Strange Grooves Podcast

If you’ve been paying attention, you’ve seen their names popping up everywhere. Stephen Hero and Wolfcastle have been steadily taking over feeds with sharp bars, unmistakable style, and a deep-rooted love for hip hop culture. We’re hyped to welcome them into the Strange Grooves studio ahead of their January 9th show at the Impérial Theatre, which is set to be a truly special performance with a unique setup. Heads up : only a few tickets remain, so now’s the time to lock in.Get your tickets here!Stephen Hero honestly operates from a different lane straight up raw, working-class, and unapologetically East Coast. From early tape-recorder demos to fully formed releases, his music leans on sharp wordplay, layered bars, and a DIY mindset rooted in real life and real experience. He works with the best and is one of the most down to earth, hardest working humans you’ll ever meet. Over the past year, he’s built undeniable momentum delivering standout releases, earning awards and nominations, landing high-profile performances, and collaborating with legends like Maestro Fresh Wes, alongside a growing list of co-signs pushing his name into wider conversations. Along the way, he’s worked with East Coast artists and producers including Uncle Fester, Aquakultre, Jerrett Just, and Wolfcastle, forming a tight creative circle rooted in trust, community, and real collaboration.Wolfcastle brings raw charisma and fearless creativity to everything he touches. His music is deeply rooted in his identity and lived experience, reflecting pride as an Indigenous artist while offering a fresh, authentic voice in Canadian hip hop. As his profile rises, he’s earned recognition both regionally and nationally, including two ECMA nominations and awards at the Music NB Awards for his contributions to the scene.Blending humor, grit, and honesty, his music sits perfectly between street-level storytelling and larger-than-life confidence. With a steady stream of releases, unforgettable live performances, and an unmistakable voice, Wolfcastle has carved out a lane entirely his own one that commands respect from peers, fans, and the broader Canadian music industry. It’s so refreshing to chat with them and we hope your enjoying the interview so far. Together, Stephen Hero and Wolfcastle represent the kind of collaboration and friendship and community hip hop thrives on, real friendship, shared values, and complementary strengths. You can hear it on their latest project together: Let’s Get It. In this episode of Strange Grooves, we talk about how they linked up, how they work together in and out of the studio, and what’s on the horizon. We get into MuchDance 1997 and how dope it is. We talk about soul decisions, unpack life beyond the music, and touch on the moments that shaped who they are as artists and people. We talk about what’s coming up, issues that matter to them and more. Tap in to the full interview with the Strange Crew, and don’t miss your chance to catch them live at the Impérial Theatre on January 9th this one’s going to be special.Keep it strange.Cait and Cherise

We had the pleasure of hosting Candy Heart in our Saint John studio for Episode 183 of Strange Grooves. This talented band opened up about their journey in the music world—the highs, the challenges, and the moments that shaped who they are today. From their early days finding their sound to the evolution of their identity as a band, Candy Heart shared insights on what it really takes to grow, adapt, and stay true to your music.We also got a glimpse into what they’re working on now, including their creative process, upcoming projects, and the experiences that continue to inspire them. Listening to this episode, you’ll feel the passion, dedication, and heart that make Candy Heart a band to watch.Whether you’re a long-time fan or discovering them for the first time, this conversation is a must-hear for anyone who loves music, storytelling, and the journey behind the songs!

Eight years ago, Clyde Wray lent his distinctive voice and creative energy to Strange Grooves, becoming an integral part of our journey. Already a celebrated poet, playwright, and storyteller with decades of experience, Clyde has long left an indelible mark on the cultural landscape of Saint John, New Brunswick.In Episode 181, we had the chance to catch up with Clyde to see what he’s been up to, hear his reflections on life, and explore the experiences that continue to shape his art. From stories about his creative journey to his candid thoughts on inspiration and expression, this episode is a deep and authentic conversation with a true artistic force.

This week on Strange Grooves, we’re taking a detour down a fuzz-covered highway into the roaring world of The Orchids — a punk/stoner rock duo out of Truro, Nova Scotia, who prove that loud doesn’t need numbers, it needs nerve.Formed in 2023, Rhys Poirier (guitar/vocals) and Alexis Grant (drums) didn’t just walk onto the scene — they tore into it like a feedback-drenched freight train. With unrelenting power and a chemistry that hits you in the gut, The Orchids are redefining what’s possible when two people share one mission: crank it up and don’t let up.In this episode, we hang out with the band to talk all things loud, live, and local. Their debut album, released on March 28, 2025, “Here To Destroy”, was recorded live off the floor over six months — a deliberate choice to keep things gritty and real. The result? A wall of sound that feels like you’re front row at one of their shows.Whether you’re into basement-blasting punk or sludgy stoner riffs, The Orchids deliver. Tune in to this week’s episode and get to know the duo that’s shaking the Maritimes — one loud track at a time!

