FRANK WALKER X CANADIANRAVERS INTERVIEW [RECENT ALBUM 'ORIGIN', VELD MUSIC FESTIVAL, TECHNOLOGY SHAPING THE FUTURE]

The Toronto-born producer was introduced to the genre at the same time as millions of people around the world, via Tiësto’s set during the opening ceremony of the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens. Amidst filling the house with the larger-than-life melodies of Billy Joel and Elton John, Walker’s dad also blasted the work of Italian trance legend Robert Miles, with friends over time playing him everything from Armin Van Buuren to Pendulum.

 

Then the EDM boom hit, and Walker started understanding dance music not just as casual listening, but as a genuine love, then a serious hobby and then ultimately, a career path. He established himself as a go-to DJ in the bar and club scene at his university near Toronto and in 2014 caught his big break upon connecting with Kygo’s manager Myles Shear, who signed him as a management client.

 

Walker has since played some of the world’s biggest dance festivals, from EDC Las Vegas to Ultra Japan, and has been building touring momentum in the past few years. In 2022, he hit the road in South America as a support act for Kygo and booked a mainstage slot at Ultra Miami – something he has replicated in 2023 and 2024. His catalog has clocked 400+ million global streams, with a flurry of singles charting in the U.S. and Canada. Walker preceded ORIGIN with his first few releases of 2024, the sonically euphoric, lyrically bittersweet Nate Smith collaboration “Missing You,” and the Lucas-Estrada backed “Bad Town.” Both tracks bring back feel-good, euphoric dance music with big vocals - a guiding force for Walker.

 

This Spring, he performed at Ultra Miami, where he received an EDM Award for his Juno-nominated song “I Go Dancing” (with Ella Henderson). Today, Walker’s catalog has clocked over 500 million global streams and a flurry of his tracks have hit charts including the Canadian Hot 100 and Billboard’s Hot Dance/Electronic Songs. Currently, his single “Missing You” ft. Nate Smith is Top 10 at Top 40 Radio in the country

 

“The sets are better than ever; my production is better than ever,” he says. “It’s all coming together.” 

THE INTERVIEW


CR: Hello Frank, Glad to have you on Canadianrave. How are you doing, and where are you talking to us from?

FW: Thanks for having me! I’m coming at you from my home studio in Toronto.

CR: Can you tell us a little about yourself and your musical journey? Also Did you play any instruments growing up?

FW: I went to an arts school growing up and played the trombone, but despite loving music I never expected to be a musician or producer. It always felt like a hobby that wouldn’t become my career. Then the Golden Era of EDM hit. I fell in love with Avicii, Swedish House Mafia, Alesso, and so many other amazing artists that were blowing up in 2012. This inspired me to take a shot at DJing (which went well haha), and the rest is history! 

CR: I love how you incorporated some Folktronica into your album like the songs “Gravity’ with Tyler Shaw and “Missing You” with Nate Smith. It definitely reminded me of Avicii. How was it making those two tracks and other tracks like that in the album?

FW: Avicii’s colllabs into other genres were huge in EDM crossing into the mainstream, and he definitely inspired my album. I love getting into the studio with artists from other genres, I find it super inspiring to use sounds and techniques that aren’t typical to dance music – it can make for some really fresh sounding ideas.

CR: I was surprised to see Trivecta being someone you made a song with in the album - “Good in Goodbye”, Who would be one artist that you would like to collaborate with that you haven’t done so far? 

FW: Trivecta is dope! I first came across him when Palm Tree Records, my label, got him to remix I Go Dancing, and I fell in love with his music. When I was pulling my album together Good In Goodbye was missing some energy, so we shot the track his way and he took it next level – it became a cool mix of tropical and melodic bass!

CR: Congratulations on your EDM Award for your Juno-nominated song “I Go Dancing” with Ella Henderson. How did Ella and you both come to make the song together and what was the reaction when you heard the news?

FW: I first met Ella in Ibiza like 5 years ago, and had been wanting to collaborate with her since! The idea for IGD was born during the pandemic, over several Zooms back and forth. That track has absolutely changed my life, and the reception has been incredible. Whether it be winning at the EDMAs or someone DMing me saying how the track has moved them, it’s just incredible to have my music touch so many people.

