The Sound Cafe: Carrying the Global Torch of Blues & Roots Radio

Since its inception in 2012, Blues & Roots Radio didn’t just raise the bar — it built the entire stage. What began as a modest vision between Neil Mitchell, Anne Connor, and myself, Stevie Connor, quickly became a worldwide phenomenon.

Our mission was clear from day one: champion the artists. No ego, no fluff — just music, and the people who create it.

The Sound Cafe

The Sound Cafe

Blues & Roots Radio was a station of firsts. We were the first online platform to integrate multiple genres — blues, roots, folk, Celtic, Americana and more — into a unified, professional, and powerful listening experience. We were the first to attract some of the world’s top-tier radio talent: broadcasting legends like Mike Harding, Paul Long, Rick Stuart, and many others brought not just credibility but heart and soul to our schedule.

And we didn’t stop there. We pioneered international broadcasts from major festivals and events across Canada, Australia, and Europe. From the summer sun of Port Fairy Folk Festival in Australia to the bustling energy of the Festival Interceltique de Lorient in France, Blues & Roots Radio brought the sounds and stories of these events into homes around the globe.

Our presence was felt year after year at the Folk Alliance International, Folk Music Ontario, and Toronto's Blues Summit. We became synonymous with authenticity, artistry, and accessibility. We were not just broadcasting—we were boots on the ground, backstage, in the crowd, connecting deeply with artists and audiences alike.

Festivals and Events Covered:

• Four Chords and The Truth (Canada)

• Summerfolk Music and Crafts Festival (Canada)

• The Port Fairy Folk Festival (Australia)

• The Festival Interceltique du Lorient (France)

• Folk Music Ontario (Canada)

• Folk Alliance International (Canada)

• Queenscliffe Music Festival (Australia)

• Hillside Festival (Canada)

• Festival International du Blues de Tremblant (Canada)

  
  

We also supported, broadcast and featured artists nominated for:

• The Maple Blues Awards (Canada)

• The JUNO Awards (Canada)

• The Canadian Folk Music Awards (Canada)

• The Country Music Awards (USA)

• The Americana Awards (USA)

• The IBBA Awards (UK)

• The Fatea Magazine Awards (UK)

• The National Celtic Festival (Australia)

• Blues & Roots Radio Album of the Year (Worldwide)

• Blues & Roots Radio International Song Contest (Worldwide)

  
  

Despite the many accolades and awards Blues & Roots Radio garnered — including multiple international honours — it was always about one thing: the artist. Our slogan, “The Voice of the Artist,” was not a marketing gimmick. It was our ethos.

"Blues & Roots Radio's tag line is 'The Voice of the Artist,' and the station is true to its promise... a radio station run by folks with enthusiasm, generosity, determination, good humour, and—above all—integrity." — Andrea England

Over the years, many tried to copy what we had built. Some mimicked our programming. Others borrowed our tag lines. A few even tried to build platforms of their own. But they missed the point entirely. Blues & Roots Radio was never about personal glorification. It wasn’t about us. It was about the music and the people who make it.

"Blues and Roots Radio screams credibility! Musicians are blessed to have you sharing their music all over the world." — Sandra MacKenzie, Manager (Spencer MacKenzie)

We tried to involve people from around the world — broadcasters, contributors, collaborators. But time and again, it became clear that some of those individuals lacked the vision. Many put their own egos ahead of the artists. A few spun off to form their own outlets, yet none managed to replicate the success or integrity of the original.

We even considered a proposal from the UK and Ireland to take on what we had established. But after much reflection, we concluded that the ethos we had so passionately upheld would have been lost. The legacy we had built, the values we held dear, could not be guaranteed. It disappointed some, but we stand by our decision. We believe that what we have created at The Sound Cafe is something very special — something that honours the reputation and legacy of Blues & Roots Radio with unwavering integrity.

When Blues & Roots Radio made the difficult decision to close in 2024 due to rising costs and increasing demands from our sister platform, The Sound Cafe, it marked the end of an era — but not the end of the story.

