ARIEL POSEN

For Ariel Posen, songwriting and guitar playing have always gone hand-in-hand. He has spent a decade building a bridge between those two worlds, balancing his work as an acclaimed instrumentalist, including collaborations with artists ranging from John Mayer to Tom Jones, with solo albums rooted in melody and autobiographical storytelling. The result is a career that is every bit as diverse as his music. With performances at Eric Clapton's Crossroads Guitar Festival, his own Fender Stratocaster signature model, and a powerful voice that matches his fretwork, Posen continues to explore uncharted territory, blurring the lines between genre and generation along the way.

His latest album, Bannatyne, sees Posen return to the place where everything began. Named after an avenue in his hometown of Winnipeg, Manitoba, the record reflects on the past while embracing the future, combining larger-than-life guitar riffs and 1990s rock influences with the groove-driven textures and sonic exploration that have become hallmarks of his work.

"This is an album about coming home," says Posen. "It's about looking back and appreciating where you come from, even as you're heading somewhere new."

Co-produced alongside longtime collaborator Murray Pulver, Bannatyne is a powerful statement from an artist continually evolving his craft. The album features guest appearances from City and Colour and Kathleen Edwards, while showcasing the dynamic songwriting, expressive guitar work and emotional honesty that have defined Posen's solo career.

Following acclaimed releases including How Long, Headway, Reasons Why and the instrumental Mile End series, Bannatyne finds Posen embracing a rawer and more instinctive approach.

"Every record is the sound of me finding myself, more and more," he says. "I'm not just a songwriter and I'm not just a guitarist. I'm both of those things."