Kazdoura + Marie Franc

Kazdoura—meaning “to stroll” in Levantine Arabic—embodies the spirit of exploration, nostalgia, and groove. Founded in Toronto by Syrian vocalist Leen Hamo and Lebanese multi-instrumentalist John Abou Chacra, the duo craft a sound that bridges modern and traditional Arabic music with psychedelia, funk, and soul. Their music radiates a vintage-tinged, psych-soul atmosphere, with Leen’s ethereal, ornamented vocals soaring over lush, hypnotic arrangements.

Their debut album Ghoyoum surpassed one million streams, earning them nominations for Best New Artist at the 2025 Canadian Folk Music Awards and at CFMA. They received Best Album of the Year at the Ontario Folk Music Awards, where they also won Best Music Video of the Year. Having performed across Canada, the UK, and Egypt, and showcased at WOMEX, Mundial Montréal, and APAP, Kazdoura continue to expand their global footprint while working on their highly anticipated second album.

Marie Franc

Marie Franc are a dark-pop five-piece crafting songs that feel at once raw and romantic, pairing visceral lyricism with a nostalgic, ethereal haze. After cutting their teeth on Manchester’s indie circuit with their debut EP Birthday, the band came of age on their brooding 2025 follow-up EP Saturday Boy. Its sultry lead single “Loungewear” earned support from BBC Introducing, while the hazy, melancholic “Leave the Light On” further marked them out as ones to watch.

Led by frontwoman Rachel’s haunting vocals, Marie Franc’s live shows draw audiences into a smoky, dreamlike world where yearning melodies meet guitar lines made for both swaying and dancing. Channelling influences from Mazzy Star to Palace, they are sonic and visual storytellers, capturing fleeting, intimate moments that feel lifted from a Super 8 reel.