Kingston Live Podcast

On this episode, Johnny and Riley are joined by Kingston musicians Kyra Johnson (Kyra) and Sean Patterson (Nü Clarion), formerly of Oakridge Ave. Both artists share their perspectives on songwriting and recording, musical experimentation, and Kingston's music scene. Kyra shares her song from her Slaight Music Video Showcase project, and Sean shares a track from Nü Clarion's forthcoming album release, disB'lief, due out October 1, 2026.

Chapters:
00:00:00 - Episode overview
00:02:25 - Introductions
00:03:48 - An evolving experience at Back to the Farm Beer & Music Festival
00:06:42 - Kyra's diverse musical inspiration
00:11:02 - Sean's Nü Clarion music pro...

On September 12, 2026, Downtown Kingston will host the inaugural RoadTrip Music Festival. Its unconventional lineup warps the festival paradigm by mixing up musical styles and by blending local acts with touring acts from as far away as L.A. RoadTrip promises a refreshing, inclusive festival experience for residents and visitors alike, thanks to the vision of musical tastemakers Virginia Clark and Steve Jordan. In this episode, Steve Jordan joins Rob in studio to discuss his Kingston roots, founding the Polaris Music Prize, and why he thinks RoadTrip Music Festival is something you'll not want to miss.

Chapters:
00:00:00...

Thanks to progressive musical acts like Angine de Poitrine, microtonal music is seeing a surge of interest. That's partly what's prompted Kingston musician James Mulvale to resurrect his abandoned musical recording and performance project FASTFAST. Our guest way back on episode 40, James returns to the podcast to share how a recent surprise call microtonal enthusiasts in Munich persuaded him to revive FASTFAST after a three-year hiatus for a music festival performance overseas.

Chapters:
00:00:00 Episode overview
00:02:04 What is microtonal music?
00:04:33 Anna-Maria Hefele and the nuances of human voice
00:07:35 Untwelving: Convention for contemporary microtonal and...

Kingston's Céline Klein (Jamstone Productions) set out to make a documentary film exploring the theme of music and mental health through the lens of local artists. Though the project took some unexpected turns, Céline discusses the concept along with her subjects, Emily Fennel (Miss Emily) and Ricky Brant (KaKaow), who share some of the mental health and financial struggles they've faced over their musical careers. We first touched the topic of music and mental health in episode 83.

If you are in distress, or know someone who is, call the Kingston & Frontenac 24/7 Crisis Line at 613-544-4...

With the twenty first edition of Skeleton Park Arts Festival around the corner, we sit down with the organization's new Co-Artistic Director, Sol Castañeda, and longtime festival patron and participant, musician extraordinaire, Teilhard Frost. Together, they shed light on the significance of the annual, free and sustainably-run arts festival in McBurney Park, the spirit of inclusivity that fuels it, and the presence and impact the SPAF community has year-round throughout the city.

Chapters:
00:00:00 Episode overview
00:02:15 Introducing the new Co-Artistic Director of Skeleton Park Arts Fest
00:04:49 Teilhard on the festival's inception and significance
00:07:18 L...

Paul Langlois co-wrote some of The Tragically Hip's most iconic songs. Ten years after the band's final performance in Kingston, Paul reflects on his solo work and finding inspiration after The Hip, and shares details and music from his latest release, Smooth Rock Falls.

Chapters:
00:00:01 - Episode overview
00:02:39 - Paul's new album: Smooth Rock Falls
00:05:59 - Recording, mixing (and remixing) Smooth Rock Falls
00:08:54 - The inspiration and desperation of songwriting
00:11:05 - Ten-track tendencies and performance pressures
00:16:15 - Perfecting a solo sound
00:19:54 - Music as an outlet for grief
00:24:32...

In part two of our Inside the Isabel series, the Isabel's Senior Marketing Officer, Alyssa de Hoop, and Technical Director, Aaron Holmberg, detail interesting aspects of the performing arts centre's operations. They also share some funny behind-the-scenes stories, dispel some common misperceptions about the Isabel, and how the venue is working to support Kingston's many local acts and artists.   

