You can’t know Beats Antique until you’ve been a part of its journey, and experienced the act as an entity with a life of its own. A stage show that demands more music; music that needs costumes, ships and masks and shadow dances; an audience that comes for art, and takes away stories to feed their imagination.

Commitment to the full performance art form is how Beats Antique fuses musical worlds, pulling on global sounds for experiments on the fringes of cinematic cabaret, informed by electronic mash-ups and inspirations who have joined them on the journey such as Les Claypool, Alam Khan, The Glitch Mob, Too Many Zooz and the Preservation Hall Jazz Band.

For years Anishinaabe DJ and producer Les Boulanger — known by audiences as Boogey the Beat — has toiled behind the scenes, laying the sonic foundations for other musicians’ anthems. As a longtime lover of hip-hop and rap, collaboration is his comfort zone. He’s worked with the likes of The Halluci Nation (formerly a Tribe Called Red) and Snotty Nose Rez Kids, playing stages across Turtle Island.

In homage to the sounds of a sundance, Boogey builds each song around a percussive heartbeat, then adds vocals and other instruments, letting the drum lead the way. He remembers walking up to one of his first childhood pow wows and hearing the big drum, a guiding force that stays with him today. 

While he hopes his music will resonate with revellers from all walks of life, he beams at the thought of Indigenous youth hearing pow wow and sundance songs for the first time at one of his shows. 

“It’s important to not forget that at one time it was illegal for us to sing these songs, play these drums, and go to these ceremonies,” he says. “Now it’s a time for celebration, and for us to take over the main stage.”

With his unmistakable baritone voice and 6-and-a-half-foot charm, Chali 2na has established himself as one of hip-hop's most celebrated and charismatic personalities.  Most well-known for co-founding music groups, Jurassic 5 and Ozomatli, Chali released his debut solo album "Fish Outta Water" in 2009.  Since then, he has toured the world ten times over with his band known as House of Vibe and has collaborated with some of the industry’s most recognized and respected DJs and Musicians.  Breathing visual life into his musical past, Chali embarked on a 6-year journey to produce "Against the Current”, a multi-media project that combines a 5-part series of genre bending EPs with a coffee table artbook featuring his own original paintings, drawings, and photography.  After relocating from Chicago to LA in the early 80’s when he was entering his teens, he was instantly engulfed by the worlds of hip hop and graffiti.  Instinctively successful at marrying the two together, as his music career began to flourish, his artistic talents also expanded past the walls of city streets and onto canvases and into galleries.  Now, as Chali’s catalogues continue to grow he is finding unique ways to share his art with the world, and demand for it is rapidly growing.

Delhi 2 Dublin is a hybrid live/ electronic act whose concerts have been likened to '90 minutes of freebasing joy'. Famous for their energy onstage, the five member crew has played over 100 shows a year for the last decade at festivals like Electric Forest (USA), Woodford Folk (Australia) and Bali Spirit Festival (Indonesia). Connecting roots to future, D2D features a heavy electronic backbone with live traditional Indian instruments (dhol, tabla), fiddle, electric guitar, and the stunning punjabi-english vocals of frontman Sanjay Seran.

Toronto-based rapper DijahSB makes navigating synth loops, booming bass claps, and smoothed out production look easy. The rapper effortlessly glides across these soundscapes with lyrics that are as earnest and personal as they are agile and quick-witted. Inspirational without being preachy, their music is a raw look into the mind of a Black non-binary artist rapping their way through hope, heartbreak, and breakthroughs. Their sound, a small light pushing through dark cracks as the self-aware inner workings of an artist in a constant state of growth.

They count Kid Cudi, Pusha T, and Lupe Fiasco among their influencers, their music an ode to and embodiment of each of them in various ways. In Dijah, Push’s self-assured confidence stands firmly alongside Cudi’s radical vulnerability, punctuated by the endearing relatability of Fiasco. Ever earnest and open about their struggles with depression, their music serves as a balm; a friend baring battle scars that might serve to soothe your own.