CR: So, we've got VELD just a month or so away!!! Are you excited to be playing in your home city again? And what are your thoughts about the scene in Canada?

FW: Absolutely my favourite festival to perform at, nothing beats a hometown show! I’m planning some surprises for the set for sure. I think our Canadian music scene is so incredible, be it in EDM or any genre, we have so much talent across the country! Canadian fans are also INCREDIBLE at supporting their own, I’m super grateful to be repping our country on the EDM world stage.

CR: What significant changes have you observed in the electronic music scene over the years?

FW: I feel like our scene specifically goes through trends more than any other genre. The past few years have been dominated by techno, and the housier genres, but I think a change is coming. Everyone who knows me, knows that I love nostalgic, melodic EDM, and I see a shift coming. There are so many amazingly talented up-and-coming EDM producers making big mainstage anthems, I’m excited to see where our genre goes next!

CR: Do you have any rituals or habits that help you focus before a performance or studio session?

FW: I always need a good meal with my touring team before a big show, can’t DJ on an empty stomach! Also, an espresso martini is always good to get the energy going haha.

CR: What role do you think technology will play in shaping the future of music production and distribution?

FW: There’s always going to be new tools coming out for artists and producers to work with, whether it be AI or new tech to make our lives easier. I’m all for automating the process because I ultimately think it can be a tool to help get more of your music out to the world. I think it becomes an issue when it takes the creativity out of artists' hands, or if AI starts ripping off other artists' work – you’ve got to maintain that creative integrity that’s core to who you are as an artist, or I think fans will be able to read through that.

CR: Do you have any special projects you got in the works that you’d be down to share with your followers?

FW: I’ve still got a few surprises planned around my debut album, ORIGIN! We’re releasing a DJ set of the albums with some REALLY cool vfx that’s going to be coming soon, and as well as a big remix album of my album. As always I’ve got more music in the pipeline too. album 1 already has me thinking about what the next one’s going to sound like!

 

Lightning Round

Favourite Club in Toronto. Rebel – some of my favourite sets have been there!

Favourite Go To spot in Toronto. ONE Restaurant in Yorkville in my neighborhood, I go there more often than I’d like to admit…

Favourite Pizza Spot in Toronto The Parlour on King

Favourite food when you are sick. Chicken Soup

First Rave/Show as an attendee? EDC 2013 made me fall in love with electronic music!

All-time favourite song? Fix You - Coldplay. 

What is your guilty pleasure? Below Deck on Bravo, my girlfriend and I binge that show WAY too hard when I’m off touring.

What is your hidden talent? I make a mean Grilled Cheese sandwich.

Which social platform do you use a lot? I definitely waste too much time on Insta haha

We can’t wait to see his set on Saturday, August 3!! and don’t forget to check out his socials below

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WILL SPARKS INTERVIEW - ELECTRIC ESCAPE X CANADIAN RAVERS X INTOK EVENTS X KING AND QUEEN EVENTS X TRIBUNAL @ THE FORBIDDEN CITY

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On Saturday March 16th, 2024. With the event hosted by Electric Escape, IntoK Events, Tribunal, and King and Queen Events, Will Sparks took the stage at The Forbidden City in downtown Toronto, bringing us his signature sound of Melbourne bounce and Techno for a fun fulfilled night. For those unfamiliar, Will Sparks stands as a pioneer of Melbourne Bounce, a genre named after his Australian hometown. Coupled with the resurgence of Techno in the EDM scene, this event was undoubtedly a highlight not to be overlooked. 

The long-awaited return of Will Sparks finally happened this day, marking a triumphant comeback since the last time he was here in Toronto for Mount Woozy @ Toronto’s TD Echo Beach back in 2015. It was a momentous occasion for fans who had eagerly anticipated his return, and the energy at the event reflected this excitement. Will Spark’s performance not only lived up to expectations but surpassed them, reminding everyone why he's been missed in the music scene here in Toronto for so long. It was definitely a night for Will Sparks to “Blow Your Mind, One More Time”. 

That night, with everything set in motion, I was unable to make it to the interview with Will Sparks. In my place, we had Haider, the founder of Canadian Ravers come to interview Will Sparks as Haider has seen him play at Mount Woozy back in 2015. So thank you so much Haider & thank you to Will Sparks for doing this interview with us!

