Rollie Pemberton, also known as Cadence Weapon, is gearing up to showcase Hamilton’s music scene and perform new tracks as part of a series of concerts leading to the Juno Awards. The Edmonton-born rapper and artist relocated to Hamilton in 2022, coinciding with significant personal milestones like marriage and fatherhood. Despite a busy schedule, Pemberton expressed admiration for the city’s vibrant music community, which he believes deserves more recognition.
In anticipation of the 55th Juno Awards in March, CBC Music is organizing a lineup of concerts featuring local talents, with Pemberton headlining an event at Bridgeworks on January 23 alongside Danny Miles from July Talk. The concert will be recorded for broadcast by CBC Music, offering a platform for Pemberton to introduce songs from his upcoming album with a live band.
Pemberton’s upcoming album, “Forager,” is set for release on April 24, followed by the publication of his book, “Ways of Listening,” in May. Additionally, Pemberton teased a surprise release later in the year, hinting at exciting developments in his artistic journey. Reflecting on his evolving priorities as a parent, Pemberton shared his dedication to maximizing his creative output during his son’s daycare hours.
Having previously performed at Juno events in Vancouver and Edmonton, Pemberton emphasized the energizing atmosphere of the awards season, which draws a diverse audience to the host cities. Tim Potocic, owner of Sonic Unyon Records in Hamilton, highlighted the significant exposure the Junos will bring to the local music scene, showcasing the city’s talent on a national stage and across social media platforms.
The Road to the Junos concerts aim to support music education charity MusiCounts, with proceeds from the events contributing to this cause. The lineup features a diverse range of performances, including acts like Redhill Valleys, Whitehorse, and a classical showcase, offering a varied musical experience leading up to the prestigious Juno Awards ceremony.