In the Zone with Andrew Boris

One of Canada's most distinctive voices in Indigenous Hip-Hop, Mattmac has transformed making beats from his home community of Anisininew Nation (Garden Hill First Nation), Manitoba, into an internationally reaching career as an award-winning producer, songwriter, recording artist, and performer. Mattmac's melodic Hip-Hop and Trap-Pop production, honest storytelling, and collaborative approach have garnered him more than 30 million streams across platforms.I've seen Matt perform a couple times over the years and was stoked to get to chat with him about his new album 'Smoke Signals'.Find Mattmac: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/2wn3YMzruUNJ2Ee1z6xnjYApple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/mattmac/1518644010YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mattmac4387Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattmaconline/Follow the show on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inthezone.wpg/

Leon’s Getting Larger is an emo revival band from Winnipeg, Manitoba consisting of drummer/vocalist Luke Penner, guitarist/vocalist Niko Boticki, and bassist Noah St-Hilaire. Since forming in 2021, the trio’s heartfelt lyricism, dynamic instrumentals, and passionate live set has made them a staple of Winnipeg’s blossoming alt-rock scene. Their sophomore album “If You Lived at Home, You’d Be Here By Now” confronts personal struggles of grief and helplessness amid an overbearing backdrop of social turmoil.Find Leon's Getting Larger:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/2w1MupnOni9QgbJqX3jhAEApple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/leons-getting-larger/1706363876YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LeonsGettingLargerbandInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/leonsgettinglargerband/Follow the show on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inthezone.wpg/

Prairie is a Winnipeg band inspired by the Manitoban prairie landscape here in Treaty 1 Territory. Their sound is inspired by loud indie alt-rock and droning shoegaze music, with lyrics overtop addressing topics such as the environmental crisis, queer and disabled experiences, and mental health struggles. In live performance Prairie’s somber ballads contrast with climactic high points to capture a powerful energy and create a moving and emotional journey.Find Prairie:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3VUvz9GbqhF9Ol8WAdfL4vApple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/prairie/1829552088Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/prairie.band/Follow the show on Instagram: https://instagram.com/inthezone.wpg

Award-winning Winnipeg indie-folk standout Jacob Brodovsky writes songs about feelings, the people who have them, the places that create them, and the fears we carry about them. In the tradition of prairie songwriters, his songs are humble yet intricate, as humorous as they are heartbreaking.We recorded this episode a while ago and I'm super stoked to share it now with Jacob's second album and first Winnipeg Folk Fest set on the horizon. 'Tell The Kids We Tried' is out July 10th. (it's soo good, guys!)Find Jacob:Spotify: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/artist/2jsXdkHR0T2AX69oOLnqCc⁠Apple Music: ⁠https://music.apple.com/us/artist/jacob-brodovsky/1459261560⁠YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@jacobbrodovsky⁠Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/jacobbrodovsky/⁠Follow the show on Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/inthezone.wpg/Reuploaded.

Ozconscious is a six-piece dream-pop alt-rock band creating expansive, exciting and emotionally immersive music that blends shimmering synths, textured guitars, and layered vocal harmonies into songs that feel both grounded and atmospheric. Their music explores connection, mental health, memory, and the search for meaning in a disconnected world.Tate Hiebert is the frontman, songwriter, and producer of Ozconscious, a former mayor of Bean City, and all-around cool guy. Was great to chat with him about the new record, the process, Folk Fest, and the politics of Bean City.Find Ozconscious: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4GTUc7SLIL9YKXALiytQ63Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/ozconscious/1308533821YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@OZCONSCIOUSInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ozconscious/Follow the show on Instagram: https://instagram.com/inthezone.wpg

Strawberry Punch is an all-femme, queer band from Winnipeg, MB. Featuring four multi-talented women rotating instruments throughout a show to create a seamless blend of sweet indie twee pop and moody riot grrrl garage punk-rock sounds. The band gains a wide range of influence from 60’s girl group pop and 90’s indie rock. The combination is fun, raw, and incredibly catchy with memorable hooks, shimmering guitars, and the sweetest 4 part harmonies. Strawberry Punch released their debut album on May 1, 2026.Find Strawberry Punch:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/3VEdtAOQEoQyqe7eid1PtrApple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/album/strawberry-punch/1895565007YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@StrawberryPunch-w7vInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/strawberrypunchband/Follow the show on Instagram: https://instagram.com/inthezone.wpg

