Spek Won photo by Jah Grey

#MNFSTO9 Future Sounds: Spek Won interview

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Spek Won isn’t new to this. While he dropped his debut album Sofa King Amazing earlier this year, Spek Won has been making progressive sounds as part of Toronto’s creative music community for several years now, building up his reputation in collectives like 88 Days of Fortune. So while his album features some organic instrumentation and approaches, it also explores some vividly futuristic directions that much like his production alter ego Marty McFligh, take things back to the future. MNFSTO.COM caught up with Spek Won to discuss his music and approach within Toronto’s burgeoning reputation as a progressive sonic hub. – Del F. Cowie

Spek Won will be appearing as part of Manifesto at Future Sounds on Friday, September 18th with Adria Kain, a l l i e, Clairmont the Second, City Fidelia and Birthday Boy.

9pm – 2am
Daniels Spectrum (Ada Slaight Hall), 585 Dundas St. E.
$20 Advance Tickets
19+ event

Get Tickets

Join Facebook event page

 

Follow Spek Won on Twitter at @spekwon

 

On Sofa King Amazing your production alter ego and one side of the album refers to a Back to the Future character [Marty McFligh]. Do you feel like there’s a futuristic approach to what you’re doing?

I feel like there’s definitely a progressive thought process that goes into the writing and the concepts. I do my best to try to mould and put together. I come up on hip hop and music during a time when you didn’t have the influx of music through social media and what not so it was almost like you had to stand out. Me, personally when people tell me my music sounds new or futuristic, I feel like it’s more that it sounds different because I still hold on to the mentality that I have to do my best to sound like me, which is different than a lot of the paths people take. Because I feel like there’s the dominant culture that’s in Toronto right now which is I guess you can call it the OVO Sound, that it’s like it’s heavy it’s like a machine, concrete and steel. The majority of artists from Toronto in Canada and worldwide are adopting that OVO Sound, whereas there are many of us in Toronto and worldwide that are adding to what I like to call counterculture. And pretty much it’s just the culture that doesn’t oppose the popular sound but it is at the other end of the spectrum of what the popular sound is right now. So I guess I’d rather call my music counter-culture to whatever’s popular as opposed to futuristic. I guess if you call it futuristic, OK, I guess it’s futuristic.

What are some of the things that you feel have been happening for a while in Toronto. You were a part of 88 Days of Fortune collective for example.

I feel like 88 Days of Fortune definitely added to the artistic state of what Toronto has become and has been becoming because it was an alternative to the straight-forward, ‘just get on the stage with the MC and a beat [approach]. It was, like, ceremonial when you came to one of our shows and we had so many aspects to it , we even had so many types of shows we hosted parties, we hosted shows we hosted all kinds of things. 88 Days of Fortune definitely did their part for that. I feel like there was also a certain moment of time where Toronto producers were just killing it. And I mean we still are but there was a certain moment in hip-hop where every beat you may have heard it may have been someone from Toronto whether it was 40, whether it was Boi-1da, whether it was Rich Kidd, whether it was T-Minus, whether it was LordQuest. I feel like that also added to the progression to this ‘future’ sound that we have coming out of Toronto. There was a producer era where a lot of producers were just going heavy.

 


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#MNFSTO9 Future Sounds: a l l i e Interview

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Ever since allie released her  Strange Creature EP in 2013 she has explored a sound that is at once familiar and adventurous as well as being traditional and refreshingly new. Her emergence and aesthetic, rooted in soulful music has come alongside a definite sonic shift in R&B, yet she has managed to add her own inimitable and distinctive creative approach. Working collaboratively with other Toronto-area artists like Elaquent and 2nd Son who are inherently wired to push rhythmic boundaries of their own, allie has been able to issue tracks like “Cross My Mind” and the SOCAN Songwriting Prize-nominated “Private Island” that boast immediate appeal while traversing eclectic sonic paths. Having just released “I Can’t Wait,” a sumptuous collaboration with Birthday Boy, allie spoke with MNFSTO.com to discuss her sound within the context of Toronto’s creative community. – Del F. Cowie

a l l i e will be appearing as part of Manifesto at Future Sounds on Friday, September 18th with Adria Kain, Spek Won, Clairmont the Second, City Fidelia and Birthday Boy

