by Scott Roos
photo by Tracy Creighton (Copperblue Photography and Design)
award graphic by Brian Snell
In a year marked by creative highs and diverse musical ventures, Aurora Bella has been named the NSMZ 2024 Artist of the Year. The Saskatoon-based artist’s unique blend of vulnerability and edge has resonated with audiences, propelling her to the forefront as "one to watch" in the Saskatchewan music scene.
Aurora’s 2024 began with the release of Persephone, her highly anticipated debut solo album. A deeply personal work, Persephone showcases Aurora’s ability to craft emotive songs with a soft, acoustic-driven sound, woven together with moments of raw, untamed energy. Recorded at Dr. Juicebox Studios, the album captures the essence of Aurora’s journey, both musically and personally. The release, full of introspection and powerful storytelling, offered fans a closer look at the woman behind the music, cementing her place as an artist with something important to say.
But that’s not all. Bella’s musical versatility is undeniable—less than a year later, she dropped a more aggressive and punk-inspired project with her band Little Darkness. The self-titled debut album from this band, which merges alternative rock with gritty punk elements, arrived in September 2024, showing a bold departure from her solo work. The music from Little Darkness is louder, fiercer, and filled with urgency—a perfect fit for fans of edgier, more politically charged music. The creation of this album also marked a significant milestone for Aurora as a creative force. This time, she collaborated with her bandmates, including Dawson Wayne on bass and Anthony "Tony Sticks" Pawluk on drums, as well as Shea Goyer on guitar in a group dynamic she’s long desired. With Goyer parting ways shortly after the album's release guitarist Declan Hills signed on for several powerful live shows from the band.
In addition to her album releases, Bella's vocal contributions on other projects have further showcased her range as an artist. She lent her voice to Landfall’s EP A Short Hike to the Badlands, joining the band on the song "All Together Now." Her feature on Yarbo’s SMA-nominated album Husband and her regular performances with the band, including their May tour, proved that her influence extends well beyond her own music. As if that wasn't enough, she also appeared on a cover of "Speed Drive" (originally by Charli XCX) with No Yards, further solidifying her status as a sought-after collaborator.
Despite all the success, Bella remains grounded, reflecting on her year with humility and gratitude. “It feels really good to be recognized like that,” she shared when hearing of her Artist of the Year award. While she’s certainly made a name for herself in 2024, Aurora isn’t resting on her laurels. Her commitment to creativity, growth, and collaboration is evident in everything she does.
For fans of Saskatchewan music, 2024 has been a whirlwind of exciting releases, unforgettable shows, and powerful performances. From intimate solo performances to the electrifying energy of Little Darkness, Aurora Bella has proven that her artistry knows no bounds. As she prepares for her upcoming shows and future projects, there’s no doubt that Bella will continue to be one of the most exciting artists that NSMZ covers. Congratulations, Aurora Bella, on being named NSMZ 2024 Artist of the Year! Here’s to a year of even more music, collaboration, and success.
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