Edmonton’s dancehall artist Skystar has emerged as one of the genre’s fastest-rising stars, and he is poised to make waves beyond Canada’s borders. Skystar is now geared up and ready to perform at the prestigious New Skool Rules Conference and Festival, set to unfold from May 31st to June 2nd in Rotterdam, Netherlands.
New Skool Rules is more than just a festival; it’s a three-day international conference featuring seminars, exchange programs, concerts, afterparties, and a fashion show. Designed to create new business opportunities and provide a global overview of the New Skool Culture, the festival aims to connect urban music professionals from around the world, fostering networking, idea exchange, and artistic collaboration.
Ainsworth Rose, professionally known as Skystar, represents the fusion of Jamaican and Canadian influences in his dancehall artistry. Having dedicated over a decade to honing his craft, Skystar has garnered recognition for his distinctive lyrical stylings, particularly in the Alberta and Canadian music scenes.
Seizing the opportunity presented by New Skool Rules, Skystar envisions the festival as a platform to propel his music onto the international stage. “Reggae artists from Alberta and other western parts of Canada don’t get a lot of opportunities to showcase themselves,” says Skystar. “So, hearing about New Skool Rules, I saw being and performing there as a chance to expose my music and talent internationally.”
For Skystar, being selected as a participant in this year’s edition of the festival signifies a milestone in his musical journey. “Being chosen as one of the participants is a sign that my music is moving in the right direction, and my team and I are putting in the correct work,” he expresses with gratitude, acknowledging the guidance of Diet Monkey, Vigilanti Ent, and hip-hop artist Arlo Mavrick.
Beyond the stage performance, Skystar harbors aspirations of building a new fanbase, connecting with fellow artists, and engaging with industry players. His participation in New Skool Rules aligns with the festival’s mission to establish an industry network between Europe and the US while providing exposure to a global audience.
New Skool Rules not only caters to the business-to-business market but also actively supports talent at various levels of development through workshops, masterclasses, and international networking opportunities. The festival distinguishes itself by inclusively incorporating new talent, ensuring a holistic approach to fostering growth within the dynamic landscape of urban music.
As Skystar prepares to bring his infectious rhythms to Rotterdam, the New Skool Rules Festival stands as a pivotal moment for the artist, marking his journey towards international acclaim and recognition.