Performing as Alexandra Sleightholm -- her given name -- she began to build a buzz for her light acoustic folk-pop with numerous coffeehouse and open-mike appearances in and around her native Toronto. In early 1999, a Canadian Music Week showcase led to a deal with Management Trust, Ltd; a side stage performance at the Toronto Lilith Fair followed that August. Sleightholm returned to Canadian Music Week in 2000 with her retooled moniker in tow and a series of demos. Eventually, Slate found herself signed to Hollywood and working with crack modern rock producer Rob Cavallo. The Edge of a Girl LP dropped domestically in September 2003, accompanied by a strong online push for the single "Bad Girl." ~ Johnny Loftus