No matter where we are there’s always a starting point…..these ladies here revisited memory lane to talk about how they started doing what they’re doing today! 

Before the official interview I spoke to Ticky Ty and for some odd reason- I discovered some interesting facts.  For those of you who actually know me I’d lived in Japan for a bit and after talking for a bit I learnt that she also lived there!  She worked at a local franchise club/bar Sam and Dave’s.  They had many locations all across the city and country and I too worked at that same location many years ago.  She had lived in Fukuoka/Osaka and I lived in Osaka.  Two really happening places in the Kyushu and Kansai areas- this was an awesome surprise! 

Cool facts about Miz Megs:

o She met Ticky Ty at Andy Poolhall;she booked her for an all girl DJ line-up

o She just found out about the term ‘New Jack Swing’ this year!  She’s loved it long time. 

Some cool facts about Ticky Ty:

o Used to listen to Happy Hardcore and Chill out.  Did you? 

o She started with a 2 channel Stanton Mixer and Battle Mixer Turntables

What struck my interest was the energy they had behind the decks.  I wondered what it would be like to talk with them.  I’d been to their shows a few times-Li’lys, CODA and Geary Lane.  You see, sometimes it’s not so much what they play or how they play…it’s the passion they put into what they do.  It shows.  They keep the crowd going.  I’d seen them spin separately and finally side by side at Love Buzz this past July!  They absolutely make a great team.  They took a bit of time to chat about how they got started.  I’m truly inspired.  I asked them what keeps the passion for music going and eventually we talked about how it all started …..

Me: What’s you earliest connection to music? 

Megs:I remember being 6 years old, listening to Dance music, pushing the couch aside and watching my reflection in the TV while my parents played cards with their friends.  I just loved Pop-you know, Debbie Gibson and Paula Abdul.  I would turn on the Pirate Radio Sessions (Energy 108) and listen to Chris Sheppard! ( I think everyone started with that.)  I also danced Ballet from ages 3-16, that was very similar to Ticky Ty! 

Ticky Ty: I started dance at Toronto Dance Theatre at 3 years old.  All my early music connections were dance-related. ‘ I went back to visit almost 24 years later and the same pianist and drummer was still there.  Rhythm came naturally to me. 

One thing I loved about talking with them is that they followed each others’ cues.  You can see how connected they are.  It’s then that I understood that these two had one of the foundational pieces that demonstrated a deep interest in music at such an early age. 

Me:Which music era speaks to you the most?  For me, I really Iike the 70s……

Miz Megs: 90s Euro and New Jack Swing. ‘ I never knew there was a term for it until this summer’ I offered Blackstreet as the more well known groups that was known for this style in the 90s.  She spent some time on Youtube listening to songs to see more groups.  She never knew there was a term for it until this summer. 

Ticky Ty: She says ‘Guys don’t laugh at me, but I really love the 20s.  She mentioned the movie Chicago.  And the truth is the 20s sound has been sampled quite a bit in Dance music.  She is hilarious because she adds ‘ I probably wouldn’t do to well in that era or even be alive then. ‘ I still really like Jazz and Swing.’ 

Me:When did you realize you were into House? 

Miz Megs: Dancing at home and thinking I was in a club….’I wanted to be a GO-Go dancer’ and Ticky cheers her on and says ‘It’s not too late girl it’s not too late’ This was the interview highlight.lol

Ticky Ty: ‘For me it would be with an old friend of mine, we used to steal her older sister’s Happy Hardcore CDS and pick raspberries in the backyard and zone out. 

Me:How did you both meet?  Andy Pool Hall!  They were both booked for an all girl Dj line up and Flipside/Andy suggested she ask Ticky for that night.  Meg booked Ticky. ‘ Thanks Flipside!!’ 

Me: Who do you wanna work with?  Any production yet? ‘ We’d love to work with Duro. ‘ I had a song out with Jerome….We’ve worked with Flipside.  Internationally they’d love to work with Chus and Ceballos and Channo. 

Me: What kinda music are you both listening to right now? 

Ticky Ty:‘Stuff comin out of Brazil… Groove to Light and all that dirty and hard stuff.(Okay!!!???lol) Megs-‘ Luciano is my all-time favourite but lately I have been especially inspired by Loco Dice.  I love that hip hop flavor he adds to his sets. 

