As the curtain begins to fall on 2024, it’s a perfect time to take a step back and reflect on the incredible musical journey we’ve shared at The Sound Cafe. Over the past year, we’ve covered a lot of ground, diving headfirst into a myriad of genres and shining a spotlight on some truly extraordinary artists. From the raw emotion of blues and the heartfelt narratives of folk to the genre-bending innovations of emerging indie talents, our pages and playlists have been brimming with stories that celebrate the universal language of music.
Now, we’re thrilled to present our picks for the 25 most popular features of 2024 — a vibrant collection that showcases the talent, diversity, and passion that continue to shape the musical landscape. Whether it’s an artist who moved us with their soul-stirring lyrics, a band that redefined their sound, or a debut that left a lasting mark, these features highlight the moments and music that made this year unforgettable.
Of course, these are just a selection of this year’s articles! With over 3,000 features waiting for you to explore, there’s so much more to discover at www.thesoundcafe.com.
Dive in, and let the music guide you!
1. Behind The Curtain: Paul Reddick
Paul Reddick has been performing his brand of Blues for more than three decades. He’s been met with industry acclaim for his work in-studio (he has 10 albums of his own work to his credit), and his most recent recording (“Ride The One”, Stony Plain Records) received a Juno Award (Best Blues Album).
Beyond his independent music offerings, Reddick has recorded and written with artists/bands such as Colin Linden, Monkeyjunk, and Tom Wilson, and he is the brainchild of the contemporary composition award for Blues songwriters/composers, The Cobalt Prize. Reddick also performs on the live music scene, mostly in Toronto, although he has toured extensively internationally.
2. N'Faly Kouyate
Originally hailing from Guinea, N'Faly Kouyate is a world-renowned Griot master musician and multi-instrumentalist. Moving to Belgium in 1994, he formed the ensemble Dunyakan (The Voice of the World), before joining Afro Celt Sound System in 1996. Frequently performing at WOMAD, the latter have released many albums through Real World Records and performed with stars including Peter Gabriel, Robert Plant, and Sinéad O'Connor.
Owning an innovative sound that blends electronica with music from Ireland and West African countries, Kouyate prominently provides vocals, kora and balafon for the group.
3. Troy Redfern
Carving out a name for himself by relentlessly touring and blazing a trail across the main stage festival circuits in the UK, Europe, Scandinavia, and Russia, and sharing the stage with the likes of Robert Plant and Dr Feelgood, Troy Redfern has worked tirelessly to build a strong following of diehard fans who gravitate towards his passionately honest, fiery performances and visceral guitar playing.
4. Canadian Singer-Songwriter Matthew Holtby
Warkworth Ontario's Matthew Holtby has been slowly adding to his collection of singles, one song at a time for the past two years. Working with Peterborough Producer Michael Phillips, the pair have been digging out the sounds Holtby creates on his acoustic guitar with the help of his bandmates, best friends and even his Father.
5. Nigerian Global Superstar, Rema
Rema's musical odyssey has propelled him and Afrobeats to global prominence, transcending borders and captivating audiences worldwide. With critically acclaimed projects, awards, chart topping singles and sold-out tours internationally, Mavin Global/Jonzing World artist Rema is on his unassailable ascent to worldwide superstardom.
6. Portuguese singer and composer, LINA
An album of poetry from Luís Vaz de Camões as produced by Justin Adams This is An unmistakable, expressive voice. Spacious music based on fado. This is ‘Fado Camões’, the new album by Portuguese singer and composer, LINA
7. Moroccan Artist Dina Ayada
Hailing from Belgium with fluency in 5 languages, 20-year-old Moroccan artist Dina Ayada creates music inspired by a deep appreciation for American hip-hop but informed by a global vision, earning co-signs from Kanye West, Playboi Carti, Ty Dolla $ign, Swae Lee, Chase B, French Montana, Saweetie, Jeleel!, SkiMask the Slump God, Giselle from Aespa and more.
8. Multiplatinum history-making global force JoJo Siwa
More than anything, JoJo Siwa’s music sounds confidently and gleefully unrestrained. She matches the rush and intensity of the maximalist pop soundscapes around her with uncompromising lyrical honesty and unfettered creative freedom.
9. Finnish Singer-Songwriter Terika Continues To Captivate Audiences
Terika's stunning vocals take centre stage, cementing her place as a rising star in the music world. Terika's debut album 77700 was met with widespread acclaim, and her live performances have earned her a loyal following, thanks to her powerful voice and dynamic stage presence.
11. Jax Hollow’s 'Come Up Kid' Is A Testament to Grit, Growth, and Rock ‘n’ Roll Greatness
With this release, Jax Hollow has cemented herself as one of the most exciting independent artists in music today. And with her relentless drive and undeniable talent, the best is surely yet to come.