This one’s special, folks. We’re beyond excited to welcome our friend—and let’s be honest, one of our all-time favourite artists—Matt Mays back to the show… but this time, in-person at the Strange Grooves studio!Fresh off his killer set at Area 506, Matt joined us to talk about the new album he has in the works, one he says has been his most challenging yet. We dig into his journey with sobriety and how it's helped bring him back to the heart of why he makes music: to connect, to give, and to create for others.We also get real about fear, intuition, and the importance of listening to your gut over your head. From backstage moments with Broken Social Scene to deeper reflections on the creative process, this episode covers a lot of ground—and it’s all good for the soul.It’s always a joy to chat with Matt, and this one felt like sitting around with an old friend… because it was.

Ahead of their electric set at Area 506, we sat down with 3/4 of the lovely humans of Today Junior — a genre-blending powerhouse weaving together electronic, R&B, and emo influences into a sound all their own. With each member bringing their own unique flavour to the mix, this band is all about energy, emotion, and getting people moving. We talk musical inspirations, and what’s on the horizon as they prep a new EP for 2025 and much more! Get ready to dance, feel, and vibe with Today Junior!

We're back with another volume, and this one's flying high. In Vol. 173, we catch up with Red Cardinal, one of the East Coast's freshest rock bands, and trust us, you're gonna want to hear this.Led by Corey Jellison, Red Cardinal has been making serious waves since forming in 2023. Their debut album, Find Yourself, just dropped on May 16, and it's packed with everything we love—emotional grit, big riffs, and lyrics that hit you right in the feels.Recorded at Graywin Studios with Derek Hilchie and mastered by John Flanagan, Find Yourself is more than just a debut—it's a calling card. Tracks like "The Moth" and "Stranger Days" dive deep into personal growth, mental health, and the wild ride of finding your place in the world.In this episode, the band opens up about how they came together, what fuels their sound, and why live shows are everything. We talk about the grind, the good vibes, and the real power of community in music. Plus, they spill some details about their upcoming set at Area 506, where they’ll be sharing the stage with none other than Alexisonfire.So pour yourself a drink, throw on your headphones, and settle in. This one’s for the vinyl heads, the local showgoers, and anyone chasing that next sonic connection.Find Yourself is out now—stream it, spin it, or snag a physical copy. And don’t sleep on Vol.173. Red Cardinal is taking flight, and we’re here for it! Watch it below or wherever you get your podcasts! This episode of Strange Grooves is brought to you by Locarius! Planning a ticketed event? Book a demo at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://locarius.io⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and mention the Strange Grooves podcast for a discount!

We’re heading back to one of our favourite places—Prince Edward Island—for the Cavendish Beach Music Festival, kicking off this Thursday through Saturday, and we are beyond excited to share it with YOU, Strange Crew.Before the festival gates open and the amps get cranked, we sat down with none other than Ben Murphy, the man behind the magic. As the CEO of Murphy Hospitality Group and Whitecap Entertainment, Ben has played a major role in shaping some of the East Coast’s biggest and best events, including Cavendish Beach Music Festival and the newer but equally stellar Sommo Music Festival, where we had an absolutely incredible time last year! We straight up swear on it being the best festival around legit. Beyond thought out, so many vendors, great layout, so safe, easy to get to, media is well taken care etc, cannot say enough things about the team too, just beyond amazing crew of people and all day through taking care of people coming in, artists, they are just on it and smiling.In our exclusive chat, Ben gives us an insider look into what it takes to pull off a festival of this scale, the growing impact of live music on the Island’s culture and tourism, and what fans can expect from this year’s experience at Cavendish, and we are pumped. And let’s talk about that lineup for a second...there’s over 60 artists across three stages—an incredible variety of country, folk, and local talent! We have Lainey Wilson and Shania Twain coming to PEI LIKE WHATTTTT!? We are so excited! Catch up at the line dancing tent, besties!📸 We’ll also be on the ground capturing behind-the-scenes moments, artist interviews, fan stories, giving out fun merch and—of course—enjoying all the music magic.Make sure to follow along on our socials and stay tuned to Strange Grooves for the latest drops from the field. If you see us out there, come say hi!SEE YOU AT CAVENDISH, STRANGE CREW!This episode of Strange Grooves is brought to you by Locarius! Planning a ticketed event? Book a demo at ⁠⁠⁠https://locarius.io⁠⁠⁠ and mention the Strange Grooves podcast for a discount!

