Inner City self-titled debut EP in CD format, sold only here and off the stage

This is a 6 song body of work.

Two years in the making, the group’s self-titled, six-track debut EP, AV & The Inner City, represents both a culmination and a beginning: the first official release since their unplanned formation. “This was never supposed to last beyond one summer porch concert series,” shares band leader AV. “But it gave us hope, and audiences said it gave them hope, too. These songs are about the communities we come from - the stigma, addiction, racism, classism, sexism - but they are also about joy, catharsis, and the contagious energy of singing together.” Exploring themes of struggle, social justice, and healing, the debut EP from AV & The Inner City captures the spirit of a group born from community connection that continues to thrive on it.

Combining intricate harmonies, raw lyrical honesty, and stripped-back arrangements, AV & The Inner City’s debut EP offers music that is deeply personal, yet profoundly communal. By centering stories of resilience and struggle while simultaneously celebrating catharsis and joy the project is as relatable as it is aspirational. 

The EP’s focus track, “Runnin’ Outta Places” delivers a clever social critique of displacement, inequality, and capitalism’s endless pursuit of growth. Sparse yet relentless, its acapella-driven chorus recalls playful playground chants against gritty hip hop street beats, with a lush bridge that climaxes in a grand catharsis.

Showcasing the vocal group’s expansive creativity and skillful lyricism, the four previously released singles shine on their own, yet interlock seamlessly to form a unified statement. “Low & Lowly”, the group’s debut single, is a hymn-like, non-religious Soul/Roots ballad about embracing life’s highs and lows, offering both solace and celebration. An upbeat love song to music, “Music Always” pays homage to the power of music and its ability to transcend language. With an irresistible groove and soaring harmonies, “Lion at the Gate” is a bold anthem of courage in the face of intimidating obstacles; followed by “The Failer”; a marching dirge-like anthemic exploration of the human need for certainty, and the strength it takes to live with nuance, imperfection, and doubt.

From a modest neighbourhood gathering to a nationally recognized vocal group, AV & The Inner City has grown into a powerful ensemble, whose music transcends both genre and circumstance. In an era when much of the industry chases speed and trends they stand apart as something rare and vital, proving that authenticity and unity can rise above stigma, and can create something extraordinary. Their debut crystallizes years of relentless work, grassroots connection, and fearless honesty, with voices that carry the weight of real lives lived, and the resilience of communities too often overlooked. Yet woven through their harmonies is an undeniable joy and generosity, a reminder of why music matters: to connect, to comfort, to inspire, and to heal. With AV & The Inner City, the group delivers an urgent and unforgettable statement that redefines what it means to make music from the ground up, culminating in a landmark debut from one of the most vital new forces in Canadian Roots and Soul.