Name:

STUDIO MAHILO

Genre:

Indie Rock

Founded:

2025

Latest Single:

Bleed

Latest Video:

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DVYnijsAkNw/?igsh=bDRyem1tdDkwZDk=

Favourite musician growing up:

Growing up, we listened to what our parents listened to! This includes a lot of 70s and 80s music like the Bee Gees, Stevie Wonder, Led Zeppelin, the Eagles, the Police, Chicago, etc. On the other hand, Paolo grew up listening to a lot of Pokémon music, and Sam also grew up listening to a lot of video game soundtrack music. More specifically, Derrick listened to a lot of Charlie Puth, and Gabriel listened to a lot of Ariana Grande and Tracy Chapman. However, one artist we all grew up listening to was Bruno Mars.

Favourite musician now:

It’s hard to decide our favourite musician right now because we listen to so much music. Sam doesn’t really have a favourite artist at the moment, but she is a huge fan of Lil Hero. Matthew is also into a lot of electronic pop right now, including TIFFANY DAY and underscores. Derrick is a big fan of Mac Ayers and Jeff Bernat. Miko’s favourite musician right now is Gia*, and Gabe still listens to Tracy Chapman and Ariana Grande.

Guilty pleasure song:

Paolo’s guilty pleasure song is the song “enormous penis” by DaVinci. Sam’s guilty pleasure song is “Hooligan” by BTS, only because it’s seriously catchy and she can’t get it out of her head. Gabe’s guilty pleasure song is “Break Free” by Ariana Grande, and Miko bumps “Gangnam Style” by PSY. Matthew’s guilty pleasure song is “Sticker” by NCT127. But deep down, we do not feel guilty for loving music, and no one should feel bad about whatever they listen to!

Live show ritual:

We don’t really have many live show rituals other than warming up and preparing our instruments, but recently, Sam has been making the crowd sing nursery rhymes while the band tunes and sets up on stage. We try to eat food beforehand, but sometimes we don’t get too… Sam also gets really nervous before live shows, so you could say one of our live show rituals is calming Sam down.

Favourite local musician:

We love a lot of local musicians! We often hang out by going to local shows. If we had to pick our top three local musicians, we would pick: Bianca Espino, Chad Avi, and Duck Society. They’re so awesome and cracked, and we bump these guys so hard. They deserve all the love they get!

EP or LP?

We prefer LP just because it usually has more content, artistry and intent compared to an EP.

Early bird or night owl?

Derrick, Sam and Gabe are definitely night owls and often persuade the other members to stay up late with them. Miko, Paolo and Matthew are early birds and Miko and Matthew often get persuaded to stay up late on Discord calls. Sam tries to be an early bird but fails every time.

Road or studio?

All of us prefer being on the road and gigging, except Miko, who prefers being in the studio. This makes sense because he is our producer! The rest of us like playing live because getting to perform and share our music with others is the reason we started playing together in the first place. We also get to meet a bunch of awesome people and musicians whenever we play live. But, being in the studio and making music is also fun because we often record in unconventional places, like in Sam’s house or on campus. This makes the process of recording really fun and chaotic, which is always entertaining.

Any shows or albums coming up?

We are playing on May 29th at Scarborough Bluffs United Church for Springboard to Music, which is a charity organization that provides music education to low-income families. It’s for a great cause, and we hope to see you there! We also released our new single “Bleed,” and it’s available on all platforms.

Where can we follow you?

Instagram | YouTube | TikTok

***

Rapid Fire Local Questions:

What is your favourite local restaurant?

Our favourite local restaurant is Popeyes and Cocos bubble tea, specifically at UTSC. After practices, we always go there to hang out and debrief after a long day. Studio Mahilo has had many band meetings at Popeyes, some of them ending in tears and some of them ending in laughter.

What is your favourite street in your city and why?

Our favourite street is probably Yonge Street, just because it has a lot of food places and so many things to do and check out!

What is your favourite park in your city and why?

Matthew actually rates parks in his free time, so this question is perfect for him. Paolo and Matthew’s favourite park is Don Valley Brick Works because it’s very pretty with a lot of places to walk. Sam and Derrick love the Port Union Waterfront because the view of the lake is beautiful and it’s nice to bike through in the summer!. Gabriel’s favourite park is Adams Park! Which is nice because Sam and Derrick introduced him to it. The band often goes there after practices in the summer to play on the swings or sit on the hills.