9pm – 2am
Daniels Spectrum (Ada Slaight Hall), 585 Dundas St. E.
$20 Advance Tickets
19+ event

Get Tickets

Join Facebook event page

Follow a l l i e on Twitter at @alliemoves

 

Since you’ve started have you noticed more of an interest from the R&B coming from Toronto?

For sure, for sure.

Why would you say that?

 There’s something definitely happening here. It’s hard to define it. And a lot of people are calling it a sound. I think that’s a little too limiting a term because there are a lot of different sounds going on that are super diverse. But I think that there’s just a lot of talent here, a lot of people are like pushing and taking advantage of the fact that there are a lot of people watching right now. And I think there’s a really different feel of community for me right now where I think in Toronto where a bit of the divide on the music scene and right now it just feels like everybody is supporting each other like coming together to make some dope shit.

What are some examples of the things that are particularly impacting for you in terms of the collaborations happening in the community?

Well, like I’ve just been working with a lot of people from Toronto lately and like I’m working, obviously I’m doing some stuff with Birthday Boy. I’m working with River Tiber, there’s a bunch of different people and it feels like the scene has really opened up for me cos when I started I was working with a lot of producers that weren’t in Toronto kinda right off the jump and that was a bit tough ‘cos it was a lot of internet stuff and we couldn’t actually get in a room with each other. I was really missing that personal connection so that’s kinda been the best part of it for me to be getting in a room with people and to be actually working with close friends I can build relationships with.

So you recently dropped “I Can’t Wait” with Birthday Boy, that’s the only song you guys have worked on, right?

 Yeah, that’s the only thing that we’ve put out. We’re working on some other stuff right now. We’ve both got a lot of projects on the go, but I’m working on my full length, he’s working on some stuff for that. And then as I said River Tiber and 2nd Son [who produced allie’s debut EP Strange Creature] and then there’s just a lot of people in the scene that I’m really looking to right now for inspiration and also right now that I would love to work with, like Harrison, bizZarh and it’s cool because they’re all friends so it feels really natural and organic and I think that’s a lot of the reason people are looking at us right now, ‘cos it is actually organic, you know? It’s not forced. It’s not contrived. It’s a bunch of people who are actually friends who are really supporting what each other are doing, working together and I think that makes it something special because, I don’t know there’s a genuine quality on the scene right now that probably a lot of other cities don’t have.

You’ve said there’s a lot of eyes on us right now a couple of times. What do you think has been a main contributing factor to that?

The really obvious one is the Drake effect [laughs]which everybody talks about a lot. And now The Weeknd is like making this big move. So people are paying attention ‘cos of that, but I think that it’s more than that. I think it’s not just the music scene, it’s the city itself is really growing and changing and turning into something really completely new and in all facets of the city, so I think that it’s just natural that the music scene is having this evolution and that people are like more interested in what’s going on in Toronto and also more interested in the artists that are living here and working here and coming out of here. It’s cool because for so long as a Toronto musician you really had to leave and this feels like really the first time where you can lay down roots here and do your thing. You still have to leave, but it just feels very different to me right now.