Angels without wings drive `02 Honda Accords decked in bumper stickers. Or so’s the case for Leah Magnan. That’s pronounced like Leia, the princess, but you can call her EARTH ANGEL. Channeling `90s girl-grunge icons like Hole and Mazzy Star, as well as today’s alt pillars like Wednesday and Blondshell, EARTH ANGEL distills gargantuan feelings, formative years, and the massive beauty of everyday wonders into confident verse. EARTH ANGEL’s work considers that the ethereal can exist in shades of blue, a candle-lit bath, or a needle pulling thread. The angelic exists right here on earth, exactly where you stand. Find EARTH ANGEL:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/2LTK5nWUq3Kb0wt0TlgP73Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/earth-angel/1874386463YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCejwBm6cppmYQ5v8x-7s0-wInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/earthangel.4ever/Follow the show on Instagram: https://instagram.com/inthezone.wpg

One of Canada’s most distinctive voices, Noah Derksen is a singer-songwriter whose luminous blend of folk, country, and indie defies easy categorization. Emerging from Winnipeg’s indie scene and now based in Montreal, Noah was named a finalist in SiriusXM’s Top of the Country competition and awarded Canadian Folk Music’s Emerging Artist of the Year. His fourth studio album, Mercy on the Skyline, is out now.FInd Noah:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/31wEHfLGUKIlJAayR6K936Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/noah-derksen/1163110154YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@noahderksenInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/noahderksen/Follow the show on Instagram: https://instagram.com/inthezone.wpg

HAVS is an alternative R&B/Pop singer, producer, and sound healer, known for her ethereal vocals and genre-defying sound. With a fluid approach and a magnetic honesty that defines her sound, she blends strong R&B influences with evocative storytelling to deeply resonate with listeners. Her self-written songs are crafted to inspire connection and self-alignment, harnessing the power of words and melodies to create vivid, immersive worlds.Find HAVS:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0n38cexDOqzO3hWPmeOWwiApple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/havs/1403547316YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCweR-_AyU9V8cTFHLSPGOtwInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/havshavshavs/Follow the show on Instagram: https://instagram.com/inthezone.wpg

“Here to make you feel good about feeling bad” is a keen observation, turned mantra for Winnipeg emo-punk mainstays, Screaming at Traffic. Formed in the spring of 2017 by longtime friends Duncan Murta, Jacques Richer, Paul Colman and Stefan St. Godard, the band hit the road within a few months, feeding an insatiable hunger to bring their chaotic, energetic live show to a steadily growing fanbase across the country. Songwriters and vocalists, Murta and Richer weave heart-on their sleeve lyrics together with melodic, sharp guitar playing, as bassist Colman and drummer St. Godard tie it all together with a moving, inventive low end combo. The result? A boisterous blend of anthemic punk rock, emo, and indie-rock that invites mosh pits and arm-in-arm-in-arm-over-shoulder singalongs.Their New EP, "Songs To Steal Copper Wire To" is out on May 15th. Find Screaming at Traffic:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0NgcIBqQvwi0Yd8E8YYixeApple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/screaming-at-traffic/1244315907YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@screamingattrafficmusicInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/screamingattrafficmusic/Follow the show on Instagram: https://instagram.com/inthezone.wpg

tofusmell is the project from the bedroom of Rae Chen. Inspired by 90s indie-folk music, the acoustic sounds of tofusmell originals incorporate emotive lyrics to comment on and explore slices of life.I fell in love with Rae's lo-fi aesthetic and sharp lyricism on his EP when I first heard it last year. Now he's released his debut album, and it was a pleasure having him in the zone to talk about it! We also talked about his move from Florida to Winnipeg and literal shit. Great chat.Find tofusmell:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1iOQiPT8N1MQbdUaTaefyZApple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/tofusmell/1505067968YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@tofusmellInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/tofusmell/Follow the show on Instagram: https://inthezone.wpg

