This Broken Mixtape
This Broken Mixtape is an interview podcast produced and hosted by self-professed music nerd Justin Lee. In each episode, Lee talks with musicians, artists, writers, comedians, chefs, entrepreneurs, and other guests about how music has shaped their lives. Guests share personal stories tied to specific songs, albums, and artists, exploring the soundtrack to their memories. The show is a nostalgic, conversational look at the vital role music plays in everyday life.
Episodes
S8E03 - Tara Kannangara (indie-pop artist)
Tara Kannangara is an indie-pop singer-songwriter, producer and trumpeter. From jazz, pop, r&b and rock, Tara's music is driven by curiosity and a willingness to follow an idea wherever it leads. We talk about her latest project, Extraordinary People, a longing to return to an age of musical enigmas, and all things Prince. in fact, we should probably rename this episode The Prince Show.
S8E02 - Vixu (pianist/composer/producer/vocalist/songwriter)
Toronto musician Victor Xu, better known as Vixu, is a pianist, composer, producer, vocalist and songwriter. Through his solo work and bands like Diskarte, he moves freely between jazz, R&B, hip-hop, indie, electronic and experimental. On this episode, Victor talks about his early piano training, how Toronto's early-2000s music scene and Broken Social Scene sparked his love of collaboration, and p
S8E01 - liz uninvited (indie- folk singer-songwriter)
Liz uninvited is a Toronto-based indie singer-songwriter whose intimate, emotionally raw music draws influence from Elliott Smith, Jeff Buckley and Fiona Apple. A devoted Elliott Smith fan, she developed a unique connection to his music and legacy after collaborating with members of his creative circle in Los Angeles. In the this episode, we talk to Liz as she traces the soundtrack of her childhoo
S7E11 - Lexxicon (Dancehall / Afropop Artist)
Lexxicon is a dancehall/Afropop artist from Toronto by way of Jamaica and the UK. On his new album, Tropicon Islands, he strays away from his dancehall roots and dives head-first into a rich Afrobeats sound. Guest co-host Amanie Illfated and I talked to Lexxicon about his new album and novel, the third season of Netflix's You, and why Canadian musicians often have to move to another country in ord
S7E10 - Leila Dey (R&B Artist)
Leila Dey is a Toronto R&B singer/songwriter who has shared the stage with Little Simz, K'Naan, and Melanie Fiona. Her latest EP Detour explores the disintegration of a romantic relationship and its subsequent aftermath. Guest co-host Amanie Illfated and I talked to Leila about the allegorical nature of her new EP, how the passing of her younger sister impacted her approach to making music, an
S7E09 - Zorana Sadiq (Soprano & Actor)
Zorana Sadiq wears a lot of hats, including multidisciplinary artist, soprano, actor, and music teacher. Her latest project, MixTape, is a visceral one-person play that is "part memoir, part scientific inquiry, and part love song to listening." I talk to Zorana about the art of making a great mixtape, her tenure at Regent Park School of Music where she taught Polaris Prize-nominated Mustafa, a
S7E08 - Amanie Illfated (Afropop artist & Model)
Amanie Illfated is a South Sudanese Canadian Afropop/R&B singer/songwriter and model. By incorporating her past refugee experiences in her music, she touches on themes of empowerment, depression, and self-improvement. I talk to Amanie about leaving her family in Saskatchewan at 16 to pursue music in Toronto, working through her PTSD and trauma to create meaningful music, and being a closeted J
S7E07 - Rollerouge & Deesh (Jam Roller Skaters)
At the beginning of the pandemic, roller skating culture experienced a resurgence on social media and beyond. However, the recreational activity is more than just another nostalgic phenomenon-gone-viral; there's a rich history of black and brown skating communities that date all the way back to the '70s. Jared and Deejah, aka Rollerouge and Deesh, are two rising talents from Toronto's jam rollers
S7E06 - Meagan De Lima (R&B/Pop Artist)
Meagan De Lima is A Toronto-based r&b/pop artist that was recently awarded the Top Artist for Social Change in Canada. She has performed at "The Future Series: A Conversation with President Barack Obama, the Invictus Games, Canadian Music Week, and opened for Kehlani. I talked to Meagan about performing for President Obama last year, writing songs about coping with mental health issues, and workin
