Music Producer, DJ, Vocalist, Visual Artist

Pursuit Grooves presents Visiontuition, a multichannel immersive sonic journey through space and time, delivering a grounding rhythmic calm for peaceful reflection and enhanced visual imagination.

métis 2S Multidisciplinary Sound artist, Vocalist, Educator

Old words create new worlds.
piyêsiwak wâhkôhtowin invites us inside the dream lodge to remember piyêsiwak (thunderbirds) great migration to skyworld. piyêsiwak wâhkôhtowin is a prayer, singing open sovereign sites of futurity which animate the flux and fluidity of existence. Centring nêhiyawêwin (Plains Cree language) as a generative transmission for far into the future generations, this dream song crosses listening thresholds to highlight trans*dimensional kinship relations with beyond human relatives. A mirror is sung between earth and sky, reflecting the gifts both piyêsiwak and 2Spirit kin embody as guardians between realms. We call on prophecy and the vital importance of nipiy (water) in this future realm, layering source recordings of nipiy with têwêhikan (drum), sisikwan (rattle), and voice.

Photo: Kinga Michalska

Multimedia Artist / Facilitator

As We Are, is an immersive, sound-based group experience that creates a container for participants to engage with their inner landscape and the surrounding environment through spatialized sound. This piece invites participants to breathe, acknowledge their present emotions, and navigate these feelings within a shared energetic field, fostering both self-reflection and communal connectivity.

Multidisciplinary Artist and Composer

In Bloom is a guided meditation inspired by ecological burial practices: where the body is intentionally decomposed by natural forces. Thinking through sound as a portal to materialisms beyond our human senses, the voice of the performer is a psychological anchor, guiding the listener through the simultaneous care and brutal indifference of nature. The voice you are listening to is a pink-collar worker of death and after-care, and she takes great pride in her work.

Photo: Vivien Gaumand

Forest Sound Meditation

This is an introduction to the practice of Rooted Listening. This is a form of eco-mindfulness that works with the auditory sense. The practice extends listening into a perception of feeling and noticing the subtle - listening as a way of being. The practice aims to experience being beyond the binaries of subject/object, culture/nature, human/non-human.  We start by grounding in the breath and we keep the root of our focus on the breath throughout.  We then expand our awareness into open active listening to include all sounds.

The practice is in maintaining the balance between these two aspects - between the deep focus (breath) and the wide-open awareness (sound). This dynamic balance makes the practice continuously engaging. It amplifies the sense of presence and expands the awareness of what we typically consider "the environment", the periphery or the background, the sounding of life.

RE:SET is a transformative experience platform that elevates wellbeing through its innovative use of music, sound, vibration and light. By harnessing science backed high-fidelity tactile vibrations, light frequencies and world class music, RE:SET creates immersive environments that promote relaxation, mental clarity, and emotional balance. This unique approach allows individuals to engage with sound in a deeply personal and restorative way, fostering a sense of presence and tranquility. Whether seeking stress relief or a deeper connection to oneself, RE:SET offers a sanctuary for rejuvenation and self-discovery, inviting participants to see, hear and feel music plus realize its restorative power like never before.

Inspirit is an immersive audiovisual experience harnessing the power of breathwork. Designed from neuroaesthetics research of sound, visual art, and entrainment, audiences sync their breath to the rhythm of the piece. With a range of programmes to energize and uplift and restore and relax, Inspirit uses spatial audio and 3D animation, offering a new way to experience yourself and your breath. Inspirit visuals and audio beat to a set rhythm for users to follow, making the experience accessible for both hearing and visual impairments.

Music Producer + Composer, AP Musik

Aleksi Perälä is a visionary force in electronic music, persistently defying comparison and transcending traditional genre boundaries. A Finnish-born and based artist, Perälä has carved himself a unique space in the industry, crafting music that sits in a realm entirely of its own. His work is deeply rooted in the mysterious and esoteric Colundi Sequence, a musical scale co-created with Rephlex co-founder Grant Wilson-Claridge. Based on 128 resonant frequencies, and entirely unlike conventional tuning systems, these frequencies are based on their resonance on the human body and mind; not their relation with each other.

