An inconceivable crime that took the lives of five promising young people included aspiring musicians Josh Hunter and Zackariah Rathwell. The victims were murdered at a house party in Calgary’s Brentwood neighbourhood over two-and-a-half years ago.
SPECIAL COVERAGE: Remembering the Brentwood 5
Hunter’s father, Barclay, was inspired to create a not-for-profit society in honour of his son and his fellow bandmates, called the Prophets of Music Society.
The organization then created an emerging artists program. It gives budding musicians a one-of-a-kind opportunity to be mentored by accomplished artists. They are also offered musical development, production and promotion advice.
The Ashley Hundred is a Calgary band of five young men. The twentysomethings were selected for the program among an impressive crop of other musicians.
“We send out so many applications for grants and things and we are always prepared to be rejected,” Brett Cassidy said. “So when we found out we were in, we were totally taken aback and we kind of dove headfirst into it.”
They feel they are already growing from the experience.
“It wasn’t anything we expected,” said drummer Michael De Souza. “This program has put so much towards our musical careers; I feel we are unhindered by anything at this point.”
Bandmate Andrew Franks said:
“We are completely honored because the scene now in Calgary and in Alberta is so rich with innovative sounds and amazing bands, so to be picked is almost surreal.”
The experience has made their dreams come true.
“When I was a kid, I always wanted to be a rockstar,” Jordan Moe said. “But I also wanted to be an astronaut and a scientist, so this is the most real to me now.”
De Souza said the experience is already rewarding.
“I don’t think you can be in this business if you didn’t think you could do it and we believe in ourselves. And now we have a vehicle that can take us there.”
The band members have an even deeper connection to the Prophets of Music – they knew the talented young men killed in the tragedy, Hunter and Rathwell.
“It’s hard to put that into words. We lost some amazing people,” Franks said. “I think this is a beautiful way to honour their memory. They lived, breathed and ate music and we just want to carry that on for them.”
It’s given them purpose to want to reach beyond their own expectations. Franks wants to do right by them.
“It really just gives you a different kind of fire and fuel and we want to do our best to honour those two.”
Cassidy is humbled and gracious to help build their legacy.
“We want able to do this – if not for ourselves – then for them.”
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