MAIN STAGE • SUNDAY, AUGUST 20 • 2:10PM

“Music that exists in a sonic world of its own. That really is the only way to describe the sophisticated debut by the group SHEBAD” – Laila Biali, CBC Radio

Vibrant and alive, the multidimensional entity SHEBAD releases their five song debut EP show us it’s real. “This is the manifestation of Mark and I’s life force energy.” Says co-lead and voice Claire Voy, “A first demonstration of who we are as musicians and beings, and a true introduction to what SHEBAD has to offer.”

After the success of their form bending single Terra, its home EP is here. Hitting over 230,000 streams globally, Terra has found itself on multiple radio stations including CBC and NPR’s L.A based KCWR; opening the doorway to performance opportunities across Ontario and BC, sharing the stage with Juno award winning artists such as Dear Rouge, JESSIA and Snotty Nose Rez Kidz.

With roots in Alternative Jazz, Neo-Soul and Psychedelic R&B, the recordings were home produced and recorded by Claire and Mark with instrumental appearances by their live coparties Toby Binder (Drums), Nathan Klassen (Sax/Trumpet), Shawn Fisher (Violin) and Simon Pequignat (Guitar). The EP exists in a sonic world of its own.

For Claire, the drive to produce visual art is equally compelling to that which informs the duo’s music creation. All of the cover art for SHEBAD’s subsequent releases, show us it’s realincluded, have been created by Claire through a combination of photographic, digital, and painted techniques.

“Music is an open landscape for so many other forms of art to live in and around. I’m fascinated by the way they interact with each other to form worlds of their own, worlds that create themselves from the textures of emotion, colour, sound, and feeling. I spend a lot of time in worlds that other artists and musicians have created, whether it’s for adventure or understanding or love. It’s exciting to know we’re creating a world of our own for people to visit and discover for themselves.”

Their live performances of the EP have accrued a cult following in Guelph, selling out over 170 tickets for their EP release celebration. The five-piece band consists of Vocals/Guitar, Bass, Drums, Keys/Synth and Horns.

“The process of creating the five tracks on show us its real has deepened our love for life’s journeys in ways we couldn’t have imagined. Open yourself and enjoy.”