages of Edmonton — and its name is AV & The Inner City. Born in the heart of the McCauley neighbourhood during the isolating days of the pandemic, this all-female, intergenerational vocal group is a shining light of what grassroots music can become when it’s rooted in community, resilience, and a shared desire to heal through sound.
Led by the incomparable Ann Vriend (AV) — a powerhouse vocalist, award-winning songwriter, and arranger — this six-woman ensemble blends gospel-tinged soul, roots, and blues into something that feels both sacred and streetwise. What began as a series of socially-distanced “porch concerts” has blossomed into one of Canada’s most compelling and socially resonant musical collectives. Featured on CBC, SiriusXM, CKUA, right here in The Sound Cafe, and even Porter Airlines Magazine, they’re proving that authenticity and community still matter — maybe now more than ever.
Their latest single, “The Failer,” is a masterclass in meaningful songwriting — a slow-burning, contemplative anthem that speaks to the complexities of trust, disillusionment, and the search for certainty in uncertain times. The song, written by AV 15 years ago, lands with eerie precision in our current moment. That, in itself, is the mark of a timeless writer — someone who taps into emotional truths long before the rest of us find the words.
And speaking of words — AV’s vocal delivery here is something to behold. She doesn’t just sing at you — she speaks to you, drawing you in with a careful, deliberate annunciation that clings to every syllable. There's a gravitas in her voice, an urgency that makes each line land like gospel. The arrangement is spacious, allowing the weight of the lyrics to breathe — yet the track builds with quiet strength, lifting into a soulful crescendo that holds both sorrow and hope in the same breath.
Co-produced with longtime collaborator Elie Mercier, “The Failer” opens with militaristic snare rolls, invoking the feel of a solemn march — a reflection of the battle between belief and disillusionment. The vocals — layered, raw, and emotionally charged — create a sonic tapestry that feels both intimate and vast. It’s a song that doesn’t offer answers but instead asks us to sit in the discomfort of not knowing. And that’s where its power lies.
AV & The Inner City are more than a vocal group — they’re a movement. A mirror to the times. A celebration of what happens when voices from all walks of life come together to sing not just in harmony, but with purpose.
“The Failer” is not only a triumph of arrangement and production — it’s a reminder that the best songs don’t just soundtrack our lives; they challenge, comfort, and reflect them. This is one of those songs. And AV is one of those artists.
Essential listening. Immensely powerful. Utterly Canadian.
FOLLOW AV & THE INNER CITY
Stevie Connor, a Scottish-born polymath of the music scene, is renowned for his versatility across various domains within the industry. Initially destined for football, Stevie's heart found its true calling in music. His multifaceted journey has seen him excel as a musician, composer, recording artist, journalist, and internet radio pioneer.
In 2012, Stevie laid the foundation for Blues and Roots Radio, an online platform that quickly became a global stage for blues, roots, folk, Americana, and Celtic music. His visionary leadership propelled the platform to international acclaim. Not content with just one venture, Stevie expanded his influence in 2020 by founding The Sound Cafe Magazine, a multilingual platform dedicated to artist interviews, album reviews, and music news.
Stevie's impact extends beyond these platforms. His discerning ear and industry acumen have presented opportunities to be selected as a juror for national awards such as the JUNO Awards, the Canadian Folk Music Awards, and the Maple Blues Awards. Through his tireless efforts, he has earned a solid reputation within the music community, garnering respect from peers and artists alike.
Despite his extensive responsibilities, Stevie remains deeply connected to his roots, both musically and geographically. He continues to contribute to the vibrant tapestry of the music world, ensuring his influence resonates far beyond any single platform. Stevie's enduring passion and commitment to music make him a true luminary in the industry.
Stevie is a verified journalist on the global PR platform, Muck Rack.