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Exclusive Interview: From Vanity Fair to Your Favorite Local Hub, Soulection’s SoSuperSam Does It All

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Samantha Duenas lives to innovate. As SoSuperSam, the Los Angeles-based DJ and member of worldwide label/collective Soulection, boldly blends her unique variety of hip hop, R&B, electronica, and indie music into a sonic experience that has charmed the likes of top-tier rappers to Hollywood A-listers to media giants. Her unique approach to the turntables and amalgamation of a charismatic performance background soon became potent ingredients for a stacked portfolio, as a coveted slot supporting Childish Gambino’s US Camp tour and an invitation to be Vanity Fair Magazine’s DJ of choice for many of their high profile photoshoots, only scratch the surface of what the compelling DJ has accomplished. Not one to remain stagnant, the young innovator has some surprises in the works to round off the year, which may come sooner than you might think. – Interview by: Samantha O’Connor | @samomaryleona

SOSUPERSAM will be performing at Future Sounds at Daniels Spectrum on September 18. Follow her on Twitter: @sosupersam

What are you looking forward to most about playing in Toronto at this year’s Manifesto Festival?

I haven’t been to Toronto in a few years and the last time that I was there, I had a really good time. So, I’m just looking forward to being in Toronto. I’m going straight to the OVO store, because I want to get some Hotline Bling merchandise if it’s not sold out.

You’ve worked with one or two artist on the bill that you will be sharing the night with on Friday at Manifesto. What can you tell me about that?

I’m a big fan of Birthday Boy and I’ve used his songs on my mixtapes before. I really want to meet him and I’m really stoked to be on the same bill as him.

How did you come across his music?

Just Soundcloud digging, when you fall into that hole of clicking and clicking and I stumbled upon him and downloaded his entire EP. It’s all really good stuff. Sort of jazzy house remixes.

The event you’ll be headlining at Manifesto is all about sonic innovators of future soul and hip-hop, so in your own words, how does that describe your vision as a DJ?

I think I really fit in the bill in terms of sonic innovation, because my sort of signature stamp as a DJ has always been to sort of blend songs that you would never think of doing. So, a very recent example is, I was playing a party and I mixed Riff Raff with Tame Impala. I let it mix for a good two minutes. Just listening to those two artists mashed over each other, it stunned a lot of people in the crowd, because they didn’t really know what they were listening to. I thought it was a nice crossover and sort of an innovative way to share new music among different types of listeners.

Your resume is stacked. You’ve DJed many types of different events from the HBO Girl’s wrap-up party to a tour with Childish Gambino. So, what does a perfect DJ set look like to someone with a palate so versatile?

For me, a perfect DJ set goes back to sonic innovation, where I’m playing a little bit of everything. My favourite DJ sets are when I’m mixing it all up and the audience starts to really gravitate towards my every transition and what’s coming up next. There’s an anticipation while I’m playing for what’s going to happen next. That’s when I feel like I’m doing a really good job, is when I’m playing things that are unpredictable that still work together.

Any DJ rituals that you have that are important to you?

I’m a very nervous person. I thought that at the beginning, it was just a rookie thing, but I’m just a nervous person in general. The nerves and the anxiety I feel before a DJ set hasn’t really faded overtime. In terms of rituals, I’m usually very quiet and I don’t talk to anyone, which I guess is anti-ritualistic. I try to mentally focus on doing the best job as possible. But I get animated and dance around. I try to give a really good performance, not just blending music but giving as much energy as I can.

And that comes with you being a performer as well. I know before you became a DJ, you were a dancer. So, in an alternate universe where you were on the dancefloor instead of the DJ booth, what song would you be dancing to the hardest?

My all-time favourite would be, Ciara “Ride” but probably anything from the <em>Dirty Sprite 2</em> album, I would probably lose it.

What are your current sonic obsessions this fall?

I’m still on <em>DS2</em>, so that’s in heavy rotation. My label-mate Sango just released some tracks that he had from three years ago. I’ve been listening to that on the plane and it’s been my travel soundtrack. And Makonnen is really finding his way into my life. I have The Internet’s album in rotation a lot. But I’ve been working on my own music.

New stuff, what do you have in the works?