The Sound Cafe now carries that torch. Publishing in three languages and home to over 4,000 articles, we’ve created a truly global platform that honours the mission of its predecessor. Our team — comprised of passionate, informed writers—deeply understands the needs of artists. We write with purpose, heart, and insight.

"We could not have done without the support of Blues and Roots Radio, a phenomenally successful platform for artists to promote their music worldwide." — Oka Vanga

"Independent artists now have a splendid resource to turn toward for worldwide exposure of their precious musical endeavors!" — Deb O & Rattletrap

"Blues and Roots Radio reminds me of my youth—when the pirate stations broadcast whatever the hell they liked and challenged the status quo." — Stephen Fearing

"Music is oxygen for many of us... Thanks for what you do. I am a fan!" — Randy MacNeil

We are indebted to many for helping us pave this remarkable path:

Above them all was Richard Flohil (Canada), Andrea England (Canada), and Jim Dorie (Canada) who were amazing champions from the very beginning.... special mentions to Paul Long (England), Calum MacDonald (Scotland), Colin MacDonald, (Scotland), Les Siemiuk (Canada), Raintown (Scotland), David Gilbey (Canada), Ellen Timms (Canada), Sherrene Roxanne Wells (USA), Colin Clyne (Scotland), Christopher Dean (USA), Kae Shelby (Canada), Jo Louks (Canada), Erin McCallum (Canada), Ken and Angela Wallis (Canada), Marie Payne (Canada), Marie Nuss (Canada), Vance Cooper (Canada), Joe Tracey (Australia), Dan Raza (England), Craig Mills, (Canada), Ariana and David Gillis (Canada), Jim Jones (Canada), Jenny Biddle (Australia), Randy MacNeil (Canada), The Ennis Sisters (Canada), Samantha Martin (Canada), Mike Biggar (Canada), Carolyn Keesh (Canada), Lloyd Speigel (Australia), Mimi O'Bonsawin and Papa Pete (Canada), Michael Wrycraft (Canada), David Harris (Australia), William Hutton (Australia), Sandy Smale (Canada), Jim Tovey (Canada), Marshall Dane (Canada), Lydia Ordóñez~Niles (Canada), Joe Camilleri aka Mr. Blues & Roots (Australia), Glenn Skuthorpe (Australia), Stephen Fearing (Canada), James Keelaghan (Canada), David Francey (Canada), Dave Gunning (Canada), Merry Hell and their manager Damian Liptrot (UK), Paul McKenna (UK), Stevie Lawrence (Scotland), Angie Lemon (UK), John Bozzo (Canada), The Boos family (Scotland), George Evans (Canada), Grace Augustine (USA), Tony Birch (England), Andre Bisson and Loretta Hale (Canada), Saskia Tomkins and Stefan Hannigan (Canada), and we could list countless others who recognized our mission.

"Blues and Roots Radio do an amazing job of getting our music heard widely and repeatedly." — Greg Hancock

"Blues and Roots Radio is more than just a radio station, it’s a family." — Samantha Martin

"You can always tell if you meet someone from Blues and Roots Radio. They’re the ones at the concerts, listening with open ears." — Ian Foster

"The network delivers finely crafted programmes to an audience who are not casual listeners but dedicated music fans... its role will become ever more crucial to the independent musician." — Paul Long

"They made it really easy to connect us with international media and listeners..." — West of Mabou

"The amount of attention and airplay, both internationally and at home, has been amazing." — Sarah French

"They have become fans and friends of mine and all the projects I've been a part of." — JD Edwards

"Authentic passionate people connecting listeners with the perfect variety of music from around the world." — Mark Murphy

"Stevie Connor and his passionate team have done an outstanding job..." — Ben J. Carter

Others may have tried to emulate us. Some even still do. But you can’t fake soul. You can’t fabricate integrity. The Sound Cafe, like Blues & Roots Radio before it, is here for one reason — and one reason only: the artist.

That’s where the legacy lives.

And it’s only just begun.

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