Local musician James Gray won the Northern Lights Festival Boréal’s "Meltdown" this past weekend in Sudbury, while local band Empty House also came away a winner.
Meltdown is a juried audition/showcase event and concert. Northern Ontario musicians competed for paid slots at the summer’s Northern Lights Festival festival from July 4-7, plus other benefits such as studio time with Deadpan Studios, and rental credits with Long & McQuade.
Gray competed in the solo/duo category. "Gray is a contemporary version of an old-school travelling folk singer," says a news release. "In the past decade, Gray has toured throughout Canada, Europe and Australia, seeing the world and sharing his beloved songs along the way."
Gray attended Almaguin Highlands High School.
"A unique finger style guitarist, with a vocal that is hauntingly beautiful, Gray, often accompanied by a rather droll, humorous stage patter, immerses himself in each and every song with a soulfulness and attack that is infectious and disarming. With a broad grin and good-natured chuckle, Gray will often smile into the microphone and state matter-of-factly that he wants you to remember who he is."
Gray has been a musical guest at TED Talks held on the west coast of Canada. Music from his albums has received regular airplay on CBC radio programs including Fresh Air and Ontario Morning. He has garnered extensive airplay regionally and throughout Canada.
In 2019 Gray won himself a spot at The Mariposa Folk Festival through their showcase auditions. Since then he has been invited to perform at four Mariposa Folk events, two Troubadour Festivals and the Muskoka Music Festival. When not touring, he plays a regular circuit of pubs, theatres and house concerts throughout Ontario.
In the band/ensemble category, the winner was Empty House, hailing from North Bay.
"Empty House has been steadily building the anticipation of their debut EP since their formation in September 2023," says the release. "The quartet's ethereal melodies, echoing guitar riffs, and introspective lyrics, create a sonic experience that, as their name would suggest, is as ambient as it is locked in. The only thing more noteworthy might be their live shows which consistently prove to be an immersive journey that showcases not only the band's songwriting but also their ability to connect simultaneously with their instruments and the audience."
It was their first-ever public performance as a band
“Northern Lights Festival Boréal would like to congratulate this year’s Meltdown winners”, says Northern Lights Festival Executive Director Tessa Balaz. “We had a unique and talented roster of artists, and we’re thrilled to welcome the judge’s picks to the festival lineup this summer.”
Northern Lights Festival Boréal announced a lineup ‘teaser’ in December, which included Canadian indie-rock stars July Talk and acclaimed singer-songwriter Tim Baker as 2/4 headliners. In addition, the announcement included Oji-Cree recording artist and producer Mattmac; world roots hurricane Moskitto Bar; Arabic fusion-pop band Kazdoura; Sudbury, francophone singer songwriters Edouard Landry and Dayv Poulin; and more.
The organizing team is seeking volunteers, vendors/exhibitors and sponsors, and expects to announce the full lineup in early April. Tickets are on-sale now, and all information can be found at www.nlfb.ca.
Northern Lights Festival Boréal is Canada’s longest consecutively running music festival, taking place in Sudbury, each summer. It celebrates the rich cultural heritage of northern Ontario. With a legacy spanning over 50 years, NLFB continues to showcase a diverse lineup of artists in a vibrant and inclusive environment, enhanced by visual arts, artisans, cultural activities, and collaborative workshop performances.
One year ago Gray released the "Goodbye Stella" video.