Some production stuff and some vocal stuff. I’ll be putting some of it out next week and throughout the end of the year. It’s scary but it’s time. It’s happening. In addition to dancing, I always sang way before I started DJing. After I finished school, I wanted to be a professional dancer, then I always had a dream of being a corporate power house executive with the corner office and power suits and the heels. Then, I was going to DJ on the side while being a working professional as a boss, because I never thought DJing would actually be my career. The irony is that, what I really thought my hobby was going to be, it turned into my career. I’m stoked on it. So now, I’m just circling back to dancing and singing and all the things I used to do and finding ways to incorporate it into what I’m doing now. It’s been a really fun and interesting process to find ways to do it all at the same time.

So in that regard, you’re still a boss. You’re just doing it all at once.

It works out.


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TENFOLD - Dimensions by Taj Francis

#MNFSTO9: Getting to Know…Taj Francis

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Taj Francis may be one of the most imaginative, gifted and versatile artists creating contemporary visual art today.

Born and raised in Jamaica, Francis began drawing as a child, going on to train at the Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts where he fine-tuned his multidimensional talents.

Creatively fuelled by music, Francis’ work captures lush, evocative worlds and enigmatic characters brimming with sensual spirituality and this compelling mix is garnering him exciting collaborations. Francis recently joined his passions of music and art through stunning videos for his “TENFOLD: Opus” audio-visual project including collaborations with Green Lion Crew (“Temple” ) and Proteje (“Who Knows Dub”).

Today, the full-time artist, illustrator and designer’s work can be found across diverse mediums such as websites to custom artwork on shoes and clothing, as well as this year’s Manifesto festival.  –  Introduction and interview by Chaka V. Grier

Taj Francis’ art will be on display with many other artists’ work as part of the Manifesto Festival at the Common Art Ground Art Show on Sunday September 20 at the Super Wonder Gallery at 876 Bloor St. W. PWYC + All Ages (3pm – 8pm) /$5 + 19+ After 8PM. Buy Tickets. Join Event . Follow Taj Francis on Twitter @tajfrancis and visit his online store tajtenfold.com . 

How early in your life were you aware that art was a passion that you wanted to follow?

Pretty early, I actually can’t remember a time when I wasn’t. I did get a lot more serious about it after high school.

What themes did you originally explore in your work (as a young teen)? And has those themes changed as you’ve gotten older?

I spent a majority of my time creating comics, and trying to mimic Japanese manga. A lot of my drawings from childhood were kind of fantasy themes. I wanted to create graphic novels, really. I honestly don’t see it so much as change, as it is all those things culminated to the path I’m on now.

Very dignified and gorgeous women seem to comprise many of your images. Is this a coincidence? Or, are women a particular visual theme that inspires you?

It was probably a more just a coincidence at first. But I’m someone who likes to create what I don’t really see represented, even unconsciously so. I didn’t really see women of colour portrayed in art that often. At least, not in the way that everyone else gets portrayed. It’s not even that deep or edgy, it’s just the idea of kind of normalizing these images. People appreciate it, because people like to feel a connection to art, to feel as if they can see themselves in it, or relate to it. Everyone should get that chance I believe.

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There’s a beautiful image of Nina Simone with piano keys in her hair that I was struck by right away. When you’re drawing icons (like Miss. Simone, Ms. Lauryn Hill etc.), whose images have been so coveted by other artists, are you looking for a new angle to capture them with? Or does the image just come to you organically and that’s the way you express it?

I’m very intent on capturing them in a new angle. Both of these women have a very strong impact on the culture, globally. They pioneered a lot of what we get in the culture and music today. If I create an image of someone, it’s not just me drawing him or her for the sake of likes, or hoping that they, or someone, tweet or share it to get a look. I’m trying to honour what this person has done through my own art, so it’s not something I do often.

Music seems to play a big part in your visual inspiration? Is music as much as a creative catalyst in your work as it appears to be? If so, can you explain why?

Yes, in a way. There are particular kinds of music that create certain moods and tones that help me visualize ideas. Or sometimes it’s a particular lyric, or line from a poet. It’s just one aspect in a series of things when I’m creating.

