Departure Festival (formerly known as Canadian Music Week) took place in Toronto from May 6 to 11. The festival ranged from music showcases to comedy shows and tech/industry conferences. My beat was listening to live music in different genres. I also explored new venues in Toronto.
The week began with my first all-country music show at Reid’s Distillery. The chill ambience, fizzy cocktails, and cozy furniture enhanced the relaxed experience.
The artists on the bill were Dayna Reid, Jessica Sole and Paige Penney, who each engaged the crowd with the inspiration behind their music and personal lyrics.
Dayna Reid performed an acoustic set which included songs from her album She Is Me. I caught up with Reid who reflected on the album title. ““She Is Me,” is the first single that I released to radio. Overall, the whole album is really just like stories about my life and my experiences so far. “She Is Me” is kind of like a wrap-up of the entire album.”
Reid was going through a bit of a tough time when she wrote it. However, instead of writing music about the tough spot, she wrote about the girl she wanted to become, which was reflected in this album. Reid expressed, “Writing, it and making it, and singing it, and showing it to people; that is what made me the woman that I am today.”
Some of my favourites from the album are the title track as well is “Back To The Trailer.” Reid is releasing a new single on June sixth called “Better Than Blue.”
Another highlight performance from the showcase was Jessica Sole who also played a lot of originals including an unreleased track called “Growing Pains.” Sole’s set was unique as she had a lap steel guitarist adding to the country feel.
The final act was Paige Penney, who is from St. John’s Newfoundland. She has a unique timbre to her voice. Paige is known for the song “Southern Drawl” which got radio play. Hearing that song live was a fun moment of the night as the crowd clapped and sang along.
In conversation, Paige reflects, “My sound is a bit of country-pop with some rock elements in there too so it was really fun to showcase all those different genres to the crowd. My latest single “Souther Drawl” is definitely a country-pop banger so it was really fun to do an acoustic version of it for the crowd.” There are both a dance version and acoustic release. Paige also performed new songs which I hope will come out soon.
This show was a 10/10. I love that all the artists had their own unique style. I also enjoyed the relaxed environment at Reid’s Distillery and hope to catch another show there.
These interviews have been edited for length and clarity.