The Crystal Ballroom

John Orpheus is a Trini Troubadour and Pan-African poet whose musical journey has taken him from the Trinidad bush, to blues and folk festivals across Canada, to some of the biggest rock and roll stages in the world. Born and raised in the town of New Grant, South-Central Trinidad, J.O. grew up singing in Pentecostal and Shango Baptist churches. After attending the famed Presentation College in the same year as legendary soca singer Machel Montano, he immigrated to Canada where he soon became fully immersed in the music life.His current musical iteration with his musical soulmate, DJ/drummer Sarah Jane Riegler, and singer/dancer Chaenel Mattise combines hip-hop swagger, afrobeats energy and dancehall charisma to create a sound built on big catchy hooks, African rhythms and Caribbean twang. The trio is known for rabble-rousing live shows, filled with audience participation, chanting and impromptu dance offs that feel more like Caribana road parties than concerts. As J.O. likes to declare: “SO WE DO IT!”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9TUxKgVtK_E

Thompson Egbo-Egbo’s latest album, A New Standard, was released on January 19A New Standard is Thompson Egbo-Egbo’s inaugural release as a new signee to Entertainment One, and the first recorded with his group consisting of drummer, Jeff Halischuk, and bassist, Randall Hall. Great tracks to start with include My Favourite Things (from The Sound Of Music), Radiohead’s Exit Music and Lo Baiom Velo Balyla, a Hebrew love song. The album is a collection of traditional and contemporary compositions from artists such as Bob Dylan and Radiohead, while deftly transforming old favourites.Born in Nigeria, Thompson moved to Toronto with his family when he was four, and began his piano journey at age six. He developed his talents through a local music school before studying Jazz Performance at Toronto’s Humber College, and attended Berklee College of Music in Boston, where he lived for three years. He has composed music for Canadian Contemporary Dance Theatre, performed with the London production of the popular Canadian stage play, Da Kink In My Hair, and played for Quincy Jones, along with Prince Charles, Prince Edward and Prince Phillip. He has also toured and recorded with Toronto artists, SATE and Merna. In 2007, he produced a medley for the year’s Canadian Songwriter’s Hall of Fame induction ceremony, a class that included Joni Mitchell. A lover of fashion and travel (he is fond of Greece, and lived there for a period while studding at Berklee), food, and sports as an avid soccer and basketball player, Thompson is not only a Renaissance man, but possesses a truly philanthropic soul. Growing up in Regent Park, the Dixon Hall Music School helped him excel in his art form, so he is motivated to help a new generation of Toronto kids transcend their social and economic circumstances through music. He runs a program through the Thompson T. Egbo-Egbo Arts Foundation in the Jane/Finch neighbourhood teaching composition to children, and has also collaborated with fellow Regent artist, Mustafa The Poet on a video honouring the community, and its revitalization, called Spectrum of Hope.

Tiny Moving Parts is a self-described family band consisting of brothers William Chevalier and Matthew Chevalier, and their cousin Dylan Mattheisen. The trio started playing together in junior high and have been together since then.www.tinymovingparts.com/https://www.facebook.com/tinymovingparts/https://tinymovingparts.bandcamp.com/

A little crossover we did with Bunz

Quick update on the podcast

The Maladies of Adam Stokes is a band that our co-host Kohji is a member of. If you want to hear that band that he won't shut up about, this episode is for you. We were also joined by Ted and Josh. It's really just a bunch of good friends hanging out. https://themaladiesofadamstokes.bandcamp.com/ https://www.facebook.com/MaladiesofAS/ https://open.spotify.com/artist/7CcaCs1yFK9Wgmtn491rTn

Following a long run on the children's music circuit, Feltworth, the fuzzy quartet of brothers Dezi and Manny Feltworth, Morris Katzenburd, and Cozy Balboa have just issued their first 7-inch single made for an older audience. Taking influence from a wide range, including but not limited to the Beach Boys, Joy Divison, Cheap Trick, and 90s indie rock, Feltworth’s new, mature work is reaching out to the parents of the kids they used to play to (or maybe even the grown up kids themselves). Check out the first release from Feltworth, a limited edition 7” vinyl featuring “Forget This Feeling” and “You Turn Me On” Website - http://feltworth.com/ Bandcamp - https://feltworth.bandcamp.com/ Twitter - https://twitter.com/feltworth Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/feltworth/ Instagram - hhttps://www.instagram.com/feltworth/

