Short conversations about creative sustainability.
"It's crazy how much it's still scary to stand out there by yourself." — SATEBlues, band nerds, Tarot cards, Toronto nightlife stories, fear, laughter. This conversation with Toronto musician SATE has it ALL. The late jazz and literary critic Albert Murray wrote about the blues as an Indigenous American tradition of resilience, an active and ongoing process or mode of confrontation and improvisation. Resilience is the blues, the blues is resilience. In her own way, SATE weaves a story of blues as a kind of grounding: in ancestry, self-identification, and — yep resilience.SATE: stateofsate.comSalome Bey, "You're Gonna Fall (1970)"Andy Bey & The Bey Sisters, "Smooth Sailing" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1jDDtUFUgbMWe need to take care of each other. Learn more about Encampment Support Network Toronto: instagram.com/esn.to.4realUNDER by Dyani is available now: dyani.bandcamp.comTheme song, "Dark Beings" by LALOriginal music by Jahmal PadmoreArtwork by amad.studioSupport the podcast
"So many of my friends had pop star dreams and we're all at this age where we're building a life that can include our creative talents and passions in a sustainable way. It was sad for me for a bit, but now I'm ecstatic." — Matthew ProgressIn this chat, Toronto-born multidisciplinary artist Matthew Progress talks about his short film TXN: A Decade In Review, commissioned by the Nia Centre, which culls the recent archive of images and sound to create a capsule narrative about Black Toronto. It had its public release (Zoom-style) the week that George Floyd's murder the death of Regis Korchinski-Paquet enflamed the news cycle. It got me thinking about the way that the grace of time is often denied to immigrant and racialized communities, who are denied public histories and ensnared in cycles of outrage. Matthew and I talked about the making of TXN, our meditation and grounding techniques and, because he's also a musician, the slow unfolding of multiple creative voices.Watch TXN: A Decade In Review: https://vimeo.com/421074565Stream his music https://smarturl.it/t3pv65We need to take care of each other. Learn more about Encampment Support Network Toronto: instagram.com/esn.to.4realUNDER by Dyani is available now: dyani.bandcamp.comOriginal music by Jahmal PadmoreArtwork by amad.studioSupport the podcast
"We're all out here trying to act like individuals [but] there is something about the individual that takes everything away from the community. We have to be aware of that." — Kris HarperMeet Kris Harper of nêhiyawak, the excellent Polaris Prize-shortlisted band from amiscwaciy (Edmonton, Alberta). Kris talks about how the Idle No More Movement, which began in Saskatchewan in 2012, shook up his understanding of how music, made intentionally, can be transformative, why he believes that more people should identify as Indigenous, and the importance of self-determination in music-making.Kris's Instagram post about skipping the Juno Awards: https://www.instagram.com/p/B9FXSs9Fky7/Additional tunes: "ôtênaw" and "open window" by nêhiyawakWe need to take care of each other. Learn more about Encampment Support Network Toronto: instagram.com/esn.to.4realᓀᐦᐃᔭᐊᐧᐠ nêhiyawak: nehiyawak.bandcamp.comOriginal music by Jahmal PadmoreArtwork by amad.studioSupport the podcast
"People talk a lot about the political potential of film, but they don't talk about the harmful effects and what happens when that image and that sound reaches you in the audience." — Sarah-Tai BlackBack at it with writer and film programmer Sarah-Tai Black, the brains and generous spirit behind the Toronto screening series "Black Gold." Sarah-Tai talks through the need for radical thinking around programming Black films, the perils and violence of institutional art in the name of social justice, what it means to be "politically bimbo”
The new episodes of Burn Out (coming soon!) are a response to the protests for justice and police abolition in the United States.... *and* a continuation of what Burn Out has always been: a place for artists to talk about resilience, survival, pleasure, and sustainability within systems of oppression and dysfunction. I just wanted to make that clear.Original music by Jahmal PadmoreArtwork by amad.studioSupport the podcast
It's a BONUS episode. Ft. voicenotes from artist pals about making shit (or not) during isolation.Biggest of thanks to:Casey Mecija: caseymecija.comJamilah Abu-Bakare: soundcloud.com/jamilahmalikaNoor Khan: noorkhan.coCadence Weapon: cadenceweapon.bandcamp.comNayani Thiyagarajah: 9knee.comSFX:> Street trumpet c/o Casey> Nêhiyawak educator Dwayne Donald from the short film "ôtênaw" (2017) by Conor McNallySupport the podcast