Chapters:
0:00 Episode overview
1:26 Alyssa and Aaron's roles and responsibilities
4:52 A modern marvel in the heart of historic Kingston
6:46 The Isabel's performance spaces
8:18 The purpose-built performance hall
9:26 Hosting a variety of world class pe...

This month we go inside what has become one of Kingston's most treasured venues: The Isabel Bader Centre for the Performing Arts. In part one of a special two-part episode, The Isabel's Director, Gordon E. Smith, explains the vision, history, development and significance of the Queen's University-run building as a public space, educational facility, cultural hub and world class performance hall.

Chapters:
0:22 Episode overview
02:04 The Isabel: A primer
04:42 The Isabel's inception
06:57 Building The Isabel
11:04 Project challenges and preserving the past
16:15 Prioritizinig diversity in programming performances
19:43 Complement don't compete: Collaborating with...

In recent years, Kingston's reputation as a rock or blues town has eclipsed the city's legacy as a thriving hub of jazz music. Local music enthusiast and Kingston Jazz Society president George Broughton joins host Pete to talk about the past, present and future of jazz in Kingston, and how to keep it accessible for generations to come.

Chapters:
0:22 Episode overview
1:48 Kingston's musical DNA: Jazz
6:10 Discovering jazz music's difference – and magic
11:29 Kingston jazz's wartime roots
15:04 Nurturing future generations of jazz musicians
19:00 Barriers to entry: Politics and public education
24:08 All about th...

Born in Dublin, singer-songwriter Frank Ryan developed his artistry between London, Toronto, New York and L.A. On this episode, Frank shares how Kingston won his heart, what makes it a truly unique live music destination, and why he believes the city deserves the distinction as Canada's premier music city.

Chapters:
0:21 Episode overview
2:46 From Dublin to Kingston: Frank's journey
6:48 The value of mentorship
8:24 How rising costs push culture out of communities
12:08 Why music thrives in Kingston
15:54 Kingston's unique geographic opportunity
17:36 The allure of Kingston's music scene
21:43 Frank's musical inspiration<...

Tucked away just north of Kingston in the town of Westport is The Cove Inn, a hidden gem that's been quietly gaining a reputation as a legendary Canadian live music venue. Johnny and Rob visit with the historic hotel's manager and music curator, Seamus Cowan, to understand how this country-pub-turned-community-hub has become a pillar of eastern Ontario's music scene, and how Seamus crafts unique and unforgettable experiences that keep music lovers coming back for more.   

Episode Production Credits

Guests:
Seamus Cowan thecoveinnwestport@gmail.com

Hosts:
Rob Howard rob@kingstonlive.ca
Jo...

Following his departure from the iconic indie band he co-founded, Lowest of the Low, Stephen Stanley has continued writing, recording, releasing and touring his own brand of music as The Stephen Stanley Band. He also keeps busy hosting a long-running weekly radio show; reuniting with Low bandmates for occasional shows and mini-tours; collaborating with emerging Kingston artists, and organizing annual tribute concerts to his late friend, music journalist Dave Bookman. On this episode, Stephen shares his excitement for his latest project: Stephen Stanley & NoElectric, an un-plugged musical collaboration between Stephen and several top Kingston area musicians.

Chapters:<...

Anna, Dee and Jesse of Forty Seven Teeth reunite with host Riley to reminisce about Kingston's punk and indie music scene, and share a new song from their forthcoming album. 