THE INTERVIEW 

We are glad you're here with us in Toronto at The Forbidden City! How was your night yesterday in Montreal at New City Gas? How does it compare to your hometown? 

WS: Always good. But you can’t even compare, like Australia, they're about one-tenth of the energy that people have over here, and even in Europe. So, I don't know what it is, but yeah, people go crazy, and that's why I love it so much. But I'll never stop playing in my hometown, you know, it's always a part of who I am 

Can you tell us about yourself and your musical journey?  

WS: I was really into heavy metal when I was fifteen, and I started to play the guitar when I was obsessed with metal and metal bands. I had an older sister who was clubbing in all the Melbourne clubs. And she used to play all this music. And I was like what is this? I was intrigued but not obsessed at the time, but one day it just clicked as she played one of those underground Melbourne underground tunes which changed my life forever.  
 
I thought it was so sick and it was nothing like I ever heard before which was only being produced in Melbourne. Suddenly, I was obsessed with this style of music, back then you couldn’t get your hands on any of this type of music because it was only being produced by Melbourne producers. So, I was like if I can’t get my hands on it or go listen to this type of music out at the clubs, I am just going to make it. One thing led to another, and I became so obsessed with making this type of music. I was chopping things in Audacity at the start, and I remember experimenting by taking things from people’s songs and putting it together. Along with adding a kick and a bass to just work on something. There were no tutorials on Youtube on how to make this music back then. I just had to work it out myself. To sum it up, that’s a brief way of how my musical journey started. 

From Melbourne Bounce to Big room Techno, you're not stopping at all and especially with Techno being so hot right now. And with Techno and Psytrance sometimes being on the same wavelength. Have you ever considered doing a bit of Psytrance? Can we call it "Psy-Tech/Psy-Techno"? 

WS: I already have, many many songs in terms of Psy basslines. Vienna, Maniac, even and old called Egypt. There was an even older one although it was more Melbourne bounce, it was called ‘Viking’ not ‘The Viking’, which was so old that it wouldn’t be online. But I love Psy stuff, and now that Psy sounds are coming into the Hard Techno scene. It works, it really does. The banging Techno kick with the Psy, it just blows the dance floors to pieces, but in terms of the psychedelic sounds, I haven't really dabbled too much on that. But yeah, I've definitely been influenced by it. 

Your latest track “Thunder” with AVAO, can you share with us the collaboration process between you guys behind the scenes?  

WS: They send me demos constantly to work on stuff because I think they're great producers and they're making a similar sort of sound as me. They sent me this track and I was like dope I'm gonna work on it and it was just a brief idea of that first sort of hook and lead. You can kind of hear the elements that I put on it afterwards in the second and third drop. And I think that's what I love about what I do. You can really tell which bits I did because it's so distinct that it's like I've got a signature. It's just who I am and every producer is the same, they've got their own signature because it's who they are and that's how they express themselves. 

Off the top of your head, what's your favorite memory as a DJ/Producer?  

WS: it would have to be in Korova or this dark club in Melbourne. Lady luck in Circus Nightclub. I walk in and I play there once a week, but I walk in there and everyone is on the same vibrations. There were no phones, and the system was pumping, it was dark, and it was five in the morning, and I would get up there knowing I had been working on songs during the week. When I started playing, people would lose their minds and everyone was dancing and frothing. But these days you don’t get that because everyone needs their phone to capture the moment.  
 
So back then there were so many times there were pinnacle moments for me in my career and it was just from a feeling, not from the status I got or how big the crowd was. And this was at Korova, Wawa, even James Barrett Billboard and Circus Nightclub back at home. Pretty much they no longer exist but they were the best days for me, especially with the transition of music and how it was getting better quality, it was incredible. 

Who would be one artist that you would like to collaborate with that you haven’t done so far? 

WS: That’s a tough one, it’s usually vocalists. I would love to make a song with MIA, that would be dope. I love that style and we’ve been doing that for years. That kind of Rap, that dirty kind of Rap with female vocals over our music and it really works. So I’d say MIA. 

How careful/precise are you with your diet? Do you find that the traveling artist/DJ lifestyle can be a hindrance to strict workout routines and diet?  