"So much of my work, especially as I move forward, has been thinking about lateral violence or how we buy into white supremacy in the ways that we don't know how to support each other." — Vivek ShrayaSeason finale chat with Vivek Shraya, a writer and multi-disciplinary artist from Edmonton who spent a number of years in Toronto and recently returned to Alberta to teach at the University of Calgary. I caught Vivek when she was in Toronto to premiere her recent solo stage show, How To Fail As A Pop Star, a deeply honest account of the dream that didn't come true. Vivek's best-known book might be 2018's I'm Afraid Of Men, but she also has a new book out called The Subtweet, that's about a fierce and ~very online~ friendship between two brown girls who love music. It's funny — we ran out of time talking about the play and failure and Vivek's shift from Toronto to Calgary life, so we didn't explicitly talk about the book but I think our chat ends up riffing on the themes and dynamics that play out in The Subtweet. A frank conversation from a Canlit darling, with just enough sweetness that I hope will hold you over until we meet again.Vivek: vivekshraya.comTheme song: "Dark Beings" by LALOriginal music provided by Jahmal PadmoreSupport this work
"Any type of art, you sort of have to lock yourself up — just you and your brain — which can be scary. I do see the labor organizing and the wave of unions as a way for people to fight that. To be like, 'No, I'm not in this alone, it's not just me.' Giving up this idea that if you pull yourself up by your bootstraps, you'll get all the credit — because the credit is just not worth it." — Haley MlotekVery great episode here featuring writer and editor Haley Mlotek, one of the many Torontonians now living and working in New York City. Haley and I met when she was the publisher of the scrappy and beloved indie pub WORN Fashion Journal (RIP), and worked together when she was an editor at The Hairpin (also RIP? wow, I hate this!). The breadth at which Haley grapples with pretty much everything is inspiring, and comes from a love of deep research and contemplation. In the past couple of years Haley has offered me indispensable advice as I went through a self-imposed writer's rehab. This episode gets at why I wanted to have her on: I've long felt insecure about my educational and professional blind spots as a writer, and Haley has always helped bring me up to speed. This episode goes deep into her circuitous journey to writing, as well as her work with the National Writers Union Freelance Solidarity Project. I hope that this episode gives you some insight into why it's important for creative people to de-romanticize their pursuits, in order to have better access to material supports that help ease the big ideas into existence. Oh, and UNIONIZE SOUNDCLOUD!!!Haley: twitter.com/haleymlotekTheme song: "Dark Beings" by LALOriginal music provided by Jahmal PadmoreSupport this work
"It's very different to be in such freedom. If I had released this music back home, I don't think anyone would play it. You have to keep it on the real real real down low for your own safety. You have to be careful because it can get real bad for you, because if you don't go to jail — someone is going to try to kill you." — BackxwashThis episode was recorded live on location at Long Winter, hosted by Workman Arts in February 2020.Backxwash is any incredibly prolific rapper and producer from Montreal by way of Lusaka, Zambia. She first caught my attention in late 2018 with a record named "Black Sailor Moon," and then with her spiritual rap opus "Deviancy," which came out in 2019. Backxwash's music is equally inspired by punchline rappers like Papoose, the bravado of the Dead Kennedys, and the repetitive, revelatory chants of her tribe, the Tumbuka. We had this conversation in front of a live audience, so you can hear people laughing and shuffling, and bands playing next door. Even though she had a show to play a few hours later, Backxwash was in high spirits and game to chat about everything from her early love of backpack rap to making creative choices as a trans musician, as well as the legacy and impact of British colonialism and American imperialism on her home country of Zambia.Backxwash: backxwash.bandcamp.comMusic: Backxwash, "Bad Juju," Backxwash, "HETERONOMY"Theme song: "Dark Beings" by LALOriginal music provided by Jahmal PadmoreSupport this work
"I think I've realized that I'm a very committed person. I love music and in love of something it's not going to be perfect — because it can't be. Nothing can be just good. You have to have moments of it being frustrating, and like, 'Why isn't it giving me more? Or why isn't it giving me less? Or whatever you think you should have in it." — Casey MQI hope this episode brings you some respite amidst the unknown xoI've been wanting to chat with Casey MQ since I started this podcast. I've been a big fan of his work for a long-time. First, as a member of the intriguing soul-funk band Unbuttoned, then as a collaborator of some of my favourite Toronto artists like Zaki Ibrahim, Sydanie, and L Con, and finally as a solo performer in his own right. Casey's voice is insane, emotive and redolent, and also a little sexy. We talk about his debut EP Nudes, and inviting sexiness in, what it means to be inspired by the purity of your early fandoms, making solo music and balancing a million side projects, and what it means to be a collaborator in Toronto.Casey MQ: caseymq.comClub Quarantine: instagram.com/clubquarantineMusic: L CON Ft. Casey MQ "The Art of Staying Tough," Casey MQ, "Between Water"Theme song: "Dark Beings" by LALOriginal music provided by Jahmal PadmoreSupport this work
