NEWS

Sep 13
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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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Sep 13
0

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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Sep 13
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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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Sep 13
0

#MNFSTO9: Getting to Know… Wasiu

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Montreal’s hip hop scene has vastly gone unnoticed in the grand scheme of Canadian music, often because of language barriers or simply it having very little to offer back to already-established rap communities – however, that’s all changed. In addition to having already worked with Kaytranada, Wasiu bounced over to ATL to work with Key! and Father, as well as Chicago’s Lil Herb and Vic Mensa, taking his sound to new heights. Noteable called “the hip hop voice of Montreal” by i-D Magazine, more recently, Wasiu took a moment to reflect on his own city through MTliens, of course a name derived from OutKast’s ATLiens. Filled with conceptual ideas and musical dynamism, the well-rounded 8-track EP serves as just a snippet this Montreal artist has to offer. – Erin Lowers

Wasiu will be performing at Live at the Square at Yonge & Dundas Square on September 19. Follow Wasiu. @AfroWasiu

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

The music scene that I’m involved in would be a subculture of hip hop that we call the Piu Piu Movement. It’s called that because it’s space music. It is, however, predominantly a beat-scene.

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

I love living in Pie-IX because there’s a ballpark near my crib. The city’s most aggressive players ball there, which I guess is because Montreal-North is right around the corner. Dudes from that area are hyper-masculine and strive to be the best. I usually go out to a spot called Apt. 200 and hang with the homies over there at night. It’s dope because it’s a club, but feels like a lounge. It’s actually a performance venue with a house party type of feel. They even got arcades in there. They’re branching out to Toronto soon too, [it] should be marvelous. In terms of food, the obvious answer is the classic poutine. I be eating at the Halal spots a lot too, like this one place called MTL Star. We go to La Banquise for Poutine.

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

Honestly, where I live, the kids only listen to either Chicago-drill music or trap music. You wouldn’t see as many kids with dreads before, but now there’s so many of them. They have an idea in their heads of what the top dude is supposed to look like, and what stripes he’s supposed to have, [and] from these two genres that they feel like they associate with the closest. From their hairstyles, to what they wear, and slang that they adopt; I guess you can say an art form is behind those influences.

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

I feel as if a lot of artists are consistently trying to chase what’s popping right now, and they just adapt with the times. For me, I just listen to what’s out, and listen to all the classics that were out from the past, [and] then I try to study both and find middle ground between them. I want to be able to appease to the legends that I grew up listening to, but I also want the young generation to acknowledge me as one of the current greats who has potential to be in conversations of “all-time lists.” I want every generation to listen to my material and feel a superior force being emitted to them.

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

I make music, and it’s important that it gets heard by everybody. My first album is the one that I’ve been writing my whole life, [and] it’s been filled with songs from different periods of my life. It’s unreleased, it’s missing maybe 4 tracks that I have ideas for but don’t have completed yet. I will release that LP/full-length album once I feel as if it’s perfect. In the meantime, while we wait for that to drop, I want people to still get an idea of what I can do, what I stand for, and to just familiarize themselves with me. That way, since I already have eyes on me, I can drop a finished studio album on them. It’s important for me to play Manifesto because Toronto is an important city. A bridged gap, a connected and unified Montreal-Toronto would be a strong front for the North.

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

Drake – “Worst Behaviour.” That embodies our hip hop landscape 100%. They never loved us, never took us serious until Drake took over hip hop. America always used to clown us, and the idea of a Canadian rapper – they’d scoff at it. Drake has changed all of that, and “Worst Behaviour” has the best hook to express how to feel towards the perception they had of us.

LISTEN: Wasiu – MTLiens

 

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Sep 11
0

#MNFSTO9: Getting to Know…OSIYM

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It’s very rare to come across two emcees who not only complement each other in the studio, but also onstage. As one of the few duos in Toronto, OSIYM (pronounced: oh-sigh-em) is just that. Made up of Nova and Charlie Black, the duo has filled a void that’s been missing in Toronto’s hip hop landscape, and it’s been a long overdue moment to once again celebrate the liveliness these two individuals bring to the stage. With two mixtapes under Charlie Black’s belt, and another project under Nova, the two came together to release their debut EP Drunk Words x Sober Thoughts in 2014, and followed it up with SPIRITS this past July. “Out Of Sight, In Your Mind,” as their stage name projects, have created a sound that moves effortlessly through the realms of boom bap to trap, while their live performances challenge the ‘Screwface Capital’ to let loose – whether you expected to or not. – Erin Lowers

OSIYM will be performing at Live at the Square at Yonge & Dundas Square on September 19. Follow OSIYM @OSIYMMUSIC on Twitter!