The Celebration Army is a band digging intro the golden ages of classic rock but with a contemporary edge. 2018 will see tour dates across Canada and beyond following their debut full length release last March. Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/user/TheCelebrationArmy Website - https://www.thecelebrationarmy.com/ Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/user/thecelebrationarmy Twitter - https://twitter.com/CelebrationArmy Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/TheCelebrationArmy Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/the_celebration_army/

Throwback feel good 90s pop for 2017, rIVerse is a four piece from Toronto focusing on positive energy messages and feel good performance experiences. This week all four members, Dizz, Khadija, Zak and Monroe join us in studio to get their cards read! Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDpsIpLA8hAguHdHrprC-sA Soundcloud - https://soundcloud.com/rIVerseLive Twitter - https://twitter.com/riverselive Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/rIVerseLive/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/rIVerseLive/

Jagwar Ma is an Australian psychedelic dance rock trio we chatted with at Wayhome this year.  We get down to the real serious business and talk history and future of American (and world) politics in this episode.  Spooky. www.jagwarma.com www.twitter.com/jagwarma www.instagram.com/jagwarma www.facebook.com/JagwarMa

Magic Giant is a three-piece out of LA, California playing upbeat, folksy arena pop. We talked to their tour drummer Kosta and his brother and tour tech / photographer Telly. (We’ll post Kosta’s unknown music youtube/spotify playlist as soon as Vanessa gets off her butt and does it! Sorry!) www.magicgiant.com www.twitter.com/magicgiant www.instagram.com/magicgiant www.facebook.com/magicgiant

The Darcys are a two-piece art-rock group born and raised in the GTA.  We got em in studio with us to talk about all sorts of shit.  Including actual shit.    Hole In One: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hole_in_one Bristol Stool Chart: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bristol_stool_scale You can find the song we played today, “Arizona Hwy”  on their 2016 album Centrefold Soundcloud - https://soundcloud.com/the-darcys  Website -  www.thedarcys.ca  Facebook - www.fb.me/itsthedarcys Twitter - www.twitter.com/itsthedarcys Instagram - www.instagram.com/thedarcys

This week we sat down with Kaia Kater. Its the last of our interviews from Hillside. Remeber that? Kaia was amazing to speak to. Don't forget to check out her song Saint Elizabeth https://www.kaiakater.com/

First ghost: Website -  http://www.firstghost.com/ Bandcamp - https://firstghost.bandcamp.com/ Twitter - https://twitter.com/firstghostband Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/firstghostband Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/firstghostca/

Kohji is in Japan

this week we chat with an old friend of mine, Matt from the band Absolutely Free. We talk about history, new new metal, and get deep and spooky.

Following a long run on the children's music circuit, Feltworth, the fuzzy quartet of brothers Dezi and Manny Feltworth, Morris Katzenburd, and Cozy Balboa have just issued their first 7-inch single made for an older audience. Taking influence from a wide range, including but not limited to the Beach Boys, Joy Divison, Cheap Trick, and 90s indie rock, Feltworth’s new, mature work is reaching out to the parents of the kids they used to play to (or maybe even the grown up kids themselves). Check out the first release from Feltworth, a limited edition 7” vinyl featuring “Forget This Feeling” and “You Turn Me On” Website - http://feltworth.com/ Bandcamp - https://feltworth.bandcamp.com/ Twitter - https://twitter.com/feltworth Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/feltworth/ Instagram - hhttps://www.instagram.com/feltworth/

Shawn William Clarke is an indie folk songwriter, twice nominated as Songwriter of the Year in NOW magazine's Best of Toronto poll. His recent release, TOPAZ, was inspired by 80's Gordon Lightfoot, Kenny Buttrey's drumming on Neil Young's "Harvest"; and the existential dilemma's we faced in 2016. Check out his various southern Ontario concerts coming up in the next few weeks, including his September 16th show at Burdock here in Toronto! Website -  https://http://www.shawnwilliamclarke.com/ Twitter - https://twitter.com/shawnclarke/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/ShawnWClarke/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/shawnwclarke/

