What began as a modest singalong on a front porch in Edmonton has blossomed into one of the most powerful new voices in Canadian music. AV & The Inner City, a diverse all-female vocal ensemble, are stepping into the spotlight with their self-titled debut EP — a collection that embodies resilience, community, and the unshakable joy of music.
From Porch Sessions to National Recognition
Back in 2020, at the height of the pandemic, Edmonton singer-songwriter AV (Ann Vriend) started hosting weekly porch concerts to bring her community together. What she didn’t expect was the spark it would ignite. Over the course of 60 consecutive weeks, singers from the neighbourhood gathered — voices blending into something raw, soulful, and undeniably special.
From those grassroots beginnings, AV & The Inner City was born. Drawing members from Indigenous, Black, Filipino, LGBTQ, immigrant, and working-class backgrounds, the group became more than just a choir; it became a movement of resilience and connection.
A Sound That Cuts Deep
The music is a powerful blend of Soul, Roots, Blues, and non-religious Gospel, tied together by intricate harmonies and deeply personal lyrics. Each track is rooted in lived experiences — poverty, addiction, stigma, racism, classism, and sexism — but rather than dwelling in despair, the songs transform struggle into hope, catharsis, and joy.
Their upcoming debut features standout tracks like:
- “Runnin’ Outta Places” – a gritty social critique with playground chant-like choruses.
- “Low & Lowly” – a hymn-like ballad about embracing life’s highs and lows.
- “Lion at the Gate” – a bold anthem about courage in the face of challenges.
- “Music Always” – an upbeat love letter to the power of music itself.
It’s a body of work that feels both intimate and universal, the kind of project that could only have grown from community roots.
Recognition & Momentum
Even before dropping a single track, AV & The Inner City were captivating audiences across Alberta. They’ve already won the Emerging Artist Award at the Edmonton Folk Music Festival (2023) and earned features on CBC Radio, SiriusXM, CKUA, and more.
Live, they’re nothing short of transformative. Industry veterans have called them “an act that could have closed the Main Stage any night.”
Now, with their debut EP set to release October 3, 2025, the group is ready to share their story with the world.
Upcoming Shows
- Oct 5 – Edmonton, AB | Porch Concert Series Finale
- Oct 11 – Nanton, AB | Mosquito Creek Music Fall Series
- Oct 17 – Lethbridge, AB | Owl Acoustic Lounge
- Oct 18 – Calgary, AB | Bow Valley Folk Club
Why It Matters
In an industry often chasing trends, AV & The Inner City stand as a reminder of music’s deeper purpose: to heal, to connect, to inspire. Born out of hardship, their voices rise with honesty, unity, and an undeniable energy that feels both urgent and timeless.
This isn’t just an EP release — it’s a soulful testament to the power of community.
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