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

We both live in the West end. Nova lives in Malton, and Charlie lives in Etobicoke.

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

Nova: For better or worse, I love all the different characters I see in Malton. As soon as I think I’ve seen it all, I come across something new. From the old lady catching the bus to work at the crack of dawn, to the dude walking the streets with his guitar belting out reggae songs. Even though Malton is so small, there’s a sense of pride from the people who grew up here. It made us who we are.

Charlie Black: I love the DJs in our city. I feel like we can’t be touched when it comes to setting a dope vibe for a party. I’m not the most travelled individual, but any other place I’ve been in the world so far can’t do it like are DJs can. Also, I love summer nights in the city. I feel like as long as I have the intention to have a good time, I can find something to get into in Toronto.

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

Charlie Black: I can see it in the people! The way they talk, the way they dress, the way they consume art. If you’ve ever been downtown Toronto, it’s pretty much a living, breathing art museum. Nowadays, that’s spreading all over the whole city. I was blessed to be a part of The Remix Project when it first started, and it is programs like Remix that have helped inspire and open doors for the artistic minds coming out of our city right now.

Nova: It has impacted me by creating opportunities for me coming up. As an aspiring artist, my craft was honed and perfected in bedrooms and basements in my neighbourhood. Some of my biggest mentors were around the block or just a short trip away. The time spent with them gave me priceless lessons which helped bring me to where I am today.

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

We do our best to stay original – from our sound, to our content and flows. We keep our lyrics honest and true to who we are instead of putting out a fake persona. Our stage show is something we really take pride in as well. We make sure to actually practice our sets and think of creative ways to keep our crowd entertained. We’re always challenging ourselves to think of ways to better our art.

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

For years, Manifesto has been a trademark in our city showcasing all the elements in hip-hop culture. The Manifesto Festival created a platform that gives opportunities to artists in a city that doesn’t always give its rappers or singers the benefit of the doubt. Putting artists centre stage in the heart of downtown Toronto is major exposure. Who wouldn’t want a chance at reaching people you might not otherwise? To be recognized by a festival that does so much to empower the artistic community is a milestone that every up and coming artist should strive for.

What Canadian rap song epitomizes your childhood?

Charlie Black: It’s a toss up between “Northern Touch” and “Bakardi Slang.” Growing up those songs were everything to me! I remember going crazy with my older brother jumping on couches singing out the lyrics to both of those records.

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



Nova: I would have to say “EZ on the Motion” by Ghetto Concept. Back in the day, there was such a divide between American and Canadian hip-hop. That was the first song that made me feel like we could hang with our neighbours south of the border.

WATCH VIDEO: OSIYM – “Bomb”

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Sep 11
0

#MNFSTO9: Getting to Know…Yours Truly, T.Y.

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After coming onto the scene in 2012 with his project 500 Autumn Nights, Yours Truly, T.Y. has been running back and forth between Hamilton and Toronto creating music, collaborating with artists and performing for a steadily growing fan base. What makes T.Y. different is his adamant respect for paying dues and recognizing those who’ve come before him, most evident in his 2014 music series titled, #TYTUesdays, in which he remixed a series of classic hip hop tracks and incorporated them into today’s music scene. Following performances at Manifesto, A3C, NXNE, CMW and varying other stages, Yours Truly, T.Y. has gained the respect of his peers, as well as the gatekeepers of Toronto’s music scene. In his latest release, T.Y. teamed up with producer Chef Byer to release The Beautiful Exchange a 9-track project underlining Yours Truly, T.Y.’s ties to Toronto, while affirming him as one of Hamilton’s hometown heroes. – Erin Lowers

Yours Truly, TY will be performing at Live at the Square at Yonge & Dundas Square on September 19. Follow Yours Truly, T.Y. @YOURSTRULY_TY

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

I was born and raised in Hamilton, Ontario. It’s about an hour away from Toronto. Blue collar, hard working, not really a small town but not really a big city.

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

One of my favourite things about Hamilton is it’s tight knit. Especially when it comes to its music scene. Different artists from different genres have no issues crossing over and trying new things which makes it exciting. It’s a good time for Hamilton’s hip hop scene as well. It’s had some OGs get the ball rolling for us and we’re ready to pick up where they left off. The food’s dope, too.

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

A lot of my closest friends are artists themselves. I’ve seen firsthand how somebody can go from spray paint on walls to a full time job, based on the same thing. I’ve seen people with limited resources create great music. Hamilton does that to people. It’s a very, “you’re either in, or you’re in the way type of city”, just gotta choose the right team.

