The Mermaid Times - Artist Highlight: Darian

Darian is a true Maritimer, born and raised in HRM. He loves creating, producing, and perfecting music that is compelling and engaging for his audiences. His inspiration to jump into the music industry came from listening to his friend’s freestyle sessions back in 2015. Since then, he has worked on multiple songs, created music videos, and performed at venues in Halifax.

Darian is a graduate of Mount Saint Vincent University with a Bachelor’s of Sociology and Anthropology. Currently, he is pursuing a Master’s degree at Acadia University in Divinity. His music has not taken a backseat throughout his educational career, as he still works on creating extraordinary music in his free time.

Listen to his music: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnyMWdJT8keBuP4om0Bl_Xg/videos

Learn more: https://www.facebook.com/Darian-100700947976672

The Mermaid Times - Artist Highlight: Emilie-Claire Barlow

Emilie-Claire is an accomplished, award-winning jazz singer, arranger, record producer, and voice actress – she is everything. Emilie-Claire has won two Junos and nominated for six in recent years. She combines pop and jazz to create her unique and recognizable sound.

Not only can Emilie-Claire sing, but she has done voice acting for Total Drama, Almost Naked Animals, and 6teen. Voice acting has allowed Emilie-Claire to stretch her muscles in new ways, finding new parts of her voice that translate well to singing.

Learn more: http://emilieclairebarlow.com/about/#more

The Mermaid Times - Artist Highlight: Zamani

Zamani is a phenomenal singer/songwriter with emotionally raw music that explores important themes of female identity, social marginalization, and relationships.

Zamani has performed at world-class music events in the US, Caribbean and Europe. Locally, she has performed at numerous events including the ECMAs, Nova Scotia Music Week, Halifax Natal Day Concert in the commons, and TD Jazz Festival.

She is an accomplished artist receiving ANSMA’s Emerging Artist of the Year Award, Jongleur Youth Arts Award, Atlantic Film Festival Award for Best Atlantic Original Score, ANSMA Rising Star Award, and the list goes on.

Learn more: http://www.zamanimusic.ca/about-zamani/  

The Mermaid Times - Artist Highlight: Riit

Riit is from Panniqtuq, Nunavut. She creates beautiful Inuktitut lyrics with an electropop twist. Her soulful music and powerful songs resonate deeply with audiences.

In Riit’s debut album are themes of forgiveness, the past and how it relates to the present, and personal disconnection. She also has a few selections on her album paying homage to several brilliant songwriters from Nunavut. 

Riit is a nominee for two categories at this year's Western Canadian Music Awards: Indigenous Artist of the Year and Pop Artist of the Year. 

Learn more: https://www.riitmusic.com/about

Listen to her music: https://open.spotify.com/artist/51rJGI9Wto6CZqOqLStQxO?si=H05NOYWmTkeGLsFzkm5z_w

The Mermaid Times – Artist Highlight: Muzz Marshall

Yvonne "Muzz" Marshall began training in classical music at the age of 7. When she grew older, Marshall turned her attention towards soul and jazz. The talented singer/songwriter has performed with multiple renowned internationally artists like Mavis Staples, Omar Hakim, Martha Reeves, and (fellow Canadian) Rita McNeil.

Her talent doesn’t stop at singing, Muzz Marshall is an actor, teacher, writer. Her song (co-written with husband Coleman Howe) “Never Too Late”, took second place in the Billboard’s 13th Annual Songwriting Competition (2009).

Not only is Muzz Marshall an inspiration on stage, but she also is a dedicated vocal coach; teaching Canada’s up-and-coming musicians.

Learn more: https://www.facebook.com/muzzmuzic/

The Mermaid Times - Artist Highlight: The Swinging Belles

The Swinging Belles is a swing band for children hailing from St. John’s, Newfoundland. The band features primary school teachers (and performers) Laura Winter, Erin Power, and guitarist Duane Andrews.

Their unique upbeat style motivates children and parents grooving to swing country and jazz beats. Not only is there singing and dancing in their shows, but interactive storytelling as well!

The band mostly tours around their home province of Newfoundland, but could also be seen in multiple Atlantic provinces, and as far away as France.

In 2016 they won a JUNO award for Children’s Album of the Year - an incredible feat.

For more information, check out: http://www.theswingingbelles.ca/kids-at-heart/about-us/