With tens of thousands of listeners across streaming platforms and features on popular Spotify playlists including Northern Bars, Fresh Finds and Fresh Finds Hip Hop, Dijah’s music is testament unto itself. “I manifest and start to dream," they rap on “I Wonder.” “That’s hard to deny.”

Considered to be the Godfather of PowWowStep, DJ Shub has undoubtedly pioneered a growing genre of electronic music since his initial start with internationally-acclaimed group A Tribe Called Red.

Born Dan General, he is a Mohawk, turtle clan of the Six Nations of the Grand River located in Ontario, Canada. Since the creation of PowWowStep, he has grown more aware of the Indigenous way of life through his music, merging his heritage with his craft. “This style of music – there is so much culture in it, and that’s what makes it so original,” said DJ Shub.

As a solo artist, DJ Shub released his first EP “PowWowStep” in 2016 and has since played some of the biggest music festivals in North America. He’s also been featured in a number of national media outlets. His song “Indomitable” was notably handpicked by Sacha Baron Cohen as the theme music to his hit Showtime series, “Who Is America?”

DJ Shub is currently producing his first full-length album, due out Fall 2020. His new record will be brought to life on the big stage, a non-stop body-moving experience with vibrant visuals, live drummers, vocalists and instruments.

Dwayne Gretzky is a curated nostalgia trip that captures the unique joy of turning a radio dial and being surprised by the familiar. A 10+ piece juggernaut that brings to life the greatest songs of all time, this talented group of Toronto musicians ignites audiences with their charm, fidelity and theatrical flair. Celebrating classic pop and rock, from Fleetwood Mac to Fatboy Slim, Dwayne Gretzky has delivered electrifying renditions of over 600 songs.

Since the band’s inception in 2011, Dwayne Gretzky has developed a fervent fanbase solely on the strength of their live show – performing classic songs with faithful precision. Now, after eight years and hundreds of shows cultivating a vast repertoire, the band has brought all of this experience into the studio to record a collection of reimagined covers. The self-titled debut album is a dynamic exploration of Dwayne Gretzky’s varied influences, a musical DNA splicing of styles and genres that showcases the band’s versatility, creativity and mature grasp of songcraft.

Whether reinterpreting a classic in their latest recordings or playing one note-for-note at a live show, Dwayne Gretzky continues to shatter conventions and bring people together in a celebration of the songs we all forgot we loved.

Five Alarm Funk is a horn-powered, percussion-fueled sonic and visual assault. Over 17 years of hard funking the band has burned up stages on four continents, released six studio albums and received two Juno Award nominations (Canadian Grammys). And this ride isn’t about to slow down. Five Alarm Funk is set to release their 7th studio album, Big Smoke in 2020. The 11 tracks get right to the roots of what Five Alarm Funk is all about: epic, intense arrangements, heavy groove and a ton of fun.

As drummer, vocalist, and band leader Tayo Branston puts it, “Big Smoke is the tighest, funkiest and most energized album we've ever created, it's the culmination of 17 years of creating, recording and performing together. We call it Punk Funk – it’s got the punch of heavy hitting dance music with the energy of a ruckus live concert.”

The album features two collaborations, the first with the legendary Bootsy Collins delivering hook-laden, funktastic vocals over a heavy swung groove on We Play The Funk. “I’ve been a Bootsy Collins fan ever since I was 15,” Branston marvels. “That track we made with him is one of the funkiest things we’ve ever cut.” Next, bari sax phenom Leo P of Too Many Zooz lays down his trademark squawks and melodic squeals for Wake the Funk Up, a supremely syncopated, chromatic laden jam. That collaboration emerged out of a jam session with Too Many Zooz in front of thousands at the Winnipeg Folk Fetsival and turned into a string of concerts with Leo P joining Five Alarm Funk on stage.

For all the honing their studio craft, the Five Alarm Funk’s epic live show is still what defines the band. The sweat-drenched concerts are infused with an intense spirit of fun that breaks down barriers between band and audience and moves both into a manic dance party. Wild costumes, props, and choreography compliment the seriously tight arrangements and genre-mashing grooves. As Vancouver’s Georgia Straight put it “I lost control and went on a dance rampage... You guys blew my mind and body.”

