Canadian City Guides #2 // Diamond Ring's Toronto (ON)

As part of our partnership with the Canadian Blast & The Local present Canada festival on June 30th, we have caught up with some of the artists involved to find out what their home towns are like. This time it’s the turn of electro-pop whizz kid Diamond Rings.

Who are you and what city are you from?
I’m Diamond Rings and I’m from Toronto.

What is the city known for (and is that fair?)
The CN Tower. It’s totally fair. It’s huge! You can’t miss it.

If we were come to the city for the first time, what would be the first thing you would take us to see and why?
The CN Tower. We wouldn’t actually go there though. It costs like $15 and you have to go all the way downtown and wait in a big line with tourists. Fortunately it’s one of the biggest buildings ever andyou can see it from anywhere so basically we’d just look at it from the park near my house and then go have a beer.

Best Place to grab a bite to eat?
Vena’s Roti at Bloor and Lansdowne

Good places to see a show?
Probably my apartment. We throw some good parties every once in awhile. Otherwise maybe Massey Hall? I’m not really too into most Toronto venues, to be honest.

If I wanted to pick up a copy of your record, where would be the best place in the city to go…
Soundscapes.

What would be your perfect day in the city?
I’d start by getting a coffee and writing a new beat in my home studio. After that I’d reward myself with a bike to the Dufferin Mall for new high top sneakers and ice cream. Then I’d go to the Farmer’s market and get some fresh veggies, go home and throw on a record andmake a nice dinner. After that maybe I’d have a bath and then head out for beers in the park with some pals before checking out a show.

Outside the city walls: best day trip outside of the city?
The shuttle bus to Ikea in Etobicoke.

Local Legend: one person (or group of people) (musical or otherwise) who is held to be a legendary figure in the city (and why?)
Joe Carter. He hit the World Series winning home run at the Skydome in 1993.

Favourite city story/myth about Toronto:
I’m pretty sure everyone knows someone who knew Neil Young.

We would like you to make us a playlist featuring bands from the city (past and present)

1. Martha & The Muffins – Echo Beach
2. Owen Pallett – The CN Tower Was Built For The Dead
3. Kardinal Offishall – Bakardi Slang
4. Katie Stelmanis – Believe Me
5. Baby Blue Soundcrew – Money Jane
6. The Rascalz – Northern Touch

Has living in the city had much of an affect on the music you create?
If so, how?
Anywhere I’ve ever lived has affected my music. Toronto is big, vibrant and busy so I think it’s reflected in the way I compose. I work mainly with synthesized, electronic sounds and I work in my room. My music is about finding isolation and introspection with the melee that is the modern city.

What has been your most memorable live show? Have you got anything special planned for your UK dates?
I bought a bunch of new makeup and have been practicing a few new looks. I’ll probably have a few cool outfits as well. My most memorable live show was definitely when my guitar amp broke in front of 800 people in a giant theatre in Montreal opening for Owen Pallett. I nearly wet my pants but I cracked some jokes and it turned out OK.

Diamond Rings plays June 30th at The Black Heart, Camden as part of Canadian Blast and The Local present “Canada”

‘Canadian Blast and The Local Present CANADA’ is the inaugural Canada-only music festival in London. In association with The Line of Best Fit and sponsored by: Canadian Tourism Commission, VIA Rail, Sleeman Beer and CIBC.