You use mixed-media to create your work (pen, ink, brush, digital and spray paint). How do you decide what tools to use when you’re creating a piece?

No deciding factor really, I just create with what’s available or with what I feel to. At the end of the day, they’re just media. So I’ll use whatever I think will best fit what I’m trying to convey.

How long does it take you to complete a piece like “The Upsetter, Lee Scratch Perry,” which won you 5th place in the international Reggae Poster Contest (RPC)?

Funny story about that, I thought I was too late to submit (I didn’t realize the call submission got extended). So I just did it anyway, figuring I had nothing to lose, and if it were too late it wouldn’t matter, it was fun creating it. I think it took me about a day or so to do.

Your new online store  is rich with such bold and striking images — it’s as if you could climb through the computer screen and enter a lush alternative universe. How exciting and/or daunting has taking this step been for you been?

Thank you, it’s super exciting. I love the idea of being able to make my work available to as much people as possible. I didn’t want to go the route of using a third party website to distribute, because I wanted to have control over how it was presented and how people access it. I didn’t want to be in competition with other more popular art, I wanted to bring the people to me. This is something I’ve been planning since late last year (like many other things). I spent these past months working on several things, setting up this store being one of them. I wanted to make it as accessible as I could. So to get to have it out now is great!

How does it feel to be collaborating with Manifesto this year?

I love the idea of community building through the arts, so to work with Manifesto this year is awesome. We could really use more things like this on a whole, so I’m really excited about the collaboration. Much love to Toronto.


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#MNFSTO9: Getting to Know… Derin Falana

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Formerly known as The Flan, Brampton artist Derin Falana (not to be confused with his sister [Victoria] Falana) is busy carving his own path and doing it straight from the suburbs of the 905. The 21-year old is wise beyond his years, often speaking from a the viewpoint of someone’s who too busy with mastering his craft than following the crowd. So what’s it like to be an artist from Brampton, a place that’s often overlooked by its sister city of Mississauga? We sat and spoke to Derin about his hometown and how he’s carving out his own pathway through the industry.  – Erin Lowers

Both Derin Falana will be performing at Live At The Square at Yonge-Dundas Square on September 19. Follow Derin Falana on Twitter: @DerinFalana.

What part of Toronto (GTA) are you from/Where do you live in Toronto (GTA)?

I’m from the suburbs in Brampton.

What is your favorite thing about where you live or the part of the city you are from?

It’s very quiet and peaceful up here. Downtown Toronto is like my second home so it’s nice to come back to Brampton after a long, busy day in the city. I can go for a walk at 2 am with my headphones in and just enjoy my surroundings.

How have you seen art and creativity directly impact the area of the city you live in?

Brampton has a few front runners that serve as inspiration for the city. People are starting to take more pride in being from here. Artists like Alessia Cara and groups like 4YALL Entertainment who are coming up fast have definitely impacted/inspired me and I’m sure I can say the same for others. This isn’t art-related but Brampton also has a few players in the NBA. Tristan Thompson, Anthony Bennett, Tyler Ennis and Sim Bhullar, who actually made history for his country. It’s things like this that are really starting to inspire people in Brampton to pursue their dreams whatever they may be.

What do you think that you as a creative person brings to the table that is different than other artists?

I think one thing that really sets me apart is that I dance. I can’t name an established artist in the industry right now that raps and dances. It’s very uncommon for a rapper. It’s usually found more on the R&B/Pop side of the industry.

Why is it important for you to take part in the Manifesto festival? 

It’s important for me to take part in Manifesto because as artists/people we all have to come together and connect with each other. Toronto needs more of what Manifesto represents. We really need to break free from this ‘screwface’ stigma. There’s too much talent here for us not to be supporting each other and I want to be apart of the change so this is why I’m grateful to be taking part in Manifesto this year.

What Canadian rap song epitomizes your childhood? OR If you were to name a Canadian rap song that embodies our hip hop landscape, what would it be?