Pop music with depth and sincerity is the name of Jordan Alexander’s game.  Quickly coming into the Toronto music scene, her 2016 debut album released to positive reviews, being lauded as an up and comer, in the music scene.   Hopefully you got to check her out recently at the Hamilton Renaissance Music Festival in McClaren Park, and keep an eye out for more performances and videos coming soon.  You can also check out her newest release “I Don’t Think About You” with 10Digits! Website -  https://www.jordanalexandermusic.com/ Twitter - https://twitter.com/jordan4music Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/jordanalexandermusicxx/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jordanalexandermusic/

Staying true to his namesake, Flakes comes from the small ski town of Park City, Utah. He got his start in music as a jazz pianist, performing in various ensembles, culminating in performances at Telluride Jazz Fest and Carnigie Hall. In 2014, Flakes began his studies at Berklee College of Music in Boston as an Electronic Production and Design major. Since then his style developed into an eclectic and organic, yet uncompromising electronic sound. (Jazz) playlist - Thelonious Monk, Bill Evans, Snarky Puppy, Dirty Loops, Jacon Colyer, Badbadnotgood, Anomalie (producer), Twitter: https://twitter.com/flakesmakes Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/flakesmakes

Jason Maxwell is a country singer-songwriter and recording artist from Thornhill, Ontario.  Jason began by posting a few videos of his performance on social media. After a few months, Jason was recruited to perform with a local country group. After gaining a wealth of experience performing live on-stage, he has since progressed to a career as a solo recording artist. You can find the song we played today, “Constellation Conversation” on the radio, as well as his newly released EP Website -  http://www.jmaxwellmusic.com/ Soundcloud - https://soundcloud.com/jmaxwellmusic Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/jmaxwellmusic Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jmaxwellmusic

Live from Hillside with Mt. Joy The song is called Sheep Website: http://www.mtjoyband.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mtjoyband/  Twitter: https://twitter.com/MtJoyBand Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mtjoyband/  Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/mtjoyband 

Iduna is a four-piece alt-rock band based in Toronto.  Inspired by The Smashing Pumpkins, Pearl Jam, Radiohead, and Stone Temple Pilots, Iduna brings 90s rock sensibilities into the present day.   You can find the song we played today, “Breaking Orbit ” on their self titled 2016 album Website -  http://idunamusic.com/ Soundcloud - https://soundcloud.com/iduna-music Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Idunamusic/ Twitter - https://twitter.com/idunamusic Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/idunamusic/

This week we have Snoqualmie on the show. We talk about tiny horses wearing sweaters and the love/hate relationship with touring. Check out snoqualmie's newest release Sad Sack Canadiana on bandcamp. Instagram:           http://instagram.com/snoqualmieband Twitter:                http://twitter.com/snoqualmieband Facebook:           http://facebook.com/snoqualmieband Website:              http://snoqualmieband.com Youtube:              https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgkK2jWpGOurDUcvmRPg8wQ Bandcamp:          https://snoqualmie.bandcamp.com/ iTunes:                 https://itunes.apple.com/album/id1253275340?ls=1&app=itunes

Live from Hillside with Jaunt The song is called Gentle Reminder

Slamboni is a Toronto-based 4 piece ska, punk, reggae and rock anthem band.  They bring the party vibes with catchy, feel-good songs with a ton of beachy SOCAL energy.   You can find the song we played today, “Beech Av. 322 ” on their self titled 2016 album Website -  http://www.slamboniband.com Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/slambonimusic Twitter - http://twitter.com/slamboniband Instagram - http://instagram.com/slamboni

The Databats are a Toronto based music duo exploring experimental electronic music, multidisciplinary and performance art, and video projection work.   Their newest release, “Bodies” is the first off their upcoming EP “Of Water”. Check it out on their bandcamp (link below)! Also, they’ll be kicking off a mini-tour at Stop Drop & Roll on September 2!  Go see some art music! Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/thedatabats Bandcamp: https://thedatabats.bandcamp.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/The.Databats/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/thedatabats Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedatabats/

Champion Lover is a 4 piece noise punk band out of Toronto. Masuda brothers Bill and Ted came in to chat with us in studio about the band and a million other things. You can find the song we played today, “Spring Break” on their self titled first album. Bandcamp - http://championlovermusic.bandcamp.com/ Website -  http://www.championlover.ca/ Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/championlovermusic Twitter - http://twitter.com/CHAMPIONLOVERRR Instagram - http://instagram.com/championloveryyz