Me:The one thing that comes to mind ladies; in the industry doing your thing spinning- Meeting people at the party, meeting people in and around the scene.  What’s it like?  You know, doing business? 

They break it down to two trains of thought:

You get the ‘Wow, chicks that’s hot… let’s watch it OR ‘Oh mi gawd chicks;they’re probably gonna suck’…’You get a little bit of both.  It’s either you don’t get the same sort of initial responses as with a guy.  You’re either a chick or you’re a commodity.  Or you suck. ‘ You have to prove yourself past those barriers.  Every.  Fucking. Time.  Which is fine-because every time we do it-we show what we can do…..’

Me: You ladies take what some would consider very sexy photos…..what’s up with that?  They (the pics)look good by the way…

I got in shit for that a few weeks ago…..Meg said ‘someone called them out for showing side boob and abs’ they were told that on TRC….. that no one would be attending their gig because they actively/purposely used their bodies to sexually try to get a gig’.  Their comment got destroyed by people defending us because they are just press PHOTOS and anyone who has actually seen us in person knows we usually wear baggy clothes and are so not like that.  The guy eventually apologized.  <<<interesting, yes. 

Me: Wasn’t the gig already got? 

Miz Megs/Ticky Ty: Yes!  We didn’t make the flyer.  A group discussion ensued and one of our fans supporters told the person where to go….fans are awesome that way! 

Me: Where can we find you ladies? 

Miz Megs/Ticky Ty:Nest, CZ (Comfort Zone) and various parties across Toronto or in cities out-of-town. 

What do you both like about Dj’ing?  Meg-‘The music and getting to be a part of something that has to do with the music you love….‘Just being there to dance.  And creating a new sound with what you love.’ 

Ticky Ty:‘I love the connection I have with everybody.  It’s really intense.  You can almost feel the energy of this group of that people or that group of people.  As long as you let go you get into a meditative thing.  You can just feel it.  Everyone moves as one.  Not over thinking it.  It’s really nice to be the catalyst of something like that.  Spurring a movement, its healing for me and so many others. You can go to an underground party and a CEO of Microsoft can be dancing beside someone homeless.  And it doesn’t matter.  No one cares what you do in the daytime.  No one asks.’  What do you do in the daytime?’  Meg says ‘I hate when people ask that’ they both agree. ‘ Shut your face we’re dancing right now.’ 

It’s a challenge for the music/entertainment scene to really delve into current issues and/or politics but very necessary so I asked anyway:

In light of everything that has happened in the last week. ( Orlando shooting) How do you feel about it as a musician/artist/House enthusiast? 

Ticky Ty:I wanted to take it back to pride month because the House scene did come from the Black Gay Scene.  She played the night and remarked at how special it was to spin for so many. ’There are no cultural and sexual boundaries.  We don’t give a shit about that stuff.  We’re blessed to be part of an Underground Community that embraces everything.  No cops standing around at the outdoor party.  No one is being searched at the door.  People are enjoying the music…..it’s such a gift….…… The vibe is really connected.  You can’t fake it.  It’s visceral.  You either don’t like it or you totally enjoy it. And beats is their gift to us. Entertainment people don’t really like to make comments about political shit but they did!  So much has happened since then…..

We’re half way through the year what’s in store for 2017?  At the same time they answer: Production!  That’s the next step, albums will happen once we tour and produce more!!! 

Alright ladies, DO YOUR THANGS!  You can find them on most social platforms!  @DjTickyTy @MizMegs

It’s amazing to have a blast from the past……a lady I met about 7-8 years ago we talked about turntables and vinyl.  We stayed in touch.  Look at what she’s up to now…..

Who are you?  DJ Typical Cat

What’s Her Story? 

As far back as she could remember her Dad was a drummer.  He collected records.  Her aunt was a country music singer. ‘ When I was younger I was listening to House Music and stuff…I’d turn on the radio and I would just feel it in my heart…stuff like Electric Circus or Much Dance…you know that kinda shit?’  When she first heard something she liked she says, ‘I felt it in my chest, I felt it in my heart….  in high school about grade 8 or 9, Freaky Flow was the first guy I heard of when it came to Jungle or Drum N Bass.  In high school I heard his ‘World Domination’ album and it got me hooked.  I heard Nelly Furtado on a track with the drums and bass and I wanted to understand this type of music more.  So I got into guys like Andy C, Dj Craze, Dj Hype.  I’d always loved this music without knowing what it was.  I wanted to know about it and I started to go to raves by myself and I just knew that I wanted to DJ and I was just there for that. 

