London's Music MakerS Shine Bright

Meet the artists, songwriters, and producers at the heart of the Forest City London Music Awards and the creative force behind the city’s thriving music culture

by Elizabeth Harrison 

Every song has a story, and in London, those stories are deeply interconnected. The Forest City London Music Week and Awards shine a light on the talent behind the music and the community that sustains it.

Forest City London Music Week returns June 5–14 with one of its strongest and most diverse lineups yet, transforming the city into a giant multi-venue celebration of music, culture, and community. With events happening everywhere from Aeolian Hall to Covent Garden Market and London Music Hall, narrowing down the must-sees isn’t easy but these are LiveLondon’s top picks for the week.

The biggest spotlight lands on the Forest City London Music Awards Vol. 2 finale on June 14 at London Music Hall, where genres collide for a massive celebration of local talent featuring performances by Willow Switch, Brent Jones & Friends, Brother Leeds, and Brothers Wilde. 

We’re also circling Super Saturday on June 13 at Covent Garden Market. Free, outdoor, and stacked with local favourites including Snede, Ten Heads, Wabi Sabis, and Black Donnellys, it captures the gritty, rock ethos of London’s live rock music scene perfectly.

For something equally electric we enjoy the Latin Street Party on June 12 at Dundas Place which promises dancing, percussion, DJs, and one of the most vibrant crowds of the week.

And then there’s Women of London Music at Palasad SocialBowl which features a powerhouse showcase featuring Denise Pelley, Justine Chantale, and Shout Sister Choir. It’s one of the week’s standout events.

Photos by Jorge Polio

KRISTEN RENEE 

Won Contemporary Singer Songwriter (2024) 

Singer-songwriter and actress Kristen Renee identifies as a country-pop artist, although she has dabbled in alt-pop and jazz, and has bluegrass influences. Raised on southern gospel by two travelling musicians, she initially resisted a career in music, though she always loved it. “I went to school for social justice, and I wanted to do something mediation related, law related. But I ended up graduating during COVID, so COVID sort of swiped in and changed everything,” she says.

Her music career began during the pandemic when she started posting voiceovers and covers of top 40 pop songs on TikTok. When she began getting traction, she started writing for herself. She released her first original single in 2021 and has been going ever since. Her tattoos of a treble clef and a compass, one on each wrist, is a tribute to her roots and her new path in music.  

Renee’s new single Waves is coming out this summer. “I actually wrote that during COVID, which was a super vulnerable time, but it was one of those songs where I kind of just sat on the floor with my guitar, and it poured out,” she says. “I think it means the most now, even though I wrote it like five years ago.” 

@kristenreneeofficial

AMANDA KEELES

Nominated for Country (2025, 2026)

Amanda Keeles quietly built momentum for years before she released her debut album Can’t Stop Me Now in 2024, which she describes as a mix of easy listening, pop, and country. “I have been doing music for a really long time, and there was a period of life where I had to be on hold,” she says. “I became a mom. I focused on a career. I had a marriage.” 

When her marriage ended and as her kids got older, she took the leap to pursue music full time. “I had this window of opportunity for me to go out and do what I love,” she says. After the album’s release, she went on a year-long tour, which expanded to two years, across Canada. 

Though she mainly writes solo, her writing has become more collaborative, and she performs with a full band. “We have such great chemistry because we've been together for so long. Our shows are just so energy driven. It's a mix with country. We bring classic rock into it. 

We'll throw songs in there that surprise people” she says enthusiastically.

Her performance energy comes through in her clothes too. “I love bright colors, so when I'm on stage, I always like to have glitter and just brightness, so I think that's what you'll always see on me when I'm out and performing,” she says. 

She described her continued reverence for Jann Arden. “When I first started writing, my biggest influence was Jann Arden because she was such an emotional writer, and I absolutely loved the way that she just really dug deep into her songwriting,” she says. She was humbled when, years later, Arden’s guitar player Russell Broom played on her album. 

@amanda_keeles

LAURA GAGNON

Nominated for Contemporary Singer Songwriter (2026)

Laura Gagnon describes herself as an indie contemporary pop artist with a theatrical flair. Although she grounds herself firmly in the pop realm with a strong love for ballads, she started out in the rap scene at 16 years old, writing vocal hooks for artists in Ontario. 

