Thunder Normz is a cornerstone of Yellowknife's queer community and a driving force behind it's vibrant drag scene. Though tireless work as a performer, organizer and mentor, Thunder has created inclusive space for 2SLGBTQIPA+ folks to express themselves, connect with others, and thrive. We caught up at the Underground just before the final curtain call of his residency to discuss the origin of the "Thunder" persona, the power of community support, and what it means to have chosen family.

Thunder Normz is a cornerstone of Yellowknife's queer community and a driving force behind it's vibrant drag scene. Though tireless work as a performer, organizer and mentor, Thunder has created inclusive space for 2SLGBTQIPA+ folks to express themselves, connect with others, and thrive. We caught up at the Underground just before the final curtain call of his residency to discuss the origin of the "Thunder" persona, the power of community support, and what it means to have chosen family.

Source Material

Drag King Thunder Normz - Full Episode

Raised in Yellowknife, NWT, Canadian soprano Diana Rockwell is a vibrant and dynamic emerging artist. First trained as a multidisciplinary artist with a long history of dance, instrumental, and musical theatre performance, she now finds her home on operatic stages across Canada. In this episode Diana talks about the importance of asking questions, collaborating, the joy of performing on stage and so much more! https://www.dianarockwellsoprano.com https://www.instagram.com/dianalrocks

Raised in Yellowknife, NWT, Canadian soprano Diana Rockwell is a vibrant and dynamic emerging artist. First trained as a multidisciplinary artist with a long history of dance, instrumental, and musical theatre performance, she now finds her home on operatic stages across Canada. In this episode Diana talks about the importance of asking questions, collaborating, the joy of performing on stage and so much more! https://www.dianarockwellsoprano.com https://www.instagram.com/dianalrocks

Classical Soprano Diana Rockwell - Full Episode

Lester Slade is a traveling songwriter based in Iqaluit, Nunavut, whose stripped-down sound blends folk, Americana, and alt-country. From the stages of the Netherlands to Canada's East Coast, Slade delivers honest, clear-eyed storytelling that is as intimate as it is expansive. We joined Lester Slade on Houseboat Bay to talk about his DIY mentality, the hustle of independent music, and his new endeavour, Lasso Records, is the direct result of that mission: a home for music made on one's own terms. https://www.lesterslade.comhttps://lesterslade.bandcamp.com/musichttps://www.instagram.com/zaclesterslade

Lester Slade is a traveling songwriter based in Iqaluit, Nunavut, whose stripped-down sound blends folk, Americana, and alt-country. From the stages of the Netherlands to Canada's East Coast, Slade delivers honest, clear-eyed storytelling that is as intimate as it is expansive. We joined Lester Slade on Houseboat Bay to talk about his DIY mentality, the hustle of independent music, and his new endeavour, Lasso Records, is the direct result of that mission: a home for music made on one's own terms.https://www.lesterslade.comhttps://lesterslade.bandcamp.com/musichttps://www.instagram.com/zaclesterslade

Musician Lester Slade - Full Episode

Ben Cornel is a Yellowknife-based singer-songwriter whose music captures the raw, quiet beauty of the North. From the warmth of a rising sun to the stillness of a subarctic night, Ben’s sound serves as a sonic tribute to the landscapes and loved ones that define 'home.' We join Ben at the Sundog Trading Post to chat about his creative journey, his evolution as an artist and so much more. Catch Ben Cornel live at The Still Dark Festival Feb 5-8, 2026. https://www.facebook.com/bencornelmusichttps://www.instagram.com/bencornelmusic https://linktr.ee/bencornelmusic

Ben Cornel is a Yellowknife-based singer-songwriter whose music captures the raw, quiet beauty of the North. From the warmth of a rising sun to the stillness of a subarctic night, Ben’s sound serves as a sonic tribute to the landscapes and loved ones that define 'home.' We join Ben at the Sundog Trading Post to chat about his creative journey, his evolution as an artist and so much more. Catch Ben Cornel live at The Still Dark Festival Feb 5-8, 2026. https://www.facebook.com/bencornelmusichttps://www.instagram.com/bencornelmusic https://linktr.ee/bencornelmusic

Singer-Songwriter Ben Cornel - Full Episode

Rat Piss, Rat Mike, Ratchu and Muskrat Baby together known as The Upper Mall Rats were originally cast in the Real Housewives of Niven until their husbands kicked them out of the house for good. They have since turned their attention to liberating centre square mall, "from 50th ave to 49th street, centre square will be free!" They join us on this episode to chat about Rat Piss's love life, Ratchu's beard , Rat Mike's love for double cheese pizza, and Muskrat Baby's sketchy origin. Oh and we talk just a little bit about their music. You can catch them playing February 5-8, 2026 at the Still Dark Festival here in Yellowknife.