Bandcamp ↗ | Instagram ↗ | SoundCloud ↗

Music Producer, DJ, Vocalist, Visual Artist

Pursuit Grooves (Vanese Smith) is an experimental electronic sound artist from Toronto. Her work blends soulful bass music with innovative rhythmic patterns and creative sampling. Over the past two decades, Smith has made her mark on the international music scene with her multifaceted pursuits, which include visual art under the moniker Mo:delic Arts and DJing. Beyond her personal artistic endeavors, she co-founded Loop Sessions Toronto, a collective dedicated to music production, education, and vinyl culture. She also contributes to the artistic community as a mentor, working with various organizations to foster emerging talents.

Website ↗

Vocalist, Therapeutic Musician, Sound Astronaut

Rafaelle Mackay is a multi-talented artist with a passion for exploring the transformative power of the human voice. As a vocalist, composer, sound artist, and voice facilitator she has dedicated herself to sharing her voice in many diverse ways, from recording & performing with electronic music producers to creating live meditative soundscapes. Rafaelle's smooth and profound vocal tone has been influenced by her study of vocal jazz and Hindustani classical vocal studies. She has created multimedia performances that showcase the visual and synesthetic effects of cymatics combined with the Voice.

Instagram ↗ | SoundCloud ↗ | Website ↗

Co-Director, Project Immersed, StudioFeed

Sarah first discovered the transformative power of music and sound on the dance floors of Toronto’s underground rave scene. This experience of expansion was akin to falling in love with the space between the stars and set the tone for a lifelong journey toward all things energy, expansion and flow. Taking on many twists and turns over the years, it is now manifesting as Project Immersed; a series around music, health and technology which she produces and co-curates. Music and Sound continue to be a Guide for Sarah and remains an integral part of the work she does in her community.

Creative Director/Cultural Work - LOBE Studios

Hannah Acton is a writer, facilitator, and curator based in Vancouver, Canada – on the stolen traditional land of the xwməθkwəy̓ əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish), and Səl̓ílwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations. Her research-driven interest in organizational systems, paralinguistic communication, sound system cultures, and practices of hospitality has guided her multifaceted work for over the past 5 years in the field of spatial sound. Hannah is the Creative Director of Lobe Spatial Sound Studio (2020), where she oversees the activities of its governing non profit, the organization’s identity and programming, the international exchange of 4DSOUND compositions, artist residencies, and the use-imprint made on immersive technology by the communities and practices that are granted access to it.

Lobestudio.ca ↗ | formoflife.org ↗

Founder of RE:SET, Reverb Venture Partners

Dave Sorbara, an award-winning composer, investor, and entrepreneur, has made his mark in the wellness industry with his innovative approach to harnessing the power of music, sound, and light. He’s the co-founder of Grayson Music Group, a global leader in sound production for film, television, and brand content. As the founder of Reverb Venture Partners, he supports and invests in technologies and entrepreneurs who are making a positive impact on health and well-being. Dave has pioneered immersive experiences that enhance human potential and well-being. His groundbreaking work culminates in RESET, a multi-sensory platform for human transformation that has established him as a global leader at the intersection of sound, technology, and wellbeing.

LinkedIn ↗ | Website ↗ | reverbvc.com ↗ | graysonmusicgroup.com ↗

Co-Founder and Executive Creative Director Moment Factory

Since co-founding Moment Factory in 2001, Executive Creative Director Sakchin Bessette has spearheaded the creation of over 400 multimedia shows and installations around the world. He leads the studio in a perpetual quest to amaze, inspire and bring people together by exploring new types of entertainment. Bessette has fostered an ecosystem where artists can strive, collaborate and evolve. His great responsibility is to provide guidance, vision and inspiration to the diverse multidisciplinary artists that have joined the team over the years, pushing them to think in new ways, create with passion, and make no sacrifices to mediocrity. The collaboration and cross–disciplinary process that he has put in place in the studio is key to its success.