She credits Alicia Keys as being one of her biggest influences and is primarily known for her singles, although she has one full-length album under her belt. 

In the last year and half, she has made huge strides, including signing with Grace Musicians Management Group in New York City and the label Big Records in Vancouver. “It's just that point of literally not giving up,” she says. “Even when you're like, I'm so done. The magical thing is something extraordinary happens to you that elevates you and pushes you to that next level. And it's that moment of not saying no. Just keep going. Just going forward.”

For Gagnon, songwriting is philosophical and spiritual as she searches for patterns in her life, but inspiration comes from anywhere – a phrase from a book, a movie, conversations with friends. Her song Pink Overalls, for example, was inspired by a photo of her and her father. In the photo, she’s eight years old, standing on a stool in front of a double-stacked piano, sporting pink hair ribbons and pink overalls. 

She says her musician father is smiling at her and holding his guitar. 

@lauragagnonmusic

GENEVIEVE FISHER 

Nominated for Country (2024, 2025, 2026)

Born and raised in London, Genevieve Fisher has always been drawn to country music. She grew up listening to artists like Shania Twain, Patsy Cline, Brenda Lee, Merle Haggard, and Johnny Cash. “Since I was little, my nana and grandpa were always playing country music at their house, so I feel like I fell in love with country music at a really young age. I've loved the storytelling aspect of it too,” she says.

With the release of her new single Must Be Listening in January 2026, she describes this time as a comeback after taking time away from music while her sons were young. A trip to Nashville in October resulted in several new singles which she plans to release in June 2026. Her connection with Nashville has been a pivotal part of her journey and resulted in her meeting her longtime producer, Jason Massey. “I just feel like the inspiration hits differently when I'm in Nashville,” she says. 

“I think I just get into this creative mindset, stepping away from home. Especially since having kids, I feel like when I'm home, I'm very in like a mom mode. And then when I get there, I'm in a room with people and they may have ideas, so it's just cool that you may go in thinking you're going to write something and then you write something completely different.”

@genevievefishermusic 

NATE BUTCHER - IM’PERETIV

FCLMA Board of Directors and Co-Chair

IM’PERETIV is known for his work as a hip-hop artist and producer working with artists from London and beyond. His passion stands out. “The starving artist, it's a phrase for a reason,” he says. “We all do it because we love it. You know, we wake up in the morning, we have to create.” 

After a 13-year stint as a competitive snowboarder, he returned to London during the pandemic. He considers the number 13 to be significant and described the move back as coming full circle. 

His most recent production credit, Soliloquy of a Sociopath (April 2026) by Toronto hip hop artist DNTE utilized diverse samples from jazz to Breaking Bad. They tried to tap into a theatrical feel. “We created a very cool art piece,” he says. “It's kind of got a theater, Shakespeare, Hamlet sort of concept to it. Very dark.” 

They released it using a non-traditional, direct-to-consumer approach on IM’PERETIV’S website, as an alternative to low-paying, online streaming services. They offer creative ways for fans to purchase and engage with the album, with 13 tiers ranging from buying the digital album for $20 to a $5,000 package that includes a studio experience and a meal with DNTE and IM’PERETIV. “There are all these different experiences to try and make it more of just that, an experience for the supporters, for the fans,” he says. “Fans can actually be a part of the album, part of the history, because they can have their name in the credits, a shout-out, and all those things.”

IM’PERITIV won Music Producer of the Year (2024), and was nominated for Music Video of the Year (2025)

@imperetiv 

ADAM PLANTE

Won Best Rock Artist (Newport Electric, 2019, 2023)

Won Producer of the Year (Maggie’s Wake, 2025)

Adam Plante wears many hats these days as he juggles several bands, managing his own recording studio called Beats Working and organizing live music showcases in his back yard, among other things.

He plays the piano in Thames Rivieras (punk), Newport Electric (rock), and in Andy Chillman & The Chill Men(folk-rock). He also plays in a Blue Rodeo cover band called Diamond Mind.

He considers himself a piano player first, but with his recording business, he has had the opportunity to work with artists like Tom Dunphy, acclaimed London roots/country artist, Maggie’s Wake, a folk/roots act with Celtic influences, the punk group 63 Monroe, the classical Canadian Celtic Choir, and more.