S7E05 - Big Norm & Keith Pedro (Comedians & Recording Artists)
Comedians Big Norm and Keith Pedro are like the Filipino counterparts to Method Man and Redman. As the hosts of the live cannabis comedy show Bare Jokes and members of the hip-hop comedy group Runnin' at the Mouth, their comedy offers hilarious observations about race relations, multiculturalism, and pop culture. In the second part of our extremely blunted interview, we talk to Big Norm and Ke
S7E04 - Big Norm & Keith Pedro (Comedians & Recording Artists)
Comedians Big Norm and Keith Pedro are like the Filipino counterparts to Method Man and Redman. As the hosts of the live cannabis comedy show Bare Jokes and members of the hip-hop comedy group Runnin' at the Mouth, their comedy offers hilarious observations about race relations, multiculturalism, and pop culture. In the first of a two-part blunted interview, I talked to the homies about perfor
S7E03 - Vince Jamal (R&B/Soul Artist)
Vince Jamal is a Toronto-based Barbadian R&B/soul singer who is as much influenced by his ancestral island riddims as the classic American soul music he was raised on. Somewhere in his complicated music DNA, you'll find soul legends like Marvin Gaye and Bill Withers, classic neo-soul ala D'Angelo and Maxwell, the contemporary hip-hop sounds of Anderson Paak, and calypso and soca music. I talke
S7E02 - Erika Iri5 (Multimedia Artist)
Erika Iri5 is a Chicago-based multimedia artist that works with various audio media, such as audiotape, VHS reel, and vinyl. Over the past 15 years, she's created a countless number of portraits of music icons like Prince, David Bowie, Amy Winehouse, Kurt Cobain, and Madonna. I talked to Erika about her creative process, making mixtapes as a teenager, and working on a Bruno Mars music video.
S7E01 - Justine Tyrell (R&B/Pop Artist)
Calgary R&B/pop artist Justine Tyrell was named one of Exclaim magazine's "Top 8 Emerging Canadian Artists You Need to Hear". She recently released her debut EP entitled While You Were Sleeping. I talk to Justine about Calgary's burgeoning R&B scene, how the music of Amy Winehouse inspired her to find her own voice, and how the title of her EP has more to do with insomnia than the Sandra Bullo
S6E11 - Seyblu (R&B/Soul Artist)
R&B artist Seyblu, aka Chelsey Bennett, has spent the majority of the past year writing and recording her new EP. Entitled the Silk Sessions EP, it is her first major project in more than four years. I talk to Chelsey about overcoming her recording anxieties at a secluded cabin up north, her favourite dance movies, and how she's been discovering both new and old soul/funk in the last year.
S6E10 - Sad Stab (Tattoo Artist)
Fion Liu, aka Sad Stab, is a multidisciplinary artist who is best known for their "abjectly adorable" tattoo art. They set an ambitious goal in 2016 to tattoo 50 touring music acts, which they successfully reached last year. I talk to Sad Stab about why they prefer using the stick-and-poke method over a tattoo gun, collecting rare vintage records, and their penchant for fixing vintage audio eq
S6E09 - Miya Adout (Music Therapist)
Miya Adout is the founder and executive director of Miya Music Therapy. Along with her fellow music therapists, Miya uses music purposefully within therapeutic relationships to support development, health, and well-being. We talk to Miya about how a middle school career aptitude test planted the seed of music therapy, how writing and listening to music helped an elderly man and an autistic te
S6E08 - KÔSA (R&B/Soul Artist)
Stacy Darko, aka KÔSA, is a Toronto-based classically-trained R&B/soul artist and producer. Having undergone an early music education at the Regent Park School of Music and the Etobicoke School of the Arts, she continued her studies at the University of British Columbia. I talk to KÔSA about how RPSM helped to nurture her passion for music; how she grew up on an eclectic diet of classical, top-4
S6E07 - Aiko Tomi (Electro-Pop Artist)