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

I bring perspective. I bring an honest approach. Not everybody’s born rich and not everybody has to sell drugs. I’m the blue collar guy in the middle. Do I have rich friends? Yes. Do I have friends that sell drugs? Yes. It makes it easier to tell a broader story when you can come at it from all angles.

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

Every stage is important to me. I enjoy being a part of Manifesto because of what it means to the community and Hip-Hop in general. It was one of the first festivals that took me on, as well. Aside from the fact that I’m down with what Manifesto stands for, loyalty is also important to me. It makes the decision to pursue Manifesto simple.

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

I’ll run with the second half of this question. “Top Of The World” by The Rascalz with k-os and Barrington Levy is what Toronto sounded like to me while I was growing up. The outro of that song, when Levy starts adlibbing, still knocks.

LISTEN TO: Yours Truly, T.Y. & Chef Byer – The Beautiful Exchange

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Sep 11
0

#MNFSTO9: Getting to Know…Keita Juma

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Hailing from Bristol, England and based in Mississauga, raspy-voiced Keita Juma [https://twitter.com/kjforshort] brings an eclectic approach to the GTA’s hip-hop scene. Emerging under the moniker KJ and turning heads with material like his 2012 album Water and his appearance on Shi Wisdom’s “Lovespeak,” Keita Juma has continued his artistic progression on subsequent releases. With 2014’s Peephole/Beach EP release and this year’s Chaos Theory EP , Keita Juma is clearly intent on infusing his music with disparate influences drawing from his diasporic upbringing and his experimental approach to creativity. – Del F. Cowie

Keita Juma will be appearing at Manifesto as part of the Red Bull Sound Select event along with GoldLink and A K U A on September 16. Follow Keita Juma @KJforShort on Twitter and RSVP for RBSS!

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

Well, when I first moved to Canada I lived in Etobicoke for a few years, then Brampton, and then ended up in Mississauga. I’ve been in ‘Sauga for a while now, more specifically Meadowvale, so that’s where I call home.

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

I’m usually home, so in the nights I’m skating the Lisgar trails taking in what I’ve been working on or some other music. Most of my spots are food spots or bakeries because that’s my thing. If we’re talking meals, then Average Joes in the [Kensington] Market for breakfast, Potluck in Meadowvale for lunch, or Indian Kiss in the Junction for dinner. When I used to live in Etobicoke, there were a few bakeries I’d hit up on the regular – one that sold fresh patties right from the oven (I think it was close to Dr. Flea’s,) and a Ralph’s Bakery on Finch where I’d get fresh Hardo bread. Outside of that, you can catch me at Rattlesnake Point with the family taking in the view or tryna’ start a fire.

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

There isn’t much art happening in the ‘burbs, just similar houses, roads and bus stops, but I think that’s the suburbs in general. There aren’t any hubs for the artists in ‘Sauga either, so we all end up heading to Toronto. [It] Seems like they’re trying to do more around Square One and Lakeshore specifically, but those are really the only two areas I can think of.

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

I’m a part of the entire process and when you get music from me, instead of the lyrics just telling my story, every part of the song is me – from the beat to the mix. I try to take my time with each part [of a song/project] as if it’s a different layer that the listener can take in throughout their journey with the project. Those were always my favourite records growing up. I also feel I have a unique perspective on black music. I remember trying to put my friends on to house and garage back in the day, then grime. Some of them got it but some didn’t, and that let me know that sometimes, new things take time. The industry that’s been going on in England has been active for a while… same as here. I remember watching Mathematik videos on MuchMusic, or when [Saukrates’] “Money or Love” first dropped or when [Kardinal Offishall’s] “Bakardi Slang” was the talk. Then flying to England and going to pirate radio stations or raves with my brother and his friends, seeing the different cultures. From music to fashion, I was able to see the differences every year throughout high school. [It] made me okay with creating whatever made sense in my head.

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

Manifesto’s a part of hip hop culture in our city, and it’s always an honour to bless the stage. The first time I was in the Manifesto Festival was in ‘08, [when] someone bailed on their performance and I got a text the night before like, “Yo, you tryna’ perform?” I must’ve performed to about 8 people, but it was a great experience and I felt mad nice being a part of the festival. That was the year K-os came on and told K’naan it was cool to do another song, which was a big move on his part because Nathan Philips Square was not playing with the 10pm curfew. There’s always a lot happening in the festival week that brings out all the artists in the city, so it’s good to see people outside of the Internet. Also, it’s the last time everyone’s out before they hibernate for the winter.

