On October 3, 2023, the Gussapolooza Music Festival announced their 2023 Award Recipients.
The Award for Fan Favorite celebrates artists who connect profoundly with their audience, embodying the festival’s spirit of unity and recognizing artists’ soul-stirring melodies and captivating storytelling. The recipient for 2023 is Ontario’s Cigar Club.
First off, congratulations on being a recipient of an award at Gussapolooza Music Awards 2023. How did you react when you found out?
Honestly, surprised. When we got the news all of us were ecstatic. We have been supporting Gussapolooza for a few years now and to have received an award from the fans at the festival, really means a lot to us as a band and as musicians.
How does it feel to be among some amazing talent as an award recipient?
We are very fortunate to have been awarded the fan favourite, as this comes directly from the fans and all the people attending the festival. To us, we couldn’t have received a better award.
It feels great to be recognized at this level and is a reminder of how far we have come as a band. It’s been close to 7 years now and we have definitely gone through our ups and downs keeping our lineup the same. We had an internal situation that didn’t allow us to play at Gussapolooza the year before, so to come back this year and land amongst the top 3 feels amazing.
What was the highlight of Gussapolooza 2023 for you?
Just being able to play at the new location (Georgian Steam Show Grounds) was probably the top highlight. We have only played Gussapolooza at its original location in Holland Landing so coming from that and seeing how much the festival has expanded was so nice. It’s provided so much more space and networking potential for the festival, helping bring artists and vendors together. Also great to see Russ and Val again.
If you return next year, what, if anything would you change about your performance?
Just a little more rizz.
Last but not least, what’s up next for you in 2023 and into 2024?
we have some big plans for 2023-2024. We have a new single coming out in November (Dark Market/ Ocean Potion) as well as some touring dates in Ontario for these songs, and a whole album rollout throughout 2024. Probably close to 4 single releases, music videos, and another tour starting in September for the album release. If anyone out there wants us on their festival lineup let us know!!!