This episode of Strange Grooves is brought to you by Locarius!Planning a ticketed event? Book a demo at ⁠⁠https://locarius.io⁠⁠ and mention the Strange Grooves podcast for a discount!We first met Declan Rockwell and the dynamic crew of NORTER at PEI’s SOMMO Festival last September—and we’ve been fans ever since. Their high-voltage performance and passion stuck with us, so when we heard a new EP was on the way, we had to bring Declan back on the mic.In this episode, we dig into The Yearbook Club—NORTER’s latest EP—and talk about the band’s evolution, creative process, and what it feels like to finally share these new tracks with the world.From their East Coast roots to making waves in Nashville, LA, and NYC, Declan opens up about the challenges and wins of breaking into bigger music markets while staying true to small-town grit. Plus, Cait drops actionable marketing tips for musicians looking to grow their audience and make real connections.We wrap with a look at what’s next for NORTER—new shows, future plans, and why now’s the time to tune in if you haven’t already.

Welcome back, Strange Crew! In this episode, we’re thrilled to bring you an incredibly special interview with none other than Linda Pelletier – a true icon in the music world. If you’ve ever stepped foot in the East Coast music scene, you’ve probably heard Linda’s name and felt the impact of her tireless work.Linda is not just a long-time friend of the Strange Grooves crew, but also one of the most passionate, kind-hearted supporters of music and the people who make it. For decades, Linda has played an integral role in building and nurturing the community around live music. She ran her own production company, Medusa Productions, helping hundreds of bands and artists find their footing, build their fanbases, and connect with listeners. Her impact on the industry is immeasurable, and her love for music is felt by everyone she touches.As a promoter, she didn’t just focus on putting on shows; she made sure that fans could discover new bands, new sounds, and new friends. Her work helped shape the East Coast scene, fostering an environment where creativity and collaboration thrive. Beyond the stage, she’s been involved in some of the coolest TV shows and has experienced some of the most legendary performances, all while maintaining her humble, down-to-earth personality. It was such a pleasure to sit down with Linda and hear her stories firsthand! In this episode, we dive into the rich history of Canada's East Coast music scene, from its early days to where it stands now. Linda shares memories of the bands, venues, and people who helped build it into what we know and love today. Her stories are a testament to the power of community in the music industry, and how the dedication of people like her have made new venues and emerging bands flourish. Cait and Linda have been buds for over 20 years and it’s Linda who helped Cait get into shows and adventure to Rockfest and always encouraged so many people to listen to such wicked good bands. Bands like Port City Allstars, Baracuda Sunrise, Thelema, Ermine and so many others. Linda created so many friendships and wicked memories by just being such a wicked cool person. Cait would love to shoutout Jill Langteigne, Sean Boyer, Sarah and Darlene Partridge, Laura Heans, Leeann Miller, Shelley Brown, Joanna Killen, Eric Braun, Marc Henwood, Doug Anderson and so many countless others for being such amazing friends but also big music fans who always showed me cool tunes, invited me out to shows and essentially integral part of the music I love and memories I have.We also get a look at some old, never-before-seen photos that capture some truly special moments in Linda’s career – photos submitted by Linda herself and some that were rediscovered. Trust us, you won’t want to miss these glimpses of music history!That and so much more in this episode of Strange Grooves! This episode of Strange Grooves is brought to you by Locarius! Planning a ticketed event? Book a demo at ⁠⁠https://locarius.io⁠⁠ and mention the Strange Grooves podcast for a discount!

Strange Crew, We got a holiday exclusive for ya! We got to go to Trillium House Studios with Paul Milner to get a behind the scenes scoop on an wicked cool recording session and interview with award winning singer songwriter Andrew Clarke. Andrew Clarke Rocks Christmas with "Wake Me Up on Christmas Day" The holiday season just got a serious upgrade, thanks to singer-songwriter Andrew Clarke and his brand new Christmas single, "Wake Me Up on Christmas Day." This isn't your typical holiday track—it's an all-star jam session of guitar gods and world-class instrumentalists creating a song that’s as festive as it is unforgettable. We hope you enjoy this conversation and have a fun and safe holiday, Strange Crew! This episode of Strange Grooves is brought to you by Locarius Planning a ticketed event? Book a demo at ⁠https://locarius.io⁠ and mention the Strange Grooves podcast for a discount!