About her first gig….  Her very first event and it was bigger than she expected.  This was one of her very first BIG events at Velvet Underground. ‘ I was nervous as hell but I had fun with it and opening up for Plastician was a huge deal for me because he was a DJ, I looked up to in so many ways.’  She noticed that people loved what she was doing.  She mentioned that this is something that women go through.  She remarked that women should be confident especially when wanting to pursue a thing like Dj’ing.  Some people will like that.  Focus on the positives. 

About raves….I wasn’t going to party and do drugs.  I would just watch what the DJ was doing- I just knew that I wanted to DJ. 

What did you do the first time around?  In grade 9 my mom asked me if I wanted to sign up for-those program books for summer classes.  And right away I was like I’ll take that!  Then in grade 11 when I had enough money, I bought tables! 

How were those classes?  What did you learn? ‘ I took that class and actually Oscar ‘DJ Grouch’ was the first person to teach me how to use a turntable.  He taught me VERY basic stuff-he taught me motions like scratching and stuff, not cuts but feeling it out with drums and using levels.  He was an awesome connect because he’s pretty big in the city.  Knowing him made me feel like I was on the right path.  He wasn’t just some guy turned DJ.  He was part of the scene, he was a great teacher.  He would even give me records.  I started with Hip hop and I went from that to Jungle. 

What kind of music do you like? ‘ My heart’s with Drum N Bass.  I love listening to the radio.  I love top 40.  I love funk.  I love listening to things I’ve never heard.  My sound right now is Bass.’  She plays unreleased dubs straight from producers-I love things that are brand new! 

How’d you find your style?  It was a journey.  It’s taken her a few years to know her musical taste.  She plays a more Housier Bass style now but for awhile she went through a Jackin’ House style even.  But really, mostly ‘I need that Heavy Bass…I think I found my sound at Plastician-it has the same BPM as House’ (Yes, it does.) 

Working with Alan Lam-what’s that like?  Her partnership with Alan Lam (Stranjah) didn’t just happen, It came after some time. ‘ He’s got a wikked business sense and very passionate about his work.  I’ve thrown parties with him and I know there’s a huge following.  Regardless of that-I love this music!  She is grateful for her crew because they know what they are talking about.  They are pioneers of Jungle.  It makes her feel confident.  When they’ve produced tracks he asks her opinion.  She never questions his decisions when putting together events or tracks.  She recalls her first ever event headlined party with Demuir which was a huge success. 

About Vinyl and Serato ‘I really need to learn not to carry records everywhere that I spent so much money on.  I went switched to Serato.  It’s the next best thing.  It’s like faking records.  So now I just stick with Serato.  It’s funny cuz I feel like I’m stuck in the past with all of this.  People are all up on their shit with CDJs and all that.  There are USBs wherever you go.  Something about the CDJs are just not my thing….I’m a record and turntable person…it’s not the same feel.  I need to feel it.  People now know that if they’re booking me I won’t show up without turntables….I made it that way.’  She doesn’t care that it’s a hassle. ‘ People have told me I wasn’t gonna make it anywhere because I insist on turntables.  So many people say it’s not industry standard.’  She thanks and shouts out club owners who come through with turntables. 

About Old Skool tunes….  Some old heads have said that they’ve heard some parts of her mixes/sets.  They listen to her mixes and they say that the samples or funk records are from back in their B-Boy days…..’If I hear it and I like it and it’s usually from an older genre’. 

Vocals?  No vocals? ‘ I like some singing but not too much of it.  It must be subtle….not too overdone.  It’s hard when you have a set with too many vocals.  Actually, it’s just not my style.  Sometimes I like vocals every 2 or 3 tunes.  I usually like vocals at the beginning of my mixes because it draws attention to the crowd.’ 

