Toronto Blessings is one catchy band to follow. They have had some dismay at times, but have managed to pull through. As of currently, the band is writing with plans on recording, along with plans at a later time to play shows and tour, doing stuff only here and there. The band goes into further discussion about other material released, their future, and anything else that they can think of disclosing.
1. Please tell us about the history of your band and its members.
Before there was Toronto Blessings we use to play in a band called Cavorts. We had an album out on In At The Deep End Records (Gallows, Feed The Rhino, The Defiled, Sylosis, Architects) over here and an EP out on Distort in Canada (Cancer Bats, Alexisonfire, The Bronx). But that band had to split because our singer Matthew moved to Germany. So we started writing and it kind of came out less metal and way noisier. Plus a shit tonne more melody and hooks.
2. What’s the origin of the band’s name?
I got the idea for the name from a feature in a newspaper about Sleaford Mods where it said that the lead singer looked like he was receiving the Toronto Blessing. I thought, that's a fucking cool name for a band, Rik and Murray agreed and it came to pass that it was to be.
3. Where is the band based out of and what is your music scene like there? Are there any local bands you could recommend?
We're based out of Barnsley in South Yorkshire. we're slap between Sheffield to the South and Leeds to the North. For local bands we love the dark indie band Mourning Singers, Leeds punk rock The Lock & Keys. Also if you like it heavy Grains from Doncaster, who put on cracking live set. Barnsley has a growing scene thanks to the promoters at One over the Eight and at the Old School House venue.
4. How would you describe your style?
Noisy, Catchy, Expansive and Catchy. Like the bastard lovechild of Sonic Youth, The Jesus Lizard and Billy Joel. If Billy Joel was interested in sonic terrorism and new wave beats. Word on the street is that he isn't. He likes Gershwin and red wine. And Christy Turlington. Is that her name? The Uptown Girl. He likes her. I'm not sure Billy Joel would like us but it would be lovely if he did. It would be lovely if you did too.
5. What have you released so far and what can someone expect from your works?
We have one song out already called "Sorrow Can Swim" and one being released Friday 11th May called "Give Nothing". You can expect a tight rhythm section, some fat guitars, great vocals and thoughtful honest lyrics set to a catchy melody. Occasionally a bit of synthesizer too. Just to spice it up a little bit. I'd hope that we might make your hips move and your toes twinkle. Lets dance!
6. Do you have any new music in the works?
Absolutely loads! We have an album worth of material ready to record. We're going to release our 3rd single in a couple of months too. That's more straight up big rock sound, minor and major chords. That's called "Bad Decision" and is one of my favorites.
7. How about playing shows and touring, have anything planned out?
No tours planned at the moment as we've been concentrating on writing. Toronto Blessings is a bit of a departure from what we've done before and Rik is new to the lead vocal mic. So we've been finding our feet. We've got a couple of local festivals planned and a few local shows. We're hoping to book some tours later on in the year as we've got together a killer setlist!
8. What plans do you have for the future as a band?
We want people to dance and be happy. Continue making music and recording it or playing it live for your aural / visual pleasure. We love to play live, tour and make friends. Sell a few tshirts and drink a few delicious beers along the way.
9. Where can we listen to your band and where can we buy your stuff?
Spotify, Dezer, iTunes and all those likely places. torontoblessings.bandcamp.com to download tracks and we might just stick up some exclusive demos or pre-release stuff there too.
10. What is it you’d like a listener to remember the most when hearing your music for the first time?
I'd like them to come away from hearing us the first time wanting to listen again. Remember that we do it with passion and through love.
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