I’d have to say Kardi’s “Ol’ Time Killin” or Brassmunk’s “Big.” Those 2 songs remind me of my childhood the most.

LISTEN TO: Derin Falana – 905 (Mixtape)


 

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From Brampton to Hamilton, Derin Falana and Yours Truly, T.Y.

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There aren’t many things Brampton and Hamilton have in common on surface level beyond the shared two last letters of their city names and similar population sizes, and there also isn’t too much in common between Derin Falana and Yours Truly, T.Y. on surface level either, aside from their aspirations in the music industry. But alas, we’ve brought these two cities and these two individuals together to speak on their own experiences growing up in their respective hometowns, their musical influences and pursuing their dreams.

Both Derin Falana and Yours Truly, T.Y. will be performing at Live At The Square at Yonge-Dundas Square on September 19. Follow Derin Falana and Yours Truly, T.Y. on Twitter: @DerinFalana & @YoursTrulyTY.

 


 

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Freshest Goods Market Vendor Feature: 100 Miles Brand

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There’s a lot to learn from the 100 Miles Brand. They’ve been in the Toronto street wear scene for over 20 years and are still relevant today. The 100 Miles Brand proves to be more than just a t-shirt brand by having a clothing line that’s available for men and women. They are heavily influenced by hip-hop and urban culture, but stress the importance of shining a positive light on it. – Written by Samantha Singh / Interview by Cassandra John

What’s the story behind the name 100 Miles Brand?

It came to me 23 years ago when I was in my university lecture at Ryerson, and the professor said to us to look at your life and find something that inspires you.  It just happened to be the TTC bus strike. I was in front of the 100 miles kilometre sign and I was like, “100 km, nah that doesn’t make sense…100 Miles!” From that everything came into place. I came with a concept where 100 miles symbolizes the world, the fact that we as people go through a lot of struggles, so we have 100 miles to go in everyday life.

What was it like creating a line in 1992? In this day and age there are so many resources available for people wanting to start a line, I could only imagine the resources or the lack of resources there was back then. Could you walk me through the process?

The process back then was the Yellow Pages and your feet! Basically being a minority, a lot of people didn’t take me seriously [and] being young were some of the obstacles that I faced. I had to be mature to get what I wanted without being so demanding. It took a lot of research, trial and error. No one was there to say, ‘Hey! Get more followers or hash tags!’ There was none of that. It was pretty much you believing in yourself, or having a small team of people that saw your vision and wanted to help in terms of getting it to the next step in the career or just the vision. It was a lot more difficult, a lot more footwork, people closing the door in your face. It’s not like now, where it’s a buyers market and everybody wants a piece of something.

Your brand has been worn by some of the most influential people in hip-hop, both alive and dead. Explain what that feeling was like.

I would say surreal, humbling, to say the least. From Tupac, to Biggie, to Wu-Tang Clan, living legends like EPMD, KRS1, A Tribe Called Quest, just to name a few. It’s been a blessing and an honor as a Toronto clothing brand and as a member of Toronto to have people globally recognized now to wear our clothing. To feel recognized in the sense that Toronto is a fashion capital, in my eyes at least, a place where people do respect the fashion job of our city.

The heights that you’ve take 100 Miles Brand to, most people can only dream about. What’s a takeaway that you can share with the Freshest Goods audience?

I would say believe in yourself. Always have faith in the powers above, and stay humble. Don’t let it get to your head, things can happen. As much as you feel that you’re in control, there are other energies and people that are also in control or assisting. You’ve got to believe all the time strongly in yourself, believe in what you’re doing. Do it for the love of it, don’t do it because of money or you want to get famous, do it from the heart.

How has the 100 Miles Brand managed to stand the test of time? What are some of your secrets?

