The Sound Café: A Global Voice for Music Rooted in Canada

When I first launched The Sound Café in June of 2020, I could never have imagined how quickly it would grow into what it is today. What began as a modest extension of my work with Blues & Roots Radio has now become one of the most vibrant, respected, and internationally connected music publications in Canada. Along the way, I’ve been fortunate to work with an amazing team of writers, editors, and contributors from across the globe, each one bringing their own passion and expertise to the table. Together, we’ve built something truly special, an artist-driven, globally aware, and proudly multilingual platform.

The Sound Café was born from the same spirit that powered Blues & Roots Radio, a belief that music has the power to connect people across borders. Radio gave us the chance to reach thousands of listeners worldwide, but publishing opened up a whole new dimension. Within just three years, The Sound Café had published more than 2,000 articles and 200 podcast interviews, shining a light on artists from every corner of the globe.

Today, that number has grown to over 3,000 features, a body of work that reflects my core philosophy: music isn’t just something to listen to, it’s something to understand, contextualize, and celebrate.

Many readers will remember that podcasts were once a cornerstone of The Sound Café. They were popular, and I loved producing them. But in 2024, I knew it was time to evolve. Our readers in Canada and around the world were telling us, sometimes directly, sometimes through the way they engaged, that what they valued most was depth. They wanted rich, carefully crafted stories, not fleeting soundbites.

So we made a bold decision: we pivoted entirely to written content. This wasn’t a step back, it was a step forward. By focusing on long-form features and exclusive articles, we created space for stories to breathe, for artists’ voices to be heard in full, and for readers to connect more meaningfully with the music. It was one of the best decisions we’ve made.

One of the most exciting milestones for me came in early 2024, when The Sound Café became a trilingual platform. We began publishing in English and French, reflecting Canada’s bilingual heritage, and soon expanded into Spanish as well.

For me, this was about more than words on a page. It was about breaking down barriers. Music doesn’t belong to one culture or one language, it belongs to everyone. By publishing in Canada’s two official languages and in Spanish, we opened the door to a broader readership and gave artists a chance to be heard by communities far beyond their home turf. This inclusivity is one of the things I’m most proud of.

One of the greatest joys of running The Sound Café is the sheer diversity of voices we’ve been able to feature. From global icons to emerging artists, from Canada’s heartlands to the furthest corners of the world, our features reflect the true breadth of today’s musical landscape.

We’ve had the privilege of featuring internationally acclaimed artists like Jon Batiste, Trombone Shorty, Xavier Rudd, and The Lumineers, as well as soulful storytellers such as Jo Harman, Tenille Townes, and Devon Cole. Their artistry continues to inspire, and their stories remind us of the universal power of music.

Canada has always been at the heart of what we do. We’ve celebrated the powerhouse sound of Terra Lightfoot, the evocative songwriting of Andrea England, and the groundbreaking work of Indigenous trailblazers Digging Roots. Showcasing Canadian talent, both established and emerging, is part of our DNA.

The Sound Café has also featured some of the most important voices in contemporary folk—James Keelaghan, David Francey, Dave Gunning, and Estonia’s Trad.Attack!, while giving a platform to rising stars such as Mae Simpson, Jax Hollow, Kae Shelby, and Terika. Watching these artists grow and connect with new audiences has been incredibly rewarding.

The Sound Café team based in Canada:

L to R: Founder/Editor In Chief - Stevie Connor

Contributor of articles on Global Music - Anne Connor

Exclusive monthly columnist (“Behind The Curtain”) - Erin McCallum

Columnist of Canadian Blues - Ken Wallis.

Our journey has taken us far beyond North America. We’ve shared the heartfelt songs of Dan Raza, the Celtic fire of Mànran, the infectious energy of The East Pointers and Sons of the East, and the unique artistry of Jenny Biddle, Matt McGinn, and Jason Wilson. Each one has added colour and richness to our pages.

It’s not just about performers. I’ve also made it a priority to feature the voices behind the scenes, people like Ken Wallis, Erin McCallum, and other industry visionaries, whose tireless work keeps the music world turning. Their perspectives remind us that the industry is as much about community and collaboration as it is about performance.

Every feature we publish is about more than a name, it’s about a journey, a story, and a piece of the cultural fabric that connects us all.

I’m often asked what sets The Sound Café apart from other platforms in Canada. For me, the answer is simple:

• We prioritize storytelling with substance, not clickbait.

• We publish exclusive, long-form writing that digs deeper than surface-level coverage.

• We are proudly trilingual, reaching audiences in English, French, and Spanish.

• Our team is international and experienced, bringing a wealth of lived expertise to every article.

• We are committed to discovery, making sure hidden gems and underrepresented voices are heard alongside household names.

  
  

In short, we’ve built a platform that respects the music, the artist, and the reader.

As I reflect on the journey so far, I feel immense gratitude, for the team that works tirelessly beside me, for the artists who trust us with their stories, and for the readers who return day after day.

I couldn’t do this alone. The Sound Café thrives because of the extraordinary team who bring it to life. From editors who refine every word to photographers who capture the essence of a performance, from writers with deep musical knowledge to translators ensuring our multilingual content resonates authentically, every person contributes to the magazine’s heartbeat.

Our team spans continents, and each member brings a unique perspective. This diversity allows us to create content that is both globally informed and deeply connected to the Canadian music scene. It’s a privilege to collaborate with people who are not just talented, but passionate about music in the same way I am.

The Sound Café is more than a magazine. It’s a movement. By carrying Canada’s cultural heritage into a global conversation, by writing in three languages, and by choosing depth over trends, we’ve created something rare in today’s fast-moving digital world.

And we’re only just getting started.

With the strength of our international team and the passion of our readers, I believe The Sound Café will continue to grow as a true home for music journalism, one that honours the artists, embraces diversity, and reminds us why music matters.

— Stevie Connor, Founder & Editor, The Sound Café

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.

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