12 Calgary acts worth a listen before everyone jumps on the band wagon

This story was originally published Dec. 12.

Canada's National Music Centre,set to open in Calgary at the end of March, isexpected to shine a light on the city's musicians. A city's music scene is part of its soul how it expresses itself, and shapes its uniquecultural identity.In no particular order, here are a dozen acts with a Calgary connection that are well worth listening tobefore everyone else does:

1) Chad VanGaalen

Calgary indie rocker has been shortlisted for the Polaris Music Prize not once but twice.

2) Reuben and the Dark

Five-piece alternative rock outfit signed to Toronto's Arts & Crafts label.

3) HighKicks

Fuzz bass duofronted by the prolific Dan Vacon of The Dudes.

4) Samantha Savage Smith

Atalented singer-songwriter with bite.

5) Lowell

Currently based in Toronto,thepop singer was born and raised in Calgary.

6) Jocelyn Alice

Armed with an unforgettablevoice, Alice was the face of a recent tourism Calgary video.

7) Napalmpom

A terrific rock band with swagger to spare.

8) Tim Hus

Calgary-based country singer opened for Stompin' Tom on a cross-Canada tour.

9) Chrongoblin

The name really says it all.

10) A.Y.E.

Silky smooth Calgary MC.

11) Rae Spoon

Transgendered musician that walks the line between pop and country.

12) Viet Cong

Local post-punk outfit that ran into some trouble over their controversial name.

Calgaryat a Crossroads is CBC Calgary's special focus on life in our city during the downturn. A look at Calgary's culture, identity and what it means to be Calgarian. Read more stories from the series at Calgary at a Crossroads, including:

• 12 ways you know you're a Calgarian
• Geography: Calgary's hidden puppet master
• The rise and fall of the oilpatch Christmas party