Feature Friday (1 November 2024)

Written By Feature Friday Team

Get ready to be inspired by the incredible talent thriving in Montreal! Forget The Box is thrilled to launch Feature Friday, a new weekly showcase of the city's most captivating artists. Every Friday, we'll be shining a spotlight on unique voices and visions, bringing their work to a wider audience. This week, immerse yourself in a world of creativity: experience the captivating rhythms of a frame drummer, the thought-provoking words of a spoken word poet, the intricate details of a pencil artist's world, and the soulful melodies of a singer-songwriter. From music and comedy to poetry and visual art, we're celebrating the diverse artistic spirit that makes Montreal shine amongst the world's great cultural cities. And don't forget, if you're an artist who wants to be featured, submit your work for a chance to be showcased in the coming weeks!

 

HASH THE 1

Hash the 1 is a comedian and wrestling manager from Montreal, working with promotions such as NBW, XZW, BCW, ALC, NCW, and soon IWS. Known for his blend of sharp humor, Hash has made a name for himself with his distinct comedy style, tackling a range of themes with a mix of finesse and provocation. From making waves with the music group "Les Anticipateurs" to being the “Most Popular” Tiktoker in Montreal, he’s overcome significant hurdles, including a stroke, to captivate and shock audiences with bold, memorable performances.

@hash_the1 Can’t you leave me ALONE? 🤔🤔🤔 #hashthe1 #hasbulla #canada #ohio ♬ original sound - Hash_the1

tina cruz

Tina Cruz is a comedian and writer known for her humour that deftly explores the intersections of cultural identity, family dynamics, and personal experiences. She has performed across Canada and the United States and has trained at The Second City and Montreal Improv.

Naghmeh

Naghmeh is the musical project of Iranian-Canadian singer/songwriter, Naghmeh Shafiei. Her music carries stories and melodies from the people and the places that have left a mark on her soul. The band draws inspiration from the heartbreaks of the modern world and the whispers from the universe. From intimate acoustic moments to thunderous crescendos, Naghmeh's sound is a testament to the beauty found in chaos and heartbreak.

“My name is Naghmeh, which means Melody in Farsi. As a child, I took my musical talent and obsession for granted, owing it to the name my parents chose for me. I grew up to rock music, listening to illegal copies in Tehran with my sister and cousins. We migrated to Canada when I was a preteen, and I started playing the guitar to cope with this big life change. Even back then, I wanted to be a musician. But none of the people on Musique Plus looked like me - so I laid that dream to rest. 

Many years later, someone asked me about my dreams when I grew up, and that flame was reignited. In the years that followed, I wrote a consecutive stream of songs, and recorded and released my first album in 2019. Those songs encapsulated my journey back home to Montreal, and are influenced by americana and folk rock. 

During the Woman, Life, Freedom movement, my music became my personal revolution. In awe of the indigenous artists in Canada, I too decided to reconnect with my ancestors and my mother tongue. I strive to bring the voice of my ancestors to every room, and I’m humbled by their sacrifices for me to be where I am. 

Since 2023, I’ve assembled a new 5 piece band, and together we have played a number of local shows and recorded an EP. We offer avant garde rock anthems in three languages, with captivating storytelling and cinematic stage presence. I also have toured as a solo artist in Ontario and BC, gaining a following across Canada. In this next chapter, I want to create bridges between the people and places that have influenced me, and to bring them all together through music.”

merve sancak

Merve Sancak is a captivating frame drummer and vocalist of Turkish-Bosnian heritage, renowned for her ability to blend ancient rhythms with enchanting melodies. Her artistry lies in merging traditional frame drumming techniques with a voice that transports listeners to otherworldly realms. Her unique soundscape, inspired by the rich musical traditions of Turkiye and the Balkans, invites audiences to embark on a profound auditory journey. Through her innovative fusion of rhythm and voice, Merve captivates and enchants, creating a truly unforgettable musical experience.