What is your favourite music venue in your city?

Our favourite music venue is probably Massey Hall because it’s really big and cool-looking. We also have seen some of our favourite artists there like Rex Orange County, Lamp, Mac De Marco and Charlie Puth. But a close second would be 1265Bistro at UTSC! We started playing shows there in 2025 thanks to Zach from RadioFWD, and we always have a great time there. We have seen some of our favourite local artists there, like Santo, Chad Avi and Duck Society.

What is your favourite music store in your city?

Our favourite music store is definitely Long & McQuade Musical Instruments because we are there literally all the time to rent and buy gear. Matthew likes the one in Ossington, and Sam likes to go to the one in Scarborough. Sam and Miko actually go there so much that the staff know our faces.

The post Five Minutes With: Indie Rock Band STUDIO MAHILO appeared first on Toronto Guardian.

Since beginning her music career in 2024, ROSHANAK has quickly built a dedicated and growing audience, amassing over 17,000 followers across platforms and thousands of independent streams without the support of a label. Her work is deeply rooted in her lived experiences as a queer, neurodivergent woman of colour, often exploring themes of mental health, identity, belonging, and resilience. Through her songwriting, she transforms personal pain into a space for connection and healing, both for herself and for her listeners.

Beyond her own artistry, ROSHANAK is committed to community-building within the music industry. She actively creates and organizes showcases that uplift emerging artists, with a focus on queer and BIPOC voices who are often underrepresented in traditional spaces. Her performances are known for their emotional intensity and theatrical influence, inspired in part by her connection to drag artistry and self-expression.

With upcoming releases and live performances across Canada, ROSHANAK continues to carve out a distinct space for herself, one where honesty, inclusivity, and artistry exist at the forefront of everything she creates.

Name:

Roshanak Aktefan

Genre:

Dark pop and jazz pop

Founded:

2024

# of Albums:

Not out yet

Latest Album:

Doll House Diaries

Latest Single:

Wish I was Dead

Latest Video:

Favourite musician growing up:

Panic at the disco

Favourite musician now:

Marina and the diamonds

Guilty pleasure song:

Breakaway Kelly clarkson

Live show ritual:

Lots and lots of water, jumping jacks, listening to early 2000s playlist.

Favourite local musician:

Monstrosa, Ever since we met, Gandhaar Amin

EP or LP?

EP it’s called dollhouse diaries out this June 🙂

Early bird or night owl?

Night owl. Love having silence at night while everyone’s sleeping and being able to just relax and do whatever I want.

Road or studio?

I love the studio, putting my ideas together and being able to hear the final product. I also enjoy being able to use like a therapy session and just let everything out on the mic

Any shows or albums coming up?

ROSHANAK is set to release her debut EP Dollhouse Diaries on June 18, 2026—her first full body of work, funded by the Toronto Arts Council through the Toronto Arts Reach program. The project is a deeply personal exploration of identity, mental health, and the complexities of navigating the world as a queer, neurodivergent woman of colour. Blending pop and jazz influences with cinematic storytelling, Dollhouse Diaries marks a defining moment in her artistic journey.

In support of the release, ROSHANAK will be performing a series of live shows across Canada. She will be opening for Carina in Toronto on April 25, followed by a headline performance in Montreal at La Feuille Verte Café on May 10—her first time performing in the city. She will also be featured in a Sofar Sounds Pride show in Kelowna, BC on June 27 at a secret location.

With this upcoming EP and run of performances, ROSHANAK continues to build momentum as an emerging artist to watch, bringing raw honesty and powerful storytelling to every stage she steps on.

Where can we follow you?

Instagram | TikTok | YouTube | Spotify

***

Rapid Fire Local Questions:

What is your favourite local restaurant?

Umami house my favourite place ever.

What is your favourite street in your city and why?

My favourite street in Toronto is Brian Village Drive. I grew up there, so it holds a lot of memories for me. It’s full of amazing food spots, including my favourite restaurant, Umami House. I’ve been going there since I was a kid with my best friend, and it’s always felt like home.

Right across the street, there’s a cozy local bar called Willie Stouts where I used to go to hear live music and support local artists. It was one of the first places where I really fell in love with live performance.

