Isaac Shelem Fadiga, known by his mononym Shelem (pronounced shuh-lem) is a 26-year-old hip-hop artist andproducer who strives to bring levity to the world through his bubbly personality and colorful creations. Born in SilverSpring, MD to parents from the Ivory Coast, he began producing, writing, and recording at age 14. After graduating fromMarshall University in Huntington, WV with a degree in Civil Engineering in 2018, he began his engineering career as hedeveloped a plan to launch his music career.

Shelem’s debut project, The Jaunts, was released on September 22nd, 2018. As the pandemic brought live music to agrinding halt, Shelem diverted his focus to growing and interacting with his audience in a digital space and released his sophomore project titled UhhYup! The Mixtape in 2020. In 2021, Shelem was featured on NPR’s Slingshot Series andreleased his most notable single to date, “Suga Wata.” In 2022, Shelem presented a TEDx Talk blending engineeringand music production, then expanded his reach regionally with shows in Columbus, OH, Charlotte, NC and Ashland, KY.

Website: www.shelem304.com

Justin Puett is the proprietor of Folklore Music Exchange, a guitar shop he owns. Additionally, he is involved in the Indie Rock band named The Parachute Brigade, where he showcases his guitar skills and vocal prowess.

Originally hailing from the quaint town of Coal Mountain, Justin later relocated to Beckley at the age of 21. During his time there, he managed a local music store while residing in a band house, actively participating in an emo rock band known as Motion Theatre. Concurrently, he also contributed his talents to a cover band named The Incredibly Handsome Army Of Jasons.

In 2012, Justin crossed paths with his future wife, Jodie Cox-Puett, leading to the formation of their band, The Parachute Brigade, which has since been going strong for 11 years.

In 2019, Justin and Jodie made the decision to establish their own guitar shop in Charleston, christened Folklore Music Exchange. This May, they will be commemorating the fifth anniversary of its inception.

Shop: https://www.folkloremusicexchange.com/
Band: https://www.theparachutebrigade.com/

Proudly from Charleston, WV, the award-winning Better From Here is the latest pioneer in Appalachian emo. In the fall of 2022, five friends got together to make music in a church auditorium after hours. After too much time had been spent picking a name, the band agreed the name options would get “Better From Here.” The team then released their debut EP, “All of My Nights.” The EP propelled the band to win the Born & Bred Reader's Poll "Best Punk Artist of 2023," telling of the band’s promising future, which includes a full-length album to be recorded in 2024.