Kingston is home to an amazing array of talented musicians. You can enjoy live music any day of the week, at bars, concert halls, and, in the summer, outdoors on a patio or in Springer Market Square.
Over the last few months, selected Kingston performers were paired with local filmmakers and production companies to create professional music videos through the Slaight Music Video Program.
This initiative was built to connect the film and music scenes in Kingston and fund and support the creation of new music videos.
The resulting videos were screened in March at the Slaight Music Video Showcase presented by the Kingston Canadian Film Festival (KCFF) and Tourism Kingston’s film and media team.
We’ve highlighted five Kingston bands and artists who recently had their videos showcased at KCFF.
Keaton
Hip-hop artist Keaton has been rapping since he was a kid: he wrote his first song in grade 8. In his teens he performed as the opening act for hip-hop group M.O.P in Kingston. Keaton’s making a name for himself with his raw, heartfelt lyrics. Listen to his new album Kingston 2 L.A. Catch Keaton perform during Spring Reverb on June 1.
Luella
Liv Whitfield, aka Luella, got an early look into how albums are put together: her dad, Zane Whitfield, is a Kingston music producer and founder of North of Princess Studios. At the studio, Luella got the chance to listen to bands like The Glorious Sons and Oh Susanna during their recording sessions. Luella co-produced her debut album, Luna, with her dad. Luella brings her original alt-pop style to Spring Reverb on June 4.
Kasador
Alt-rock band Kasador recently released their second album, Youth, with songs that tackle relationships, trepidation, and the passage of time. Kasador’s video for “Lock on” (produced by Outpost 12 Studios with Visual Menace Creative) was voted best music video at KCFF 2023 by a jury that included Sarah Harmer and Hugh Dillon.
Alex Mundy
Throughout her career, Alex has always turned to songwriting to tell her story. “When I have something to say, music is my megaphone. I love the challenge of taking an idea and sculpting it into a succinct hook or phrase. Putting each element together – the chord progression, melody, instrumentation, lyrics – the writing process is like my therapy. Everything seems to make more sense after I’ve written it into a song.”
Owlehh
Owlehh, formerly known as HAYLEY, is a unique indie-pop duo. Vocalist Hayley Miller also sings with jazz and big band groups around town. With Owlehh, Hayley’s rich vocals are complemented by thoughtful lyrics by Natasha Bailey. The duo formed in 2018, making music in Hayley’s basement, and initially using free-to-download software and secondhand synths. They are currently working towards releasing their first seven-song EP.