Rat Piss, Rat Mike, Ratchu and Muskrat Baby together known as The Upper Mall Rats were originally cast in the Real Housewives of Niven until their husbands kicked them out of the house for good. They have since turned their attention to liberating centre square mall, "from 50th ave to 49th street, centre square will be free!" They join us on this episode to chat about Rat Piss's love life, Ratchu's beard , Rat Mike's love for double cheese pizza, and Muskrat Baby's sketchy origin. Oh and we talk just a little bit about their music. You can catch them playing February 5-8, 2026 at the Still Dark Festival here in Yellowknife.

Upper Mall Rats Full Episode

Christine Dunbar is an Inuvialuit artist born and raised in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories with family connections to Inuvik, Aklavik, as well as Utqiagvik, Alaska. By blending the intricate tradition of beadwork with her professional background in graphic design and environmental science, Christine creates a unique visual language. Christine shares the story behind her beadwork and the name Auntie Beading. We also discuss the meaningful "crossover" between her career in environmental science and her beadwork and so much more! https://www.instagram.com/auntie.beading https://www.nwtarts.com/search/artists/christine-dunbar

Christine Dunbar is an Inuvialuit artist born and raised in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories with family connections to Inuvik, Aklavik, as well as Utqiagvik, Alaska. By blending the intricate tradition of beadwork with her professional background in graphic design and environmental science, Christine creates a unique visual language. Christine shares the story behind her beadwork and the name Auntie Beading. We also discuss the meaningful "crossover" between her career in environmental science and her beadwork and so much more! https://www.instagram.com/auntie.beading https://www.nwtarts.com/search/artists/christine-dunbar

Beadwork by Christine Dunbar

Yellowknife-based artist Andrew Jossa is a master of the "unseen" elements that make a performance unforgettable. By blending their technical mastery as a sound tech with the fluid aesthetics of liquid light and the complexity of jazz fusion, they create a multi-sensory environment. Join us for an in-depth conversation as we trace Andrew’s journey from Yellowknife to jazz studies and back againWe explore their unique philosophy on being the 'unseen member' of a band and dive into the mesmerizing world of their visual media work, specifically their signature liquid light projections. https://www.facebook.com/andrewjossa https://www.facebook.com/backbayproductions/ https://linktr.ee/coldfusionyk *All music in this episode was performed by Andrew Joss and Cold Fusion

Yellowknife-based artist Andrew Jossa is a master of the "unseen" elements that make a performance unforgettable. By blending their technical mastery as a sound tech with the fluid aesthetics of liquid light and the complexity of jazz fusion, they create a multi-sensory environment. Join us for an in-depth conversation as we trace Andrew’s journey from Yellowknife to jazz studies and back againWe explore their unique philosophy on being the 'unseen member' of a band and dive into the mesmerizing world of their visual media work, specifically their signature liquid light projections. https://www.facebook.com/andrewjossa https://www.facebook.com/backbayproductions/ https://linktr.ee/coldfusionyk*All music in this episode was performed by Andrew Joss and Cold Fusion

Mixed-Media Artist Andrew Jossa

Louise Speakman is a traditional beadwork artist who creates contemporary looks. She particularly loves making beaded earrings, incorporating caribou tufting, quillwork, and smoked hides in her designs. A Sahtu Got’ine artist living in Yellowknife, she started beading in 2021 with the help and support from family and friends. After sharing her artwork on social media, Louise started selling some of her pieces later that same year. Join us as we chat about her journey of healing, indigenous excellence and more. www.instagram.com/lou.beads