Everything on that street feels nostalgic to me. It was only a five-minute walk to Chuck E. Cheese, which I was completely obsessed with as a kid. It’s one of those places where every corner holds a memory from childhood joy to discovering music, and it’s a big part of why I am the artist I am today.

What is your favourite park in your city and why?

My favourite park in Toronto is Muirhead Park. It’s right by the elementary school I went to, so it holds a really special place in my childhood. What I love most is that it hasn’t changed much over the years, it still feels exactly the same, which makes going back there feel like stepping into a memory.

It brings back so many moments from growing up playing outside after school, spending time with friends, and just feeling carefree. There’s something really comforting about a place staying the same while everything else changes. For me, Muirhead Park isn’t just a park, it’s a piece of my history.

What is your favourite music venue in your city?

My favourite music venue in Toronto is Burdock Brewery. It’s such a beautiful, intimate space, and the atmosphere always feels really warm and inviting. The sound there is consistently amazing, which makes such a difference both as a performer and as an audience member.

I also have to mention their fries. They’re genuinely some of my favourites, and it just adds to the whole experience. There’s something really special about a venue where you can enjoy great food, connect with the crowd, and hear music the way it’s meant to be heard.

What is your favourite music store in your city?

My favourite music store in Toronto is Sonic Boom. If I’m ever looking for a vinyl, especially something nostalgic from the early 2000s, like Hannah Montana, they somehow always have it.

There’s something really fun about digging through their collection and finding unexpected gems. It’s one of those places where you can go in with no plan and leave with something that brings back a memory or inspires you creatively.

The post Five Minutes With: Pop-Jazz Musician ROSHANAK appeared first on Toronto Guardian.

Millie has performed across Canada, the United States, and Europe, including appearances at the Peterborough Folk Festival, Rollo Bay Fiddle Festival, Market Hall Performing Arts Centre, and for audiences of over 10,000 at Peterborough Musicfest. In 2026, she was selected as the North2North Breakthrough Artist, representing Canada at Lilla By Festivalen in Sweden.

A dynamic live performer, she most often appears as a duo with her father, Murray, on guitar, delivering high-energy sets filled with original music, traditional influences, and heartfelt storytelling. Currently studying Music Industry and Technology at the University of Toronto Scarborough, Millie continues to grow as both an artist and emerging voice in the Canadian folk scene.

Name:

Irish Millie

Genre:

Folk/Pop

Founded:

2015

# of Albums:

2

Latest Album:

GRACE

Latest Single:

Allison

Latest Video:

Favourite musician growing up:

Natalie MacMaster

Favourite musician now:

Koe Wetzle

Guilty pleasure song:

Strangers – Ethel Cain

Live show ritual:

Pre- Show Dance

Favourite local musician:

Melissa Payne

EP or LP?

Selected Discography

Between Then and Now (EP)
The Trilogy (EP)
The Receivers (EP)

Early bird or night owl?

I’m a night owl because that’s when everything quiets down enough for me to hear myself clearly. The distractions fade, the world softens, and that’s when melodies come easiest, and stories feel closest to the surface. There’s something about the stillness of the night that makes creativity feel more honest, more open, and a little bit magical.

Road or studio?

Road. There’s nothing like playing live and feeling a room connect to the music in real time. Every show is different, every crowd brings something new, and that energy pushes me to be better. The road is where the music actually lives.

Any shows or albums coming up?

Yes! I have a really exciting season ahead. I’m currently promoting my EP Between Then and Now, which earned two 2026 Canadian Folk Music Award nominations for Young Performer of the Year and Single of the Year.

I’m also working on a brand new album titled Can You See Me, which I’m incredibly excited about. This project feels like a big step forward for me artistically, exploring more personal storytelling, new sounds, and a deeper sense of who I am as both a musician and a songwriter.

Alongside that, I’ll be heading to Calgary in April for the CFMAs, and then to Sweden in June to represent Canada as the North2North Breakthrough Artist at Lilla By Festivalen. I also have a full summer tour planned across the East Coast, Ontario, and Quebec—with more dates to be announced soon.

Where can we follow you?

You can follow along and stay up to date here:

Website | EPK | Spotify | YouTube | Facebook | Instagram

***

Rapid Fire Local Questions:

What is your favourite local restaurant?

Jim’s Pizza & Pasta—it’s a local favourite and always hits the spot.

What is your favourite street in your city and why?

Murray Street – Same name as my father/guitarist.

What is your favourite park in your city and why?

