Folk On The Rocks’ Third Wave comes in with a “rock and knock your socks off” round of artists, many who are hitting the festival for the first time, along with festival favs returning in a big way. Nine brand new acts, including Al Qahwa, Billie’s Eyelash, Empress NYIRINGANGO, Jaya Bremer, Mariya Stokes and the Shivas to name a few, will play at FOTR. Returning favs like Snotty Nose Rez Kids are sure to rock the main stage fresh from their multiple Juno wins.
Carly McFadden, who is the artistic director of Folk On The Rocks, walked True North FM through the excitement surrounding the performers announced for Wave 3.
“The whole line-up, I can’t wait,” exclaims McFadden.
With no further adieu, as announced by those genius music rock folk at FOTR, the Third Wave of the Lineup for 2025:
Al Qahwa – One of the acts McFadden says she is really excited about is Al Qahwa. Al Qahwa performs original compositions, as well as popular traditional Arabic repertoire – from Sufi Devotional Love songs from the Arab World to popular folk songs, to classic Egyptian songs made famous by the stars of Egypt (the Hollywood of the Middle East). The group name Al Qahwa is Arabic for “the coffee house”.
“It’s mostly traditional Arabic, particularly Egyptian songs, sort of like Hollywood songs of the Middle East and very famous songs from that area of the world. Absolutely beautiful and very interactive performance with traditional instruments, dancing and singing. I think that’s just a lovely way to spend a bit of the afternoon.”
Billie’s Eyelash – Billie’s Eyelash is another new, exciting act coming to the festival for the first time. They play “whatever floats their boat.” They are a band that is “ready to rumble!” The band was formed from members of the École William McDonald Middle School Rock Band program. “These gifted young humans have joined forces to challenge those who have rocked before them with some amazing tunes,” says FOTR.
Empress NYIRINGANGO– Empress NYIRINGANGO sings in her mother tongue Kinyarwanda, as well as Swahili, French, and English. Empress Nyiringango’s music influence combines her Rwandan roots and contemporary music. An award-winning and self-taught musician, her self-coined Jablur sound blends jazz, blues and Rwandan.
“It’s a very interesting sound, but sort of blends many, many different cultures. Again, really fun. exciting, upbeat performance. I think that’ll get us all kind of ready to groove for the rest of the weekend,” says McFadden.
Hughes – Hughes, is described as “the alternative roots project” of Yellowknife musician Benji Straker. Hughes’ is known for “heartfelt melodies, introspective lyrics, and surf-inspired guitars” to propel a path of “self-discovery and the human experience.” Their music is also described as an Infusion of blues rock twist, their sound “combines reverb-drenched riffs with folk storytelling,” FOTR notes.
Jaya Bremer – Jaya Bremer has built a reputation as a Canadian “dream-pop artist.”
Bremer’s exudes a “lush” and distinct sound that combines elements of soft electronic, dream-pop and indie r&b. “Her music is a hypnotic blend of lyrical sincerity, characterized by stacked vocal harmonies, washed out guitars, and minimalist beats.”
Mariya Stokes – Mariya Stokes is has built a name as a country-Americana artist known for her “quick wit, candid storytelling, and for unapologetically stealing your Grandma’s clothes.” Stokes is recognized for her unique voice and retro style. She is Country Music Alberta’s two-time Female Artist of the Year and will soon release her debut full-length album in May 2025.
Merv xx Gotti – Merv xx Gotti is a renowned, award-winning Asian-Canadian singer-songwriter, well recognized for his “solo indie dream-pop project,” Guitar Songs. His debut release, Guitar Songs EP, was released in March 2024 ahead of his 5-show debut at SXSW. That first single, “Jiujitsu”, is named one of CBC’s Top 100 Canadian Songs of 2024.
MOONRIIVR – Since the release of their acclaimed debut 2023 album, Vol 1, MOONRIIVR’s star is rising fast. Renowned producer and bandleader, Gavin Gardiner (Wooden Sky, All Day Coconut) and acclaimed guitarist, “Champagne” James Robertson (Lindi Ortega, Dwayne Gretzkey) have both made their mark on Canada’s musical scene and are “eying new frontiers.” McFadden refers to them “Canadian, Indie, Rock Legends.”
