Between the Layers: A Tribute to the Artists Who Carry the Flame

I dare you — click one gold link to any artist or band in this article. Hit play. Listen. Just one. No promises, but you might stumble on something that grabs you by the soul and doesn’t let go. That’s the power of The Sound Cafe — unearthing the music you didn’t know you needed. Ready? Go ahead. Take the plunge.

At The Sound Cafe, we’ve always believed that music is far more than popularity contests or playlist placements. It’s about connection. It’s about truth-telling, craft, and the courage it takes to create something real in a world full of noise.

Yes, we feature major names — artists who have earned accolades, topped charts, and headlined festivals. But just as importantly, we shine a light between the layers. That space — quiet, overlooked, brimming with soul — is where some of the most remarkable music lives. And it’s where The Sound Cafe does some of its most meaningful work.

We deliberately place emerging or lesser-known artists alongside the well-established ones. Not as an afterthought — but because we believe in their art. We believe that if we tell their stories with care and context, if we give you a moment to pause, you might just click the link. And in doing so, you might discover a voice that moves you in a way you weren’t expecting.

That’s the magic we strive for.

Take Dan Raza, a UK songwriter with the depth of a novelist and the lyrical precision of a poet. His songs feel like timeless vignettes of love, loss, and wonder — intimate and universal all at once.

Or Mae Simpson, whose voice — bold, soulful, uncontainable — is the kind that commands attention even in a crowded room. Her music is a fierce blend of soul, rock, and raw energy, driven by passion and purpose.

Jo Harman, with her extraordinary voice, walks the line between vintage soul and contemporary expression. Her performances exude grace and emotional weight, offering something both deeply personal and instantly relatable.

From Australia, Jenny Biddle brings a fearless honesty to her songs — weaving themes of identity, resilience, and queer pride into fingerstyle guitar work and moving melodies. Her music connects — not with flash, but with authenticity.

Matt McGinn, writing out of Northern Ireland, is a master of quiet beauty. His songs feel like conversations with old friends — reflective, poetic, rooted in lived experience. His musical storytelling draws from deep tradition while speaking to the present moment.

Kat Goldman, based in Toronto, writes with clarity and emotional insight, her songs rich with melody and meaning. Though her work has been recorded by others, it’s her own voice and artistry that quietly commands attention.

Dave Gunning, a true craftsman from Nova Scotia, exemplifies everything we value in a songwriter. His storytelling is unpretentious, deeply human, and emotionally resonant. Dave has spent decades building a body of work that reflects the dignity of ordinary lives, the beauty of community, and the power of empathy. He doesn’t shout to be heard — his songs speak quietly but carry far.

Julian Taylor, an artist of Mohawk and Caribbean descent based in Toronto, is one of the most poignant voices in Canadian roots music. Blending folk, soul, and storytelling, his work addresses identity, history, and belonging with remarkable honesty. His JUNO- and CFMA-nominated albums, including The Ridge and Beyond the Reservoir, are not just records — they are statements of resilience, remembrance, and grace. Julian’s music is medicine — grounded in lived experience and lifted by hope.

Hear Rokia Koné. Known as the “Rose of Bamako,” her voice doesn’t just sing — it soars, rooted in Malian tradition but unafraid to push boundaries. With raw power and hypnotic rhythm, she bridges continents and generations. If you think you've heard everything African music has to offer, think again. One listen, and you’ll understand why she’s unforgettable.

Stephen Fearing, one of Canada’s most revered songwriters, has long married poetic depth with sonic elegance. Whether solo or with Blackie and the Rodeo Kings, Stephen brings a richness to every note and every word. His songs don’t demand attention — they earn it. He remains a pillar of the Canadian folk and roots world, not just for his talent, but for his deep generosity toward emerging artists and fellow musicians.

Samantha Martin, with her powerhouse vocals and commanding presence, fuses soul, blues, and gospel into something electrifying and deeply human. As the driving force behind Delta Sugar, Samantha doesn’t just sing — she testifies. Her performances are raw, powerful, and healing. She’s a light on every stage she steps onto, and a fierce advocate for others in the music community.

Ron Hynes, the late great man of a thousand songs, remains one of the most treasured voices to ever come out of Newfoundland. His songs like “Sonny’s Dream” have become anthems — not because they were designed to be hits, but because they speak to the marrow of life. Ron’s legacy is one of truth, compassion, and pure songwriting brilliance. His spirit lives on in every artist who chooses honesty over artifice.

Then there’s Jax Hollow, whose guitar playing and dynamic vocals explode with conviction. A Berklee grad and one-woman powerhouse, she blends rock and roots into something bold and fiercely original.

From Finland, Terika crafts dark, dreamlike pop-folk infused with Nordic atmosphere and fearless introspection. Her songs are cinematic, haunting, and entirely her own — a sound world as elegant as it is brave.

And bands like Estonia’s Trad.Attack!, who electrify ancestral music with drums, electronics, and passion — each of them carries something vital, something enduring.

These are not unknown artists. These are important artists. Artists who speak to something deeper than the latest trend or metric. Artists who have built communities, inspired listeners, and created lasting, meaningful work. And we are honoured to share their stories.

Our role at The Sound Cafe isn’t just to report on what’s popular — it’s to introduce you to what’s powerful. To help you discover the song that might change your day. The artist that might echo something you’ve never quite been able to say. And to remind you that music, at its best, is about truth, not numbers.

With over 3,500 articles and growing, our commitment remains the same: to feature voices that matter. Whether you’re scrolling through an interview with a Grammy winner or discovering a first EP from a bedroom studio in Northern Europe, our hope is that you’ll take a moment to really listen.

I’ve been playing music since I was eight years old. Over the years, I’ve shared stages and songs with some of the finest players and most generous souls you could hope to meet — friends, and friends of friends, in living rooms, festivals, and spontaneous late-night jams. I’ve played with the best, but I’ve also sat in circles where the music felt just as sacred, just as essential. Because music has always been essential — to me, and to us all. It’s how we heal. It’s how we remember. It’s how we tell the truth.

That’s why I founded The Sound Cafe. Not just to promote music — but to honour it. To give space to the voices that carry the flame. And to invite you, always, to listen with an open heart.

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.

muckrack.com/stevie-connor