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K-Riz on Sled Island 2026, Calgary Hip Hop, and One Way Ticket to Heaven | The Sonic Collective

In this Sonic Collective Sled Island series episode, host Darren Scott interviews Western Canadian artist K-Riz ahead of Sled Island 2026, discussing his journey from Edmonton and Toronto, his genre-blending sound (hip hop, R&B, pop, jazz, reggae), and his reputation for powerful live shows with K-Riz and the Family. K-Riz shares how he first connected with Calgary’s scene, his early Sled Island experience opening for Thundercat at the Palace Theatre, artists he’s discovered there, and how the festival helps build community and broaden hip hop audiences—especially through more artists performing with live bands. He also highlights key Calgary venues, his work as an educator at the National Music Centre, and details an upcoming album, Heaven, recorded at NMC, plus upcoming Sled Island and Stampede performances.

June 18th Sled Island @ The Ship & Anchor
Stampede Coke stage July 10th

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/krizmusic/

00:00 Show Intro
01:07 Sled Island Series Setup
02:32 Meeting K-Rizz
03:25 Origins and Early Career
04:49 Edmonton to Calgary Move
05:50 First Sled Island Memories
06:22 Festival Discoveries
07:45 Hip Hop at Sled Island
09:23 Calgary Scene and Venues
12:28 Community and Collaboration
15:39 New Album and NMC Work
19:04 Upcoming Shows and Where to Listen
20:27 Sled Island Picks and Wrap
22:38 Closing Thanks and Sign Off

The theme music for The Sonic Collective is Dust by Les Gigantiques from Calgary. Our thanks to the band for letting us use and feature their music. Be sure to check them out. https://www.instagram.com/lesgigantiques/

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