It was a chilly Friday night in May. Settling in my booth at Cassette, located at the heart of Downtown Toronto, I was excited for another Departure showcase. This was my third year covering the festival, which ran from May 4-10. I took in the bustle of activity as people grabbed drinks from the bar and chatted about their day. This was a unique show because it was a collaboration with Sofar Sounds, a concert series where artists perform at intimate locations, including bars, supermarkets, or even on a boat through Toronto’s Harbourfront Centre. Fostering an up-close and personal connection with the artists. Here’s the catch: you only find out the venue closer to the show.
First up was Avery Jane, a singer/songwriter based in Montreal. Jane is one of my favourite musicians as I love her angelic vocals and reflective lyrics. Jane’s Departure setlist included unreleased tracks. A highlight was her song “Feet,” a reminder to be gentle with yourself, especially when you feel insecure.
Jane’s sets are captivating, as it is just her with a guitar. Offering a unique way to experience her music as her recorded songs are more produced. Performing in this style also allows the audience to deeply connect with Jane’s lyrics.
“I am inspired a lot by the classic folk musicians, singer/songwriters, especially from the 70s all the way up till now. Like Joan Baez, Bob Dylan, and Tracy Chapman when she did her solo stuff. There is just so much about it that highlights the lyrics,” said Jane. “I think having that be a moment where people really get to connect with the words of the song and the true essence of the way it was written is really unique. It is the only time you can hear my music like that now.”
Jane’s latest single is “I Took Off My Heels,” discussing the feeling of frustration of walking home alone at night as a woman. The tone of the song is honest and gentle. The proceeds for this single are going to Auberge Madeleine, an organization in Montreal that supports women who have faced domestic abuse or are homeless, helping them find jobs and housing. Jane is also dropping a new single on May 29th called “I Don’t Wanna Meet Boys.”
Next was Syrian-Canadian artist Frank Mighty, who is based in Calgary. This was my first time hearing his music. Afterwards, I listened to his full latest album, Shoulder Season, and resonated with the theme of figuring out the next chapter of life. I caught up with Mighty after the show, who explained that Shoulder Season is the idea of the middle ground, where you feel the push and pull of making specific life choices.
“I was writing all these songs about what I want to do in life. Where do I want to live? That just felt on par with what Shoulder Season is,” said Mighty.
During his set, Mighty performed songs from this record, including the title track and “Been Done.” As well as “Camera Shy,” inspired by his dream to pursue music. Reflecting on how the challenges along the way are the most important parts of the journey. Reaching the top is rewarding, but what it takes to get there is what matters most.
The final act was Toronto band Haftu. Their band name was inspired by a character from Daniel Handler’s children’s books A Series of Unfortunate Events. The band members are Aidan Cade Goldsmith, Logan Churchill, Simon Gillies, and Joe Fish. Their dreamy set included tracks “Ebb” and “Jellyfish,” which were both featured in the TV show Late Bloomer. These songs are extensions of each other.
“Both songs are romantic in nature. Ebb being more bashful of new love, whereas jellyfish is more like a forlorn love,” said Logan Churchill, guitarist of Haftu. The band will also be playing NXNE in June.
I loved this showcase as the audience was super engaged with the artists. There was a collective silence during the sets, while also bringing the energy during crowd interactions. I also enjoyed the cozy atmosphere at Cassette and will definitely be attending a future show there.
For more Departure content, check out the highlight reel on Instagram @friendsofmetRadio.
