advertisement
FYI

Five “Queb” Rap Rookies To Watch In 2019

Maky Lavender

Five “Queb” Rap Rookies To Watch In 2019

By External Source

Maky Lavender


Born in Montréal’s Pierrefonds neighbourhood, Maky Lavender caught the hip-hop bug a few years ago, after watching the evolution of Québec’s prolific beat-making scene. Inspired by the music of High Klassified, Kaytranada, and Tommy Kruise, the young rapper was filled with a burning desire to be part of a world seemingly so distant and out of reach. “I was from the West Island,” he says. “In my mind, it was impossible to be on par with those guys. But I didn’t give up. I started by gaining the respect of people in my neighbourhood, and I enrolled in a school for sound professionals. Shortly after, I heard that [rapper and member of The Posterz] Nate Husser was looking for a sound engineer, and I began working with him. That was a big boost to my confidence. I owe him a lot.”

advertisement

After a few embryonic projects, Lavender stepped into the light in September of 2017 with an EP, Blowfoam 2, that attracted the attention of up-and-coming label, Ghost Club Records. Since then, this Jack-of-all-trades – as confident on the mic as he is a beatmaker and sound engineer – has asserted himself as one of the most well-rounded players of the Québec rap scene. His charisma is highly contagious, and he’s a peerless master of self-deprecation. His humility is like a breath of fresh air in an environment where overblown egos are all too common.

Continue reading the article conducted by Olivier Boisvert-Magnen on SOCAN’S Words and Music Website.

advertisement
Howard Willett (right) with Whiskey Jack
Courtesy photo

Howard Willett (right) with Whiskey Jack

FYI

Obituaries: Toronto Harmonica Ace/Vocalist Howard Willett Remembered By His Peers

This week we also acknowledge the passing of The Cure keyboardist/guitarist Perry Bamonte, bubblegum hitmaker Jerry Kasenetz, influential U.S. label head Howie Klein and innovative jazz musician Michal Urbaniak.

Howard Willett, a vocalist and harmonica player with the Bebop Cowboys, Whiskey Jack and many other Ontario country/roots outfits, died on Dec. 31. His age has not been reported.

On his Perlich Post blog, Toronto music journalist Tim Perlich says, "I'm saddened to hear that Parry Sound-born singer/harmonica ace Howard Willett has passed away. Howard was a longtime performer on the Toronto scene, well known for his work with the Bebop Cowboys, Swing-a-Billy Orchestra, Whiskey Jack, Junction City AllStars, The Shifters and many others. He'll be greatly missed."

keep readingShow less
advertisement