Electro-pop artist Aiko Tomi's music is equally comprised of M.I.A.'s manic hip-hop energy, the lush dream-pop sensibilities of Caroline Polachek, and the undeniable joy of an infectious J-pop hook. After a long hiatus from music, she's back with a brand new EP entitled For the Love and plenty of more new music on the way. I talk to Aiko about her new EP, the disconcerting rise in Asian-target
S6E06 - DJ Rasta Root (DJ/Producer/Manager, Phife Dawg)
On March 22, 2016, Malik Izaak Taylor, aka Phife Dawg from A Tribe Called Quest, died at the age of 45 due to complications related to diabetes. He left a massive void in hip hop music and culture, forever changing the way hip hop sounds, breathes, and lives on. On S6E06, I talk to Phife's longtime manager, producer, and friend, DJ Rasta Root, about his personal and professional relationship w
S6E05 - Kazeem Kuteyi (New Currency Co-Founder)
To quote Nia Long in Love Jones, Kazeem Kuteyi is something of "a Renaissance Black Man". As a DJ, promoter, creative director, photographer, and cultural curator, Kazeem is perhaps best known as the co-founder of youth cultural incubator called New Currency. I talk to Kazeem about the cultural shift that came with moving from Canada to Nigeria during his adolescence, what we can expect from the f
S6E04 - Rich Kidd (Rapper/Producer)
Rich Kidd is a two-time Juno nominated rapper/producer from Toronto. Over the past 15 years, Rich Kidd has produced tracks for artists like Kendrick Lamar, Drake, Busta Rhymes, Shad, and K-os. We talk to Rich about his legendary production sessions with Kendrick and Jay Electronica, serving as the Recording Arts program leader of The Remix Project, and the pro's and con's of hip-hop producer tags.
S6E03 - Natalya Amres (Fashion Designer)
Fashion designer Natalya Amres transforms everyday objects like basketballs and duffle bags into custom wearable art. In the past few years, Remixed by Tal has rose from virtual obscurity to partnering with brands like Nike, Adidas Tango, and Kappa. We talk to Natalya about creating custom pieces for Migos, Savannah Ré, and Kennedy Rd; attending a Nike female entrepreneurial event during NBA All-
S6E02 - Romain Avril (Chef)
Born in Paris, Chef Romain Avril has trained at some of France's top Michelin Star restaurants. As the former Executive Chef at La Societe Bistro and Lavelle, he was set to open his own restaurant, only to have his plans on hold as the result of the pandemic. We talk to Chef Avril about the ongoing toxicity in restaurant kitchens, discovering Florence and the Machine during their busking days in
S6E01 - Kennedy Rd. (R&B Artist)
The music of R&B artist Kennedy Rd. sounds like Aaliyah on LSD -- a euphoric haze whirlwind laced with honey-dipped nostalgia. Her sophomore EP Still Luv exhibits remarkable intentionality and confidence, making it resoundingly clear that 2021 will be her breakout year. Shelica and I talk to Kennedy about making and releasing new music during the pandemic, the importance of aligning herself with
S5E10 - Shelica Miller (Podcaster)
Originally hailing from Ottawa, Shelica Miller has been a lifelong music fan. As the host and producer of the podcast Hi Shelica, she has interviewed dozens of musicians and other creatives. In this season 5 finale, I talk to Shelica about her foray into podcasting, being exposed to a range of music by her DJ father, and why she was utterly speechless when she met Snoop Dogg.
S5E09 - Aiza (R&B Artist / Actress)
Aiza's music seamlessly blends the genres of R&B, Afro-pop, and funk, instilling a sense of unbridled euphoria. The Allan Slaight JUNO Master Class winner is also an accomplished actress with many film and television credits, including the massively popular comedy series, Workin' Moms. Guest co-host Chelsey Bennet and I talk to Aiza about growing up listening to her dad's eclectic mixes spanning f
S5E08 - Ro Joaquim (Hip-Hop / R&B Artist)
It's hard to believe that hip-hop/R&B artist Ro Joaquim wasn't always confident about his vocals. His richly textured voice has a buoyant quality that soars above the atmospheric production of songs like "Touchdown", "Inner Peace", and "Water Fights". Guest co-host Chelsey Bennett (aka Sey Blu) and I talked to Ro about learning how to pivot during the pandemic, the benefits of shooting a music vid
S5E07 - Gillespie Brothers (DJs & Promoters)