DJ / Sound Engineer, PHI Centre

Philippe Rochefort is the PHI Centre's Creative Sound Supervisor and Mix Engineer. With over 20 years in the audio industry, Phil has worked on numerous projects for film, television, music, immersive sound installations and more. He is now helping spearhead the PHI's immersive sound program which is centered around the Habitat Sonore listening room and the PHI's immersive mixing studio. Phil's Dolby Atmos mixing credits include Fred Everything, Kallitechnis, Wake Island, Narcy, Flabbergast, Channel Tres, Paw Paw Rod, Nuance, The Bionic Harpist and more.

SoundCloud ↗

Contemporary artist, researcher, and educator

Sandra Volny (French/Czech) is an artist, researcher, and educator. Her sense-based artistic practice revolves around the perception of aural space. Working across diverse approaches combining listening, scientific investigation, and fieldwork, she produces installations, instruments, and videos. Volny completed a PhD in Art Sciences and Aesthetics at the University of Paris 1 Pantheon-Sorbonne (December 2017) by conducting a thesis research on “Surviving Aural Spaces,” which explores the persistence of sound in space in its material, sensory, and social constellations. Her current research and practice interests lie in navigating spaces through sound, sonic residues, “sonic fossils,” and connecting with other humans and non-humans by the act of listening.

Photo credit: Simon Bélair

Website ↗ | Instagram | soundandspaceresearch.com ↗

Sound artist, educator

Ludwig Berger is a landscape sound artist, musician and educator from Germany who has recently moved to Montreal. In his compositions, installations and performances, he enables intimate sonic encounters with plants, animals, buildings and geological entities. In his musical work, Berger produces sonic eco-fictions with processed and synthetic sounds. He holds degrees in electroacoustic composition, as well as musicology, art history and literature. Currently he investigates the vibrational communication of insects, audible photosynthesis and the sounds of peatlands.

Instagram ↗ | Website ↗ | Bandcamp ↗ | SoundCloud ↗

Photo: Johannes Berger

Sound artist, music producer, sound designer, poet, DJ

Joro-Boro was born and raised in Bulgaria. After moving to New York City, he got offered a DJ residency at the Bulgarian Bar Mehanata, alongside Eugene Hütz (Gogol Bordello). While there, he was one of the pioneers of the Balkan Brass and Balkan Beat music scenes in the United States. The artist then moved on to become a part of the Brooklyn Underground with crews like JunXion, Rubulad, and Thunder Gumbo. Joro-BoroI currently plays Earth Bass: an exploration of various musical traditions and the slow, sensual, and spacious side of bass music. He regularly plays at Ecstatic Dance and similar conscious dance events. He is half of b e i n g - s o u n d - a ritual bass project with their partner Keena Maya, and is also part of Collective BAE.

Website ↗

Sound artist, researcher, PHI

Andrew, sound artist and researcher, explores the role listening has in shaping our relationship with the world and with others. A fervent collaborator, Andrew brings a perspective sensitive to the intimate interplay between our senses, silence, our physical presence, the presence of others, and time.

Hosted by Rafaelle Mackay
Vocalist, Therapeutic Musician, Voice Facilitator

A unique and transformative workshop that explores the power of the voice as a tool for accessing and discovering your inner vibrational world. Using an active meditative approach, this workshop will guide you on a journey of self-discovery, as you learn to connect with your natural voice, breath and explore the depths of your inner soundscapes. As you tap into the power of your voice through various exercises and techniques, you will release tension and stress, connect with your emotions, develop a deeper awareness of your breath, and alignment within your body. Helping to cultivate a deeper sense of inner peace and well-being. Whether you're a seasoned singer or have never sung before, this workshop is for anyone who wants to explore the transformative power of the voice and discover the freedom that comes from sounding our inner constellations.

Hosted by Alicia Hush (Producer, Sound Artist), Ellxandra (Vocalist) & Shaker Brother (Percussionist)

The Soul Shake is an immersive dance meditation that offers the public a unique experience combining live music and movement. This 60 minute experience features live electronic music by Alicia Hush, vocals by Ellxandra and percussion by Shaker Brother. Together they provide an environment that allows for unchoreographed, intentionally non evaluative mindful movement of authentic self-expression, self-discovery, interpersonal connectedness, personal healing and FUN!