Louise Speakman is a traditional beadwork artist who creates contemporary looks. She particularly loves making beaded earrings, incorporating caribou tufting, quillwork, and smoked hides in her designs. A Sahtu Got’ine artist living in Yellowknife, she started beading in 2021 with the help and support from family and friends. After sharing her artwork on social media, Louise started selling some of her pieces later that same year. Join us as we chat about her journey of healing, indigenous excellence and more.www.instagram.com/lou.beads

Bead Work Artist Louise Speakman

We join Robyn Scott, a Yellowknife artist, educator, and public speaker, at her studio and chat about showing up, finding your way and a purpose filled life. Her paintings combine vivid colour, texture, and layered backgrounds with realistic northern subjects, reflecting the beauty and spirit of life in the North. https://www.robynscott.ca/

We join Robyn Scott, a Yellowknife artist, educator, and public speaker, at her studio and chat about showing up, finding your way and a purpose filled life. Her paintings combine vivid colour, texture, and layered backgrounds with realistic northern subjects, reflecting the beauty and spirit of life in the North. https://www.robynscott.ca/

Artist Robyn Scott

Tyler Hawkins is a versatile guitarist in Yellowknife. Here at The Gallery on 47th Street, we will chat about his journey with this majestic instrument, the symmetry in compositions of the Baroque era and how music can transport you to a different time. Tyler is known for playing the guitar in several different Yellowknife bands, but for this lifelong guitarist, the migration to the lute has been a game-changer, opening up an exciting new path.

Tyler Hawkins is a versatile guitarist in Yellowknife. Here at The Gallery on 47th Street, we will chat about his journey with this majestic instrument, the symmetry in compositions of the Baroque era and how music can transport you to a different time. Tyler is known for playing the guitar in several different Yellowknife bands, but for this lifelong guitarist, the migration to the lute has been a game-changer, opening up an exciting new path.

Lutenist Tyler Hawkins

Yellowknife Musician Benji Straker talks about his project Hughes, family, creating a music scene and breaks down his creative process. This project is a folk/alternative sound weaving heartfelt, ambient melodies with his compelling vocals and soulful guitars. Hughes' introspective lyrics explore the his human experience and self-discovery, offering listeners a serene journey. The self-titled album is out now! https://linktr.ee/hughesmusic

Yellowknife Musician Benji Straker talks about his project Hughes, family, creating a music scene and breaks down his creative process. This project is a folk/alternative sound weaving heartfelt, ambient melodies with his compelling vocals and soulful guitars. Hughes' introspective lyrics explore the his human experience and self-discovery, offering listeners a serene journey. The self-titled album is out now! https://linktr.ee/hughesmusic

Musician Benji Straker

Justine Giles is here in Yellowknife and we are at her cozy cabin. She was here for the month of November for The Folk on The Rocks Artist residency. We have talk about the pressure of it all and the beauty of how it all just work out sometimes. We can't wait to see her back here in Yellowknife for Folk on the Rocks Festival 2026. Justine's also performs her recent singles "Past Life" & "Part of Me" live https://www.justinegiles.com/

Justine Giles is here in Yellowknife and we are at her cozy cabin. She was here for the month of November for The Folk on The Rocks Artist residency. We have talk about the pressure of it all and the beauty of how it all just work out sometimes. We can't wait to see her back here in Yellowknife for Folk on the Rocks Festival 2026. Justine's also performs her recent singles "Past Life" & "Part of Me" live https://www.justinegiles.com/

Singer Songwriter Justine Giles

Get to know Mike Mitchell, local Yellowknife Wood “Artish.” Mike’s artwork is featured in the exhibit “51 Years in the Biz” at the Yellowknife Visitors centre for the next 3 months.

Get to know Mike Mitchell, local Yellowknife Wood “Artish.” Mike’s artwork is featured in the exhibit “51 Years in the Biz” at the Yellowknife Visitors centre for the next 3 months.

Wood Artish Mike Mitchell

This series is dedicated to sharing the stories of incredible artists working across a diverse range of formats. We have some exciting people scheduled for Source Material.

This series is dedicated to sharing the stories of incredible artists working across a diverse range of formats. We have some exciting people scheduled for Source Material.

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Source Material

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