pop music Archives - Toronto Guardian

Taylor Swift Finally Brings Her Eras Tour to Toronto!

Joel Levy — Thu, 03 Aug 2023 15:32:21 +0000

The City of Toronto has been eagerly anticipating Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour, and after much speculation, the pop sensation has finally announced that she will be performing six shows at the Rogers Centre in November. This news has brought joy and excitement to her Canadian fans, who have been eagerly waiting for the opportunity to experience her musical journey through time.

The Eras Tour has been a massive success worldwide, and Toronto is ready for their turn to enjoy the show. Fans will finally get the chance to witness Taylor’s growth and evolution as an artist, exploring her musical journey through each of her iconic eras – from her country-inspired debut album to her most recent introspective works.

With six shows scheduled from November 14-16 and November 21-23, Toronto fans will have plenty of opportunities to witness this musical spectacle. The Rogers Centre is a massive venue, and Taylor’s team has gone above and beyond with the staging, lighting, and overall production, creating an immersive experience that will leave fans awestruck.

Fans can expect to hear a diverse mix of Taylor’s hits from throughout her career and perhaps some surprises along the way. The Eras Tour is known for its visually stunning production, and Taylor has spared no expense in creating an unforgettable show. From the mesmerizing costumes to the intricate choreography, every detail has been meticulously curated to transport fans to each respective era.

But the Eras Tour isn’t just about the music and the visuals. It’s about the connection between Taylor and her fans. Taylor Swift is known for her deep appreciation and love for her fans, and the Eras Tour is a testament to this. During the show, fans can expect Taylor’s heartfelt words, personal anecdotes, and intimate moments that make the concert feel like a personal experience.

As we near the end of a tumultuous year, the Eras Tour is exactly what we need to rejuvenate our spirits and remind us of the power of music to unite people from all walks of life. Taylor Swift’s six shows in Toronto promise to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and fans across Canada will be counting down the days until the first opening notes of “Love Story” fill the arena.

We cannot wait to see Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour unfold in this spellbinding city that has been eagerly waiting to experience her magic. So, if you haven’t already, add your name to the presale registration and join the rest of us as we embark on a musical journey through time with the one and only Taylor Swift.

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“Five Minutes With” alternative-pop sister duo, Caardia

Joel Levy — Fri, 11 Mar 2022 05:30:04 +0000

Caardia is the Canadian alternative-pop sister duo made up of singer/songwriters Annie and Celia Siriopoulos. The duo became recipients of the FACTOR Artist Development Grant in 2019 and was named one of CBC Searchlight’s Top 10 Teens to watch in 2020. They were also selected to showcase in Canadian Music Week 2021. These creative empaths’ music reflects life in a genuine, realistic, and recognizable way – designed for soulful listening and thought. After seeing a need for reliable information for youth, they began a radio show called “The Caardia Show” on Agape Greek Radio. Their first EP, “The Deep End,” was produced together and co-written with Ryan Guay and some by Adam Tune.

Their 2019 single, “Walking Away”, was made with JUNO/CCMA award-winning music producer Chris Perry. Caardia’s new EP includes the singles “Over You,” “Cherry Soda,” and “Complete,” produced by multi-platinum music producer Roy Hamilton III at The Singer’s Company.

Name:

Caardia (Celia and Annie Siriopoulos)

Genre:

Indie/Alternative

# of Albums:

We have released one EP and are in the process of completing our first full-length album.

Latest Album:

The Deep End

Latest Single:

Over You

Latest Video:

Favourite musician growing up:

David Bowie

Favourite musician now:

Foo Fighters

Guilty pleasure song:

Harness Your Hopes by Pavement

Live show ritual:

Singing “Good as Hell” by Lizzo right before going on stage to hype ourselves up.

Favourite local musician:

The Beaches

EP or LP?

LP 🙂

Early bird or night owl?

Night owl all the way!

Road or studio?

As of right now, definitely studio. It has been our comfort place and a great escape.

Any shows or albums coming up?

We are almost finished with our first full-length album with Roy Hamilton III of The Singer’s Company. This project is the first showcase of our full creative control and shows the new “Caardia sound”. We are also performing at the Wintersong Music Festival which is taking place on March 11-12, 2022.