Beth Torbert is a Canadian singer-songwriter, actress, and motivational speaker best known by her stage name Bif Naked.  Bif is a bold and energetic rock star with a career spanning over 20 years, including the hit “Spaceman” which remains the highest-spun independent song in Canadian history. She has written an autobiography, “I, Bificus” with another book in the works. There are still some tickets left for her show TONIGHT, June 21 in Toronto at Adelaide Hall with Crystal Ballroom alumni Altered by Mom and Iduna!  http://adelaidehallto.com/   Keep an eye out for other shows in Ottawa and nearby! Fur Bearing Animals: http://thefurbearers.com/ Welfare Food Challenge: https://welfarefoodchallenge.org/ Raise The Rates: https://raisetherates.org/ You can find the song we played today, “Tango Shoes” on the 2012 acoustic release “Bif Naked Forever”, with the original version appearing on her 2001 album “Purge Website: www.bifnaked.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheOneAndOnlyBif/ Twitter: www.twitter.com/bifnaked Instagram @theoneandonlybifnaked

Tyson Coady is a Toronto based singer/songwriter/producer originally from Vancouver, BC.  We talk with him about travelling, acting, rum-pirates, goals and dreams.  Keep an eye out for Tyson Coady’s upcoming shows and his upcoming spring release.   You can find Tyson’s earlier releases on Soundcloud Soundcloud - https://soundcloud.com/tysoncoady Facebook - www.fb.me/Tysoncoady Twitter - https://twitter.com/Tysoncoady ​​​​​​​Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/tysoncoady/

Angora is a blues-rock 5 piece .  Lead singer Kalya and guitarist Mike join us in studio this week.  Channeling Led Zeppelin, The Stones, and The Who, Angora combines blues and rock with a variety of other influences to form an eclectic blend of music. Zero To Hero - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sCoJvu8PF7QKeep an eye out for Angora playing The Cameron House here in Toronto, on June 9th.You can find the song we played today, “Giles Corey”  on their second release, “TWO”.Bandcamp - https://angoraband.bandcamp.com/ Soundcloud - https://soundcloud.com/mike-richard-378704523 Website -  www.angoraband.weebly.com Facebook - www.fb.me/AngoraTwitter - www.twitter.com/therealangora

Goodnight, Sunrise members Vanessa and David join us in studio this week to probe the deck about their future success.  We touch on bouncy castles, gluten free pizza and grabbing the music industry by the horns.   Goodnight, Sunrise’s next show is their annual birthday show at Adelaide Hall on June 2, here in Toronto.  Check it out and party! World Record Setting Longest Concert Ever https://epidemicmusicgroup.ca/guinness-world-records/  You can find the song we played today, “All Things Past”  on their second album Falling Awake. Soundcloud - https://soundcloud.com/gnsrband Website -  http://www.goodnightsunrise.ca/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/gnsrband Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/gnsrband/ 

The Darcys are a two-piece art-rock group born and raised in the GTA.  We got em in studio with us to talk about all sorts of shit.  Including actual shit.    They’ll be kicking off their summer tour on June 1 in Toronto at the Power Plant, be sure to check em out, and keep an ear out for the new EP this Friday, May 26th. Hole In One: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hole_in_one Bristol Stool Chart: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bristol_stool_scale You can find the song we played today, “Arizona Hwy”  on their 2016 album Centrefold Soundcloud - https://soundcloud.com/the-darcys Website -  www.thedarcys.ca Facebook - www.fb.me/itsthedarcys Twitter - www.twitter.com/itsthedarcys Instagram - www.instagram.com/thedarcys

Created in Montreal and grown in Toronto, nutrients writes short, jangly guitar-driven pop songs. We talk to Taylor and Shawn about their upcoming mini tour, band fights, and dream boards. Keep an eye out for nutrients June 2 at Burdock, with some new music to boot, and be sure to pick up their album “What Tangled Webs We Weave”.  Hopefully you have a tape deck. Here’s a link to my favourite song by R Stevie Moore You can find the song we played, “hide and seek” on their Bandcamp page. Bandcamp - https://nutrientsmusic.bandcamp.com/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/nutrientsband/ Twitter - www.twitter.com/nutrientsband

In this special bonus crossover episode we sit down with The Sentimentalists and talk all things mental magic. Listen as our collective minds are blown. If you like the show go see them live tomorrow night at May 11 at 7:30 p.m @ Revival Bar Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesentimentalistsmagic/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sentimentalistsmagic/

