TMU students celebrate queer and trans talent in Toronto’s alternative music scene

By Jahrell Reyes Teodoro

As winter approaches and the cold breeze hits the Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) campus, the energy inside Met Campus Pub overflowed with excitement on Dec. 6. The pub was transformed into a colourful ray of passion as queercore took over. Among the spectacular lineup of local acts were Eternal Requiem, Lucky You, Dambe, Dear Evangeline and Feura. The event, organized by Toronto Metropolitan Students’ Union (TMSU) equity service centres The Queer Space and Trans Collective, promised an evening of amazing performances and a safe space for queer expression — and, oh, they delivered. 

The evening started with an electrifying performance from Eternal Requiem. Jade Falsetti, the lead vocalist, expanded on the idea that their music reflected the erratic nature of adolescence — a mixture of heavy and melodic sounds combined raw emotions with reflective lyrics. Their sound, which echoes the uncertainty and resiliency of the youth, constructs a euphoric trip. 

“One of our songs, ‘Get Out of the Water,’ is really relatable because a lot of people have experienced challenging things in high school and it’s overshadowed by the fact that we’re just teenagers,” said Falsetti.

The in-sync heads nodding and dance moves that reverberated around the room was a demonstration of how strongly everyone connected to this vulnerability. “Everything is changing and everything is uncertain,” Falsetti added. This performance acted as a reminder that the obstacles young people experience bonds us together, especially during times of change and reminiscence.

Anthony Russell, the drummer of Eternal Requiem, also expressed his shared passion and excitement for the performance. “It’s exciting just being up on stage and giving it your all.” 

Russell talked about how seeing the audience rock out to the band’s music is exhilarating and one of the main reasons behind their motivations to continue playing. “Our passion for music is the reason we are doing it.” 

Falsetti emphasized the event’s significance. “It makes me feel connected with my community and like we have a place here.”

Lucky You, led by Renée Lucas, was the second act to perform. Her magnetizing presence captivated the audience. Lucas, wearing a striking lace top alongside a black maxi skirt, spoke passionately to the audience. As the audience cheered, she remarked, “I’m happy to see that TMU can be a safe space for queer-identifying people, especially tonight.” 

“With homophobia, transphobia and all that, it is really good that there is a space where queer people can perform and not be judged, you know.” With each set buzzing with emotion, the room went into an ecstatic pause as Lucas’ voice raised the powerful sentiments.

The third act was Dambe, a Black hardcore band explosive with fierceness. The audience was on their feet as the band’s lead vocalist, Kaila, took over the stage with a fiery rage. It was an astonishing experience, as the room shook and everyone was moshing. T Edward, the bassist of Dambe, conveyed their gratitude, stating, “it is very good and happy to get to represent an underrepresented community.” Being the only Black band featured in the lineup, they spoke with pride about the thrill of being on stage, doing something they love, with voices that are often disregarded in society. 

Being able to perform for an audience with similar identities and experiences, it was a full-circle moment for Dambe to be able to express their raw emotions through their performance. The way they spoke throughout the evening was astounding, highlighting the importance of visibility and representation. Dambe’s music, which draws inspiration from punk and metal, brought uncensored emotions to the surface and fused the audience together in a shared defiance of societal norms. 

The next performance was Dear Evangeline. Based in Brampton, Ont., the band amazed everyone with a performance that crossed genres. The lead vocalist, Kiki Kennedy, was joyful and delightful to talk with. “I feel like no matter where I’m performing, no matter how big or small, I feel that connection.” 

Kennedy described their band’s music as lively — one moment, you’ll want to dance and in another, you’ll feel fervent connectedness pierce through you. Their performance was a brilliant web of genres that mixed energetic tunes with touching ballads. “Our biggest influence is the local community,” bandmate Xingyu Campbell noted. These young individuals’ care for their community and support for one another is incredibly inspiring. 

Kenndey emphasized the importance of inclusivity, especially in regard to intersectionality in the music industry. 

“It’s really good to be around progressive people. However, this is not typically the case; the metal scene is heavily dominated by men. Therefore, it’s good to have places like this where we can get together as a group of gay individuals and relate to one another,” said Kennedy.

Finding progressive areas in a subculture that favours men and is largely heteronormative is like stumbling upon a pot of gold. The inclusion of 2SLGBTQIA+ people in these spaces is a hard goal to attain because the metal and punk scene often cultivates an air of intimidation. However, that is changing with a spike in movements that value inclusion and connection, providing a space of belonging, which queercore intends to do.

The final act of the exhilarating night was Feura. Feura was able to effortlessly perform their set with an iconic energy that thrilled the audience. The former TMU student’s energetic performance was an inspiring example of how TMU’s community can foster creativity. The dancing and cheers of the audience echoed their respect for Feura’s talent and their shared sense of community was brought forth by their unmistakable queercore tunes.

Throughout the evening, the voices of TMSU’s The Queer Space and Trans Collective pointed to the importance of giving underrepresented artists a platform. Cris Nippard, The Queer Space co-lead, stated, “It’s really important to create spaces for local queer and trans artists, especially in the hardcore, alternative and punk scenes because there is such a lack of representation.” As the main organizer of this event, Nippard spoke about how crucial it is to showcase queer talent. “We made sure to highlight a variety of bands and bring attention to musicians of colour, young musicians and a bunch of different types of music in the alt scene.” 

Lead of the Trans Collective, Jay Ashdown, upheld Nippard’s sentiments, stating, “queer talent is so underrated; we still don’t see enough of it in the actual local scenes in the city.” He emphasized the importance of being active in the community and that the lives and experiences of queer students are paramount.

By the event’s end, it was clear that queercore night was a success that celebrated a medley of talent. As the final notes faded and the crowd walked into the mysterious, frosty December night, the warmth of connectedness and community lingered.