Chapters:
00:00:22 Episode overview
00:01:40 Fast forward to 2025
00:03:25 A new album in the works
00:05:33 Meeting your heroes… awkward!
00:06:28 Exclusivity and rebelliousness as performance draws
00:08:36 The all-ages matinee resurgence
00:09:32 Ghosts of Kingston music venues past
00:13:52 Are music compilations still key to punk?
00:15:56 Earthy, woodsy, witches: New music video
00:16:58 Song: Portland Flower by Forty Seven Teeth
00:21:54 New album release details

Is the music industry a mental health hazard? This is one of the many questions explored in this episode, as Johnny and first-time co-host, Jermaine Marshall, explore the mental health and wellness challenges of writing, recording and performing music with local artists Ricky Brant—who writes, records and performs music as KaKaow (and hosts Musiikki Café's popular weekly open mic night)—and Rich Tyo of JukeBox County, who is also a professional psychotherapist. The conversation spans everything from substance abuse and addiction to grief and trauma, and covers topics ranging from self-care to professional help and even psychedelics treat...

Amherst Island Radio embodies the spirit of community radio. Broadcasting on 101.3 FM from their CJAI "world headquarters" on Amherst Island, and powered by a small army of passionate volunteers, they've forged a staunchly loyal listenership across the greater Kingston area. Station Manager, Eric Tremblay, reveals the stories and secrets that continue to fuel the station's success, including their recent expansion to mainland and new media hub, their commitment to live and local music, and their fundraising initiatives that have generated nearly $200,000.

Chapters:
00:00:23 Episode overview
00:02:54 Community vs. commercial radio
00:04:52 A brief history of Amherst Island...

Friday's Child is the musical offspring of songwriter and vocalist, Krista Van Slingerland, and multi-instrumentalist and recording engineer, Evan Massey. Ahead of their forthcoming debut album, Broken Home Vol. 1, they discuss how their musical partnership survived their marriage, the power of community, and how making music together has helped them face individual mental health challenges.

Chapters:
00:00:00 Episode overview
00:02:13 The Lost Congregation
00:04:14 Coming together and breaking up
00:05:50 Enduring divorce
00:08:10 Healing through music
00:10:20 Redesigning, rebuilding
00:13:41 Balancing professional and musical pursuits
00:17:35 Rallying community around a record
00:21:28 Tears for Tiny Horse
00:24:13 "…th...

Mark Deen of The Winter in Canada drops by the studio for a spirited discussion spanning the band's origins and interesting secrets behind the recording of their new album (out July 1, 2025), to making music in the age of AI and the essential ingredients of Kingston's thriving music scene.

Chapters:
00:00:00 Episode overview
00:01:32 Introductions
00:02:09 Landing the band name
00:04:55 The allure of the Kingston music community
00:07:01 Band origins
00:09:55 Collaborating on the new album
00:14:12 Mark's songwriting approach
00:17:55 Capitalist realism as creative inspiration
00:20:36 Making music in the age of AI
00:23:36 Technology's influence...

In a deeply personal interview, Almonte, Ontario singer-songwriter Jordan Holman shares the inspiring story of the personal transformation that's motivating his musical project, Kentucky. He also shares his love for the Kingston music community that's embraced him, music from his forthcoming full-length LP, Second Chance Music, and details about a very unique local album release concert.

Chapters:
00:00:00 Episode overview
00:01:57 What or who is Kentucky?
00:04:13 About Almonte, Ontario
00:05:53 How Jordan discovered music
00:08:01 The sound of Kentucky
00:10:00 Switching to a solo act
00:11:17 Deciding not to die: Kentucky is born
00:16:36 A transformative...

Over the past decade, Kingston's Kasador has been through a number of iterations, all while relentlessly touring and performing local shows, writing, recording and releasing new music and videos. In this episode, founding members Cameron Wyatt and Boris Baker reflect on the band's coalescence and chemistry, and share new music from one of two forthcoming self-produced EPs, due out this spring.

Chapters:

00:00:20 Episode overview
00:01:50 New album, new sound
00:04:05 Making music in the "soundbite era"
00:09:38 Keeping things fresh
00:11:55 Measuring success
00:12:56 New recruit: Guitarist Thomas Draper
00:16:30 Music release strategy
00:20:18 What...

On this episode, we celebrate the amazing women who continue to carry Kingston's music scene forward. Host Ange Stever is joined by three generations of accomplished musicians, Miss Emily, Julia Finnegan and Kyra Daniel, who share the experiences and influences that continue to inspire them to write, record, perform and build not just musical repertoires, but musical careers in Kingston and abroad. All three will be taking part in the International Women's Day Showcase concert and talk in Kingston on March 7. 