My favourite park is Del Crary Park. It’s right on the water and has such a beautiful, peaceful energy, but it’s also where so many concerts and community events happen. It really feels like the heart of Peterborough, especially in the summer.

What is your favourite music venue in your city?

Market Hall Performing Arts Centre. It’s an incredible listening room with such a warm atmosphere, and it’s always special to perform there—it feels both intimate and professional at the same time.

What is your favourite music store in your city?

Maars Music. It’s such a staple in the local music community, and the staff are always so knowledgeable and supportive of musicians.

The post Five Minutes With: Folk-Pop Musician Irish Millie appeared first on Toronto Guardian.

Name:

Kim Manning & Mikey Vukovich, of Zuffalo

Genre:

Psychedelic rock and roll

Founded:

2016

# of Albums:

2 with a third on the way

Latest Album:

Our third album, “Flock of the Town”, is coming out May 29th, 2026

Latest Single:

Our upcoming single, “Digging a Hole”, came out April 21st, 2026

Latest Video: 

Favourite musician growing up:

Mikey: Radiohead, The Beatles, Pink Floyd, Yes
Kim: Queen, Sheryl Crow, CCR

Favourite musician now:

M: Grateful Dead, Medeski Martin & Wood, The Meters, Lettuce
K: JJ Cale, 10cc, Neal Francis, New Mastersounds, Grateful Dead

Guilty pleasure song:

M: Never Gonna Give You Up (Rick Astley)
K: I Believe in a Thing Called Love (The Darkness)

Live show ritual:

After party!

Favourite local musician:

Zeus

EP or LP?

LP.

Early bird or night owl?

We are definitely night owls. Unless you count staying up until the early birds wake up again. Then we’re early birds.

Road or studio?

Both, please! We love travelling to play music to new places and dancing crowds, but we also love the special creative zone you get into when you hunker down in the studio.

Any shows or albums coming up?

Our third full-length album, “Flock of the Town,” is coming out May 29, 2026. We will be celebrating with a big hometown album release show on June 5th at the legendary Horseshoe Tavern. The band Animal will be opening up the show.

Where can we follow you?

Facebook | Instagram

***

Rapid Fire Local Questions:

What is your favourite local restaurant?

Banjara

What is your favourite street in your city and why?

Queen St is so hip.

What is your favourite park in your city and why?

High Park. We love how you can get lost in there.

What is your favourite music venue in your city?

Drom Taberna — best vibe, best bands.

What is your favourite music store in your city?

Sonic Boom and Rotate This.

The post Five Minutes With: Psychedelic Rock and Roll Band Zuffalo appeared first on Toronto Guardian.

Born with a natural ear for harmony, Breez spent his formative years navigating a diverse musical landscape, drawing inspiration from the timeless phrasing of jazz legends and traditional soul singers.

His lyrics often feel like reading a private journal, tackling themes of self-discovery, fleeting late-night connections, and the beautiful mess of growing up. Whether he’s commanding a stage with high-energy anthems or quieting a room with a single ballad, Breez’s presence is consistently grounded and magnetic.

Name:

Breez Kennedy

Genre:

R&B

Founded:

2023

# of Albums:

1

Latest Album:

We all need love

Latest Single:

Cycles

Latest Video: 

Favourite musician growing up:

Michael Jackson

Favourite musician now:

Myself

Guilty pleasure song:

Where I’d Rather Be by Donnell Jones

Live show ritual:

Fasting, working out by doing a 2-mile run

Favourite local musician:

Sofia Ly

EP or LP?

EP

Early bird or night owl?

Early bird now, used to be a night owl

Road or studio?

Studio all day

Any shows or albums coming up?

Currently on tour with Josh Levi and my latest single “Cycles.”

Where can we follow you?

Instagram | YouTube | Facebook | TikTok

***

Rapid Fire Local Questions:

What is your favourite local restaurant?

Salem’s

What is your favourite street in your city and why?

31 street, this is where I grew up.

What is your favourite park in your city and why?

Lake Vista Park, all of my friends used to go there after school.

What is your favourite music venue in your city?

Jannus Live, this is the first place I performed in my hometown.

What is your favourite music store in your city?

Guitar Center reminds me of when my dad brought me to first get my studio equipment.

The post Five Minutes With: R&B Musician Breez Kennedy appeared first on Toronto Guardian.