That live show has taken Five Alarm Funk on dozens of North American coast to coast tours, performing at over 100 festivals in the last three years alone. The band has also begun to break ground abroad, with performances in Taiwan, Mexico, and a performance for international peacekeeping forces in Mali. Five Alarm Funk plans to keep the momentum going in 2020 with another busy summer of festivals and the band’s first European tour.

To say Jessu & Pyka have exploded onto the Twitch DJ scene would be an understatement. With over 2 million unique viewers in just the last year alone, the duo have cultivated an international following with one of the fastest-growing channels on Twitch.

Fun and eclectic, Jessu & Pyka's sound is reminiscent of your Dad’s catalogue mixed with booty-shaking dance music and tech house smashers. Embracing all flavours of house music, the pair have quickly become known for their marathon DJ sets (recently performing for 19 hours on New Years Eve to 140,000 viewers).

Already fostering an online community most could only dream of, their sights are now set on the festival stage, as they bring their feel good blend of infectious house music out of the comforts of their home studio and onto the road with North American club & festival appearances in 2021!

Nestled deep in the beautiful Kootenay mountains of Western Canada lies the home of Moontricks, a duo whose timeless sound captures the essence of their rugged roots. Combining their love of folk, blues, and electronic music, Nathan Gurley and Sean Rodman are blazing their own trail, merging musical worlds previously unacquainted and capturing audiences along the way.

Since connecting in their rural hometown through a shared love of music, the pair’s chemistry was instantly apparent. With Gurley at the production helm and Rodman on songwriting and vocals, they’ve birthed an authentically raw and seductive sound infusing grassroots blues, wistful soul, and gritty, boot­stomping bass. Their breakout organic hit “Home” has surpassed 1 million streams and their music is frequently licensed for film and television.

Once a best­ kept secret in Canada's festival circuit, Moontricks is now taking their sound worldwide. Feeling just as at home on an electronic festival stage one weekend and a folk festival the next, their spirited live performances feature an assemblage of guitar, keys, banjo, and vocals atop stunning original productions. Their touring schedule has seen them play across North America and Australia with stops at major festivals like Lightning In A Bottle, Rainbow Serpent, and Shambhala Music Festival ­ where they’ve become fan favourites, playing every year since their debut in 2013.

From rural beginnings to global festival stages, this humble duo is now taking on the world. Dazzling audiences with their infectious vibe and unmistakable rhythm, Moontricks are clear proof that originality and passion can spark a creative odyssey.

Odario is a storyteller, a hip-hop junkie and a lover of many musical soundscapes. He is embedded in the beat and submerged in the bass. His solo project expresses all of these qualities; tackling the many sides of "beat poetry". Odario's parents grew up in a small village in Guyana. The music will reflect the raw heat of South American villages as well as the unique and intimate migration to the north. Odario is known for his work in Grand Analog (as songwriter and frontman). His distinctive voice and insightful lyrics have been part of the Grand Analog sound since their debut album, Calligraffiti, in 2007. As a performer and personality, Odario wears many hats and describes himself as a raconteur, an actor and a DJ. He’s currently hosting CBC Music’s afterdark program. As a founding member of Grand Analog, he co-wrote the songs for three albums, three EPs and several singles; generated over 65 syncs and been nominated for Sync Artist or Songwriter of the Year at the Canadian Sync Awards. Odario has also been featured on a number of other artist’s tracks including A Tribe Called Red single Ba Na Na with Haviah Mighty, the Ghost Caravan single Damn You, the Delhi 2 Dublin single Magic, the Sunshine Makers single Empathy and the Qualité Motel single Play Hard. On January 23rd, he released his debut solo single and video, Low Light (In This Space) featuring Dawn Pemberton on Do Right Music, followed by his second single and video, Hot Hot Heat featuring Kamilah Apong, on July 24th. He is scheduled to release his third single, Peace, on October 2nd and his EP called Good Morning Hunter on October 23rd. 

Hailing from the vibrant Canadian West, Stickybuds boasts nearly two decades of global touring and music excellence. As a premier Canadian export, his prowess on turntables and in the studio has captivated audiences in over 25 countries, gracing iconic venues and festivals such as Burning Man, Shambhala, Envision, "We Love Space" Ibiza and Glastonbury.