How do you prep for a gig? ‘ You overcome your nerves.  Even if the bar is empty I used to get nervous but like always I’m still riding off of it.  The rush you get from it is amazing.  You break walls after the first gig.  You reach out to people you don’t even know.  People tell me they’ve downloaded my shit and bump it in their car.  And I’m thinking….  I did that just for me….I’m still riding off the gig I did 2 nights ago’ lol

Your Mom and Cousin were at your last gig…..

She told her Mom to wear black to fit in.  She thought it was everything that her Mom felt it would be.  I talked to her about what my mother said also.  It was something out of a movie. ‘ I didn’t think my cousin was gonna stick around but she stayed ’til the end of the show!’  She remembers how her mom used to yell at her because all she would hear is Bass shaking the entire house and she’d tell her to stop.  Shockingly she kinda yells out ‘Now she’s coming to my parties?!!!!  It was very weird.  I haven’t even heard her opinion yet.  I’m so scared.  I don’t even think she has an opinion it was just something for her to experience in the moment.  It was amazing.  My mom would ask me back in the day about the Bass shaking the walls.  I think my mom was very proud of me.’ 

Cat, who do you wanna work with?  She wants to work with anyone specifically with the people who throw Promise parties.  She wants to bring her sound to Costa Rica.  She sees herself in Europe. ( Anywhere in the UK) and many of the people she works with are always touring there.  We talked about the Underground and how our scene is quite different from across the pond.  For example how progressive and genre flexible the musical tastes are. 

Any advice to those in the creative field who want to venture into production, promotion, Dj’ing anything related to the industry/scene? ( As a woman to the ladies out there what would you say?)  Throughout our talk she kept referring to the old her…’.  I was so concerned what others thought about the music I played-now I don’t give a shit’….You don’t always have to play for everybody else just play for yourself.  The people who like it will enjoy it….! 

How about people who have an original skill/sound….We talked about upcoming female producer Wondagurl she comments ‘I can guarantee you she’s doing shit she loves.  I’m not big time nothing but I’m just doing it cuz I love it.  I wasn’t ready for it before.  I’m ready now.  And all the things I’ve always wanted are coming to me.  I love this music!’ 

Cat emphasizes….‘I can’t stress enough…you need to stop caring what other people think of you.  Just do it.  Reach out to whatever connection you have-because not everyone has them-and if you know even one person that’s into the same thing as you or if you know one person that you’ve looked up to, reach out to them’.  She’s reached out to people from across the world on Facebook alone…. ‘ It’s that easy, some are flattered and will do everything they can to help you.  Take the plunge and just ask.  She realizes that she’s the only person holding her back and if it’s meant to be it’ll come’. 

Typical Cat spins next at Round Venue in Kensington Market, August 25th 2016

CDR (Create, Define, Release) – The night of ideas and tracks in the making at 805 Studio

I decided to re-cap the first CDR event of 2016.  CDR thrives on genre differences and a lot of that was played a few weeks ago.  Musical differences are what CDR is all about. 

The idea is for all participants to hear other sounds and maybe connect each other to the musicality of sound.  CDR speaks to collaboration.  The last session has seen a steady progression in participants reaching out mostly on the night of the event.  Gavin mentioned that it was great to see extra layers of music people coming out of the word works. 

‘We’re starting to see a bit of an organic development.  There were a larger number of listeners.  People are bringing in gangs of friends who are also interested in making music….It’s a discovery for everyone’

Some of the submissions are spontaneous and most were last minute.  Gavin and Ramon specifically sent a shout out to Peter Delorum from Kingston, Ontario.  He submitted a wikked track ‘Iliad’.  He drove from Kingston, Ontario!  CDR Toronto had an amazing Akai software giveaway. ( Just one of the few reasons why it’s a great place to be!)  The reason is to empower good production people and increase the potential to make great music! 

The Dego event in April really helped CDR expand their reach!  One of two mandates is to promote CDR artists at other clubs/events followed by the other to create a visual understanding of other artists’ creative process. 

CDR continues to focus on supporting local Toronto/Canadian-based artists.  Gavin believes that Canadians are poor at self promotion.  Events like these are a great way to get your musical projects out there.  Ramon shouts out DJ Gareth (Snafu 76) who is always ready and attended all 3 CDRs and as always the team is excited to see more new faces.  Special thanks to Elizabeth Da Costa for allowing CDR to run events at her community arts building! ( 805 Studio) It’s an amazing space which personifies CDR-be sure to check out the next event on June 16th!  Have your submissions ready! 