“If you want a little sort of Vintage steeped kind of psychedelic pop stuff from the 60s with a little bit of folk twist, that’s a really really good place to start,” she advises.
Munya & Friends – Munya Mataruse is an Artist born in Zimbabwe and based in Yellowknife. Mataruse began playing professionally in 2005 at Pakare Paye Arts Centre, an arts organization formed and managed by Oliver “Tuku” Mtukudzi, who is a Zimbabwean Music Super Star. Mataruse music is a rare mix of styles ranging from Afro Jazz, Katekwe and Shangara (the local traditional Zimbabwean genre). “His sound is recognizable with intensely catchy Zimbabwean melodies and smooth vocals.”
Northwords Storytime – NorthWords NWT, says their mission is to “shine a spotlight” on the stories and voices of the region, by creating a space for local storytellers to connect with their audiences on a wider scale. “We aim to weave the rich narratives of the North into the wider fabric of Canadian literature,” urges Northwords.
Paige Drobot – Paige Drobot’s music is described as “FREAK ROCK, guitar killer,” and “heartfelt,” a sound that includes a gorgeous “weirdly spiritual” guitar playing. Drobot is known for “comforting, but edgy, eyes closed guitar music” with roots in a family band. “The performance has an air of total freedom,” raves FOTR.
PAQJ Camp – PAQJ Camp have returned with Tinge at the helm! “Playing various rock anthems from the 90s to present day, this band is in its second year of existence with the École William McDonald Middle School Rock Band program. As their collective talent increases, their want to share those talents increases as well.”
Snotty Nose Rez Kids – “Snotty Nose Rez Kids were of course up in 2019, and they rocked the main stage. So I think people are going to be really excited to welcome them back, especially after they won two Junos earlier this year, which is a huge, huge deal,” raves McFadden. Snotty Nose Rez Kids won multiple Juno awards this year for their album Red Future.
“Snotty Nose Rez Kids tore into the music scene with unmistakable talent and an unforgettable name. Showing off their lyrical prowess and natural storytelling ability, Yung Trybez and Young D jumpstarted the band with two back-to-back albums in 2017. Their follow-up album, 2019’s TRAPLINE, really launched their career with hit “Boujee Natives.”
The Shivas – As FOTR notes, the Shivas have built a reputation as being “the hardest working band in show business.” It’s been nearly two decades since the bad formed and since that time they have toured around the globe, visiting over 25 countries Can’t Stop Coming Around is their 10th LP.
“Their sound has always evolved as they have grown, and worked with different labels and producers, but it has always stayed true to the psychedelic vision those kids had years ago at the very beginning,” says FOTR.
And one more act will be chosen for the festival in the coming weeks. The final band will be chosen at The Main Stage Showdown on June 7 at The Elks Lodge. Anyone who would like more details about the showdown, including information about how to get tickets, can head to the eventbrite page FOTR created for the event.
The much-anticipated summer festival returns to Yellowknife July 18 to 20.
For anyone interested in hearing music from this year’s lineup of artists, Folk On The Rocks has compiled a 2025 Spotify playlist.
The FOTR 2025 Artist lineup is:
Al Qahwa
Amos the Kid
Arielle Soucy
Aurora Fiddle Society
Bella Beats
Billie’s Eyelash
Carmen Braden
Cassandra Blondin Burt
Caylie G
DjTmixxy
DUMAI DUNAI
Empress NYIRINGANGO
Glam On The Rocks
GODSON
Hendrika
Hughes
Jaya Bremer
Jennifer Castle
Jeremie Albino
Johnnie Melancholy
Jonathan Antoine
Josh Q
Major Funk
Mariya Stokes
Meridian
Merv xx Gotti
MOOCH
MOONBEAN
MOONRIIVR
Munya & Friends
NADUH
Northern Mail Service
Northwords Storytime
Paige Drobot
PaqJ Camp
Peter Dreams
Pre-Teen Teens
Rock The Arts Puppets
Snotty Nose Rez Kids
Taiga Yoga
The Johnnys
The Shivas
Tinge
Yellowknives Dene Drummers
