XL the Band
XL The Band is a Western Canadian Music Award nominated hip-hop/ jazz/ alternative fusion band with a deep and rich history in the music industry. XL is an artistic project launched by some of Canada’s leading musicians and the body of work they’ve created runs the gamut of musical genres. Prevail and Rob The Viking, from the 4-time JUNO Award winning hip hop group Swollen Members, have performed and toured internationally with household names like Avril Lavigne, Rihanna, and the Black Eyed Peas. Musically, they have collaborated with well-established artists such as Nelly Furtado, Everlast, and Wondagurl.
Liesa Norman holds a doctorate in music performance and composition and is also a part time model and actress. She started her musical career as a flautist playing with major shows such as Beauty and The Beast, Miss Saigon, has played in several orchestras in Toronto, and in BC with the Vancouver Symphony. Liesa has toured internationally with her chamber music group Forbidden Flutes, and she’s been featured regularly on major North American radio and television networks. Liesa has also composed for film and TV internationally, including the world renowned BBC. Neph - from Western Canadian Music Award nominated rap group Alpha Omega - has years of touring and performance under his belt. His debut solo EP The Blackbox garnered him attention in the Canadian rap scene, and his musical contribution to XL has helped
sculpt the band’s sound.
XL The Band also regularly features world class artists like Miguelito Valdes, who performed with the Buena Vista Social Club for a decade, David Spidel, Peter Bernstein, Nick La Rivière, Aidan Miller, Nicholas Bracewell, and Samuel Cartwright, all of whom are incredible musicians that lend their chops to the jazz fusion element of XL’s music. Also making appearances are Grammy Award winning artists Daniel Adair and Ben Mink. This calibre of musicians has invoked creativity in its highest form.
XL The Band has had their songs and music videos streamed over 3,000,000 times, have been featured on key Spotify playlists including Hip Hop Central, Outliers, All New Jazz, Orbit, Modern Jazz Mix, and Northern Bars, have been selected to perform at multiple prominent festivals, and have toured North America and Europe in support their debut album Opus No. 1.