*Please be mindful, there may be multiple versions of the article posted elsewhere.  This is THE original article.  There are many House DJs,artists,promoters all over Toronto.  Be sure to check HERE.  No one is above anyone else.  No one is more supported than anyone else.  The House Community should be a place where many people can showcase their work,make people move and most importantly show the world what we have here. ( Not divisive in nature.)  I would never support one movement,genre,sound,crew,mixer,club-over the other.  I would never post anything that suggested that either.  It’s highly unfortunate that more interviews couldn’t be successfully completed throughout the city…..oh well 👍🏾

The language used in the other versions were NOT the words spoken or recorded during the interview.  Please check for misquotes and re-structured sentences and phrasing.  Fact check for accurate info.  I repeat there are so many people who contribute to the scene all over the city.  As I started this section, my intention wasn’t to say one thing was better than another. 

I’ve got many friends who visit this city and don’t know where to go if they want to hear good sounds and many are not aware that Toronto has a burgeoning House or Techno scene.  We had an amazing interview, Emile.  This is NOT what was said.  No loss in translation. ( Names of artists, hosts, promoters or venues might be preferential to the individual expressing that in the interview but if anyone has ever quoted anything sounding very odd-know that it is edited before it is posted here.) 

From a gig as paralegal to event party planner to disciplined athlete turned boxing instructor and now accomplished business man-Emile Awe Reed is one focused individual seeking excellence. 

I’d been to Loft SC a few times…I wondered who was behind its open concept.  I chatted with Emile via Skype a little over a week ago and talked about it quite a bit…. 

How House Music has influenced his life: Music has always been a part of his life.  He was in the choir at school.  He attended North Western State University and was a member of their Choir.  He grew up listening to Nana Maskari, Harry Belafonte among very many unique artists.  He grew up listening to Classic Rock and loved bands like The Who and Led Zeppelin.  He still hadn’t embraced House by then yet but by the 80s and 90s (the most influential era in my House Music opinion) and really got into Reggae. 

He notes that it was not until one of the longest running Toronto parties (Twilight Zone) that created the connection.  He started attending events in (2004). 
During a difficult time in his life he truly embraced House.  He eventually met DJ Gene King who always mentioned the importance of an ‘open mind’. They are now business partners!  Look out for UDM (Underground Dance Music) parties they throw twice a year! 

House Music IS Just So Cool: He opened The Boxing Loft Social Club.  House music’s sole purpose at the Boxing Club serves as a pace-setter for boxing technique (shadowboxing) and foot technique. ‘ Boxing still uses rhythm just like dance….. Reed tells me with conviction,’most of the House I hear, I love…if you want to be a good boxer, you’ve got to be good at everything-a complete fighter…this is why I fight to music’. 

Unlike many…..I had no idea ‘The Boxing Loft’ was an actual boxing gym!  As a brand marketing pro-star I thought it was a well-crafted brand image that simply brought people together-along with a prop stage boxing ring (silly me)!  With ‘Inspired Gatherings’ happening frequently, ‘Social Club’ is exactly what it is.  There are arts focused events, boxing instruction and dance party events all happening within those four walls!  The social component never ends! 

Reed started running events at 199 Queen St. E in 2004 and ran into snags with liquor permits for locations and capacity violations.  It made sense to find a permanent home for events and voilà: The Boxing Loft was born!  Growing up he watched Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers and learnt that during their time social clubs were VERY popular.  People with similar interests gathered to socialize and grow their memberships.  This is what the future will look like at the Boxing Loft! 

The Way Emile Sees It: Reed has a way he does business with co-organizers in the scene. ‘ I’m always gonna be upfront and real with people…I’m a new cat, I’m still learning….I like to work with anyone who is willing to learn, you need others in order to attain wealth….With more people there’s power…I’m a business person first….You have to be respectful…It’s not just about me’.  <<<shine’s thing too! 