Chapters:
00:00:20 Episode overview
00:01:31 Guest and host introductions
00:02:06 Early musical inspiration and experiences
00:07:55 W...

Originally formed in 2017 as Hot Knives, exciting Kingston emo-punk act with the somewhat difficult-to-decipher moniker, Monach (pronounced maw-nuck), have emerged from the studio—with a new lineup and new single—ahead of their self-produced sophomore album due out May 23, 2025. On this episode, Andrew (guitar, vocals) and Curtis (drums) discuss their enduring friendships with bandmates, the band's growth and evolution, and share their brand new single, Thank You Chef. 

Episode credits

Guests:
Andrew Pitre
Curtis Nicholson

Music in this episode:
Thank You Chef by Monach

Hosts:
Riley Jabour riley...

On this episode, Kingston singer-songwriter and stand-up comic, Logan Brown, shares his perspective our city's live comedy scene, and discusses his journey from performing musician to comedian. He also shares a track from his debut album, Black Man, White Privilege, as well as advice for aspiring comics, and where to catch stand-up performances in Kingston.

Episode Credits

Guests:
Logan Brown https://kingstonlive.ca/loganbrown

Hosts:
Riley Jabour riley@kingstonlive.ca
Johnny San john@kingstonlive.ca

Sponsors:
Grand OnStage: https://kingstonlive.ca/resource/1191525/view

Music in...

Kingston singer-songwriter, Jay Smith, built his career as a working musician regularly playing local venues, festivals, weddings, parties, and whatever other opportunities his efforts earned him. It's no surprise that "Smitty" also earned his reputation as one of Kingston's most beloved, respected and in-demand musical performers, whose recorded releases put him on a trajectory most songwriters would aspire to. Following the COVID-19 lockdowns that saw the shut-down of many Canadian live music venues, Jay Smith—with the clarity of over a decade of sobriety—chose to pursue his dream of opening his own music venue. On this episode, we expl...

It's been five years and a global pandemic since Kingston's Emilie Steele & The Deal released their self-titled EP. Through it all, the indie-rock-alt-country act has grown their following, their band and their repertoire. On this episode, Riley and Johnny talk to Emilie Steele and drummer Jon Irwin about their journey since 2019 and the making of the band's debut full-length album, Cut the Deck, due out November 15, 2024, and where Emilie Steele & The Deal go from here.

Guests:
Emilie Steele https://kingstonlive.ca/emiliesteele
Jon Irwin https://kingstonlive.ca/artist/855458/view

Hosts:
Riley Jabour...

Whether you're a casual or career musician, or a live or recorded music consumer, you'll find this episode enlightening. Music is an industry, and being a professional musician is a trade. And, whether writing, recording or performing, musicians have rights and needs, just like other workers. Often navigating the industry on their own, many musicians experience mistreatment, poor pay and exploitation.  On this episode, we're joined by Liana White of the Canadian Federation of Musicians, and Kingston musician Aruna Handa, a member of Local 518 of the Union of Professional Musicians. Together, they dispel union misperceptions; illustrate how membership keeps m...

Known for their frenetic and rousing live performances, it's been six years since Kingston garage punks The Meringues' last full-length album. With their sophomore LP, Pavlova's Dog, set for release on September 16, 2024, founding members Ted and Amanda discuss the inspiration for their lasting creative partnership; their DIY approach to promotion and publicity; the making of the new album, and share the first single, Royalty.

Music in this episode:
Royalty by The Meringues

Guests:
Ted Evans
Amanda Pants

Hosts:
Riley Jabour riley@kingstonlive.ca
Virginia Meeks virginia@kingstonlive.ca<...