We’re Only Here for the Snacks are quite possibly the world’s only 14 year-old instrumental dual synth indie rock band. Winnipeg, Manitoba grade school friends Madis (guitar), Sebi (synth), Sal (synth) and Bennett (drums) have been performing together since Grade 5. Their unique sound blends electro pop, indie rock, punk and jazz into an energetic style with intricate melodies and catchy riffs that is well beyond their years. We’re Only Here for the Snacks simultaneously bring the noise, the groove and an infectious youthful energy to the stage that engages music fans of all ages.I had to have these kids on the show because, c'mon: How many 14 year olds do you know who have a vinyl out? This'll be the last episode for a very long time where I ask the band what they want to be when they grow up.Find We're Only Here for the Snacks:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/29it6NVptNKrTByID3tQkvApple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/were-only-here-for-the-snacks/1751197533YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@WereOnlyHereForVEVOInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/wereonlyhereforthesnacks/Follow the show on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inthezone.wpg/

LUANA MOTH presents their genre-flipping brand of psychedelic conceptual rock, and precision-cut electronica. Sibling duo Tony and Giovanna Mazza tell the story of a young woman’s supernatural experiments by way of frantic guitar work, intricate electronic production, and anthemic soaring vocals.Luana Moth have a backstory and ethos as epic as their live show so I was super excited to have them on the show to dig into it all. They did not disappoint.Find Luana Moth:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3MBKC1MlJbBa22D3MWCevFApple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/album/luana-moth/1614457464YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LUANA_MOTHInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/luana_moth/Follow the show on Instagram: https://instagram.com/inthezone.wpg

Kingston, Ontario-based Kasador is interested in being a great rock and roll band when connection, friction, and unpredictability are whittled away in favour of algorithmically dictated sameness. Tender and carefully considered, but also raw and wild and burnt around the edges, their sonic and compositional thumbprint nods to classic and alternative rock history while pushing into something new, something exciting. Their new EP, Kasador III, is out on April 14th.I got the chance to have Kasador in the zone while they were in Winnipeg on the last stop of their Western Canada tour before heading to their first tour in The UK. We talked about their recent successes, fighting wolverines and an ongoing debate within the band: "What's rockstar?"Find Kasador: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3h1thCLfJatQji7H4Xw7VjApple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/kasador/1088617090YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@kasadorbandInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/kasadorband/Follow the show on Instagram: https://instagram.com/inthezone.wpg

Chickadee is a jazz quintet working on Treaty One territory. Inspired by jazz fusion visionaries like Pat Metheny and Jaco Pastorius, Chickadee shows are exciting and varied: Chickadee is just as likely to play a fiddle tune as they are to play a modern fusion composition, finding ways to put both under the same banner and make it work. Founded by bassist and composer Fred Warner, Chickadee is made up of Winnipeg musicians Paul Klassen, Tirian Plett, Nolan Gottfried, and Parker Beesley. Their first record under the Chickadee name, "Persistence", is out on April 10th.This was a special episode for me since I first saw Chickadee years ago, before I was in my first band or even remotely involved in the local scene. In those days they were still called Freddy and the Fire Nation. I never would have believed they'd one day be in my basement nerding out about odd time signatures.Find Chickadee: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chickadeetheband/Follow the show on Instagram: https://instagram.com/inthezone.wpg

MIINA is a Canadian singer-songwriter with a sunlit, soulful sound who explores love, connection and our ties to the natural world. Described by Rifflandia Magazine as “the sound of sunlight cutting through the foliage,” MIINA blends warmth, intimacy and emotional depth.Find MIINA:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/2be45mouasgEeyH4Tgm4fBApple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/miina/1692989284YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@hellomiinaInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/hello.miina/Follow the show on Instagram: https://instagram.com/inthezone.wpg

Mise en Scene is a garage rock band from the small Canadian prairie town of Gimli, Manitoba. Founded by BFF’s Stef and Jodi while studying Fine Art, the band is known for their whirlwind of rock-rooted, reverb-drenched dream pop that perfectly meshes modern vibes with vintage charm. Daydreaming, decadence and jam-packed dancefloors, they bring a raucous symphony of rolling thunder drums and Rickenbacker riffage with a bark that matches its bite.I'll be honest, this might be my favourite episode I've done yet. Stef and Jodi clearly have so much love for each other as creative partners and best friends and the vibes were immaculate. We got into their many years of heavy touring and their recent years slowing down and starting families while maintaining that creative spark. And then Stef got on her soapbox to go off on, well, everything. Find Mise en Scene:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4r7GGIhQom0s0FVrXcWtrKApple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/mise-en-scene/265155119YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@miseenscenebandInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/miseensceneband/Follow the show on Instagram: https://instagram.com.inthezone.wpg