Misquoted elsewhere.  Working With the Local Toronto House Behind-the-scenes promo people: If it wasn’t for my team, I wouldn’t be here without hosts and promoters. ( if I didn’t mention you, I apologize) I removed the names because it seemed to cause issue.  You are the ones that enable my name to get out there.  I appreciate that they have helped me brand The Boxing Loft.  Even though I’m the boss-I don’t stand alone…..I’d be nowhere if the DJs didnt play in my space. 

shine’s words added here>>>SO MANY AMAZING KEY PLAYERS THAT MAKE UP THE CITY’s scene-I WISH IT WAS AN EVEN BIGGER SCENE with a unified platform to bring more people from overseas to (Toronto).  Absolutely no shade. 

DJs should be validated as artists.  I have an idea of how DJs should play.  This is how/why I choose who plays at The Boxing Loft.  DJs like Yogi,Stan Zeff, Zepherin Saint,Ian Friday, Josh Milan, Joe Rizla.  DJs of THAT calibre-this is how I choose.  I try to keep the DJ guest choices at a certain level…..you know that standard…..As an athlete I strive to be the best, same as the DJs.  I have to make sure I shine so the DJ shines and the underground’ll shine.  I want The Boxing Loft to act like an advocate for House Music.  <<<<<<<(there are many groups, that are very good, that sound good and have large, medium or small followings all over Toronto-it doesn’t make anyone better or worse.) 

What to expect at The Boxing Loft:

No drugs allowed inside (it’s a sports venue and creative space too!) 

Make sure as you enter TBL you can somehow relate to what you’re taking in (art/music/sport)

*Please be mindful, there may be multiple versions of the article posted elsewhere.  This is the original article.  There are many House DJs,artists,promoters all over Toronto.  Be sure to fact check HERE.  No one is above anyone else. All key players as a WHOLE contribute in many ways.  People visiting Toronto internationally should be able to visit many venues to party safely during their stay here.  Please check for misquotes.  Fact check for real info.  All media outlets are used as informative vehicles for change and to build legacy.  The section of this blog was intended to bring all types of people to Toronto to embrace all genres of House.  This article was not intended to be divisive in nature.  I enjoy House music.  And this section is all about it. Don’t take offense until you know what you’re reading is TRUE.  Don’t misquote or force something that wasn’t said. ( Updated in 2018-had no idea this was altered elsewhere!) 

Bunda Lounge has hosted some fabulous DJs in the last FOUR years!  Bunda just celebrated its fourth year this year!  I always wondered where the club name came from.  It has a ring to it.  Ivan explained, “It’s a slang word for a ladies’ derriere…..I won’t go into anymore details”LOL.  Apparently this is the slang used in a few countries (Angola,Brazil,Haiti)!  It’s quite a catchy name with staying power just like the transformational steps it took to start this joint……

I sat down last week to talk to owner Ivan Fialho of Toronto’s Bunda Lounge.  I had an awesome conversation all about one of the hottest homes of the ‘international house’ scene in our city. 

shine:Congratulations on celebrating 4 years!  I had no idea.  It takes a lot of dedication to keep something going let alone a business…What started Bunda? 

Ivan:My involvement in music started this.  I came to Toronto at 14 and began helping my brother with his music thing.  He used to DJ and spin at different places and I’d carry his records.  After he threw in the towel-I started spinning out at parties (specifically African music, Zouk & Kizomba etc.) 

shine:What type of place did you want Bunda to be?  What’s the best thing about running events here? 

Ivan:All elements of Bunda including the music featured here, the acts that play here are reflective of my musical background.  It’s not by chance but by design!I specifically wanted to focus on my (Angolan) roots music- the kinds of music I grew up dancing to with my Mother.  As a child she would force me to dance with her and as I got older I learned to like and really appreciate this music!  Bunda was born out of wanting to move forward without having to move from venue to venue.  I wanted a place where my musical tastes could have a unique exposition of culture. 

shine: Bunda’s location-Why Dundas/Ossington? 

Ivan: When I first got to this neighbourhood, no one was here!  I knew this area was gonna be a bustling area.  This area was initially 90% Portuguese and 10% Vietnamese.  Now the area caters to all kinds of people bringing business to the area!  People here are open to all kinds of foods, music and services! 

shine: Last Summer Bunda Lounge was quite the hotspot, EVERY WEEKEND….you collaborated with United Soul/Groove Institute extensively last year; what’s in store this year? 