In-Studio Session with Pursuit Grooves exploring the creation of her immersive sound piece for Habitat Sonore.

In-Studio Session with DJ + PHI Centre Spatial Audio Engineer Philippe Rochefort.

In-Studio Session with Erin Gee exploring the creation of her immersive sound piece for Habitat Sonore.

Photo: Vivien Gaumand

In-Studio Session with performance artist Aleksi Perälä.

Don Mescal, who has been a DJ for more than 20 years now, can be seen as a magician of musical diversity, a character full of energy & love, who has a huge repertoire of songs that will catch your senses and awaken your emotions. Inspired by folkloric multiculturalism, he loves to experiment with the traditions of world music and knows how to transfer it into a modern perspective to brew an electronic-music-elixir with that extra drop of mescal flavor. His unique musical voyage combines a well-selected myriad of styles from Folktronica, Rub-a-Dub, Jungle & Tribal with a joyfully flamboyant vibe. Furthermore Don Mescal is the co-founder of Cosmovision Records, a new music label and collective.

SoundCloud ↗ | Instagram ↗ | Spotify ↗

Hailing from the rich landscapes of Sydney Australia, Dexter has emerged as one of Montreal’s beloved Djs. Now based in the city’s dynamic scene, Dexter embodies an authenticity that resonates deeply with his artistic ethos and shines through in his performances, unique productions and magnetic presence. Dexter’s sonic journey began in a household filled with instruments and a love of music. A drummer through his early years, his love of rhythm and groove set the fertile ground for an awakening into electronic music during nomadic global travel. A testament to his insatiable curiosity and passion, it was not long before he was hosting two radio shows and releasing weekly mixes. Fast forward a few years and he has become one of the city’s most well-loved artists.

SoundCloud ↗

Multidisciplinary artist from Argentina, currently based in Córdoba and Montreal. His practice explores collage technique through visual and sound works. His analog collages are meticulous and architectural, crafted through multiple layers using cutouts from vintage books and magazines, assembled meticulously into symbolic compositions. His soundscapes merge field recordings from daily life and travels with acoustic and electronic instruments, digitally processed and reorganized to redefine the raw material captured by his microphones. Franco's body of work often evokes magical realism, aiming to bring the unreal and uncanny into the realm of everyday life.

Instagram ↗

Musical director, singer and creator: Rafaelle Mackay
Inner fire ensemble (voices): Gitanjali Jain / Amparo Aguado / Alice Riopel / Gabriel Taillefer / Rachel Bonneau / Umi Martin Dussault / Chloé Maira / Katrine Jarno / Satya Wayne
Guzheng: Matthiew Wiviot

Rafaelle Mackay’s new hybrid acoustic project.Where her new inner fire vocal ensemble will provide the audience with a live surround sound voice bath, blending various live voices , ghuzen (chinese harp) and natural soundscapes. Giving a unique moment to melt & expand with one's inner freedom.

A live electronic set rooted in the origins of ritual; layering a variety of sound sources (live, recorded, acoustic, electronic) and exploring the depths of bass sound as a full-body feeling. Inspired by bass music, techno, trap, dub, and minimalism. Music ceases to be music and becomes the experience of sound. Bass drum oscillations become brainwaves. Performance becomes ritual. Dance becomes trance. Body becomes earth. Meditation to ecstasy and back.

A single laser beam emanating upwards, gently caressed by an undulating wisp of smoke. Mysterious whispers, gentle synthesized tones. Curated poetic fragments. An audiovisual journey into the many meanings of love. A collaboration between Claire Kenway and Patrick Trudeau.

Aleksi Perälä will take the audience on a classic hero’s journey with his live electronic performance utilizing immersive quadropinc sound system. This one-hour, three-act music journey will begin with the audience landing in the space (their home). The sound guide will then take them on a journey to other dimensions, galaxies, temples and the unknown, eventually leading back home, where they may discover they are not quite the same as when they left.