Fresh from their Rockin' the Square performance supporting the JUNO Award-winning Crash Test Dummies, hosts Johnny and Riley sit down with Claya Way Brackenbury and Michael Broadhead of Kingston alt-folk act, Piner. The conversation traverses the accomplishments of the band both locally and abroad; their 2023 LP, A Netherworld and related social causes; the similarities and differences between the music communities in Ontario and Nova Scotia; as well as the work of Local 518 of the Union of Professional Musicians and the Kingston Jazz Society.

Hosts:
Johnny San john@kingstonlive.ca
Riley Jabour riley@kingstonlive.ca
<...

On this episode, hosts Johnny and Riley examine Kingston's music scene through the lens of local hip-hop artists 92Rare (Justin Lamoreaux of Thunder Bolt Labs) and Dupel (Jean Jacques Dupel). Their conversation explores the opportunities and adversities faced by Kingston hip-hop artists, including thoughts on how City officials, promoters and festival organizers can help break barriers, stigmas and paradigms to expand hip-hop's representation in Kingston's live music offering. Plus, hear the brand new single by Dupel.

Hosts:
Johnny San john@kingstonlive.ca
Riley Jabour riley@kingstonlive.ca

Music in this episode:
Geeked...

June is the start of Pride Season in Canada, and fittingly, this episode explores the vision—and visionaries—behind Kingston's non-auditioned, mixed-voice, 2SLGBTQ+ and allied choir, Spectrum Voices. Hosts Johnny and Ange are joined by choir director Ren Challacombe, and Filipino-Canadian, multi-instrumental singer-songwrtier and choir member, Ari Bautista, who also writes, records and performs under the name ATIARI. Together, they tackle topics ranging from diversity and inclusivity to the accessibility of Kingston's live music venues.

Episode sponsors:
Grand OnStage https://kingstonlive.ca/show/708609/view

Hosts:
Johnny San john@kingstonlive.ca
Angela Stever aleg...

It's been four years since Kingston's Rae Corcoran and Ciara Roberts proclaimed their musical act, Tiny Horse, on the Kingston Live podcast (episode 22). In this episode, the pair return to reflect on the band's growth and early success, its uniqueness and appeal, and what it's like being a queer band seemingly beloved by a mostly straight fan base. They also share music and stories from their forthcoming full-length debut, First Rodeo, produced by Brett Emmons of The Glorious Sons and due out June 14, 2024, as well as a very exciting album release party announcement.

Hosts:
Johnny San...

Five years in the making, the RKY Camp Summer Album aims to help more kids experience the transformative "magic" of the annual youth retreats on Eagle Lake, north of Kingston. On this episode, host Rob Howard is joined by alt-folk singer-songwriter Savannah Shea, and recording engineer and producer Aaron Holmberg, who share their RKY Camp memories and discuss the making of the benefit album—which features 18 songs contributed by 66 Kingston-based musicians—to be released on April 12, 2024. Plus, hear the exclusive premiere of All The Diamonds by Savannah Shea, from the forthcoming RKY Camp Summer Album.

Host:
Rob...

In anticipation of the release of their new full-length album, Strangers I Used to Love (April 12, independent), hosts Johnny and Riley engage Kingston's Jonas Lewis-Anthony and Nick Lennox of The Wilderness in a spirited and emotive discourse that veers from experiences overseas to our city's local music strategy, and from Frank Turner to Taylor Swift. And, of course, about the making of the band's forthcoming album, from which Nick and Jonas share the first single and title track. The result is a roller-coaster ride through impassioned rants and unabashed opinions, to lighthearted hilarity and brutal honesty.

Hosts:<...

In recent years, Kingston drag shows and performers have enjoyed renewed popularity. While many may be new to drag, hosts Johnny and Ange discover the art form has a deeper and richer history in Kingston than one might think. In this episode, Kingston's preeminent drag entertainers and hosts of the What's the Maple Tea?! podcast, Tyffanie Morgan and Rowena Whey, drive the discussion from drag's past to present, and from gender expression to art form and entertainment. Along the way, they cover drag lexicon, dispel drag misperceptions, and even detail the drag show experience and etiquette.

Hosts:<...