Yzabo

Yzabo is a Filipino-Canadian singer, songwriter, and producer based in Montreal, Quebec. Internationally trained in theatre and vocal technique, her sound is dynamic and continuously evolving; her influences are deeply rooted in pop, alternative R&B, jazz, and neo-soul. Through her music and lyrics, Yzabo has found a medium to express her experiences with a fractured and ever-evolving identity. She has focused on developing her creativity in music and art to inspire reflection and self-acceptance. Her music aims to form deep and meaningful connections with her audience, building a sense of belonging that transcends our subjective, every-day experiences.

Sloan Kooshan

Sloan Kooshan is a queer, trans, and neurodivergent multidisciplinary artist born in France to Iranian parents. Known primarily for his stand-up comedy and captivating, relatable storytelling, Sloan is also a poet who began performing live in 2019. His poetic work takes a somber tone compared to his comedy, delving into his darker side, and has often been described as 'raw' and 'vulnerable.'

jessica bebenek

Jessica Bebenek is a queer interdisciplinary poet, bookmaker, and educator living between Tiohtià:ke (Montreal) and an off-grid shack on unceded Anishinaabeg territory. Bebenek’s writing has been nominated for the Journey Prize, twice nominated for the Pushcart Prize, and in 2021 she was a finalist for the Bronwen Wallace Award for Emerging Writers in Poetry. Her recent chapbooks include You Don’t Get Out Much (2024), I REMEMBER THE EXORCISM (Gap Riot, 2022), and What is Punk (2019). Her first full-length poetry collection, No One Knows Us There, will be published by Book*hug Press in Spring 2025. www.jessicabebenek.art

CASEY “Remrov” VORMER

Casey Vormer, also known as Remrov, is an autistic and self-taught pencil artist known for his highly detailed and realistic pencil drawings of animals and cityscapes. His drawings, each taking hundreds of hours of work, all depict Casey's unique perception and ability to hyper-focus as an autistic person. His most recent 10 feet wide cityscape drawing of Montreal, which is his biggest drawing yet and took over 900 hours to complete, has gained worldwide recognition for its realism and emotional impact. He often shares his work on social media, with one of his goals being to raise awareness and understanding about autism.

Description: 3.5x10 feet cityscape drawing of Old Montreal, made with pen and colored pencil.

Artist Statement: As soon as I was old enough to hold a pencil I was always drawing. Aside from the enjoyment to create something from scratch, I noticed that whenever I was drawing, people left me alone and didn't expect me to communicate. This made me feel safe as I had a lot of troubles with communication and social interaction. Growing up as an autistic person I faced years of being misunderstood, bullied, and judged for being different, yet drawing provided me with a sanctuary. My work is defined by it's complexity and details, often involving countless hours of work to capture the raw authenticity of my subjects. Whether it's a cityscape or an animal portrait, I aim to reveal an intensity of detail that mirrors how I experience life. Through my drawings I'm inviting people to see the world through a lens of curiosity, patience and attention to detail. My most recent 3.5x10 feet Montreal cityscape drawing truly represents my deep commitment and fascination with capturing all the tiny little details and patterns accurately. Spanning 900+ hours over 9 months, this drawing offers a lens into the intricate details that often go unnoticed, inviting viewers to see Montreal with fresh eyes.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/remrov_artist/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RemrovsWorldofArtandAutism/

Website: https://www.remrovsartwork.com/

SCHÖFF (Alex Schoeffner)

Born 1991 in Münich, Alex received traditional schooling in painting, printmaking, sculpture & photography. Eventually, having made his way to Montreal, he is now learning more modern approaches to creating with the help of technology, experimenting with digital painting and sculpting with the aim to find the best way to express his work.

Description: Migration

Artist Statement: Ispired by the original work from N. Poufsin this was my interpretation of the old world still representing our modern times and the often primitive instincts that still influence our lives today. Changes are inevitable and so is progress, moving forward, leaving behind what no longer sustains us is part of our nature. These were the thoughts that drove me to making this piece.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alex.schoeffner/

TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@coast2coast_gallery

Website: https://coast2coastca.wordpress.com/

Feature Friday appears every Friday on Forget The Box! Submit your work below to be given the spotlight!

Feature Friday Team
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McSweeney’s List (30 October 2024)