His latest passion project is hosting shows in his backyard to support and showcase local bands. “I've done 21 shows, and we seat 76 people,” he says. “We charge a reasonable ticket price, and all of the ticket revenue goes to the artist.” He offers tickets to friends, families, neighbours and through word of mouth. He keeps the artist a surprise and hopes people will come with an open mind. He’s planning four of these shows this summer (June, July, August and September). Artists that have played include Maggie's Wake, The Pairs, Kevin’s Bacon Train, Meredith Moon (Gordon Lightfoot's daughter), Royal Wood, Moe Berg from the Pursuit of Happiness, Chris Murphy from Sloan, Stephen Fearing, and Dala.

“The point is that anybody can do this,” he says. “We can support each other, and we can support artists.” He lets artists know how loud they can go based on technical limitations, and the shows are mostly acoustic, but they’re not quiet, necessarily. Plante believes he hasn’t had any concerns from the community because they’re all a part of it. One of his neighbours wasn’t enthusiastic at first but will be attending the next one. “They told me that they will often go in the backyard and dance to the music,” he said, reflecting on how music can bring people together.

@thamesrivierasband @newportelectric

GIANNY CORREA – LATIN POWER BAND

Won World Music (2022) and Fantasy Band (2024)

Gianny Correa describes his sound as a combination of salsa and Latin jazz. Originally from Cuba, he is proud to bring the rhythm and soul of his home country to his work here in London, where he settled after touring various Canadian cities in 2000 with an international group showcasing Cuban music.

He is perhaps best known for his work as a saxophonist and musical director for the Latin Power Band, although he collaborates with other artists and has worked on other records with the labels EGREM (Cuba) and Magic Music (Spain).

An experienced teacher, he has been working with students on saxophone, piano and percussion since his time back in Cuba, where he taught at the renowned music elementary school Benny Moré, named after the beloved Cuban musician.

@giannysax

Seth McNall

Nominated for Jazz Instrumental 2026

Seth McNall is helping shape the future of jazz in London, not only as a musician and educator, but as one of the city’s strongest advocates for building a sustainable music community. As president of the Jazz Association of London Ontario, Seth has helped launch a new charitable organization dedicated to expanding jazz performance opportunities, supporting education, and preserving the city’s rich jazz history.

In just its first year, the organization has created more than 100 paid gigs for local musicians while also investing in the next generation through free student ensembles and educational programming. Seth also serves as director of the London Jazz Festival, musical director of the Thames Valley District School Board Honour Jazz Band, and vice president of the London Musicians Association.

“The London Jazz Festival is a true reflection of community. We have so many organizations and venues and foundations all working together to create a citywide, month-long, free jazz festival. It’s a true testament to collaboration and what we can create for the city when we work together,” he says.

At the heart of Seth’s work is a belief that thriving music scenes are built collectively — by artists, venues, audiences, and community partners working together. That commitment to collaboration and long-term growth has also earned him a nomination in the Community Builder category at the FCLMAs.

LEXIAN BROWN (AKA JAG.HULIGIN)

Nominated for Afro Caribbean 2026

Originally hailing from the Bahamas, Jag.huligan has been in London for over a decade now, creating music at the fringes of hip hop, R&B, and dance. He attended Fanshawe’s Music Industry Arts program and graduated in 2016. He released his EP God’s Timing in 2023, and since then he has put out several singles. He cites artists like Big Sean, Michael Jackson, and Kirk Franklin as some of his biggest sources of inspiration. 

He strives to make each live performance a memorable experience. “I want to create different experiences for people,” he says. “Each date could be different based on the venue, based on the acts on the bill, based on just the overall environment. I do love working with a band. I'm able to show the full scope of creativity. I still try my best if I have to do only a track and a DJ, I try to make it as artistic as possible, as immersive as possible so people can enjoy it.”

Jag.huligan will be releasing several singles and two full length albums in the coming year. This first is set to release at the end of summer 2026 and the other in early 2027. 

@jag.huligin

(From LiveLondon Digital Issue - March 2026)

With a voice that carries both intimacy and quiet power, Aysanabee has quickly become one of Canada’s most compelling artists. But when we catch up, he’s not racing to an airport or loading guitars into a van. Instead, he’s been at the gym, skating, and trying to slow down.