Smiling, laughing, enjoying, just loving every minute of it. Loving the customers that are buying our merchandise or even rooting us on. It means a lot to myself and the rest of our company, getting the positive encouragement and even when we get criticized we prove that we’re taking it in a positive direction. Just building with our consumer base, now it’s global and just spreading the love that to me, that’s what it’s about. Trying to stay positive and staying creative and not leaning towards trends, but always trying to lean towards fashion.

The 100 Miles Brand will be at the Freshest Goods Market at Live at the Square on Sept. 19th. You can find them at 100milesbrand.com, Instagram and Twitter.


 

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#MNFSTO9: Getting to Know… Jai Nitai Lotus

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Jai Natai Lotus isn’t necessarily new to the Montreal music scene (even snagging a nomination for the Polaris Music Prize in 2013), but the rapper-producer is still carving out his path; most recently taking on the MTL Jazz Festival in July. In 2014, he successfully release of his R&B/Soul-infused rap album Something You Feel and gained a lot of local and international attention for the project which focuses on dark synths and soulful samples. Needless to say, Jai Nitai Lotus has etched out his own unique soundscape, equipped with a vulnerable yet gritty approach that always finds its balance. – Erin Lowers

Jai Nitai Lotus will be performing at Live at the Square at Yonge & Dundas Square on September 19. Follow Jai Nitai Lotus. @JaiNitaiLoTus

Being from MTL, can you describe the music scene around you?

Montreal is a highly creative city. There are great art and music festivals. There are lots of musicians, artists and a lot of talent here, but there’s no real hip hop “industry,” so its hard to survive with out leaving the city. At the same time, I feel the lack of industry creates an open atmosphere to be more innovative. In recent years, our beat community has really grown and stood out, bringing forth a lot of cats who are making a big buzz globally (like Kaytranada, Shash’U, KenLo). It feels like people are starting to pay attention, and they’ve only touched the surface.

What is your favorite thing about where you live or the part of the city you are from?

I’m currently living and raising my daughter in an area of Montreal known as NDG. It’s a diverse neighbourhood that I’ve felt connected to for a while. There are a lot families from different backgrounds and cultures raising their children here. It has a lot of parks, big trees, community organizations, small businesses and shops. But it’s still in the city, so you deal with the realities and struggles of city life. I generally appreciate how people live and interact with each other here.

How have you seen art and creativity directly impact the area of the city you live in?

In NDG, there are specific music, art and film festivals that go on in the parks. I feel [that] it encourages people to get out and be more in touch with the people in their community. There is a specific youth center that mentors local youth with music, art, dance and sports, and then annually showcases their talents. You can see that the youth take pleasure in it, and it gives and them a positive way to express themselves and be heard. It’s very inspiring.

What do you think that you as a creative person brings to the table that is different than other artists?

I believe in originality and authenticity. My art is truly a reflection of me. What you hear in my records and hear me speak of on stage are actually things I try to live by. I think people can relate to authentic expression, which is sadly not the norm in mainstream music. The style in which I produce, write and perform is distinctly my own…I try to open people up through creativity and inspire them.

Why is it important for you to take part in the Manifesto festival?

Inspiring through hip hop music, art and culture is what I’m about. So taking part in a festival like this is very important to me. It’s refreshing to see a hip hop festival that focuses on community upliftment.

What Canadian rap song epitomizes your childhood?

I was glued to Much Music growing up, recording videos on VHS and all that. There are too many to name, but “Ol’ Time Killin'” By Kardinal Offishal is a timeless Toronto (Canadian) anthem.

WATCH: Jai Nitai Lotus – “Love Won’t Win”

 


 

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Down The River… An Interview with Mississauga’s John River

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When I first met John River, he was an upbeat kid who wanted to change the world through music. I admired his optimism just as much as I did his innocence – a kid on a mission to be the first crab out of the Toronto bucket who didn’t pull anyone else down. After coming on to the scene in 2012 with his EP The Calm, John quickly took over media outlets like Hip-Hop Canada, while catching the ear of fellow indie artists like Los, ANTHM and Kembe X. The following year, John River made headlines once again by showing his perseverance in meeting the cast of the Dreamville label – long story short, John followed some cars trying to find J. Cole with no luck, waited in an airport for hours on end to no avail, sold some items in order to take a bus to New York overnight, found out where Ibrahim (president of Dreamville) lived through Ib’s cousin, went to his home and convinced him that he wasn’t a stalker, and then spit a verse. (You can read the entire story here!)