Post-punk, grunge, and shoegaze combine in Tired Cossack. He has a unique ability to bend genre and break musical conventions. Themes of joy and melancholy mix with intense, cold industrial rhythms meeting clever songwriting with nods to Ukrainian folklore. The new LP, ZIMA tears through 10 tracks of jagged post-punk, grunge, and cold wave. It’s a cathartic shout into the void about trauma, defiance, and finding beauty in pain.I saw Tired Cossack for the first time at Rainbow Trout last year (having never heard of him) and quickly fell in love with his genre-swinging sound, hooky songwriting, and stand-up-comedy stage banter. Written during a VERY difficult year (which we get into), Stephen has now dropped ZIMA, in my opinion his best work yet.Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/7LZt0YpmFcot7UQ7BqOQtqApple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/tired-cossack/1535358837YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TiredCossackInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/tiredcossack/Follow the show on Instagram: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/inthezone.wpg/⁠⁠

Ed Garcia is the host of Power Afternoons, Mondays to Fridays from 2 to 6 PM on Power 97 in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Ed also hosts Power 97’s River City Rocks every Sunday at 9PM where he chats with locals bands to see why they’re all about and play a couple of their songs.Crossover episode! It feels like every notable band in the city has been on Power to talk with Ed. I had him on the show to talk about the local scene, his career in broadcasting, and just talk music.Find Ed on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/edgarseeya/Follow the show on Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/inthezone.wpg/⁠And TikTok: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@inthezone_wpg

Elise Roller publicly launched Misfit Music Management in 2021 with the announcement of its full-time roster and innovative Artist Evolution program. Active in the Canadian music scene since 2008, Roller began as a self-managed artist before transitioning into industry leadership. She spent four years as Industry Development Coordinator at Manitoba Music, connecting creators and professionals globally, building training programs, and offering career consultations. She has also produced Pride Winnipeg’s main stage and managed tours, funding, and teams for numerous artists.Claire Boning joined Misfit Music Management in early 2023 as an artist manager, consultant, and operations manager, later becoming co-owner alongside Roller. Previously, she spent six years at Manitoba Music in multiple roles supporting artists and industry development. Claire has represented artists internationally, helping launch Manitoban and Western Canadian talent into global markets. A drummer for Winnipeg trio Veneer, she has over a decade of performance experience and remains an active leader, board member, and advocate within Canada’s music community.I was super stoked to have Elise and Claire on the show to dig into the nitty gritty of the industry. What can artists do to give themselves the best chance of success? What even is success? Is your only hope to become a slave to the content machine? All this and more, folks.Find the Misfits:https://www.instagram.com/misfits.and.odddolls/https://www.misfitmusicmgmt.com/

Join ZRADA on a kaleidoscopic journey through the dark heart of Ukrainian folk music and emerge somewhere in the cosmos. Ancestral sounds explode in a soundscape full of joy, anger, melancholy & madness. ZRADA’s music transcends language and beckons to those ready for a transformative & wild musical experience.I'm no Ukrainian folk savant but still I have NEVER heard another band like ZRADA. Adding elements of prog and metal and who-knows-what-else to their Ukrainian folk foundation with masterful composition from all 7(!) of their members creates something truly special. I got the chance to pitch my theories about what their songs are actually about to Andriy, Mikhas, Nick, and Joel; we also talked about their eclectic writing process and the Russo-Ukrainian war.Find ZRADA:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/69vHqnzN9kuKuqOK6bWLPmApple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/zrada/435831110YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@zradaculturalacademyInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/zradamusic/Follow the show on Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/inthezone.wpg/⁠And TikTok: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@inthezone_wpg

O.D Beresford is the musical project of Winnipeg-based singer-songwriter Owen Dueck. His debut EP, "On My Way," is set to be released on March 20, 2026, and introduces a distinct blend of indie, alternative, and neo-psychedelia influences into the long-standing Winnipeg folk-rock tradition. His intricate songwriting and introspective lyrics evoke a sense of familiarity while defying easy categorization.Owen and his band captivated me when they opened for Virgo Rising a few months ago and knew I had to have him on the show once he was releasing his debut. We talked about the EP, his origin story, the creative process, and Lord of The Rings.Find Owen:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4VCymgQ2fU0SQE2CcliC0zApple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/o-d-beresford/1878200599YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCx8Wlm4gYNejxRazMcZj1pgInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/o.d.beresford/Follow the show on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inthezone.wpg/And TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@inthezone_wpg

