When Sam Roberts titled the first song on his first full-length album ‘Hard Road,’ he wasn’t just referring to the many trials and tribulations of the touring musician — because lord knows we don’t need another song by a sad-sack singer-songwriter about feeling homesick while looking out the van window. On ‘Hard Road,’ Roberts was essentially laying out a map for his career, acknowledging early on that the key to longevity and continued relevance is to never to take the easy route.

While most rock bands are all too focused on the riff, the Sheepdogs remember the importance of those other elements that make for great rock music: melody, harmony and groove.

Twenty-four year-old Toronto singer, songwriter, producer and multi-instrumentalist Lights has been crafting her own unique synth-pop-rock since she was 14.

Ladies of the Canyon are four friends who got together in their living rooms to write and sing songs influenced by their favourite bands — The Eagles, the Band and Fleetwood Mac.

Melissa McClelland and Luke Doucet tie the musical knot with the debut of their new band, Whitehorse, marrying their talent and chemistry on stage as a smoldering duo.