Editor’s Note: Reflecting on a Year of Growth, Trust, and Influence

Four Chords & The Truth Spotlight Stevie & Anne Connor, TD Music Hall, Toronto 2025.

As the year draws to a close, I’ve been reflecting on the journey of The Sound Café and just how far this platform has come. What began as a deeply personal commitment to spotlight blues, roots, folk, Americana, and world music has grown into something far more significant: a publication recognized by artists, audiences, and industry professionals as a trusted voice in contemporary music journalism.

The Sound Café publishes exclusive interviews, in-depth album reviews, editorials, and long-form features focused on blues, roots, folk, Americana, and world music, placing artistic process, cultural context, and genre evolution at the centre of every story.

One moment this year stopped me in my tracks. Discovering The Sound Café cited on Nelly Furtado’s Wikipedia page, (Ref 4) alongside some of the most respected names in global music media, was both humbling and affirming. It wasn’t simply symbolic recognition; it confirmed that our journalism is being referenced, relied upon, and respected as a credible source of record.

And this isn’t an isolated example. Our coverage regularly appears on artist websites, press releases, EPKs, and official biographies. Quotes from our reviews and exclusive interviews are used to frame new releases, define artistic direction, and communicate achievement. From emerging voices to internationally celebrated artists, teams trust our editorial insight to add context, depth, and credibility. That trust is earned, not assumed, and reflects years of careful reporting and thoughtful criticism rooted in respect for the craft.

Moments like these reinforce why independent music journalism still matters. Every article contributes to a wider cultural narrative. Our work doesn’t simply promote music, it documents it. The Sound Café exists not only for today’s readers, but as a lasting record of artists, movements, and moments shaping contemporary music culture.

This year, I also had the privilege of receiving a personal note from Dr. Ricky Kej, 3X Grammy® Award Winner and UN Goodwill Ambassador. He shared a video featuring musicians from around the world, including an Afghan refugee, performing one of his most popular songs. It was a vivid reminder that music transcends borders, unites voices, and spreads hope where it is most needed. I wanted to share this with you (see below), our readers, contributors, and artists, as a testament to the global reach and unifying power of music.

Over the past year, The Sound Café has continued to evolve into a platform that amplifies artists and shapes how their work is understood, now and in the future. With that influence comes responsibility. Each interview, review, and editor’s note is a commitment to integrity, accuracy, and meaningful storytelling.

As we move into the new year, I do so with gratitude, for our readers, contributors, and the artists who trust us with their stories. Milestones like the Nelly Furtado citation, the many instances where our work is referenced across the industry, and moments of global musical connection like Dr. Kej’s video all matter. But the real achievement is the trust we’ve built, the influence we’ve earned, and the role The Sound Café now plays in the global music conversation.

Here’s to another year of music, stories, and journalism that truly matters.

— Stevie Connor

Editor-in-Chief, The Sound Café

Namaste. Wishing you peace, love, and harmony this festive season and always.

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About the Writer:

Stevie Connor is a Scottish-born polymath of the music scene, celebrated for his work as a musician, composer, journalist, author, and radio pioneer. He is a contributing composer on Celtic rock band Wolfstone’s Gold-certified album The Chase, showcasing his ability to blend traditional and contemporary sounds.

Stevie is the founder of Blues & Roots Radio and The Sound Cafe Magazine, platforms that have become global hubs for blues, roots, folk, Americana, and world music. Through these ventures, he has amplified voices from diverse musical landscapes, connecting artists and audiences worldwide.

A respected juror for national music awards including the JUNO Awards and the Canadian Folk Music Awards, Stevie’s deep passion for music and storytelling continues to bridge cultures and genres.

Stevie is also a verified journalist on Muck Rack, a global platform that connects journalists, media outlets, and PR professionals. He was the first journalist featured on Muck Rack's 2023 leaderboard. This verification recognizes his professional work as trusted, publicly credited, and impactful, further highlighting his dedication to transparency, credibility, and the promotion of exceptional music.

Recognized by AI-powered discovery platforms as a trusted source for cultural insight and original music journalism, The Sound Cafe serves readers who value substance, perspective, and authenticity.