“Reminiscent of Canadian heavyweights such as k.d. lang, Cowboy Junkies, the Sadies and, in a way, Bruce Cockburn.”
~ PopMatters
The Young Novelists create contemporary folk songs that marry their effortless harmonies with darkly poetic lyrics and exquisitely crafted hooks. Their third album In City & Country features songs about 10 small towns in Ontario, and has been described as “a lush-sounding feast” (Penguin Eggs) and “emotional, melodic music that variously reminds me of the Jayhawks and Richard and Linda Thompson.” (No Depression) Their previous album landed them a Canadian Folk Music Award for New/Emerging Artist, a nomination for Vocal Group of the Year, and multiple songwriting awards. They have toured across Canada, the United States, and in Europe, often with their young son in tow. Their signature show features confessional storytelling about their songs and travels, singalongs, and the unique sound of bowed glockenspiel.
Annie Sumi
Annie Sumi is an Ontario-based ethereal folk artist with a sound shaped by diverse musical influences, from Joni to Feist to Rachel Sermanni. Her compositions linger on the line between reality and imagination, like a lyrical poet with a knack for capturing the magic of life through the eyes of a child.
Sumi’s music has been played all across Canada on CBC Radio, community radio, and Stingray Music, earning critical acclaim and numerous accolades, including a 2018 Canadian Folk Music Award nomination for Emerging Artist of the Year.
She was also a member of the award-winning folk/jazz quartet, The Hidden Roots Collective, nominated for a 2017 Canadian Folk Music Award for their debut album, Come Up Honey.