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



That’s tough, but off top it would be Saukrates – “Comin’ Up” with Shad’s “I Don’t Like To” as a close second, a very close second. I know they’re older songs but those are the first that come to mind.

WATCH: Keita Juma feat. Brendan Philip – “Come Over”

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Aug 18
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In Conversation With… Chronixx & Zincfence Redemption

By | Community, Events, Music | No Comments

Artscape x Manifesto x The Remix Project x IREMEMBER
In Partnership with The Ada Slaight Youth Artist Mentorship Program
Present…   

In Conversation with…
Chronixx & Zincfence Redemption
“A Community Youth Gathering”

Moderated by Donisha Prendergast | Hosted by Big Norm

 

Reggae star Chronixx has re-energized today’s reggae sound by taking it back to its roots and pumping the heart back into the music. With songs like “Rastaman Wheel Out,” the classic “Here Comes Trouble”  from his 2014 album Dread and Terrible and “Who Knows?” his hit collaboration with fellow conscious-raising reggae artist Proteje, Chronixx’s distinctive voice and positive ideals have quickly made the 22-year old a worldwide force. A young man with an old soul, he continues to cultivate his gift by linking the present with the past by connecting with reggae legends like Sly & Robbie, King Jammy and Leroy Sibbles.

 

Following in the footsteps of his father  (reggae artist Chronicle), Chronixx was known as Little Chronicle growing up and was surrounded and mentored by several legendary reggae musicians like Gregory Isaacs. Chronixx began his career working behind the scenes providing vocals and production assistance for artists such as Popcaan and Konshens but the death of his brother spurred on his emergence as an artist in his own right leading him to release his debut EP Hooked On Chronixx in 2010.

Hosted by Donisha Prendergast, a founding director of Manifesto Jamaica, this In Conversation With… event promises to offer an intimate and revealing conversation with Chronixx about the inspirations and influences in his life and the message in his music.

Chronixx-hero

Event attendees are encouraged to bring canned goods, school supplies, projectors and small cameras to be donated to The Homework Centre in Jamaica. THC is a small Community Space with shady trees located in the heart of the streets of concrete houses in Westchester, Portmore. Once a broken playground and old barbershop is now filled with books, documentaries, musical instruments and other information tools for all ages, collected from years of book drives at events and from our travels around the world.

Friday August 21, 2015
230PM – 4PM (Doors – 2PM)
Daniels Spectrum – Ada Slaight Hall
585 Dundas St. E., Toronto

This event is FREE with registration and seating will be first come first served, with seating preference given to YOUTH aged 18 and under.

Event Hashtags: 

#ICWChronixx
#ARTSCAPEChronixx
#MNFSTOChronixx
#TheRemixProjectChronixx
#IREMEMBERChronixx
#THEHOMEWORKCENTREJA
#CREATECLASSROOMSEVERYWHERE
#EACHONETEACHONE

—

Donisha-Prendergast

About Donisha Prendergast

Donisha Prendergast is a global citizen who has been on a journey around the world since birth it seems. As a child touring with Ziggy Marley & the Melody Makers she witnessed how Reggae music was able to challenge social boundaries and even national borders with a true message of Love & Justice. Born and raised in Jamaica, this ‘80’s baby’ also saw the rise of dancehall and other sub-cultures driven by music. As a healer and community organizer she has put hands and heart into building a school for girls in the Mara Masaai region in Kenya with Free the Children, she has marched through the snow for justice with the Idle No More movement and the Indigenous youth and ancient elders of Canada. Donisha’s commitment to global community work includes her healing works with the youth of Tivoli Gardens Film Club, who she has been mentoring since the Incursion of May 2010 among many other projects as a founding director of Manifesto Jamaica.

About Manifesto’s In Conversation With..

Manifesto’s In Conversation with…series features intimate live interviews and audience dialogues with a diverse range of artists and leaders in their field. The talks provide an opportunity to go beyond the public performance persona of artists and creatives to explore these artists’ stories, career development experiences and valuable lessons.

We thank and acknowledge the Ontario Arts Council, Toronto Arts Council, Artscape, The Remix Project, IREMEMBER and the Ada Slaight Youth Arts Mentorship Program for making this event possible.

Aug 14
0

Luxe Taylor’s Pipedream

By | Interview, Music | No Comments

Burlington born rapper Luxe Taylor is home from his first solo tour across Canada’s east coast following the release of his long time project Pipedream. The tour started on July 31st in Toronto, ON and ended in Dartmouth, NS on August 8th.

