On July 2nd, Music BC announced the 15 B.C. artists selected to participate in ARC 2025, the organization’s flagship artist accelerator program. Following a thorough review of applications that closed on May 16th, a jury of industry professionals selected this year’s cohort, representing a broad spectrum of musical genres and career stages.
Made possible through the support of Creative BC, the Province of British Columbia, FACTOR (the Foundation Assisting Canadian Talent on Recordings), and the Government of Canada, ARC is designed to equip emerging artists with the tools, knowledge, and mentorship they need to build sustainable careers in today’s music industry. The program provides a comprehensive accelerator experience, offering one-on-one mentorship from industry professionals, including managers, creative content directors, and music producers. At the end of the program, artists have the opportunity to apply their learnings and perform for local audiences, industry, and an international delegation during a multi-day showcase.
To further the program’s mission, Nettwerk Music Group has announced a new three-year partnership with ARC, through which ARC artists will receive direct support with digital strategy, audience development, and exposure to DSPs and global platforms, helping turn new listeners into long-term fans. Additionally, Roland, a world leader in electronic musical instruments, is contributing gear and technical tools to support the creative development of this year’s ARC cohort. Both partnerships reinforce ARC’s commitment to provide artists with the right tools, through knowledge, mentorship, and practical resources.
The 2025 ARC participants are:
Adewolf
Adewolf is a Nigerian‑Canadian musician whose genre‑bending sound—Afrohop—fuses Afrobeats, hip‑hop, R&B, and reggae. Over the past four years, he has opened for stars including Burna Boy, K NAAN, Arkells, Shawnee Kish, and Haviah Mighty, and has performed at major summer events like Khatsahlano, Surrey Canada Day, and the Vancouver Mural Festival.
Cassidy Waring
Queer Vancouver-based alt-folk artist Cassidy Waring’s songs resonate with uncompromising honesty, sharp wit, and raw narrative style that invites audiences into an honest space, reminding us we’re not alone in our darkest moments. As a dedicated mental health advocate and an artist living with Complex PTSD, her vulnerability on stage is a cornerstone of her performances.
Computer
Computer is an experimental rock collective from Vancouver, British Columbia. Their newest song, “Dissolution Blues” was released in 2025.
Connor Nelson
Connor Nelson is an award-winning singer, songwriter, and producer, blending R&B melodies with cutting-edge pop production. His music was featured in Netflix’s “Ginny & Georgia” and earned Shazam chart placements in six countries. With editorial support from TIDAL and Exclaim!, and multiple #1s on the New Queer Canada Charts, Connor recently released his debut EP, co-produced with Juno-nominated producer Nathan Chiu.
Dawson Gool
Vancouver-based Dawson Gool’s 2025 EP, “Bark Mulch”, combines traditional sonic elements like pedal steel and banjo with modern storytelling and production. The result is a textured but driven indie-folk blanket and nostalgic haze that is sure to warm any fan of Adrianne Lenker or Hovvdy.
Emma Alves
Inspired by artists like Willow, Lana Del Rey, and Halsey, Emma Alves introduces an alluring genre by pairing styles like Rock and R&B . She finds modern surrealism by experimenting with unique instrumentation, production, and collaboration. Her all-consuming melodies and enthralling lyricism create a mesmerizing experience that immerses listeners into a fantasy world.
Fleetwood Huey
Fleetwood Huey is an alternative hip-hop artist fueled by self-reflection and a healthy dose of wishful thinking. His unique sound blends alternative rock melodies with nostalgic hip-hop influences, drawing inspiration from artists like Cage the Elephant, Joey Badass, and Isaiah Rashad. With every track, Fleetwood Huey delivers a message of hope and perseverance and gives voice to feelings that are difficult to otherwise articulate.
Haleluya Hailu
Vancouver-based Haleluya Hailu is a multi-instrumentalist, poet, and activist. Eclectic, energetic and constantly moving, Hailu manages to turn the awkward transition to adulthood into songs that anyone could lose themselves in. Her debut release ‘eternally, yours’ with Canadian music powerhouse 604 Records, features a vibrant and sparkling collection of alternative-minded tracks that effortlessly straddle emo, punk, and pop.
Jody Glenham
A longtime fixture in Vancouver’s music scene, Jody Glenham has carved out a place for herself in the indie landscape, earning praise from NME, Refinery29, and CBC, with her 2020 album “Mood Rock” charting on Canadian college radio and catching the attention of KEXP and the Polaris Prize jury. Her songs have been featured in “Snowpiercer”, “Tiny Pretty Things”, and “My Life with The Walter Boys”, drifting from dive bars to Netflix queues.
Kaya Ko
Kaya Ko is a queer Filipinx vocalist & multi-media artist, blending alt-folk, neo-RnB/Soul to HipHop with elements of West-coast Bass and EDM. A mix of classical training, 12 years of street performance, 20+ years of stage performances and self-teaching gives Kaya’s music an undeniable sense of fluency and experience. Bringing soulful vocals and a rap style that is reminiscent of influences such as Lauryn Hill, Kaya shows versatility and style in all of their skills.
Posh Coat
Posh Coat is a tireless blend of glamorous indie and soul pleasing rock & roll, live on stage, characterized by a sound both raw and refined. With their unique voice and flair, and a seamless blend of gritty guitar riffs and silky modern melodies, Posh Coat is chaos and control, intimacy and intensity.
Rebecca Sichon
Vancouver-based singer/songwriter Rebecca Sichon delivers a rich blend of R&B, Soul, and Jazz. Her voice captivates with both emotion and range, and earned her over 175,000 streams and a feature in EARMILK. She has played over 250 shows across Canada and the U.S., including major festivals like Winnipeg Folk Festival, Salmon Arm Roots & Blues, and Nest Fest (where she opened for Ruby Waters), as well as performed at 32 Sofar Sounds shows and NXNE in Toronto.
SNOWCHILD EDGE
Nigerian-Canadian artist SNOWCHILD EDGE blends the infectious rhythms of Afro-Fusion with alt-rap and experimental sonic elements. Known for his genre-defying sound and high-energy live performances, Edge has cultivated a loyal following across Canada and abroad, headlining shows and sharing stages with prominent international and Canadian acts like Nonso Amadi, Mick Jenkins, Aminé, Petit Biscuit, 88Glam & BBNO$.
Tess Anderson
Between gritty distortion and glossy pop hooks, Tess Anderson fronts a powerhouse six-piece band known for high-octane, emotionally charged performances. Her 2024 debut album garnered 180,000 streams to date, earned features in Billboard Music Canada and Exclaim!, along with national airplay on CBC. A relentless live performer, Tess recently wrapped up her first Western Canada headline tour, opened for Mother Mother, and secured slots at major festivals across the province.
Tiger Really
Mixing emo with elements of jazz, folk, and indie rock, Tiger Really has transformed from a bedroom project to a staple Vancouver’s underground scene. Since signing with legendary emo label Counter Intuitive Records in 2023, the band has built a global cult audience through social media and word of mouth and shared stages with some of the genre’s most influential touring acts. Their consistently electrifying performances and intensely personal songwriting has garnered them a deeply connected fan base and community.
About Music BC
Music BC Industry Association is a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing British Columbia’s music industry. Representing artists and industry professionals across all sectors, Music BC supports creative and business development through strategic advocacy, funding initiatives, and international networking opportunities. By fostering community-driven programs and industry education, Music BC empowers the sector to thrive in an expanding global market.
Learn more about Music BC and the ARC Program on their websites.