11. AV & The Inner City
AV & The Inner City has once again proven why they are one of the most exciting acts to emerge from Canada’s vibrant Soul and Roots scene. Their latest single, “Lion at the Gate”, is a masterclass in vocal harmony, storytelling, and the transformative power of music.
12. Ken Wallis Chats With Meghan Parnell Of Bywater Call
Bywater Call is a seven-piece band led by Meghan Parnell on vocals and Dave Barnes on guitar, backed by five talented musicians. Hailing from Toronto, the band has rocketed up the charts with their powerhouse music and have toured extensively though Canada and Europe.
13. Ghost Hounds Release Cover Of Patty Griffin’s 'Long Ride Home' (Feat. Patty Griffin)
Ghost Hounds are a country rock band with a heavy blues influence that proves the genre is not only alive but thriving for the next generation of rock fans. Fronted by SAVNT and backed by guitarists Tyler Chiarelli and Thomas Tull, fiddler Kristin Weber, bassist Bennett Miller, and drummer Sydney Driver, the band has made significant statements with their four studio albums.
14. Minuscule Music: A Mighty Force From St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada
Nestled in the artistic heart of St. Catharines, Ontario, lies a powerful musical collective that defies its name. Minuscule Music, led by Niagara-based performer and songwriter Laurel Minnes, is anything but small in its impact.
15. Veteran Irish Trad Trio, Open The Door For Three, Set To Release New Album
Open the Door for three is a road-tested, audience-approved, laughing-out-loud trio of Irish musicians, including fiddle player Liz Knowles, uilleann piper Kieran O’Hare, and Dublin-born singer and bouzouki player Pat Broaders.
16. Ollee Owens: Nowhere to Hide in the Soulful Landscape of Canadian Music
Nowhere to Hide, the latest album from Canadian soul and blues powerhouse Ollee Owens, is a vibrant testament to her artistry. Released through her own Ollee Owens Music label, this album showcases a dazzling array of sounds, drawing from the rich wells of blues, rock, and soul.
17. Dasha, born as Anna Dasha Novotny, is an American country pop singer-songwriter.
Dasha was born and raised in California, and is of Czech descent. She learned to play piano and guitar at the young age of 8. Her Dad was her first talent manager and booked her gigs in coffee shops and wineries at age of 10. Dasha released the single "Austin" which is country, Austin marked her first entry on the Billboard charts and peaked at number 19, in June 2024.
18. Jody Mayhew: Bridging Cultures And Inspiring Hope Through Music From South Africa To The World
Known for his smooth blend of singer-songwriter stylings and alt-indie-country influences, South African artist Jody Mayhew has resonated with audiences both at home and internationally. His latest single, "Nog ’n Kans" (meaning "Another Chance") continues his exploration of music in the Afrikaans language, one of South Africa's 11 official languages that originated from Dutch.
19. Multi Award-Winning Australian Singer-Songwriter Brendan McMahon And Gretta Ziller
Says Brendan McMahon, "Sometimes the path of love has a few speed humps in it…! Broken Romance is an upbeat, fun and light hearted song with a 12 bar blues riff. The amazing Gretta Ziller helped out on this one, it was a lot of fun working with her in the studio…!"
20. Rising from the Great White North: Rose Morrison’s Musical Journey
In the heart of Canada’s rugged East Coast, where the roaring Atlantic meets the gentle whispers of Cape Breton’s hills, the spirit of music flourishes. Here, we find Rose Morrison, a folk singer-songwriter and fiddler whose delicate voice and fierce artistry resonate like the tides of the sea.
21. Post Malone Releases The Single 'Guy For That' Featuring Luke Combs
Post Malone released the single “Guy For That” featuring Luke Combs out now via Mercury Records/Republic Records/Universal Music Canada. It heralds the release of his anxiously awaited debut country album, F-1 Trillion.
22. Spanish Blues Rocker Susan Santos Unveils 'Snakebite'
Based in Madrid, Susan Santos is a passionate, self-taught left-hand guitarist. She writes her own songs that reflect her signature blend of rhythm and textures. She is a creative force in the guitar world, and a truly unique artist in her own right.
23. The Danish Americana Scene Has A New Gem
The Danish Americana scene has a new gem, and it's shining brighter than ever with the latest release from The Fire Once Lost.
24. Plains Cree and Coast Salish Singer-Songwriter Tia Wood Releases Debut Single
Plains Cree and Coast Salish singer-songwriter Tia Wood releases her highly anticipated debut record “Dirt Roads” on Sony Music Entertainment Canada.
25. Icelandic Indie Folk Artist Svavar Knútur Shines With 'While The World Burns'
Few artists can seamlessly navigate the duality of light and shadow, hope and despair, as effortlessly as Svavar Knútur.
We truly appreciate all your support since 2020. Please continue exploring our platform for more great articles, interviews, and reviews. Your engagement is what drives us to keep bringing you the best in music!
Stevie Connor
Founder/Editor,
The Sound Cafe
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