Montreal-based singer-songwriter Claire Morrison delivers “luminous … dazzling” alt-folk (Rocknfool) with fearless intimacy. A Folk Alliance 2025, Folk Canada 2022, and Pop Montreal 2021 showcase artist, she was named a “Canadian artist to watch” by the Canadian Cultural Centre in Paris. Indiemusic calls her “a unique, surprising, and insatiable composer.”Find Claire:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5gEPev2nkwI0VZMMQ5i7fgApple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/claire-morrison/1514514463YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCE0sNKseGWu2PHCRRDgHRIwInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/claaairemorrison/Follow the show on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inthezone.wpg/And TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@inthezone_wpg

Le Diable à Cinq is Quebec’s most electrifying traditional band, fusing roots music with raw rock energy. Blending time-honored repertoire with bold original compositions, the quintet delivers high-octane performances that unite audiences and keep dance floors moving. Their 2025 tour took them to six countries, including a standout appearance in Japan at the Osaka Expo. Le Diable à Cinq is set to launch their fourth album in May 2026 alongside a brand-new live show—more festive, more powerful, and more irresistible than ever.Find Le Diable à Cinq:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5KBDs4i4lRg7nIQGR831PqApple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/le-diable-%C3%A0-cinq/1323789845YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lediableacinqInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/lediableacinq/Follow the show on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inthezone.wpg/

VVonder was formed in the earth’s crust in the Mesozoic era but kept in stasis until the world was ready for its message. If you like wurlitzers, cool drum stuff, bass licks and wicked solos you oughta find out what everyone is wondering about. May contain melodic hooks reminiscent of Beach Boys in Hot Lava. Find VVonder:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4p3dOkvr9RzvSgrhoKhub7Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/vvonder/1619825794Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@vvonderpageInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/vvonderpage/Follow the show in Instagram: https://instagram.com/inthezone.wpg

Inn Echo crafts a cinematic, high-energy sound rooted in Celtic traditions, blending fierce fiddle, grooving guitar, and exploratory cello. With original tunes and bold arrangements, they push trad music into new territory. Their JUNO-nominated sound is rhythmic, dynamic, and ever-evolving—like a late-night session that refuses to end.Thanks to Festival du Voyageur for providing a space to record! (https://heho.ca)Find Inn Echo:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6aoMCE07CVpOEMifVOQuuXApple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/inn-echo/1454414188YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@innechomusicInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/innechomusic/Follow the show on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inthezone.wpg

Altered by Mom is a smart, irreverent, and effortlessly cool rock band from Toronto, Canada. The female fronted trio brings a mix of catchy, well-crafted rock music with a rebellious edge and a sense of humor. JUNO-winning songwriters Gina Kennedy (Bass/Vox) and Devon Lougheed(Guitar, Vox), joined by Max Trefler (Drums) play with gender roles, lean into DIY creativity, and embrace a badass, fun, and authentic energy. Their shows will leave you smiling, sweaty and screaming for more. Altered By Mom is chaos with a party vibe.Find Altered by Mom:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/2FSeqYyu0JBoZF2lGIUPiCApple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/altered-by-mom/1491369629YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@alteredbymomInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/alteredbymom/Follow the show on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inthezone.wpg/

CEC uniquely blends RnB and folk while writing in both English and Spanish. The Treaty One-based artist and producer’s music is distinguishable by its slow groove, intimate lyrics, and soaring vocal layers. An alum of national accelerators such as Women in the Studio and RBCxMusic First Up, they operate The Clubhouse, a co-op studio in Winnipeg with the goal of reducing barriers for underrepresented artists and producers through workshops, mentorships, and open studio days.Find CEC:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3r3uBjy2d93ntlU8BFgE4NApple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/cec/1229844887YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@cec.mp3Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cec.mp3/Follow the show on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inthezone.wpg/

