Gold Winner Quake Matthews
Silver Winner Ghettosocks
Bronze Winner Ally Dee
“It’s truly been a long, long road to get to the point where I am today,” says Matthew Arab, AKA Quake Matthews. “A lot of people have stuck with me from the very beginning. As with any artist it’s been hopeless and grim at times, but we fought through it, and I wouldn’t have fought through it without the people that come to the shows and buy the music and support me.” Fairview’s favourite rapper has had a banner year, releasing Celebrate the Struggle, touring four countries overseas, finding a fan on the prime minister’s playlist (“that was a big look for us on Spotify”) and being chosen one of three participants in the Junos’ annual songwriting camp. His new single “Confessions,” with Neon Dreams, is out at pop radio now alongside scene buds Ria Mae and Classified. “Seeing everyone’s hard work pay off is incredible,” says Arab, “and I’m glad I can be lumped in that company of people who are doing well.”