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

Some people don’t just participate in a music scene …they hold it together.
Corey Bonnevie is one of those people.

An OG Strange Grooves crew member, Corey is the owner and operator of Monopolized Records in Saint John, New Brunswick, and a true connector in the music industry. For years, he’s been quietly (and consistently) doing the work: supporting artists, building opportunities, curating sound, and showing up when it matters.

Now, with a dedicated Monopolized Records studio space, Corey is expanding what’s possible for artists of all calibres. This space isn’t just about recording , it’s about accessibility, intention, and creating environments where artists can do their best work. Whether it’s how a show sounds in a room or how a performance is captured in the studio, Corey’s attention to detail is unmatched.

His resume speaks for itself. Corey is such a force for connecting people through music. Long before Monopolized Records became what it is today, Corey was a cornerstone at Backstreet Records for over a decade, and that space for people like Cherise and I became extra special because he was in it. Corey helped countless people discover new music, dig deeper into what they already loved, and connect dots they didn’t even know existed. Beyond the shop floor, he was constantly sourcing the right people to help projects come together, quietly making introductions that turned ideas into reality.

That consistency matters. Being a friendly, trusted face year after year builds community in ways algorithms never will.

And projects like Quality Block Party to The Greville Tapes Music Sessions with Peter Rowan, Corey has been behind some truly special projects over the years. But what stands out most isn’t just what he’s done, honestly it’s how he does it. He’s thoughtful. He listens. He cares deeply about sound, people, and process. AND IT SHOWS!!!

Corey is also incredibly humble about his talents …which is why we’re happy to say it out loud: he’s a phenomenal musician, a skilled producer, and an all-around solid human. Anyone who has worked with him knows his work ethic, his generosity, and his willingness to go above and beyond for the artists and collaborators he believes in.

Another thing we love? His annual end-of-year holiday weekend party. Every year, Corey pulls together killer bands, local vendors, fun MCs, and a real sense of celebration and community. It’s not flashy for the sake of it , it’s thoughtful, well-curated, and rooted in genuine care for the scene. That kind of consistency is rare, and it matters. Go over to Instagram now and get your tickets. https://www.instagram.com/monopolizedrecords/?hl=en

In this episode, we sit down with Corey to talk about how the last few years have evolved, how the Monopolized Records studio came to life, and what’s on the horizon, including pressing more vinyl and working with even more bands. It’s an honest, refreshing conversation with someone who truly walks the walk.

If you care about music, community, and people who do things the right way, this one’s for you.

Want to hear an older episode with Corey? We got you. https://www.strangegrooves.com/episodes/volume-71-corey-bonnevie-monopolized-records

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!