Crossover episode! Braeden from Don't Cry Wolf.Don’t Cry Wolf is a media outlet focused on the Canadian underground music scene. It hopes to capture the feeling of walking into your older brother’s room in the late 90s or early 2000’s with posters on the walls, rap CDs and skateboard magazines scattered around. It strives to make the music scene feel exciting and accessible to outsiders through live events, original programming, and its variety-style show inspired by MuchMusic and 106 & Park.Find Don't Cry Wolf:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Dont.Cry.Wolf.Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dont.cry.wolf/Follow the show on Instagram: https://instagram.com/inthezone.wpg

Ghost Twin is a dark synthpop group from Winnipeg, Canada that combine roaring synthlines, dirty pulsing bass, dreamy guitar, and a haunting vocal dichotomy where Baroque meets Industrial. Formerly the husband-and-wife duo of Jaimz and Karen Asmundson, following Jaimz' passing in 2024, Pat Short (Kindest Cuts) and Alison Hain (Mutable Body) joined the band, bringing new perspectives and helping Karen complete Jaimz' unfinished work. Find Ghost Twin:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3K2af5DTF6zzjujvfFATs9Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/ghost-twin/990821745YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GhostTwin/videosInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ghosttwin/Follow the show on Instagram: https://instagram.com/inthezone.wpg

Episode 50! I brought on perhaps the best audio engineer in Winnipeg to celebrate. In addition to his own solo project Meanspath and his band Mulligrub, Riley has worked with Andrina Turenne, Irvin Miller, Merin, Great Wealth, William Prince, Warming, French Class, Mattmac, Deerhoof, Jocelyn Gould, Neighbour Andy, Cookie Delicious, Jace Bodner, Sam Singer, The Love Letters, Noah Derksen, Kelly Bado, Silas Presley, Tyler Del Pino, and Ariel Posen... to name a few.Work with Riley: https://jrileyhill.com/Listen to Meanspath: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/41gdzBS75cY7SfjlMQ5GiSApple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/meanspath/1675959097YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@meanspathFollow the show on Instagram: https://instagram.com/inthezone.wpg

Merin are a group of friends making sad but fun rock music in Winnipeg, Manitoba.Find Merin:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/2JAqoGbPAmNt0QZMGoUMoaApple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/merin/692909022YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@merin5917Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/merin_stagram_/Follow the show on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inthezone.wpg/

Andrina Turenne is an acclaimed singer-songwriter from Winnipeg, Manitoba. Her songs both in French and English explore themes of home, nature, and human connection. Formerly of Juno Award-winning group Chic Gamine, her solo project was launched in 2020. In 2024, she released Je suis un arbre, a Francophone EP that earned her a nomination for Francophone Artist of the Year at the Western Canadian Music Awards. Her twenty-five years working and singing in the music industry have taken her around the world and are a testament to the impact of her live performance.Find Andrina:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/432ebpgngn6uT9eHVOUHQvApple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/andrina-turenne/495934991YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@andrinaturenneInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/andrina.turenne/Follow the show on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inthezone.wpg/

Synthetic Friend is an infectiously vibrant 5-piece band based in Winnipeg, Manitoba. They strive to bring an upbeat stage presence and sound to every stage, blending the driving rhythms and introspective melodies of indie rock, and continues to creatively collaborate on dynamic, unique originals. Despite their name, these 5 are all 100%, no doubt, real-life friends!Find Synthetic Friend:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/7ghMXYa9kyudEb60mC98r3Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/synthetic-friend/1826820392YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqK_wJRlaQ_CJ7IjdPrZP3gInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/syntheticfriendFollow the show on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inthezone.wpg/

DID YOU JUST FIND YOURSELF at a warehouse party somewhere in the Midwest? Or maybe a prairie Ukrainian community hall? These rustbelt roosters keep you guessing. Manitoba-based Bluebloods play music that feels like a gaggle of hosers crashing a Mennonite Social, with groove tunes and smoky ballads that explore Manitoba’s historic strikes, urban back allies and wheat fields. Their debut album, Discount Everything, was released January 2026.Find Bluebloods: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/7gYEdWdLomwPvBkhBXGcoUApple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/bluebloods/1487775054YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@bluebloodsmusic42069Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bluebloodsmusic/Follow the show on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inthezone.wpg/