This week we’ve got Deforesters! They’re a four piece super-band with members from other Toronto bands such as PUP, Plan 37 and The Roman Line, playing punk rock with pop sensibilities. We chatted with lead singer and bassist Matt and introduced him to the spoopy world of tarot. Be sure to check out Deforesters newest release, Leonard. Also listen to this amazing rendition of Deforesters playing MMMBop: https://www.instagram.com/p/BRGXpDzFywk/?taken-by=deforesters You can find the song we played today, “What Do You Want On Your Tombstone” their newest release Leonard. Bandcamp - https://deforesters.bandcamp.com/ Facebook - www.fb.me/DEFORESTERS Twitter - www.twitter.com/deforesterssuck Instagram - www.instagram.com/deforesters/

Tokyo Police Club is a 4-piece indie rock band, originally hailing from Newmarket, Ontario. This week we sat down with Graham, and talked about his personal projects.  Currently co-host of the first Riverdale podcast Stay Outta Riverdale, Graham chatted with us about getting into the music industry young, CW Netflix original Riverdale, and his annoying extra apartment. The YTV show I was talking about was Short Circuitz.  Here’s an episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kpbmd_aXy1o  See also “The Mind’s Eye” https://youtu.be/cbG34c1qorQ This may or may not help explain vaporwave. Keep an eye out for TPC shilling Motts Clamato on National Caesar Day, May 18th, at Danforth Music Hall Check out Stay Outta Riverdale on iTunes/Apple Music. You can find the song we played today, “Through The Wire”  on their 2014 album “Forcefield” Soundcloud - https://soundcloud.com/tokyopoliceclub Website - www.tokyopoliceclub.com Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/tokyopoliceclub/ Twitter - www.twitter.com/TokyoPoliceClub

Junior Felix  is a 4 piece Toronto-based rock and roll band. Born in Peterborough, Ontario and raised in traditional garage-rock fashion, Junior Felix is the product of late night jam sessions. When they aren’t playing music they can be found yelling at Yankee fans or owning a café.  We talk about pizza, being dirt bags, and the penis game. Junior Felix is playing in Peterborough on June 1,  be sure to check them out, or at least go visit half the band at Village Pizza or Hub Coffee in Toronto. Band recco’ Toilet Poets (pigeon wigs and extentions) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=riy7DbwMwxk And also Drum and Bread https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GfelEwT0tFg (((we should use this as the in or outtro for this episode))) You can find the song we played today, “Oh The Life I Live” and others  on their Soundcloud and Bandcamp. Soundcloud https://soundcloud.com/wearejuniorfelix Bandcamp http://wearejuniorfelix.bandcamp.com Facebook https://www.facebook.com/wearejuniorfelix/ Twitter https://twitter.com/juniorfelixband Instagram https://www.instagram.com/wearejuniorfelix/

This episode has us talking to Edmonton-born, Toronto-living Cadence Weapon. I’m shy as hell so Kohji does most of the interview while I muster up the courage to do a reading. Cadence talks about growing up a nerdy internet rapper, his first tarot experience in the back of a van, and the reception of his recently dropped hockey anthem “Connor McDavid”. Be sure to come see Cadence Weapon dj at the Canadian Music Week Bunz Showcase, Saturday April 22 at The Garrison, 8:00pm (https://cmw.net/music/shows/bunz-showcase/) You can find the song we played today, “My Crew (Wooo)” as well as “Connor McDavid” on his soundcloud. Soundcloud https://soundcloud.com/cadenceweapon/ Find him online here http://www.cadenceweaponmusic.com/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/cadenceweapon/ Twitter @cadenceweapon

Be sure to check out Altered by Mom playing at Canadian Music Week, April 15th at Handlebar and be sure to bring some fermented foods for Jamie’s b-day. You can find the song we played at the end of the episode, “JOANNE” on their newest ep “BODY FEELS WEIRD” Bandcamp https://alteredbymom.bandcamp.com/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/AlteredByMom Instagram https://www.instagram.com/AlteredByMom/ Twitter https://twitter.com/AlteredByMom

This is where it all started. Here is the inital interview that brought Vanessa and Kohji together. A Facebook message and a Tarot reading later and we have a podcast.