Artist Exchange Program
Since 2012, the Artist Exchange Program (AEP) has featured renowned PEI artists such as Catherine MacLellan, Meaghan Blanchard, Tim Chaisson, Dennis Ellsworth, Ashley Condon, and Nick Doneff, collaborating with partners in England, Wales, and Denmark. In 2023, Music PEI will be represented by Joce Reyome in England and Alicia Toner in Sweden.
2023 Program Details
Music PEI’s artist exchange program returns this year during Showcase PEI 2023 for the first time since 2019. We are thrilled to partner with the English Folk Expo and Westside Music Sweden to bring two artists to PEI.
English Folk Expo’s Lizzy Hardingham has been partnered with PEI’s Joce Reyome, and Westside Music Sweden’s Simon Alexander has been paired with PEI’s Alicia Toner.
Music PEI x English Folk Expo
Folk infused singer songwriter Lizzy Hardingham performs songs that drive straight to the heart, giving audiences a chance for genuine connection and empathy. Hardingham is paving her way as a powerhouse performer with beautifully delivered songs, her wonderful voice grabbing the listener from the very first note and holding on until the last. Think Joni Mitchell, Sandy Denny and KT Tunstall all wrapped into one.
In 2022 she embarked on a 16 date tour for her newest release “How Did We Get Here?” with the likes of Katriona Gilmore, Jonny Wickham and Ellie McCann. Lizzy’s powerful and emotive voice stole the shows as usual. In short “Lizzy has a dazzling combination of voice and songwriting talent that rarely appears.”
Joce Reyome has been captivating audiences with dynamic performances on stages across Canada’s East Coast, their newfound home. Blending classic blues sounds with a fresh perspective while staying true to their singer-songwriter roots, Joce draws inspiration from artists like Aretha Franklin, Janis Joplin, and Tracy Chapman. Winner of Music PEI’s 2022 “Entertainer of the Year Award,” they deliver powerful raw vocals and don’t hold back when they step onto the stage.
Music PEI x Westside Music Sweden
From the Swedish west coast, Simon Alexander revitalizes modern indie folk/rock. EP ‘In the Rust’ and debut album ‘A Place to Call Home’ earned acclaim for their international sound, blending serene stories with intense arrangements. With a captivating stage presence, he’s graced festivals like SPOT, Viva Sounds, and Live at Heart. Major media like Mahogany and Alex Rainbird Music, Swedish National Radio play, and Spotify’s New Music Friday playlists have spotlighted him. Simon’s profound lyrics, heartfelt melodies, and unique voice have drawn a growing interest in this versatile singer-songwriter.
Alicia Toner is a multi award-winning singer, songwriter and multi instrumentalist from the East Coast of Canada. Her latest album, “Joan”, was released in June 2021 and it marks the arrival of a truly remarkable artist. Nominated for two East Coast Music Awards (Rising Star and Solo Recording of the Year) and winning Solo Artist of the Year at the Canadian Folk Music Awards, “Joan” is full of hooks, masterful vocals, compelling lyrics and top notch production. It is a collection of songs that demands your attention.
The Artist Exchange Program will include 3 days of collaborating, co-writing and recording between each pair and a showcase during the Showcase PEI conference . These respected artists are considered innovators and at the top of their respective genres.
Joce will travel to England in October 2023 to showcase at the English Folk Expo, and Alicia will travel to Gothenburg, Sweden in December 2023 to showcase at Viva Sounds as part of the exchange.