Josua Karlson is a musician, composer, and producer with a passion for creating immersive and storytelling music. Influenced by a diverse range of genres and a commitment to artistic exploration, Josua crafts dreamscapes that invite listeners into a world of ancient utopia, contemporary dystopia and fictional future. Fascinated by the interplay of order and chaos, culture and nature, technology and biology, fiction and dream, Josua Karlson creates sonic landscapes to evoke a connection to the past the future and our ever present origin that we humans try to disconnect: Earth.Listen to Radagast: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1lr16k61dxeMTMkwMjg4k8Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/radagast/1215952926Listen to Arcane Earth Reboot:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/7Ldh1dmiegY5N1a9shBaHiApple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/arcane-earth-reboot/1615448011All projects' YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JosuaKarlsonAll projects' Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/josuakarlson/Follow the show on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inthezone.wpg/Support the show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/inthezone_wpg

All music is magic. It’s easy to become numb to it, but every so often that universal truth, that magic, can snap into focus. Watching Alex Maher build an entire song before your very eyes will do that to you. First a beat, then a groove. Synths, keys and guitar. He sings the words and melodies he wrote – or someone else wrote –  and then he blows the house down with his alto sax. And then he does it again, and again and again. Nothing prerecorded, all live. While Maher has a body of recorded work going back twenty years, he really is someone you have to experience live to be touched by the magic, the life, that his music exudes.Find Alex: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1fdvv0i3DqRnlrpHVBH1ekApple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/alex-maher/1229855296YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AlexMaherMusicInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexmahermusic/Follow the show on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inthezone.wpg/Support the show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/inthezone_wpg

JayWood is the moniker of multi-instrumentalist/producer Jeremy Haywood-Smith, making art from a place curiosity and figuring his shit out.Find JayWood:Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/artist/4b9Dr3XFxT65mrPBFY6mqGApple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/jaywood/1459194982YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-9anIBldkPqkUYPMn8YnXwInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/jayyywood/Follow the show on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inthezone.wpg/

JD Edwards is a singer-songwriter based in Winnipeg, Manitoba. His partnership with Cara Loft, The Small Glories, has received international recognition especially for their 2019 album "Assiniboine & the Red" and has played some of the biggest stages in Canada including the Main Stage at Winnipeg Folk Fest. His own JD Edwards Band has nearly 20 years under their belt and a devoted following. With a truly original voice and a knack for crafting amazing songs, JD is able to capture every listener with an honest and uniquely personal touch.Find JD:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/2xovRzuic1a1nidQRZKwgDApple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/jd-edwards-band/481961620Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jdedwardsmusic/Follow the show on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inthezone.wpg/

Holy Void is a psychedelic pentad from the frostbound nidus of Winnipeg, playing dark, heavy psychedelic rock that bleeds into garage. They pull their atmosphere from the cold north: long nights, hard air, prairie winter pressure, and wide-open distance that still feels claustrophobic. The violin shifts the centre of gravity, turning haze into pressure as dissonance settles like hoar frost.Find Holy Void: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0coscmNlDjSWvPpG2oezFvApple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/holy-void/1142637246YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@holyvoidbandInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/holyvoidband/Follow the show on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inthezone.wpg/

Kwae Kobain has dedicated the majority of his youth exploring music as a means of understanding the complexities of the human experience. With a core focus on Hip-Hop, he skillfully blends silky melodies and gritty wordplay to craft a tapestry that reflects his unique perspective.Find Kwae:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/2rye50SamTaXUecJGt1I2EApple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/kwae-kobain/1754347541YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@KwaeKobainInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/kwaekobain/Follow the show on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inthezone.wpg/

Jackson Klippenstein is a Kenora, Ontario based singer-songwriter who has been sharing his passion on stage for as long as he can remember. His music brings a laid-back blend of Indie, Rock, Folk, and Blues to the table. Jackson’s latest project, One Piece at a Time, showcases a range of lyrical themes, along with unique melodies and driving rhythms. Lately, Jackson has been expanding his audience with high-energy shows across Northwestern Ontario and Manitoba, with the rest of Canada on the horizon.Find Jackson:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0aUhZMbG1nz102PvP9HKdWApple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/jackson-klippenstein/1696202600YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@jacksonklippensteinmusic5126Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jacksonkmusic/Follow the show on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inthezone.wpg/