As DJs and promoters, the Gillespie Brothers have thrown some of the best parties in Toronto for nearly two decades. But with the pandemic shutting down all parties for the unforeseen future, Dave and Ray have been forced to pivot like many of us. Together with my former co-host, Jeff Woo, we talk to the Gillespie Brothers about what they've been listening to during COVID, how they organize their
S5E06 - Sean Pascalle (Poetry Jazz Cafe)
Since quietly opening its doors in the spring of 2011, Poetry Jazz Cafe has become a popular live jazz, funk, and soul venue in the heart of Toronto's Kensington Market. However, like most music venues around the world, Poetry was forced to temporarily close in mid-March to prevent the further spread of COVID-19. And while it was able to resume its indoor service in July, the Ontario government re
S5E05 - Derek Antonio (Pop Music)
Pop Music is an independent record store located in the East Chinatown district of Toronto. Owner Derek Antonio, who was previously the GM of the now-defunct HMV Superstore, offers a less-judgy crate-digging experience compared to some of his competitors. I talked to Derek about adapting to a new business model during the pandemic, building his music collection through Columbia House as a young ch
S5E04 - OKAN (Afro-Cuban Jazz Band)
The women-led Toronto band OKAN seamlessly blend their Afro-Cuban roots with jazz, folk, and international flavours. Their music evokes a great deal of passion, so it's rather fitting that their namesake stems from the word for heart in the Afro-Cuban religion of Santeria. I talked to band leaders and real-life couple Elizabeth Rodriguez and Magdelys Savigne about their upcoming sophomore album Es
S4E03 - Minzi Roberta (DJ/Writer/Filmmaker)
Minzi Roberta is a woman of many hats, including DJ, promoter, writer, filmmaker, and designer. As the co-founder of the arts and music collective Kuruza, Minzi has thrown some of the hottest parties in the last two years. On S5E03, I talk to Minzi about growing up in Japan as a biracial person, the importance of listening to a playlist in order, and how to be a better ally to the black community.
S5E02 - Ezra Furman (Punk Rock Artist)
Chicago-based singer-songwriter Ezra Furman has spent more than a decade making honest and intelligent punk rock music. On the heels of soundtracking two seasons of the popular Netflix series Sex Education, she's back with her eighth album entitled Twelve Nudes. We talk to Ezra about the new album's self-assured lyricism, how she recently came out as transgender, and the enormous impact of discove
S5E01 - Alex Cameron (Indie Rock Artist)
Australian indie rock singer-songwriter Alex Cameron hails from New York by way of Sydney. Though some critics have compared his songwriting and music to Bowie and Nick Cave, Alex himself says he's most influenced by Roy Orbison. We talk to Alex about his third album Miami Memory, his personal and creative relationship with actress Jemima Kirke (Girls), and collaborating with The Killers frontman
S4E12 - Pallas Athene (Experimental Electronic Pop)
project that features lo-fi dream vocals and minimalistic beats. As one-half of indie art-rock duo Lilla Drömland, Pallas Athene explores the theme of man vs machine in an increasingly dystopian world. We talk to Breanna about her new self-titled EP; meeting her musical hero, Massive Attack's 3D; and being the musical black sheep of her family.
S4E11: The Flyer Vault (Daniel Tate & Rob Bowman)
After archiving hundreds of Toronto concert flyers on Instagram, Daniel Tate teamed up with music professor and historian Rob Bowman to expand the project into a comprehensive book. Published by Dundurn Press, "The Flyer Vault: 150 Years of Toronto Concert History" is a fascinating exploration of the city's most seminal live music shows. We talk to Daniel and Rob about some of their most memorable
S4E10 - M.I.N.D. (Hip-Hop/Punk Band)
Toronto lo-fi, hip-hop/punk band M.I.N.D. conjures the sounds of early N.E.R.D., Rage Against The Machine, and the Beastie Boys. Tweens Mazin (vocals), Oscar (drums), and Wolf (keyboard) formed the band four years ago after meeting at an alternative elementary school. We talk to the boys about their disparate musical influences, their debut EP Fire, and how sometimes parents just don't understand.