Ivan: The partnership continues this year!  It’s been quiet the last few weeks because of this year’s World Cup and the games brought some good business lol.  We’ve got some big acts lined up for the next 5 months.  Some of the big acts from last year are returning and of course, we will always continue to work with local talent. 

shine: What was the best event you’ve held at Bunda Lounge? 

Ivan: Hands down, the Boddhi Satva party!  That party was on of the ones that stood out.  He took us on a journey!  The vibe that night was incredible.  He showcased all kinds of real good music.  He told a story! ( I totally agree with him about this.) 

shine: What’s the future of Bunda Lounge and the Bunda Lounge brand? 

Ivan: Bunda Lounge is here to stay.  We’re gonna keep going.  We’ll continue to showcase what Bunda does best.  With whatever you do understand that you can’t please everyone but you’ve gotta try.  When I started I didn’t know anyone-no one knew about this venue.  Now,I take time to build solid relationships with the establishments around Bunda and others in the industry.  I’m creating a sort of Bunda Renaissance. 

The Lounge is open from Tuesdays to Saturdays every week!  They are open occasionally during the day for games/matches on TV (World Cup).  For folks who don’t know, Toronto is a PATIO city!There’s a patio outside where you can grab a few drinks and chill.  Bunda is available on Sundays for private events.  They’ve got a Hump Wednesday night coming up.  Thursdays and Fridays usually have some dope house nights and Saturdays are usually the best nights around! 

Ivan still spins in the city and will be playing at this year’s Festival Kompa Zouk Toronto – The festivities run from July 26th to August 4th 2014.  More things to do in Toronto!  Check it out here: http://www.fkzo.ca/events.html

This Saturday Groove Institute is back with legendary locals Dino + Terry this Sat July 19th at Bunda!  It’s always a dope party!  For locals, see you there!  For out-of-towners and international visitors to Toronto, it’s truly a one-of-a-kind party!  If you’re visiting Toronto find Bunda on Twitter @BundaLoungeTO or Facebook! 

This year’s House Music segment is gonna be off the charts!  I’m looking forward to it!  Just so you know….blog readers and viewers have visited the SHINE prjct from all over the world!  shine2u gets the most hits and shares for its House music features…. 

Canadians are talented! 

Toronto’s got talent!  The Toronto House/Dance/Electro Music scene is burgeoning.  This year it’ll be local, ALL local……look out DJs, promoters, club owners….I might be at your doorstep!  🙂

Sometimes it’s a one person machine other times it’s a collaborative cipher.  Let There Be House has truly made its mark on the small but tight-knit Toronto House scene.  Let There Be House was a creative project designed as a go –to everyday-all day-what’s–going-on- in-the-Toronto-scene-one-stop-shop. 

On that site you’ll find DJ listings, podcasts, interviews, events and more! 

What brought this team together?  Simply put, the collective love of music that emerged from the early 90s house catalogue.  Front lady and promoter Tas felt the need to do things a little differently while embracing the challenge to jump into the existing “HOUSE” and make a noticeable difference! 
This difference was attained with the use of more recent methods of promotion.  Back in the day mainly flyers and sometimes email got the word out.  A website, a Tumblr blog, a Twitter page and FB page allowed for a little more reach.  The site (www.lettherebehouse.ca ) began by giving house music lovers the chance to self-inform.  This is absolutely one of the main ways that the music and the culture has remained and stayed very much alive in Toronto.  This seemed like a better alternative to pushing promo material both on and offline. 
What started as online house music hub housing Jack Declared “@jackdeclared” (a play on the classic house song…… ‘In the beginning there was Jack … and Jack had a groove …And from this groove came the grooves of all grooves….And while one day viciously throwing down on his box, Jack boldly declared “Let There Be House” that is how Lettherebehouse.ca was born. ( Pretty clever) 🙂
This site’s been around for almost 4 years this November and naturally there’s been a transition.  With this transition comes ‘Soiree’-A night where ‘Let There Be House’ is VERY concerned about ambience.  A night where the focus is on THIS city.  A night where there’s a different line-up EVERY time, a night where people come out of the woodwork to dance their asses off….did I mention it’s a night where the goal is to grab DJs from other dance scenes?‘Soiree’ takes place on Sundays which for some time has been a rarity in Toronto.  For a big city you’d think Sunday would be a weekend add-on but it’s hasn’t been until last year.  Let There Be House took a risk that pays off and with Summer under way…it’s one of the few places you’ll wanna be at! 
Here’s a little something about Toronto that LTBH wants the world to know: No matter what you like musically; it exists HERE. ( in Toronto) There are a number of movements operating synonymously!  All good quality music.  Whatever your flavour of “dance” music, just like this city and its people-there’s a scene for it!  At ‘Soiree’ DJs and dancers have the freedom to do what they want.  It’s not genre specific.  Let There Be House states that House is House is House.  Whether it’s Deep, Techy, Soulful, Jazzy or Afro.  Expect anything…..expect to DANCE. 
For those from out-of-town coming to Toronto and you’re interested in the dance in this city…..you’ve got an extra day to take it all in there was a ‘Soiree’ last Sunday, this past Thursday for the Canada Day Long Weekend and there’s another one coming up for the Caribana Long Weekend- going LATE into the night (yay!)  and just so you know……

