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!

We had an absolute blast catching up with Space Queen on Episode 182. This band isn’t just any rock group. They bring a cosmic, otherworldly energy to every stage they step on. With their spellbinding sound, electrifying riffs, and a stage presence that feels both magical and rebellious, their shows are an unforgettable experience.

In this episode, they join us virtually while en route to a music festival in British Columbia. We talk about the very real influence of witchcraft in their music and live performances, their musical inspirations, their incredible backstory, and so much more.

Fans describe their performances as immersive, witchy, and hypnotic, blending heavy rock with ethereal, mystical vibes that make you feel like you’ve stepped into another dimension. Whether you're drawn to their sonic power, their theatrical energy, or their magnetic connection with the audience, a Space Queen show is something you have to experience for yourself.

Coolest women ever? Without a doubt.

If you love music that’s bold, enchanting, and unafraid to tap into the mystical, this conversation will leave you inspired and eager to catch them live.

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.

We went to Bangor, Maine, for one reason: Bob fucking Dylan. But the Outlaw Country Music Festival gave us a hell of a lot more: Sheryl Crow, Willie Nelson, and a venue that actually knows how to treat its people right.

In this episode, the Strange Crew breaks down the full experience at the Maine Savings Amphitheatre, from the Dunkin' lounges (yes, plural) to the best parking situation we’ve ever seen at a show. Shoutout to the real MVPs: Maine Savings and Hollywood Casino Bangor for the baller room and hospitality.

We talk pre-show rituals (Denny’s + Dunkin = power move), fan etiquette (get ready for a rant), venue logistics, and the quiet genius of Bob Dylan’s anti-rockstar wardrobe (IF IT WAS REALLY HIM!?).

That and so much more on this episode of Strange Grooves!

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!

In this episode of Strange Grooves, we hit the “Red Path” (Harbour Passage) in Uptown Saint John with Liam and Mike of Cancer Bats, just ahead of their Area 506 headlining set with none other than Alexisonfire. And yes—it’s a full circle moment. We throw it back to 2007, when the Bats and Alexisonfire tore up an old church in Saint John. Now, nearly two decades and seven albums later, they’re back—bigger, heavier, and more dialed-in than ever.

We dive into how the band continues to thrive while spread across the country, recording their upcoming album and staying connected as friends and collaborators. From their creative process to the tracks they think you need to hear right now, this chat is packed with stories, laughs, and some real Strange Grooves energy.

🎧 Tune in, turn it up, and let’s go for a rip with Liam and Mike.