Where can we follow you?

***

Rapid Fire Toronto Qs

Favourite local restaurant:

Riverside Burgers! (best burgers in the TO)

Favourite street in your city:

Main Street Unionville because of its comforting atmosphere, and is especially beautiful in the nighttime around Christmas. This is also one of the first places that we were hired to perform as live street entertainment, so it holds a special place in our hearts.

Favourite park in your city:

Christie Pits Park because that is where we held Youth Jam TO, the musical festival we co-founded and co-organized in 2018 and 2019. It overall just has a great environment and is always lively with music (and the swings are fun too lol).

Favourite music venue in your city:

That’s difficult, but if we had to narrow it down, it would be between the Rivoli on Queen St W and The Supermarket in Kensington.

Favourite music store in your city:

Without a doubt, Sonic Boom! Record collecting is one of our favourite hobbies.

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“Five Minutes With” Song Writer, Artist and Producer Ali

Julian Swift — Tue, 13 Jul 2021 04:30:08 +0000

Ali is a 17-year-old artist, songwriter, and producer from Markham, Ontario, Canada. Being surrounded by music and entertainment from a young age, he found a natural footing in his love for creating music. Making pop music inspired by the likes of Troye Sivan, The 1975, Cigarettes After Sex, Isaac Dunbar, and Charli XCX, his musical DNA represents a unique clash of styles.

At the age of fifteen, he started writing music that he would release in March 2020 with his debut single, ‘What Are You Doing’. Followed by the popular release ‘Oxygen,’ in which he discusses the pressures many queer teenagers feel when trying to impress a crush. In January 2021, Ali released his third single, ‘you’, a synth-pop-infused dreamy love song about idealistic relationships. He released his fourth single, ‘Kiss Somebody’ in May 2021, which is the lead single off his upcoming debut EP.

Ali is an advocate for spotlighting a diverse number of voices in the modern pop landscape, whether it be of different ethnicities, orientations, or backgrounds. He provides his voice to represent groups that rarely find relatability in pop music and hopes to inspire others to do the same.

Name: Ali

Genre: Pop

Founded: 2020

# of Albums: Three singles available for streaming, with an EP on the way!

Latest Release: ‘Kiss Somebody’, which you can find on linktr.ee/alimusic

Latest Single: ‘Kiss Somebody’

Latest Video:

My first ever music video will be released later in the summer!

Favourite band as a teenager:

My favourite artist growing up has to be Selena Gomez, Taylor Swift, and Troye Sivan.

Favourite band now:

Considering that I am only seventeen and still a teenager, I would say all the previously mentioned names, along with Rina Sawayama, Charli XCX, SZA, Lorde and Isaac Dunbar.

Guilty Pleasure Song:

Honestly, I would have to say Spotlight by Jessie Ware. It’s been on repeat ever since it came out.

Live Show Ritual:

I haven’t done any live shows before, so I am looking forward to doing them and finding out what the answer to this question would be. If I had to guess, it would probably be me just relaxing and doing nothing before all the chaos of a live show began.

Favourite local artist:

Vicki Lovelee!! I love the intent behind her music, I think it’s beautiful.

EP or LP?

I love EPs so much, but I would have to say LPs. I think there are more opportunities to tell larger, more-developed stories in LPs.

Early bird or night owl?

I don’t know to be honest, probably just a ‘middle-of-the-day’ type person, because that’s the only time I’m not sleeping.

Road or studio?

Both, for sure, but I don’t have enough experience on the road, so I’m gonna have to say studio!!

Any shows or albums coming up?:

Yes! I have a single off my EP, as well as my EP dropping very soon, which you can stay updated on through my social media. In the meantime, my latest single, ‘Kiss Somebody’, is available to stream!

Rapid Fire Qs on Toronto

Sneaky Dees nachos, pasta from Terroni or a superfood salad from Fresh?

Pasta from Terroni

Queen or College St?

Queen

Trinity Bellwoods, High Park, Riverdale, Kew Gardens, or other?

High Park supremacy.

Swiss Chalet or Roti?

Roti!!! It would be illegal to say otherwise

Where can we follow you?

Favourite local Restaurant:

Get & Go Burrito is heaven on earth.