WS: It is a constant mental struggle because I’m always trying to be on point with my meals, training sessions, cardio, and all the other exercises that come into it to keep yourself in good shape. Unfortunately, in my line of work, it really limits you from being your most optimal self. Sometimes I wish I could get enough sleep, or I wish I could get a good meal in and I can’t because I’m at the airport and I’m running around and I’m not getting enough protein in and it goes, but I make do. I make it work with the situation.

Must I say, I don’t think I’ve seen a more jacked DJ than Will Sparks! LOL! Keep up the grind and I hope you get some well deserved rest as well! :)

I am curious about your imprint, “CLUBWRK.” How is running that with TEAMWRK? Will your old imprint, “Bourne Recordings,” return? 

WS: Great, but I’m not super involved with the label stuff. I try to be as much as possible, but I’m always touring or producing. I listen to a lot of demos, and I get sent all the new artists and talents that are coming up and try to support them as much as possible. But in this game, you don’t lock anyone down anymore. You give someone an opportunity, they get on your label. And if they’re sick, a bigger label is going to approach them. It’s just how it is and nowadays, you don’t need a big label to do well anymore. In the past, you needed to have a big label push your music but now, it’s good for smaller artists that are just getting through. 

What are some projects that you might be working on that you can tell your followers and fans about?  

WS: I mean the audience are pretty switched on with the ID’s in the set and they are always like we need it now. Those are always scheduled to be released in the coming months. You will hear things as I make and play it. 

LIGHTNING ROUND!

1. Favourite drink to order? Coke Zero 

2. Go to meal when you’re sick. Chicken Soup 

3. First Rave as an attendee? Creamfields 2011 in Melbourne 

4. First celebrity crush? Rachel McAdams and Margot Robbie 

5. All-time favourite song? ‘Tear Drops’- Massive Attack, Strangest Disability, and Strobe 

6. Go to vacation spot? Home 

7. What is your guilty pleasure? Cheesecake 

8. What is your hidden talent? Aggressive Rollerblading. 

9. Which social platform do you use a lot? Instagram 

This photo is from when the boys at Electric Escape took Will out to celebrate his birthday at the Keg here in Toronto!
Happy Birthday to Will Sparks from Electric Escape! We hope you enjoyed celebrating it here with us in Toronto and I hope that guilty pleasure of yours didn’t ruin your diet too hard! Haha :P

As for the night, it was ecstatic and with Forbidden City packed to capacity as Will Sparks brought down the thunder and killed his set with his dynamic mix of dirty techno and Melbourne bounce. He definitely kept the crowd sparked and reminded everyone why he’s a Techno Viking! And with the addition of lasers shooting from the DJ deck, that added an extra element of excitement as it gave us a nice underground vibe to get lost in the music for a night to remember.

To top everything off, there were fans that really showed their love and dedication to Will Sparks that night. Some guy had I <3 Will on his back while other ravers brought the Australian flag to represent their heritage and country together with Will! This is when you know music really brings people together as Australia is the furthest country from Canada!

Once again, thank you Will Sparks for doing an interview with us again! We hope to see you back in Toronto soon! And for anyone that wants to check out the video interview, it will be posted below along with Will Spark’s Spotify and socials!

Don’t forget to give Will Sparks a follow on his socials!
 

Photos taken by Picjer Photography
Video interview conducted by Haider Warraich
Review by Keith Au

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LSR/CITY V3 BY GARETH EMERY @ REBEL Toronto - EVENT REVIEW

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Gareth Emery @ LSR/CITY V3
Photos provided by INK Events.

On the nights of March 9th and 10th, Toronto's trance music scene reached new heights as LSR/CITY brought an electrifying experience to Rebel nightclub. Headlined by the legendary Gareth Emery, the event was a fusion of pulsating beats, mesmerizing visuals, and an atmosphere charged with excitement. Before Gareth took the stage, R8YZ opened the dancefloor for the night, onwards to Maximus warming up the crowd with his energetic set infused with a blend of minimal, tech and house. Thus, paving the way for an unforgettable night. 

For those that don’t know. LSR/CITY also known as Laserface by Gareth Emery, is a unique concert experience that combines cutting-edge laser technology with electronic dance music (EDM) to create a visually stunning and immersive show. Gareth Emery, a renowned trance music producer and DJ, launched LSR/CITY as a way to push the boundaries of live performances and provide fans with an unforgettable audiovisual experience. 