With a repertoire exceeding 70 label releases and numerous DJ mixes, Stickybuds has woven a sonic tapestry that resonates worldwide. His music has left an indelible mark, featured in blockbuster franchises like Spider-Man and Star Wars, while concurrently blasting out the sound systems of underground scenes and massive festivals.

In a sea of carbon-copy producers, The Funk Hunters have cultivated their signature sound by creating forward-thinking electronic music that is influenced by old school funk, soul and hip-hop.

As longtime friends, collaborators, and multi-dimensional artists, Nick Middleton and Duncan Smith’s chemistry is perfectly aligned. Middleton steers the band’s studio efforts, having produced, co-written, and mixed their debut album, TYPECAST. And Smith anchors the project’s live show with an indefatigable charisma that compliments Middleton’s thoughtful production.

Their vision has resonated with both listeners and industry tastemakers alike, with their music amassing over 50 million track streams across their catalog of original productions, remixes and collaborations. Winners of the Electronic/Dance Artist of the Year at the Western Canadian Music Awards, The Funk Hunters also reached #1 on the Billboard Dance Club Chart last year, with an official remix of U2's "Love Is Bigger." Their catalog also includes other official remixes for Big Gigantic, Gramatik, Selena Gomez, and Imagine Dragons.

In addition to studio work, The Funk Hunters enjoy a vibrant global touring career with major festival plays at Coachella, Life Is Beautiful, Lightning in a Bottle, Electric Forest, Osheaga, Outside Lands, Burning Man, and Shambhala. They consistently play to the biggest dance floors in the world - frequent collaborator Chali 2na of Jurassic 5 fame has called them "the selectah's of the century."

There was a time… James Brown, The Godfather of Soul, introduced the world to a new language…the language of funk.

James Brown’s sound transcended all barriers: music, race, religion, politics and cultures. The music of James Brown has endured throughout the decades through societal changes, music styles and personal struggles. His music is enjoyed by billions of people around the globe. And always, there was the band. And now, they’re back!

The Hardest Working Band in Show Business, The JB’s starring internationally renowned musicians who’ve performed with James Brown over the past 50 years, The JB’s are bringing to the stage that unique musical language that The Godfather gave to the world! From “The Capeman,” Danny Ray, who has served as Mr. Brown’s emcee since 1960, to bassist Fred Thomas, with The JB’s since 1971, The JB’s are ready to make the world funky again!

Andrea Graham, better known by her stage name The Librarian, is a celebrated DJ, producer, and curator. She is the co-founder and music director of Bass Coast Music Festival – known internationally for its forward thinking music programming and installation art – and is widely considered one of bass music's leading creative minds and tastemakers. Equally an artist and entrepreneur, Andrea’s reputation as an inclusive community-builder in the electronic world has brought her a legion of fans and industry followers across the globe.

As a DJ, The Librarian's sets move through many genres of bass music – from footwork and jungle to 130, 140, garage, and drum and bass – tying those diverse genres together with powerful low end frequencies that push the boundaries of the world's biggest PAs.

The Librarian performs throughout Canada, the USA, Australia, Central America, India and Southeast Asia. Past performance highlights include Coachella, Electric Forest, Lightning in a Bottle, Bass Center, Freestyle Sessions, Symbiosis, Bumbershoot, Rainbow Serpent, and Shambhala.

A viral sensation since they first emerged as New York subway buskers in 2013, Too Many Zooz have evolved into a globally recognized phenomenon. The trio’s outrageous, electrifying live performances have taken the world by storm, performing on acclaimed festival stages such as Glastonbury and Electric Forest, and picking up nods from industry heavyweights along the way like BBC Radio One, Ministry of Sound, Google (Pixel commercial), and even a surprise performance with none other than Beyonce at the Billboard Music awards.

Self-described "Brass House" trio Too Many Zooz make manically kinetic instrumental music that combines avant-garde jazz, EDM, punk rock, and sundry other traditions into their own distinctive brand of high-energy dance music.