with Silent Winters
Born and raised in London, Ontario, Ken Yates has gained a reputation as one of his country’s brightest rising singer-songwriters. The winner of two Canadian Folk Music Awards for Songwriter of the Year and New Artist of the Year, Yates has spent recent years expanding his sound and touring North America and Europe, supporting artists like Passenger, Stu Larsen, Kathleen Edwards and Rose Cousins. His latest release "Cerulean" steps firmly into indie folk and alternative territories, and captures Yates at his most vulnerable. The cool-hued record was written as an intimate reckoning as he grieved his dying mother, giving listeners a vivid window into the rollercoaster of intense thoughts and emotions that accompany such a personal, yet universal experience. The album was produced by Ottawa's Jim Bryson, and features guest vocals from Kathleen Edwards, Katie Pruitt and Stephanie Lambring. It was recently nominated for two more Canadian Folk Music Awards for Contemporary Album of the Year and Contemporary Singer of the Year.
Silent Winters: Olenka Bastian and Jonathan Chandler are Silent Winters, an Ottawa folk duo with a warm, intimate repertoire born of cold months and fireside contemplation. Channeling a musical chemistry perfected while harmonizing as lead singers in rock outfit Amos the Transparent, Olenka and Jonathan craft pared-down, acoustic compositions supporting pure vocals and heart-melting lyrics.