OSANI is an Indigenous and Guyanese artist, rapper, and producer whose sound blends atmospheric trap, experimental hip hop, and raw storytelling. Hailing from the West End of Winnipeg, his music is rooted in personal experiences—from systemic oppression and cultural displacement to deep love for family and community. Drawing inspiration from artists like Yeat, Playboi Carti, Sean Leon, and Kodak Black, OSANI shapes his own sonic world: cinematic, unpredictable, and emotionally charged.Find OSANI:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4JWiFpU4KeL5DeimZGaJoDApple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/osani/1806212150YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@obalkaranInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/osani_balkaran/Follow the show on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inthezone.wpg/

Sandman is a nice guy.Find Sandman:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/2UytYzhVi9dPgPi9FIFGI4Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/sandman/1473060600YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZUrFCfwoOkA8oJrX9WIoPwInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/sandmanxo/Follow the show on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inthezone.wpg/

Dayloft is a laid back yet vibrant synth pop/indie project whose sound is constantly evolving. Known for their swaying melodies and emotionally resonant lyrics, their warm vocals, groovy bass, and soothing synths are sure to immerse you into a dreamy escape.Find Dayloft:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0owBiUKsnAmoSRutBKjmKgApple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/dayloft/1664015711YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1fbNZMAAVp7_CNPt0ZI5wAInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/dayloft_band/Follow the show on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inthezone.wpg/

Drawing inspiration from folklore, mysticism, and the natural world,  FERNANDA is an intuitive artist with vivid vision and a powerful voice. Her debut record 'Deer Trails' (Available December 5th on Bandcamp) is a demo-tape inspired collection of songs for the pathfinder and poet. Weaving elements of folk, roots, rock, and blues together into an eclectic realm of her own, FERNANDA carries the spirit of folk music into the modern world, calling listeners to remember the importance of storytelling and self expression. Find FERNANDA: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3QYhZObUceIa6JUZ9guNOfApple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/fernanda/1808081630YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@song.of.fernandaInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/visions.of.fernanda/Follow the show on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inthezone.wpg/

Hailing from Winnipeg, Manitoba, Show Pony is a wild ride through the heart of rock and roll, dressed to thrill in cowboy hats, snake skin boots, and a shimmer of sequins. With a raw fusion of gutsy punk energy and arena-shaking rock 'n' roll, they pull listeners into their electrifying, glam-soaked universe. Their sound is a high-octane mix of soaring melodies, blistering spaghetti-western riffs, and infectious choruses that stick in your head long after the show ends.Find Show Pony:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5r5fSaNafAZELEOuw650joApple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/show-pony/1545835487YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCy81OMHXk-gMDFj4bhJVChwInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/showponyband/Follow the show on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inthezone.wpg/

Guilty Sleep is an emo/shoegaze adjacent band centered around the melancholic reality of staying in bed and doing nothing. Backed by Eric, Haise, Nick, Liam, and Los, Guilty Sleep aims to create a wall of sound that engulfs listeners as they continue through the monotony of life.Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3SzyT1sZGeTds7tluS62gSApple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/guilty-sleep/1679865919YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@guiltysleepmusicInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/guiltysleep.music/Follow the show on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inthezone.wpg/

Jace Bodner, a funk/soul/pop artist hailing from Winnipeg, Canada, is recognized for more than just his incredibly handsome looks. Drawing inspiration from funk and soul legends like Stevie Wonder, Earth Wind & Fire, and Vulfpeck, Jace's music also explores the realms of rock and folk, resulting in a distinctive blend infused with his own creative flair. He is currently based in Nice, France, as the guitarist for international event band, The Phly Boyz.Find Jace:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1UE9lf5Ycq89gWzf4NJHOVApple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/jace-bodner/1532094322YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@jacebodnerInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/jacebodner/Follow the show on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inthezone.wpg/

At just 22 years of age, Irvin Miller is quickly gaining recognition as one of Manitoba’s most exciting young performers. Elevating the room with his unique blend of country, funk, gospel, and old-school R&B, he conjures a songwriting ability seldom found in artists of his age group. Pairing that with his soulful voice and relaxed charisma, Irvin Miller is cementing himself as one of the finest rising stars that Western Canada has to offer.Find Irvin:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/2mMtJ8QS6UQRanMhKU8TZmApple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/irvin-miller/1805133589YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@irvinmillermusicInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/irvinmillerband/Follow the show on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inthezone.wpg/