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“Five Minutes With” Indie, Jazz Folk and Soul Singer Lily Frost

Julian Swift — Fri, 25 Jun 2021 04:30:37 +0000

Lily Frost is a singer. She’s a songwriter. She’s a radio host. She’s a mom. She’s a performer. She’s a producer.

Name: Lily Frost

Genre: indie jazz/folk/soulful.

Founded: 1989

# of Albums:15

Latest Release: Retro-Moderne sold on Bandcamp.

Latest Single: You’re Not Alone

Latest Video:

Favourite band as a teenager: hard choice- The Clash, Depeche Mode, Indigo Girls

Favourite band now: Beach House

Guilty Pleasure Song: Toxic Britney Spears

Live Show Ritual: meditation, vocal warmups, a shot of tequila

Favourite local artist: Nichol Robertson

EP or LP? LP-Vinyl

Early bird or night owl? Early bird with coffee

Road or studio? Studio

Any shows or albums coming up? (What do you currently want to promote?)

it’s illegal to plays shows so no. Planning a live stream via Union Trust out of the Dakota when it opens up. -I want to promote love, respect for nature, empathy and compassion toward all. Donate to your local foodbank or women’s shelter.

Rapid Fire Qs on Toronto

Sneaky Dees nachos, pasta from Terroni or a superfood salad from Fresh?

Superfood (with the hot sauce).

Queen or College St?

Queen to shop, college for coffee.

Trinity Bellwoods, High Park, Riverdale, Kew Gardens, or other? High park.

Swiss Chalet or Roti?

Roti (Indian is best).

Where can we follow you?

Insta-Lilyfrostcom

Facebook-lilyfrostmusic

YouTube…

Favourite local Restaurant:

Lahora Tika

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“Five Minutes With” Toronto Pop/RnB Artist Barry Szeto

Julian Swift — Fri, 07 May 2021 04:30:58 +0000

Born in Vancouver, British Columbia, Barry Szeto’s passion for music and singing started when he was 14 performing in a local talent show. Barry’s persistent dedication to singing led him to move to Toronto where he began his professional music career.

Barry made his first TV debut on the Canadian talent search television show known as “Today’s Talent Time” and finished as the first runner-up. His music took off when his debut single was released and played on “Much Music,” ( The Canadian equivalent to MTV) which led to performing shows around Toronto and the United States. Barry has opened for international pop stars Arash (Persia’s Got Talent), Karl Wolf, Mia Martina, and Quest Crew, also known as “America’s Best Dance Crew” champions. Barry also performed on CBC’s “Dragon’s Den.”

Barry’s first single “Two Seconds” which has an old-school R&B vibe, and his second single “Baby” was just released along with his first full-length EP “Feels” release his EP in May 2020. In early 2021, Barry released his new single “Voices Of A Thousand Words” with a fresh new R&B sound. Barry is set to release his new EP later in the year entitled “In My Head”. Barry continues to expand on different vocal stylings and genres as a diverse artist.

Name: Barry Szeto

Genre: Pop/R&B

Founded: 2008

# of Albums: 2

Latest Release: “Voices Of A Thousand Words”

Latest Single: “Voices Of A Thousand Words”

Latest Video:

Favourite band as a teenager?

*NSYNC

Favourite band now?

Ella Mai

Guilty Pleasure Song?

“Problems” – Ariana Grande

Live Show Ritual? Lots of fluids, use the washroom a lot, and stay quiet for as long as I can before I hit the stage

Favourite local artist?

Karl Wolf

EP or LP?

Early bird or night owl?

Night Owl

Road or studio?

Both

Any shows or albums coming up?

Releasing a new EP called “In My Head” and working on releasing my second single called “8 Hours”.

Rapid Fire Qs on Toronto

Sneaky Dees nachos, pasta from Terroni or a superfood salad from Fresh?

Sneaky Dees

Queen or College St?

College St

Trinity Bellwoods, High Park, Riverdale, Kew Gardens, or other?

High Park

Swiss Chalet or Roti?

Roti

Where can we follow you?

IG: @barryszetosings
YouTube: Barry Szeto
Tiktok: @barryszetomusic

Favourite local Restaurant?

Ga Bin Korean Restaurant (they have the best pork bone soup EVER)

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