S4E09 - Richard Marsella (Friendly Rich, RPSM Director)
As the executive director of Regent Park School of Music, the man behind experimental pop project Friendly Rich, and the host/producer of Industry Tactics podcast, Richard Marsella wears many hats. He's set to release his 11th studio album with accompanying music video, which will premiere at Friendly Rich's Indie Arts Festival on November 2nd. We talk to Richard about RPSM students being sampled
S4E08 - Rob Carli (Awesome Music Project co-founder)
The Awesome Music Project is a Canadian fundraising initiative designed to further research relating to music's profound impact on mental health. Through their new book and a series of events, the nonprofit is spreading awareness on how music can reduce stress, ease depression in the youth, improve the quality of life for dementia patients and even help premature babies grow and develop. We talk t
S4E07 - Darby Wheeler (Producer/Filmmaker)
Darby Wheeler is an accomplished television producer and filmmaker whose credits include The Strombo Show and Matty Matheson's Dead Set on Life. His latest project, Hip-Hop Evolution, is an award-winning Netflix docu-series that profiles the history of hip-hop music through in-depth interviews with influential artists. We talk to Darby about assuming the enormous responsibility of telling the st
S4E06 - DJ Cosmo (DJ/Producer) w/ Maya Killtron
Turntablist and producer DJ Cosmo started as a scratch DJ in the early 2000s, winning the Halifax DMC Competition, before moving on to become the first Canadian Redbull3style Champ in 2009. As the backup Dj / musical coordinator for rapper Azealia Banks, he has performed at major festivals around the world including Coachella, Glastonbury, and Lollapalooza. Guest co-host Maya Killtron and I talk t
S4E05 - The APX (Electro-Funk Duo)
Atlanta's The APX is an electro-funk duo comprised of married couple Dee and Erika Rhodes. The duo is as equally inspired by funk staples like Zapp and The Gap Band as they are by more contemporary electronic acts like Kaytranada and Chromeo. I talk to Dee and Erika about their sophomore album Amplified Experiment, drawing the attention of Teddy Riley and Jody Watley, and how to sustain a successf
S404 - Charlotte Cornfield (Singer-Songwriter) w/ Tara Kannangara
Toronto singer-songwriter Charlotte Cornfield combines confessional lyrics with a conversational vocal delivery, reminiscent of icons like Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell and Neil Young. Having studied jazz drumming at Concordia University, she is well-versed in a myriad of other instruments, including piano, guitar and French horn. Guest co-host Tara Kannagara and I talk to Charlotte about her latest al
S4E03 - Haviah Mighty (Rapper / Producer)
As an emcee, producer and one-third of hip-hop group The Sorority, Brampton's Haviah Mighty is a force to be reckoned with. Her solo debut record 13th Floor showcases her versatile delivery and flow, raw lyricism, and innovative production chops. Justin spoke to Haviah about her album being shortlisted for the Polaris Music Prize, experiencing racism while growing up in East Toronto, and the hyper
S4E02 - MUSIC STORIES
To celebrate the two-year anniversary of This Broken Mixtape, we held a live storytelling event in early July. The event features a talented lineup of musicians, comedians and music industry players, including David Hayman, Tara Kannangara, Rodrigo Fernandez-Stoll, Maya Killtron, DJ Cosmo, Rhiannon Archer, Gaurav Sawhney, Chelsey Bennett, and Big Norm. You'll hear stories about how various albums
S4E01 - Dre Ngozi w/ Tara Kannagara
Harnessing a true nomadic spirit, DJ/producer Dre Ngozi has always been moved by music spanning countries and cultures around the world. In any given set, you'll hear her spin everything from classic hip-hop and R&B, to island riddims and Afrobeat, to electro and house, and everything in-between. Guest co-host Tara and I talk to Dre about her humble beginnings as a "radio DJ" at the age of nine, o
S3E12 - Jeff's Final Show
On Jeff's final episode, Justin and Jeff discuss the exciting future of This Broken Mixtape, recent concerts and albums they've explored, and the Toronto Raptors' history-making journey to the NBA Finals.