‘Soiree’ locales are always a surprise!!!  That’s the fun part.  It could happen at its home ‘Bassline ’ (865 Bloor St. West) or it could be anywhere in the city!  All you need to know is that it’s gonna be a good time, it’s gonna go late and you’ll be served some great music TORONTO underground style.  Where can you find this info?  www.lettherebehouse.ca! 

Don’t forget! 

-shine

I’m really excited to showcase Toronto’s scene.  Hope you enjoy reading the series as much as I enjoy interviewing everyone! 

Bravo, bravo, bravo!  I had a ball at this show!  I found out last-minute and was pretty excited to see her live!  I didn’t get a chance to see her the last time she was in Toronto….Here’s a little story about when I found her music…. 

I was in Japan in 2003.  I strolled into a massive Tower Records in Downtown Osaka.  I used to run in there to purchase vinyl for my weekend gigs but I also went in there because I missed music I could easily hear at home!  Japan has this thing about separating their music by genre. 

Japanese are HUGE purveyors of music and devote full floors and/or sections to musical genres.  I was a little put off when I found the ‘Black Music’ section (this is what they call RnB, Hip Hop, Soul, Reggae etc.)  But DAMN it had its own floor!!! 

I looked around and they had a huge display with multiple magazines and articles about Teedra Moses.  I looked at her dress and shoes on the CD cover and first thing I thought was ‘classic 80s look….I’m buying this’!  I took ‘Complex Simplicity’ home and that was it!  The album hadn’t been released in Canada yet so I brought it home with me the following year when I came home for Christmas……it got scratched and my sister took it…..it was hers. 

I got back to Osaka-bought another copy…..that was also acquired by another friend.  Bought another copy and that was scratched and eventually cracked.  Bought another copy and I only have the page insert now.  lol (Now we’ve got iTunes so I’m good!) 

Ask anyone who was there last Saturday at Revival and they’ll tell you- she’s got this ‘it’ factor.  Her music is heartfelt and captures a point in time where music was REAL.  She sings about love and heartbreak in a very pure way; almost matter-of-factly.  She’s fierce and sweet at the same time!  With songs like ‘Complex Simplicity’ and ‘Caught Up’, ‘R U 4 Real’, ‘Kisses Never Tasted So Sweet’, ‘All I Ever Wanted’ she just hits that sentiment called love…..The crowd sang along both men and women…!  During the show she paid ode to ballad greats Evelyn Champagne and Caron Wheeler…..dope! 

It’s unbelievable that Complex Simplicity didn’t sell when it debuted in 2004 but as per last Saturday……the proof is in the crowd’s presence.  She’s considered Indie as she released her first album with TVT Records.  Most recently she is signed to rapper Rick Ross’ (Maybach Music Group).  Super kudos to CMW(@CMW_Week), The Main Ingredient (@TMIParty) for bringing her out here!Homegrown artist (Toronto) Leila Dey warmed up the show nicely.  She’s got a gorgeous voice!  Complemented the Teedra Moses show! 

For my two-step heads- there’s a (Kaytranada Version) of ‘Be Your Girl’.  Well selected set.  She commands the stage.  Her styling is on point.  She’s got the pipes. She’s Old School, she’s Nu Skool!  Her wing man was quite the vocalist.  You just had to be there!