The vitality of Kingston's music economy is owed, in part, to the city's numerous live music venues. A stand-out among them is The Spire: a multi-purpose event venue operating in the nearly 200-year-old, heritage-designated Sydenham Street United Church in downtown Kingston. In this episode, hosts Ange and Johnny tour this sacred structure with The Spire's General Manager, Sam MacLeod, to understand the site's history as a circus grounds and religious sanctuary through to its transformation into an inclusive and vibrant arts and community hub, and innovative, 750-seat live music venue featuring some of the richest and most unique acoustics...

For more than a decade, The Celtic Kitchen Party has been raising pints and Kingstonian's spirits with their boisterous blend of Celtic-infused contemporary and traditional music. On this episode, Pete and Riley sit down with Andrew Vanhorn of the band to talk about their love for the holidays and the making of their new album, One Celtic Christmas.

Hosts
Pete Sanfilippo pete@kingstonlive.ca
Riley Jabour riley@kingstonlive.ca

Music in this episode
Huron Carol by The Celtic Kitchen Party

Links
The Celtic Kitchen Party official website https://celtickitchenparty...

From broadcast host at "The Nation's Music Station" to local TV anchor and music fan, Bill Welychka's storied career has not only brought him to many places, but also face-to-face with some of the world's most celebrated music acts. On this episode, hosts Ange Stever and Johnny San chat with Bill about his new autobiography, A Happy Has-Been, and how his life experiences have shaped his modest attitude, and his love for Kingston and its music scene.

Hosts:
Johnny San john@kingstonlive.ca
Angela Stever alegnarevets@gmail.com

Links:
Bill Welychka https...

Following a year-and-a-half process of writing and recording, Kingston's Oakridge Ave. finally released their new full-length album, Wind Up/Let Go, on September 15, 2023. Produced by the JUNO Award-winning Hawksley Workman, the new record was both a triumph and something transformative for everyone involved. Our hope for episode 59 (the previous episode) was to simultaneously interview  Oakridge Ave. and Wind Up/Let Go producer Hawksley Workman about their collaboration. While the timing didn't work out for that interview, host Rob Howard was able to connect with Hawksley Workman ahead of the conversation with the band that followed. The discussion—presented here in...

While the COVID-19 pandemic saw the hiatus (or demise) of many music acts, some, like Oakridge Ave., channeled their time and energy into new projects. The Kingston four-piece turned to JUNO Award-winning singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Hawksley Workman, who led the band on a year-and-a-half transformational journey. On this episode, Johnny and Rob meet with Sean and Harrison of Oakridge Ave. to discuss the outcomes of their intensive creative collaboration: a new pop-forward sound; a new ten-song album, Wind Up/Let Go; a new confidence and belief as a "no plan B" band who's gone all-in on their quest to...

The challenges facing younger musicians are considerable. On this episode, Rob meets with local bandmates Ryleigh Stringer and Nathan Graham to learn how their student-led Musician's Guild has been creating new opportunities and buzz for youth acts in Kingston.

Host:
Rob Howard rob@kingstonlive.ca

Music featured in this episode:
Man on the Moon (Live) by Sons of Rick

Links:
St. Lawrence College http://stlawrencecollege.ca
St. Lawrence College Student Association https://saslc.ca
St. Lawrence College Student Association Clubs https://saslc.ca/clubs
St. Larry's Pub...

Conceived and organized by a committee of youth, the Cloud 9 Electronic Music & Eco-Art Festival is “immersive and multi-sensory celebration” of EDM and sustainability. Ahead of the festival's second edition, set to take place September 8 to 10, 2023 at No.9 Gardens, host Rob Howard meets with committee members Reily Morrison and Rupert Davies to learn how they've expanded and enhanced the Cloud 9 experience for 2023.

Music featured in this episode:
Trust by Forrest & Sterling Grove

Host:
Rob Howard rob@kingstonlive.ca

Links:
Kingston music and concert listings: https://kingstonlive.ca/
Cloud 9 Electronic Music & Eco...