S3E11 - Lou Phelps (Rapper / Producer)
Louis-Philippe Celestin, otherwise known as Lou Phelps, is a Montreal rapper and producer. Hip hop heads first took notice in 2011 when Phelps and his older brother -- producer Kaytranada -- released their first album as The Celestics. Since then, the Haitian-Canadian brothers have gone on to pursue their own solo careers. We talked to Lou about his latest album Love Me, the time Madlib compared K
S3E10 - Sasha Sloan (Singer-Songwriter)
Singer-songwriter Sasha Sloan was only a few months into her studies at Boston's Berklee College of Music before she signed a publishing deal. After a few years of living in Los Angeles -- writing for some of the biggest pop artists in music -- she decided to focus her energy on her own singing career. We spoke to Sasha about writing for artists like John Legend and Charli XCX, the folk-Americana
S3E09 - Rodrigo Fernandez-Stoll (Comedian/Actor)
Rodrigo Fernandez-Stoll is man of many hats: comedian, actor, singer, and a self-professed 'Filterhead'. He currently stars in Kim's Convenience and Northern Rescue, and is releasing his first comedy music album this spring. We sat down with Rodrigo to talk about his obsession with Venom, how he's convinced several people he is Adam Duritz of the Counting Crows, and that time in high school when h
S3E08 - UPSAHL (Singer-Songwriter)
Singer-songwriter Taylor Upsahl, aka UPSAHL, started playing guitar and piano at the tender age of 5. Influenced by a wide range of artists, including The Shins, Spoon, Lorde and Beyonce, she decided to postpone her college plans to move to L.A. to pursue a music career. We sat down with UPSAHL to discuss her new EP Hindsight 20/20, how falling in love with her male gay best friend inspired her so
S3E07 - Wet (Indie-Pop Duo)
Brooklyn indie-pop duo Wet seamlessly blends synthpop, folk, soft rock and '90s R&B sounds into a melancholic gumbo. Their sophomore record, Still Run, builds on their emotional-pop sound with 10 songs that embody an overwhelming sense of loss. We sat down with lead singer-songwriter Kelly Zutrau to talk about how their co-founding member's departure impacted the band's dynamic, how she continues
S3E06 - Daniela Andrade (Singer-Songwriter / Producer)
Montreal singer-songwriter Daniela Andrade began performing and posting originals and covers on YouTube a decade ago. With more than 1.7 million YouTube subscribers, she's cultivated an impressive career that includes three EPs and extensive touring around the world. We sat down with Daniela to talk about transitioning from a YouTube singer to a bonafide artist and producer, recruiting luchadores
S3E05 - Tara Kannangara (Jazz Vocalist / Trumpeter)
Juno-nominated vocalist and trumpeter Tara Kannangara marries traditional jazz with the more accessible sounds of pop, electronic and musical theatre. Hailing from Chilliwack, BC, she studied classical piano and singing before eventually moving to Toronto to pursue jazz studies at the University of Toronto. We sat down with Tara at her Little Italy condo to discuss how she played Mary Poppins in a
S3E04 - Danielle Suppa (Souvenir)
Working as a retail, exhibition and studio space, Toronto's Souvenir celebrates emerging designers, makers and artists in a collective, gallery-inspired setting. The contemporary design store carries a range of products, including ceramics, home goods, jewellery, accessories, textiles, perfumes, candles, skin and body care, stationary, art, and books. We sat down with owner and designer Danielle S
S3E03 - Harrison (Electronic/R&B Producer)
In just five short years, Toronto-bred Harrison has become one of Canada's most innovative producers. Initially inspired by anime and video game soundtracks, the 23-year-old has already released two albums -- the first of which was nominated for a Juno award. We sat down with Harrison to talk about how his musician parents instilled in him a sense of passion and work ethic for music, learning abou
S3E02 - Teenanger (Post-Punk Band)
For over a decade, self-proclaimed "not-so-successful to moderately successful band" Teenanger has been a mainstay of Toronto's post-punk scene. With five albums under their belt, the four-piece's latest record Teenager is a tongue-in-cheek reference to the band's commonly-misread name. We sat down with Teenanger's Chris Swimmings (vocals) and Steve Sidoli (drums) to talk about how their serendipi
S3E01 - Dan Boeckner (Operators/Wolf Parade)
Over the past 15 years, Dan Boeckner has become a well-known fixture of the North American indie-rock scene. As one of the main members of Wolf Parade, Operators, Divine Fits, and the now-defunct Handsome Furs, he shows no signs of slowing down with new Operators and Wolf Parade albums set for release this year. We caught up with Dan before the sold-out Operators Presents Handsome Furs show to dis
S2E28 - Justin Lee & Jeff Woo (Best of 2018)
On season closer S2E28, Jeff and Justin discuss the year in music, including the top news stories, concerts, singles and albums. The guys also share some of their personal insights and memories related to music throughout the year. This Broken Mixtape will return with Season 3 on January 10, 2019, featuring a new bi-weekly format.
