All Queer Indie Music Event Returns to Spotlight Toronto-based 2SLGBTQIA+ Artists
QUEER MUSIC SOCIAL presented by pop musician Cory Stewart and soul artist and curator Sasha the Dragon returns to Toronto’s music scene on Thursday, May 30, 2024, in the heart of downtown at It’s Ok* Studios (468 Queen St W), an independent Black-led and operated, interdisciplinary, multipurpose arts space. The celebrated event, created for Queer musicians to have performance opportunities outside of traditional Pride events, will feature a lineup of some of the city’s top Queer talent including Charmie, Dario Dvon, dichotomy, and Unlisted Negros.
With 92% of LGBT consumers considering themselves passionate music fans (GLAAD, 2016), QUEER MUSIC SOCIAL fills a large void in the Toronto Queer music community. QUEER MUSIC SOCIAL initially began in 2020 as an online artist community, in which Cory Stewart hosted special guests such as music PR expert Eric Alper and 604 Records (Marianas Trench, Carly Rae Jepsen) President Jonathan Simkin for Q&A style sessions. The monthly event provided an opportunity for 2SLGBTQIA+ indie artists to get a peek behind the curtain of the music industry through an intimate and informal chat with numerous industry experts.
“Feeling isolated while navigating the music industry as a Queer individual is a common experience. The goal of QUEER MUSIC SOCIAL is to create a safe space for 2SLGBTQIA+ artists and music enthusiasts to connect and build a supportive community,” says founder Cory Stewart. “As fantastic as Pride celebrations are, there are limited platforms addressing the ongoing needs of our community throughout the year. My hope is that this initiative will help fill that gap,” adds Sasha the Dragon, Co-Event Director and Music Curator.
Tickets for QUEER MUSIC SOCIAL ($20 advance, $25 door) are now on sale here.
First off care to introduce yourself to our readers?
Charmie: Hi I’m Charmie, your favourite Haitian empress goddess, writing the tunes, panty snatcher, check me out.
Dario Dvon: Hello there, I’m Dario Dvon, a singer, songwriter, theatre performer, and composer. Life fuels my passion and creativity, and music is my sport.
dichotomi: I go by the name of dichotomi, I make music for the girls and the gays. I make music about my life, and the things that fill my mind and heart, for better or worse, and I just hope the words I write find the right audience of people who resonate with that.
Unlisted Negros: We are Unlisted Negros. Our music reflects a radical form of self-love and expression, while our sound is a culmination of many genres but can recognized as Afro Soul, hip hop, and RnB.
Tell us a bit about your recent release.
Charmie: Disaster is a song I wrote about growing up in a Christian household being gay af and having to figure it all out.
Dario: My recent release, “Sunshine,” coupled with my first-ever music video, made waves by topping the charts in the Caribbean, setting a record for most number ones on Selecta charts. Additionally, it received a nomination for Music Video of the Year at the Gine on Awards. I am very proud of track sunshine an up-tempo song that spread joy, sunshine, and good vibes.
dichotomi: DFW (down for whatever) was a precious baby song project that came out of a cowriting session with one of my best friends, Caijo.
Unlisted Negros: Our debut ep unethical negros is a short collection of songs that give listeners a small insight into what can be expected from Unlisted Negros.
How do you typically go about the songwriting process? Do you have a specific method or creative routine that you follow?
Charmie: No specific method, sometimes melodies come before words, and sometimes feelings inspire a whole song and then I go back to produce the track.
Dario: Most of my songs stem from an idea that usually comes in the form of melody and some words but mainly mumbles that I then record on my phone and that I revisit it and develop the words and the story, then I’ll head to the guitar start playing some ideas to go along with the melody. Depending on the genre, Ill change to a beat that more suits the style of the song and If the beat isn’t right I’ll create it with my band.
dichotomi: Heartbreak is really the most effective catalyst for me, I’ve been picking over the bones of a breakup that happened a solid two years ago. There’s nothing like having your heart crushed up like potpourri and then scattered to the wind to get the juices flowing. I pull out my little ink pen and leather-bound notebook and the lines come flowing.
Unlisted Negros: When writing songs we typically like to through prospective tracks on and freestyle to whichever vibe we are feeling the most. We occasionally write the old-fashioned way as well, with paper to pen. But our creative process is usually a variation of the two.
Looking ahead, what are your plans for supporting this new release? Are there any upcoming tours, music videos, or additional content that fans can look forward to in connection with this project?
Charmie: I just released the music video that you can find on YouTube.
dichotomi: We have some visions for music videos, the visions involve carousels, enormous ice cream cones, paddle boarding, and maybe waterboarding. The thing is the vision stage sometimes gets reigned in a little. Follow along and find out how it shapes up on screen!
Dario: I’m currently in the process of preparing for the release of my debut EP, titled “Livin the Dream,” which is still in the works and set to be released in the Fall. Alongside the EP, I’m excited to unveil accompanying visuals and new music in the coming months. The EP encapsulates themes of optimism, resilience, and the pursuit of one’s dreams despite challenges. Through my music, I aim to inspire listeners to embrace life fully and to persevere in the face of adversity. Stay tuned for more updates and sneak peeks into this exciting project!
Unlisted Negros: The coming future and are just looking forward to sharing our creative minds with ones tapped in and interested in listening.
Looking back on your musical career, is there a particular moment or accomplishment that you consider a turning point or a highlight?
Charmie: Co-writing two songs on Nelly Furtado’s upcoming album that is set to be released in September is definitely a highlight.
Dario: I can think of two standout moments in my musical career that have highlighted my journey. Firstly, being part of Rise Edutainment’s Light Camera Action Cohort; Not only was I honored to be recognized as one of the Top four artists of the cohort, but the experience itself was transformative. It provided me with a sense of community and camaraderie, connecting me with fellow artists who shared my passion and dedication to their craft. The friendships and creative alliances formed during this time continue to influence and enrich my Passion to this day, making it a highlight of my career. Secondly, the opportunity to write, compose, and perform my very own musical at Theatre Passe Mauralle was equally impactful. The Voice that Colours the Silence the production centered around themes of self-love and personal discovery. Bringing this musical to life on stage was not only a significant accomplishment but also a deeply meaningful experience. It allowed me to share my story and connect with audiences on a profound level, inspiring others to embark on their own journey of self-discovery and empowerment. Overall, these moments stand as testament to my growth as an artist and the power of music to inspire and uplift others.
dichotomi: the first time I ever played with a live band was a complete game-changer. I knew there was no going back. I recommend everyone try it at least once.
Last but not least, it’s time to pay it forward, what upcoming band or artist would you recommend your fans check out?
Charmie: @marleyunknxn on insta & @nefe_music on insta
dichotomi: Of course, I have to shout out my collaborator and bestie Caijo, lyrical wizard that he is. Some other fabulous Toronto talent you have to check out are Chara Kai-Le, Xéynamay, and Shannon Chapman.
Unlisted Negros: Two of our favourite artists in the city right now are Sammi Shine and Jimmy Yitty. We love the energy, flow, and vibe of the music and projects they have been releasing. Much respect for them.