Ten years after launching its streaming service in Canada, Netflix has announced it is opening a new Canadian office. To be opened in either Toronto or Vancouver, the office will allow Netflix to be closer to Canadian creators. Netflix also announced it will be hiring a dedicated Canadian content executive to run the office. “…we have built relationships with so many talented directors, screenwriters, actors, producers, animators and more…Canada is an amazingly diverse country and growing our presence locally will help us share more authentically Canadian stories with the world, whether through the development of original content or through co-production…
Author: Kevin Bourne
Kevin Bourne
Kevin Bourne is the co-founder and editor of SHIFTER magazine. Born and raised in Toronto, Kevin currently resides in Ottawa with his wife Koliah and their three children. He's a big fan of hip-hop, pop culture, and urbanism and spends most of his time keeping up with the Kardashians.
By Allison Kugel As leader of the legendary multi-platinum selling rap group, The Wu-Tang Clan, RZA, or Bobby, as he is known to close friends and colleagues, had a particular way of putting beats to razer-sharp lyrics that made you feel part of a song’s creative process. Fans feel RZA’s music, both from Wu-Tang and his solo and collaborative efforts, on a cellular level. An urban-bred intellectual who expresses through a mic or camera lens, RZA is considered prophetic to his community and perhaps a unicorn to mainstream culture. With a penchant for Eastern philosophy as is evident in the…
Ottawa R&B artist and dancer, Queenyy is back with “Distance”, the latest single from her 2020 EP of the same name. The project and single tell the story of the ups and downs of long distance relationships, including jealousy and distrust. “‘Distance’ paints a picture of how jealousy can be contagious in a relationship”, Queenyy told SHIFTER. “I’m the type of person that if I say I’m your girl, I really mean that there’s no one else in my life – ‘When I said I felt it, I meant it.’ But if you still don’t believe that I’m being true,…
Since the murders of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor and the resulting conversations surrounding anti-Black racism, artists and fans alike have been calling for greater Black representation in the Canadian music industry. In celebration of Black History Month, Warner Music Canada is presenting the first ever installment of Black Alliance Vol 1 featuring artists from the labels Black roster. The six song project features covers of legendary Black anthems with a bit of a modern twist, including Charmaine’s cover of “U.N.I.T.Y.” by Queen Latifah, Just John’s cover of Missy Elliott’s “My Struggles”, Amaal’s cover of “Brown Skin” by India.Arie, Myles…
The COVID-19 pandemic has put a damper on live entertainment all over the world, from live music to sporting events, with many savvy entrepreneurs and creators taking to social media and online streaming services to provide fans with a temporary virtual escape in a time when many need it. One of those individuals is comedian, content creator and entrepreneur, Kevonstage, who’s roots in social media and online comedy have positioned him as one of the leading producers of comedic content over the past year. One of his mid-pandemic ventures is the Keep Your Distance comedy show series, now 12 volumes deep,…
Fresh off his appearance on Hello Canada’s “Seven up-and-coming Canadian musicians to watch in 2021” list, Ottawa artist and producer, AP, is back with his trap anthem “On God”. Written and produced by AP and mixed, mastered and engineered by Lindasson, the song blends high energy trap production with a well-needed message of hope for the future, despite how things may seem. “‘On God’ is for anyone who has experienced a discouraging situation and felt like they would never overcome it”, he told SHIFTER. “It’s about speaking life into hopeless situations because I believe there’s always hope for better.” AP…
“Hey CR”. If you’ve listened to enough Ottawa and Toronto hip-hop you would’ve hear this drop. And who exactly is “CR”? He’s the young blazing hot hip-hop producer who is working with some of the top up and coming artists coming out of Ontario’s two largest cities, from Duvy and Young Smoke to Lindasson. Fresh off the release of Duvy’s “Southway”, Young Smoke’s “Block Boy”, and Night Lovell, Lindasson and FTG Reggie’s “A Lot”, SHIFTER editor-in-chief Kevin Bourne aka KB The Boss had the opportunity to ask the Ottawa-based producer a few questions about his start as a producer, his…
A month after dropping “A Lot”, the biggest single of his career to date, alongside Night Lovell and long-time friend FTG Reggie, Ottawa hip-hop artist Lindasson is back with “Don’t Tell”, the first single off his self-titled debut album Lindasson. Produced by Ottawa hip-hop producer Dejesvs, the song has a laid back vibe with a slight bounce and shows off Lindasson’s wide vocal range. The Electric Dreamstate shot and edited video features unique camera angles and visual effects, including photo collages and ghost-like effects. Although visual effects are standard in music videos today, the use of seldomly used filters diverts from…
Following the release of his recent singles “Saucy, “Confusing,” “My Thang,” “Finessing” and albums, and “Made For This”, Mississauga rapper Fame Holiday is back with his next release in time for Black History Month. The versatile rapper has given us everything from bangers and slower tempo vibes for the ladies to anthems with a message and “Take Me Away” is no different. Directed by his go-to videographer, Trey Timeless, the video opens with references to George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and Ahmaud Arbery and depicts the difficult conversations Black parents have had with their children as a result. It relates to the struggle,…
Toronto is gaining attention for hip-hop and one of the people at the centre of it all is We Love Hip Hop founder, Friday aka Ricky Dred. Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you know that Toronto is having a moment right now when it comes to hip-hop and R&B. No, I’m not talking about Drake, The Weeknd and Tory Lanez. I’m talking about names like Top 5, Duvy, Pressa, LocoCity, Lil Berete and a long list of other young artists coming up in the city. Toronto has come a long way since the 90’s when young audiences would…
CBC Music is setting off Black History Month with the creation of two new national radio shows focused on the discovery of Black and global music. Being called “Canada’s new home for Black music”, THE BLOCK, hosted by Angeline Tetteh-Wayoe, will play everything from Hip-hop to Soca and Reggaeton five nights a week beginning February 1st. The two-hour radio show will air Monday to Friday, from 7 – 9 pm on CBC Music and CBC Listen. “The Block is home. A place of belonging. It’s community and familiarity. It is a reflection of the depth and breadth of Black cultural contributions…
Since moving back to the capital in 2020, long-time rapper City Fidelia has made a splash in the community, mentoring Ottawa’s next crop of young hip-hop talent and opening a popular recording studio in the Byward Market. Despite the impact he has had in the community since his return, his next role could very well be his most impactful yet. Today, CHUO 89.1FM announced that City Fidelia has been hired as the new program director for the station, a role that sat vacant for over a year. “It is with great honour that I take on the role as Program…