That same year, I had invited John to come down to the A3C Festival in Atlanta and take part in the showcase. Still not yet 21, he managed to find his way through the city, network like hell, and even have me wake up his sick publicist at the early hours of the morning to come down to the hotel lobby to meet someone – who that someone was, I forget. However, his dedication shined through.

Fast-forward to 2015, and John is still full of optimism and perseverance, but on a different level. A little older, a little wise, and a little jaded by the hip hop industry (it happens to the best of us), he’s found his footing – but not without a few bumps along the way. He told me about the struggles of simply getting his album together, the very public Twitter fingers PartyNextDoor shot at him, and the very unfortunate recent passing of fellow Mississauga artist Redway, to whom he paid tribute with “BLVD.”

Whether it’s talking about gun violence or paying tribute to those who are making it in his hometown of Mississauga, John is a voice to be known – so, naturally, we decided to sit down with the now 20-year old to see his view of life.


 

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#MNFSTO9: Getting to Know…. Adria Kain

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As a Manifesto Alum, Adria Kain continues to exceed our expectations with every new music release she puts out. Having recently delivered her album Island In My Mind, as well as a new EP titled Identity, the R&B/Soul singer takes listeners on a journey through her most personal trials and tribulations, creating not just a sonic experiences, but a personal one shared by all. Although often quiet, this song bird has a vocal range and passion that goes unmatched with it comes to the R&B/Soul scene in Toronto. – Erin Lowers

Adria Kain will be performing at Future Sounds at Daniels Spectrum on September 18. Follow Adria Kain on Twitter: @AdriaKainMusic

What part of Toronto (GTA) are you from/Where do you live in Toronto (GTA)?

I currently live on the West Side of the city. Dufferin & St.Clair to be exact. A little North but still close enough that it doesn’t take me long to get downtown when I need to.

What is your favorite thing about where you live or the part of the city you are from?

I’ve spoken about this so many times to people. I love having a home that kind of feels like a get away from all of the hustle and madness that occurs in the city. Literally everything is on the St. Clair strip, also – like there are days when I don’t leave my major area because I can get everything I need to get done right there. There are so many different and delicious eating options, parks and places to just chill out and relax when the time comes. It’s great.

How have you seen art and creativity directly impact the area of the city you live in?

I don’t think I’ve noticed any major impacts in my area when it comes to art. I will, however, point out that the majority of the artists I know and love, all live on the West side. There’s something about what’s in the air over here that makes me feel like creating is the absolute perfect thing to pursue.

What do you think that you as a creative person brings to the table that is different than other artists?

I’m always switching things up. As artists, I strongly believe that we were meant to create differently. Every individual grows off of a source of inspiration, but as individual artists, we must find a great way to make it work for ourselves. Staying pure and expressing as much emotion as possible is another thing I do often that a lot of artists don’t. Connecting with your crowd in a way that allows them to feel like they’re apart of you, and that’s highly important to me.

Why is it important for you to take part in the Manifesto festival?

Having the opportunity to come together with the other amazing talents that reside in this city is major! Our cities nickname is the “Screwface Capital.” I feel like it’s up to us, the voices that are heard the loudest, to make change to that, and Manifesto is a great way of doing so.

What Canadian rap song epitomizes your childhood?

Canadian rap song? Would probably have to be Kardinal Offishall’s “Bacardi Slang.” This song was HUGE when I was younger and around the time that it was out I was living and getting to know a lot of what he speaks about in the song.

LISTEN: Adria Kain – Identity EP

 


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