The show features intricate laser displays synchronized with the music, creating a spectacular and immersive environment for the audience. These shows attract EDM enthusiasts and fans of Gareth Emery's music from around the world, making LSR/CITY a must-see experience for anyone passionate about electronic dance music and innovative live productions. 

LSR/CITY V3 - Gareth Emery @ Rebel Intro

“There are melodies, there are lyrics, there are feelings. It’s a journey, like being transported to a whole new world.” 

Just in case you missed LSR/CITY here in Toronto. For the previous LSR/CITY sets, you can stream them online.
In fact, Gareth is going to have a watch party for LSR/CITY v3 in glorious 4K on Saturday, April 27th at 10pm EST.  

Watching LSR/CITY online is one thing, but being there in person is a whole new level of excitement. Seeing the lasers firsthand brings back that childlike wonder and hype. And when you're on the dance floor, feeling the music and bass, it keeps you dancing all night long. Especially when you’re enjoying the night out with your crew. 

All in all, I had never witnessed such an intense display of lasers before that day. The vibrancy and multitude of colors were mesmerizing, keeping my eyes glued to the front. It was truly amazing, especially considering my years of attending events in Toronto and seeing Gareth perform numerous times. This level of laser production is usually reserved for international music festivals like Transmission Festival in Prague, Czech Republic, or Lost Lands in Ohio. So, I'm grateful to Gareth for bringing this incredible laser experience to Toronto. 

Gareth playing live on the keys!

Throughout the night, Gareth made sure to include Annabel's live performance in the set, considering it’s an essential part of the LSR/CITY experience. Together, they performed "house in the streetlight," "Like A Prayer," "Ice Moon," "You'll Be Ok," and concluded with "Elise." Nothing compares to the energy of a live performance, adding a special and vibrant touch to the set. The LED panels even zoomed in on Gareth playing the keys, showcasing his live remixing skills, making this performance stand out from his regular sets at other events or music festivals. 

During the set, Gareth played some of his top hits such as "Concrete Angel" and "Sansa."

A fun fact if you didn’t know, "Sansa" and "Elise" are named after his eldest daughter and youngest daughter, respectively, a heartfelt choice that reflects in the beauty of these songs.  

In addition, the set wasn't confined to trance and Gareth Emery's tracks alone. It also delved into tech and tech-trance vibes, and as the BPM progressively picked up throughout the set. Gareth sprinkled in some drum and bass and happy hardcore, creating an eclectic mix that kept the energy high. I vividly recall the excitement my friend and I had as we walked back into Rebel from the patio, hearing and questioning if "Baddadan" by Chase & Status was coming on. As you can imagine, the crowd went wild during the drop and boy did we go ham as well too! To top it off, the transition into the Darren Styles & Chris Unknown Remix of "Concrete Angel" was flawless and added to the excitement of the night. 

Fully packed floor at Rebel for LSR/CITY!

In summary, with a sold-out show on day one and a repeat performance on day two for those eager to relive LSR/CITY or who missed the first day, Toronto finally got what it had been waiting for, thanks to Gareth Emery. The turnout at Rebel was unprecedented, especially for an event like LSR/CITY where everyone wanted the best view of the lasers, creating a unique challenge. Thankfully, attending on day two allowed me to fully experience and appreciate everything LSR/CITY had to offer. 

I will say though, I was waiting all night for my favourite song “Sanctuary” by Gareth Emery to come on, but it never did. It’s ok though as I’m sure I’ll hear him play it again one day! I guess this is the time I can say. Too much music! Too little time! Haha 😊  

Gareth! If you’re reading this, I want you to know that Sanctuary is probably one of the best and oldest trance songs that got me into listening to trance back in 2010-2011 before I started going to Guvernment.

I remember hanging out at an internet cafe called TeamPlay almost every night when I was 18 turning 19, playing foosball all night with my friends, not raving yet and jamming to a lot of EDM along with Santuary being one of our favourites!!! :) Two of my friends from back then came for day two too! Haha :D 

Make sure to follow Gareth Emery on his socials!

Thanks for reading! 
& I hope to meet you in person again one day Gareth! 
-Keith Au aka Keyfu. 

Photos all above by INK Events.
Photos all above taken by @domenicmorabito

Toronto, Canada
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