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New Artist of the Year (Sponsored by Factor)

Proof that persistence plus talent pays off is provided by Toronto singer/songwriter Barlow. Formerly with political ska punk band Thinktankfish, he released four independent albums before signing with Sony Music Canada. Barlow won the 2001 MIX 99.9 Songwriting Competition and a Rising Star trophy at the Canadian Indie Music Awards the same year. His work features both a sense of humour and a social conscience.

This artist is also nominated for: Pop Album of the Year

Vancouver-born singer Michael Bublé has raced up international charts with a stunningly assured self-titled debut CD. It is produced by hit machine David Foster, who predicts “a very long career” for Bublé. Michael mixes in standards from the jazz era with modern favourites, and infuses them with an irresistible swing feel. His career turning point came when he performed at the wedding of Brian Mulroney’s daughter.

This artist is also nominated for: Album of the Year

Hamilton-area native Kazzer has exploded onto the scene with the ferocity of one of the dropkicks this former judo star can deliver. A veritable dynamo on stage, he serves up an intoxicating musical stew on Go For Broke, one that spans hard rock, hiphop and pop. “There's a little bit of flavor for everyone here,” he explains. Kazzer has already made a mark Stateside, opening for The Roots and getting played on Malcolm In The Middle.

Since his days in Ottawa pop heroes Starling, singer/songwriter Danny Michel has blossomed into a much-praised solo artist. A skilled multi-instrumentalist, he played virtually everything on Tales From The Invisible Man, and recorded it in his Guelph-area home studio. His versatile material spans power pop, country-inflected, and Tom Waits-like tunes.

B.C.-raised songstress Kinnie Starr has always taken pleasure in defying easy definition, molding hiphop, r 'n b, rock, pop, and techno elements with inventive skill. The New Yorker has praised her "edgy and enchanting presence," while The Globe and Mail called her "raw, funny and original." Her recent disc, Sun Again, is head-nodding pop with a fresh and sexy hop.