“I booked February off,” he said. “The first week, I just slept. It’s been such a busy few years.”

For an artist who has spent the past four years in near-constant motion touring across Canada, the U.S., Europe, and Australia, stillness felt unfamiliar. “You get used to always having somewhere to be. A stage. A plane. A mission. When that stops, it’s strange.”

That momentum has carried him far from his early days hauling guitars through Northern Ontario bars. Back then, he was the young songwriter playing intimate rooms in Thunder Bay. Now, he’s headlining theatres, earning major award nominations, and preparing to release Timelines, an acoustic EP arriving this spring.

This Next Chapter is about Returning to the Beginning

“This EP is stripped back,” he explained. “Just the songs at their core. A lot of storytelling. It’s kind of full circle.”

For his April 2 show in London, audiences can expect a raw, intimate performance: Aysanabee alone with his guitar, layered pedals, ambient soundscapes, and the stories behind the songs. “When my career started, that’s how people first met me,” he said. “So, this is offering something to go back to.”

Though his records have featured expansive production and alternative textures, his writing process remains grounded in feeling. “It’s usually emotion first,” he said. “I plug in, grab a notepad, and start searching.”

Searching is the word he returns to often. For him, songwriting isn’t a lightning bolt moment of inspiration. It’s practice. Discipline. Like working a muscle.

“It’s like going to the gym. You show up. You write the song whether it’s good or not.”

Community Central to his Journey 

Recently, he’s been exploring piano, discovering new textures that shift how he hears his own melodies. And in a surprising twist, he’s even been considering experimenting with electronic music. After temporarily losing his voice during a tour stop in Australia, the thought crossed his mind.

“For two days, nothing but rasp came out,” he recalled with a laugh. “I thought, maybe this is it. Maybe I’ll become a DJ. That’ll be the comeback story.”

While his sound blends indie, folk, and alternative influences, his lived experience as an Oji-Cree artist from Sandy Lake First Nation shapes the lens through which he writes. “Being Indigenous informs how I see the world,” he said. “Empathy. Understanding struggles. That first-person perspective.”

At the same time, he’s careful not to confine his identity to a category. “Sometimes I’m just an artist who happens to be Indigenous,” he said. Rather than relying on traditional instrumentation or language, his identity lives in the emotional undercurrent of his work.

Community remains central to his journey. Having opened for artists like Dan Mangan and Allison Russell, he now pays that support forward, inviting emerging Indigenous artists to open his shows and offering guidance on navigating contracts and the realities of the industry.

“When I was younger, I didn’t know many Indigenous artists I could reach out to,” he said. “So, I try to be that person now.”

International Shows and Awards 

The Canadian music scene, he’s learned, is smaller than it seems and more supportive than expected. “You bump into the same people. And at the base level, we’re all kind of friends.”

Fresh off international performances from Australia and Taiwan to Norway’s Riddu Riđđu festival and Germany, Aysanabee is also earning major recognition at home. His album Edge of the Earth is nominated at the Canadian Folk Music Awards, and he continues to build on the momentum of his two JUNO Awards wins. The record landed on multiple year-end lists, including CBC Music’s Top Albums of 2025, and has seen tracks charting across Canadian radio.

The upcoming Timelines EP reimagines songs from across his catalogue, including Watin (2022), Here and Now (2023), and Edge of the Earth (2025). The newly released single, “Dream Catcher (Timelines Acoustic),” revisits one of his most personal songs, a reflection on doubt, endurance, and the act of dreaming despite uncertainty.

“It’s wild to have written this song from a place of imposter syndrome,” he has said. “But playing it night after night to rooms full of people connecting to it helped me unravel some of that mystery. I hope this stripped-back version gives fans a more intimate look at my process after they’ve given me so much.”

As he prepares to return to London, his focus is simple: connection.

Asked what he hopes audiences feel when they leave his show, he paused.

“I hope they feel full,” he said. “Inspired. Better than when they came.”

In a career that continues to rise, Aysanabee remains grounded in that same quiet pursuit: searching for the song, sharing the story, and letting the feeling lead.

Photo courtesy https://www.facebook.com/AysanabeeOfficial