"In music it's just 'easier' if you can also have, like, a modelling contract on the side — and that's the same with many other industries. Often, there's such a risk in investing in somebody that [labels] just need to check boxes... in order for [an artist] to be worthy of investment. I think if those ideas were [less narrow] then what people chose to invest in would be more interesting." — Katie Stelmanis, AustraIf you didn't already know: Burn Out is now a bi-weekly podcast! There will be a new episode every other week. Please subscribe if you haven't already, and rate, review, and share!This episode has been sitting on ice for months. Katie Stelmanis, aka Austra, is one of my favourite musicians. Shortlisted for the Polaris Prize in 2011 for the band's debut album, Feel It Break, Austra has since released two more records — with a fourth on the way, May 1. It's called HiRUDiN, after the peptide secreted by leeches that helps blood to coagulate, and delves into the real shit: the way we are in relationships. Katie says that she wanted to make a more insular record after her last album cycle, which found her being asked to comment on U.S. politics, but also because she saw flaws in her own approach. Queen of revision. This one is technically also a solo project, created in collaboration with a bunch of new and exciting collaborators. We also talk about the bloodsucking all musicians must submit to in order to gain access to the powers that be and how to get through a fallow period (with the help of food).Austra: austra.fyiFirst track: "Risk It" c/o AustraTheme song: "Dark Beings" by LALOriginal music provided by Jahmal PadmoreSupport this work
"With writers, especially on Twitter, you see such a desperate bid for cultural attention that books no longer have. You have all these sensitive, valuable thinkers, but there's not really a medium for them." — Adnan KhanIf you didn't already know: Burn Out is now a bi-weekly podcast! There will be a new episode every other week. Please subscribe if you haven't already, and rate, review, and share!This is a conversation with the hilarious writer Adnan Khan, author of the 2019 book There Has To Be A Knife. The novel is set in Toronto and centres on the distraught flailings of a young Muslim man, coping with the unexpected death of his ex-girlfriend. It's a surprisingly sensitive novel, despite the toxic behaviours that Adnan's protagonist is working through — well, that's what makes it interesting. Adnan and I talk about the writing process —how he actually got the novel done — and the ways in which a simple sentence like, "Yo, chill," can carry so much meaning when you've been grown up steeped in an environment where it's not always safe to express your emotions. We also talk about taking space for your work, the importance of educators in developing your self-esteem, and the "fart-sniffing" attitude of literary institutions in this country.Adnan Khan: khanadnan.comTheme song: "Dark Beings" by LALOriginal music provided by Jahmal PadmoreSupport this work
"All the stuff you're seeing now, people wearing their traditional outfits, using their language, using cultural rhythms — we did this in the 90s in *Toronto.* I finally feel like the industry is ready for us because so many of us were doing this for years." — Rosina KaziHappy 2020 — thanks for sticking with Burn Out and welcome to another season. First thing to know — Burn Out will now be bi-weekly, that means there will be a new episode every other week. Please subscribe if you aren't already, rate, review, and share!Twenty years ago, a Toronto group called LAL released an album called "Corners," that documented the cacophony of life outside their window. LAL has always occupied an importance space in my life, as a weird brown kid craving new forms of expression. In this episode, I speak with one-half of LAL, Rosina 'Rose' Kazi who is a mainstay of multiple artistic and organizing communities in Toronto, in addition to running the radical community arts space, Unit 2, and (yep!) still making music with her partner Nick Murray as LAL. In fact, their 2019 album Dark Beings was longlisted for the Polaris Music Prize. Rose shares candidly about her younger days, playing team sports, working in The Bassment at the legendary HMV on Yonge Street, dabbling in the music industry, learning to make music, and becoming part of various scene. Listening to her speak, you get the sense that Rose is permanently on the quest to 'figure it out,' knowing all the while that the journey is the whole point.If you're in Toronto:LAL performs "Corners" in full on Thursday, Feb 13 as part of the Wavelength Music Festival wavelengthmusic.caBurn Out will be recorded live on Friday, Feb 21 as part of Long Winter. torontolongwinter.com/LAL: lalforest.bandcamp.comTheme song: "Dark Beings" by LALOriginal music provided by Jahmal PadmoreSupport this work
Gyimah Gariba: instagram.com/gyimahgGTV Sunday Service: https://www.instagram.com/p/BVfnCtSlKhD/Big Blue: https://www.animationmagazine.net/tv/cbcradio-canada-greenlights-big-blue-from-guruSupport this work