S2E27 - Wild Nothing (Dream Pop Band)
Wild Nothing frontman Jack Tatum started his then-solo dream pop project making low-fi recordings in his college dorm room at Virginia Tech. The band's fourth record, Indigo, leans more into Tatum's new wave influences. Thematically, the album explores how love and relationships have shifted in the digital age. We sat down with Tatum before their packed Opera House show to talk about how Indigo to
S2E26 - Julian Finkel (Model Citizen)
For nearly 15 years, Model Citizen in Toronto's Kensington Market has been a popular menswear boutique for the cool and sophisticated gentleman. With an assortment of Canadian labels and hip graphic T's, the store certainly lives up to its motto 'You Deserve a Better (Dressed) Boyfriend)'. We sat down with owner Julian Finkel to discuss the rock n' roll aesthetic of Model Citizen, silk-screening t
S2E25 - Heightfiveseven (Record Collector)
Record collector fanatic Logan Melissa is perhaps best known by her Instagram handle HeightFiveSeven. It all started on Thanksgiving 2012 when Logan posted a photo of herself recreating the album cover of Minnie Riperton's Adventures In Paradise. Six years later, her Instagram page has managed to build an impressive following of nearly 55,000 fans. We spoke to Logan Melissa via phone the day after
S2E24 - BLACKPOWERBARBIE (Illustrator & Animator)
Toronto animator and illustrator Amika Cooper, better known as BlackPowerBarbie, creates art that celebrates feminism and Afrocentrism in a playful way. She's earned several notable commissions this year, including the Gardiner Museum's Yoko Ono-inspired installation, an animated spot for TIFF's Black Star programme, and a trailer for Shad's A Short Story About a War. We sat down with Amika to tal
S2E23 - Turquoise Jeep (Hip Hop Group)
Almost a decade ago, rappers Flynt Flossy and Whatchyamacallit founded Turquoise Jeep Records, an independent hip hop label and group. Carving out a genre they self-describe as "Existing Musical Beings", the Jeep is known for viral music videos like "Lemme Smang It", "Fried Or Fertilized", and "Sex Syrup". We sat down with the homies -- Flynt Flossy, Whatchyamacallit, Pierre Cashmere -- to talk ab
S2E22 - Sam Evian (Singer-Songwriter/Producer)
Sam Owens is a New York-based singer-songwriter, musician and producer who records under the moniker Sam Evian. His sophomore album, "You, Forever", was just released in June. Recorded in a small house in the woods in Woodstock, New York, the album was inspired by a life-altering road trip across America. We sat down with Sam Evian to talk about how finding various multi-track recordings of classi
S2E21 - Dr. Chayim Newman (Psychologist)
Dr. Chayim Newman is a clinical psychologist that uses various therapeutic methods to treat difficulties with anxiety and stress, mood and depression, relationships, chronic or stress-related medical illness, and other psychological/emotional issues. With over two decades of experience as a touring performer, event producer, and artist liaison, he has a first-hand understanding of the unique chall
S2E20 - Dudebox (Said Yassin & Ahmad Taib)
When Dudebox co-founders Said Yassin and Ahmad Taib first began throwing parties at their Chinatown loft in 2007, they had no idea that they would grow into a social enterprise. Over the past decade, they've raised nearly $200,000 for various charities by throwing a series of legendary parties in unconventional Toronto spaces. We sat down with the dudes to talk about using Google Street View to sc
S2E19 - Anupa Mistry (Music Journalist/Digital Producer) Pt.2
Music journalist-turned-digital producer Anupa Mistry has been writing about music and culture for over a decade. Her work has appeared in Pitchfork, VICE, Rolling Stone, NYMag/Vulture, The Guardian, and The Globe & Mail. In part 2 of our interview, we talk to Anupa about the cultural impact of The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill, recording songs off the radio throughout her adolescence, and when s
S2E18 - Anupa Mistry (Music Journalist/Digital Producer) Pt.1
Music journalist-turned-digital producer, Anupa Mistry has been writing about music and culture for over a decade. Her work has appeared in Pitchfork, VICE, Rolling Stone, NYMag/Vulture, The Guardian, and The Globe & Mail. In part 1 of our interview, we talk to Anupa about how she first got into music journalism, the infamous Pitchfork rating system, and going down a never-ending ASMR YouTube sp
S2E17 - Aerin Fogel (Venus Fest Founder)
Musician Aerin Fogel decided to create Venus Fest after recognizing an inherent need for a safe space where women and non-binary musical artists as well as music fans could thrive in. Now in its second year, the Toronto music festival and concert series will be held September 20-22 with headliners Moor Mother, Zola Jesus, Bully and Partner. We sat down with Aerin to talk about navigating through t
S2E16 - Okay Kaya (Singer-Songwriter/Model)
Singer-songwriter/Model Kaya Wilkins, aka Okay Kaya, recorded the majority of her debut record in her Brooklyn apartment. The ethereal, melancholic bedroom-pop album delves into themes of racial identity, sexuality, insecurity, and mental health. We talked to Kaya over the phone about the benefits of recording in her own home, playing White Stripes covers with her older brother, and her most favo
S2E15 - Greatest Hits Vol.3
In celebration of their first year anniversary, we recount some of our favourite stories from interviews over the past year. In the third volume of our retrospective episodes, we share clips from guests Moon Eyed, CATL, Bodega, Shilpa Ray, Tammy Yiu, Simone Ferkul, Big Norm, Snail Mail, Moscow Apartment, In Vintage We Trust, Maylee Todd, Sugar Brown, Richard Cureton, and Aisha Brown.
