Behind the Cut: TD Amplify at Studio Bell

Get a glimpse into Calgary's vibrant local music scene as songwriter, musician, and educator Kenna Burima gathers musicians from the Werklund Centre's TD Amplify series.

Diving into conversations on collaboration, creativity, and the beautiful chaos of a life in the arts, these artists offer a behind-the-scenes look into our arts and culture community. 

Featuring Julie Olive, leader of the alt-pop band SHY FRiEND, Mo Osaseri of the hip-hop and neo-soul outfit (un)decided, Hindustani vocalist and genre-fluid Aditya Chaudhuri, and pianist, composer, and pure chemistry in action Timothonius Alai.

About the Artists

Julie Olive of SHY FRiEND 
Have you ever woken up in a cold sweat, knowing you just lived a whole lifetime in your sleep that you will never be able to grasp again? SHY FRiEND is the alt-pop project that will harken to that same indescribable yearning. Created by classical composer and online goblin Jubs, this unashamedly camp & queer experience will have you finding a new perspective through the lens of their mantra “TO BE CRINGE IS TO BE FREE”. With deeply emotional soundscapes contrasted by fits of feminine rage, SHY FRiEND has been making waves in the Alberta music scene since their debut in 2023 for their eccentric live shows, DIY music videos, and enigmatic sound. 

Aditya Chaudhuri 
Aditya Chaudhuri (Adi) is a Calgary-based vocalist rooted in Hindustani classical music, blending deep tradition with contemporary expression. A disciple of Dr. Jayashree Thatte Bhat (herself trained by legends, Dr. Prabha Atre and Pt. Hridaynath Mangeshkar) Adi has spent over a decade immersed in classical learning and being inspired by Pt. Ajoy Chakraborty. Vocalist and music team lead for Madhuban Performing Arts, he’s helped create original, genre-defying compositions that span classical, Bollywood, jazz, and more. Adi has performed on major stages including YYC Music Awards, Chinook Blast, Jazz Fest, and at every major South Asian festival in Calgary. As the president of Raga Mala Calgary, a 50-year-old society, he curates world-class performances and fosters learning through workshops with visiting masters. Adi is a passionate teacher and he shares Indian classical music and sitar with students of all backgrounds. 

Mo Osaseri of (un)decided 
Mo is a musical polymath whose craft is rooted in the precision of harmony and the energy of collective performance. With a foundation built in the exacting worlds of Barbershop harmony, Chamber choirs, and the storytelling of Musical Theatre, Mo brings a unique, vocal-centric perspective to improvisation. While he is a multifaceted creator—running a media company and coaching kid's sports—his heart remains in the shared frequency of sound. Whether he’s writing and performing with his band, (un)decided, or leading workshops and open jams, Mo draws from a vast well of inspirations to prove that music is the ultimate tool for human connection. 

Timothonius Alai 
Timothonius is a Calgary-based pianist, composer, educator, and cultural tastemaker. A second-generation Canadian of Kenyan (Luo) heritage, he was raised on classical and Black gospel music before finding identity in hip-hop, which continues to shape his creative lens. He studied classical piano through the Royal Conservatory, Jazz Performance at Mount Royal University, and later earned a scholarship to Berklee College of Music, studying Composition, Music Business, and Electronic Production. His work blends improvisation, storytelling, and curation into eclectic, timeless experiences. He founded HAVEN Party, an underground series supporting emerging Calgary artists, served as musical director for productions like Rocky Horror Picture Show, and works across film composition and arts education. He now leads Timothonius Music Inc., focusing on live music, education, and community-rooted cultural strategy—always building bridges across people, cultures, and disciplines.