Taylor started this album in 2014 after the break-up of his band The Heavy Heavies and wanted to put out a project that didn’t have any limitations when it came to the sound of the music.

“The overall concept of Pipedream is kind of like the pursuit of happiness. There are songs that look at different aspects of “happiness” and what people try to cling to, to give their life meaning (validation, money, fancy cars, girls, parties, beauty, relationships, drugs). These are all things I struggled with over the year, or saw people dealing with and it made me realize that the only thing that would ever truly make ME happy is pursuing music…Often people get so complacent or scared to pursue their dreams, and they settle for security. So in a way this project is saying no dream is unachievable if you’re fully behind it and put all your energy and positivity into it,” says Taylor.

 

Describe who Luxe Taylor is and what motivates him.

“I grew up in Burlington, Ontario. My motivation has always been to continually progress. Not only in my art, by writing a better verse than the last song or making a better beat, but also in my life as a whole.

My childhood was definitely dope, but I also grew up in harder conditions than my friends around me and definitely dealt with a lot of things my friends didn’t really understand happened where we were from. I think this made me closer to my brothers and sisters because we kind of all know exactly what we all dealt with because we had it the same. They definitely motivate me because I want to see us progress.

I want my music to get me in a position where I can not only help out my family and friends, but also a person who might be listening to a song I wrote and it helps them out in a way. Maybe someone is going through something similar to April Showers and something clicks with them, or they feel less alone. That feeling I’ve gotten when someone says a song or lyric I wrote means something to them is possibly the greatest feeling to experience as an artist. That’s motivation.”

How did you know you wanted to pursue rap?

“I’ve always been drawn to lyrics and rhythm, so it always made sense. I remember the first time I heard College Dropout by Kanye. It was the first time in my head where I started seeing myself as a hip hop artist, and maybe not just a guy in a band like a drummer or bass player.

I started making beats first and worked with a couple rappers. I was getting frustrated with it not sounding how I heard it in my head though. I started showing these rappers these broad ideas I had for the verse. At one point, this rapper I was working with at the time was like “Why don’t you just spit this verse?” I recorded the verse that day and from that point on I was writing, producing and recording my own music.”

Who influences you?

“My family, definitely. I owe a lot of my musical interest to my older brother. When I was younger, he was my source of everything I listened to. I’d borrow his CDs and play them in my disc man.

Other artists like Kanye, who are down to push to boundaries and not conform to a certain “sound” people expect from them.”

What will this tour mean to you?

“This is kind of a big deal for me because it was my first full solo tour. This first tour was definitely a learning experience. First, how big this country really is. After Montreal, it’s like a 10 hour drive until the next playable city. Also, you can’t expect the first couple tours to be sold out venues. You gotta pay your dues and build a fanbase slowly.”

Taylor’s next couple of projects include the second part of the Pipedream tour In September with Tech N9ne, getting more studio time and a possible U.S. tour coming in the winter.

 

Check out Luxe Taylor’s latest video release for “You Right” and his soundcloud for the entire Pipedream album. 

 

Listen to his full album here

IG and Twitter: @luxetaylor

Feb 20
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INTRODUCING… ARTDATA!

By | Community, Dance, Events, Fashion, Music, Organizational, Programs, Visual Arts | No Comments

If you are a youth arts group in Toronto how do you measure success? It can’t be just about revenues. Or huge crowds to local events.

What we can measure is the cultural impact of Manifesto on our community at large.

Artdata is an interactive data visualization funded by the Laidlaw Foundation and the Toronto Arts Council that gathered data on the programs and reach of 12 youth arts groups across the city. The interactive map, the Toronto Star Website, and ArtData on our own website will be launched today.

Here is sneak peek at the footprint of the Manifesto programs of 2014.

ManifestoFootprint

So Toronto: this is how WE measure success! Total number of  programs across the city!

This is how we measure the global impact of our Manifesto messengers. Tour dates for 8 Manifesto messages between 1999-2003.

This is how our community – 12 other youth-arts led organizations – spell success! This is our collective footprint – measured by outreach programs, participation, audience and community partnerships.

manifestototalimpact

And if you want to see just how some of our young artists get around check this out!

Randell Screenshot

This is how you navigating the interactive visualization.

To see the impact of individual organizations, click on the stars across the map. To see the collective impact of our ecosystem click on the PARTICIPATION, TOTAL IMPACT AND SPONSOR buttons along the top of the map.

To view the impact of individual artists who have participated in youth-led arts groups, click on the ART TRAILS button.

Shout out to the Laidlaw Foundation and Toronto Arts Council who funded this project. #artdatatoronto

>> Launch ArtData