S2E14 - Greatest Hits Vol.2
In celebration of our first year anniversary, we share some of our favourite stories about memorable albums from our childhood discussed in interviews over the past year. In the second volume of this retrospective series, we share clips from guests Eric Spitznagel, The Gillespie Brothers, Aisha Brown, Wafia, Lauren Pirie, Tanika Charles, Jonas Bonnetta, Shad, Maya Killtron, Big Norm, Snail Mail,
S2E13 - Greatest Hits Vol.1
In celebration of our first year anniversary and the 50th milestone episode, we look back at some of our favourite mixtape stories from past episodes. You'll hear from Common Holly, David Hayman, Rhiannon Archer, Kip Berman, Kohji Nagata, Blue Sky Miners, Japanese Breakfast, Malin Johnson, Lilla Drömland, and Trevor LaRocque, along with samples of the memorable songs that were featured on their mi
S2E12 - Richard Cureton (Music Video Producer)
As one of the Executive Producers at Revolver Films, Richard Cureton has produced some of the most innovative works in the world of music video, advertising and digital. For the past 25 years, he has worked on over 1,000 videos for artists like Drake, Arcade Fire, Broken Social Scene, Feist, Stereolab, DJ Shadow, Spoon, and Belle and Sebastian, to name a few. We sat down with Richard to talk about
S2E11 - Simone Ferkul (Interior/Industrial Designer)
Simone Ferkul is a Toronto-based multidisciplinary designer who specializes in interior and industrial design. In her own words, Simone combines "traditional means of production with modern day processes to create a progressive design approach that is responsive to contemporary culture." We spoke to Simone about winning Best-in-Show at Umbra's 2017 Compact Living Exhibition for her Sling Planter p
S2E10 - BODEGA (Art Punk Band)
The buzz for New York art-punk band Bodega began brewing months before their debut album was even announced. Signed to acclaimed independent punk label What's Yr Rupture?, much of the hype surrounding the band can be attributed to their phenomenal live show. We sat down with Benji Hozie and Nikki Belfiglio of Bodega to discuss how the debut album explores their love/hate relationship with tech
S2E09 - Snail Mail (Indie Rock Band)
Snail Mail began as a solo project of teenage singer and guitarist Lindsey Jordan. Her outstanding debut album, Lush, contains 10 deeply confessional tales anchored by 90s-inspired lo-fi indie riffs. Joined by guest host Jennifer Buchanan of Indie Shuffle, we talked to Lindsey about finding a "soul-sister" in Liz Phair, reenacting Say Anything's iconic boombox scene, and why Kristen Stewart is h
S2E08 - Chelsey Bennett (Neo Soul/Jazz Singer-Songwriter)
Toronto Neo-Soul/Jazz singer-songwriter Chelsey Bennett is one of the hardest working live performers in the city. On any given night, you'll find her playing an intimate set at a cozy bar or music venue. We sat down with Chelsey to discuss how she eventually rejected her classical/opera teachings to pursue jazz and soul music, regularly performing at the Practice jam sessions, and which music le
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