"I'm doing what I need to do and that's it. I never want to have another episode again. I need to be kind to myself. Get six to eight hours of sleep a night. Never do an all-nighter. Bodies and equipment in a van, driving 13 hours to the next city. Why would I do that again?" - Ladan HusseinI have a lot of respect for Ladan Hussein's vulnerability. The singer-songwriter truly forged her own path from a young age: diverging from her immigrant family's expectations, leaving Toronto for London, creating her own melancholy sound, and eventually speaking about how the pressures of the industry led to a mental breakdown. Now that she's feeling healthy, Ladan's making music again and taken control of her creative direction and schedule — it's her way of caring for herself, and it marks a new phase in her career. We talked about her diagnosis, how living with her family again has been healing, and what it means to emerge once again.CW: This episode contains mention of depression and schizophrenia.Cold Specks: instagram.com/coldspecks
This episode is supported by FACTOR and Canada's private radio broadcasters. For more details on how to access funding for your next project visit factor.ca.Debby Friday Bandcamp: debbyfriday.bandcamp.comDebby Friday's Instagram post about sobriety: https://www.instagram.com/p/B0jh8g9le2A/
"I felt so aware of how long it took me to finish my album. It felt immense how much time had passed, losing my dad, moving to a new city; it was so strange to feel a lack, on a day that marked an accomplishment." - AkuaAkua recently released her first record, Them Spirits, and it is a gorgeous, cosmic, intimate album created during a time of suspended grief. She tells me about developing her confidence as an artist despite coming to music in her university (or, college) years in Montreal, writing songs in snatches between touring with Solange, moving to L.A., and unearthing a body of work as she learned how to produce herself. Thank you to Harry Knazen at Apollo Studios for the recording time, and Akua's mom for hanging out.Akua: akuamusic.com
"I think I was afraid that I would go away and be forgotten, but then I found that you show up and pick up where you left off. People don't forget you once you're honest and true." - Alanna Stuart of BonjayIn April I found myself in Jamaica, hanging out in Kingston with Alanna, eating all of the fruits, and listening to old tunes by Snow and Toni Braxton. On my last night in the city, she and I sat on the porch to record this episode — so, yes, there are dogs barking, and cicadas chirping, and the occasional growl of passing car, but it's vibes. This one is about the methodological differences between the Toronto and Kingston scenes, and finding your creative confidence in unexpected places.Alanna's band: bonjay.net
"When your career is starting to get bigger it highlights all those things you thought being popular would fix — it does *not* fix them." - Jasmyn Burke of WeavesRecording this ep with Jasmyn was what I imagine hanging out with Rihanna would feel like — just a unexpectedly glowy moment between two women talking about snacks and yoga and handling your shit. Jasmyn spoke openly about breaking away from her Type A model student days, as well as how being biracial affects life in the public eye. Featuring laughter and commentary from the lovely Vicky Mochama of Vocal Fry Studios.Weaves: weaves.bandcamp.com
"I thought it would be a miracle if I could get back to where I was as an artist." - Jahmal PadmoreThis episode was really hard to cut because Jahmal is a really good storyteller, and he's been grinding for a minute! We talked about almost all of it — from his early days in church, and playing in The Carps and Thunderheist, to blowing an audition to tour with an artist you've definitely heard of. Jahmal speaks about regenerating these experiences and getting out of his own way in order to move forward.Jahmal's music: Miracles on Soundcloud
"I'm thinking a lot, a lot, all the time about music and privilege. I'm teaching recording right now, but some of my students don't have a computer or a phone. There's a lot of privilege involved to make a record on your own." - Lisa ConwayLisa and I talk about her incredible 2018 album Insecurities In Being, what it means to make a record *about* being burnt out, and how to make a living as a working musician. She also shares some useful context about grants and residencies.L CON: Lisa Conway
“I can't really afford to be around people who make me feel small for what I don't have." - SydanieSydanie and I talk about her life growing up in Toronto's Jane & Finch neighbourhood, how to be a DIY rapper, her latest album 999, and the unique challenges of being a young Black woman making art in Toronto.Sydanie: Bandcamp
"That thing that you're scared of... it might not be real." - ShadShad and I talk about his new album, A Short Story About A War, how being scared of ourselves and each other manifests in the political sphere, and what it's like to be a rapper slash radio personality slash rap documentary host.Shad: shadk.com
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