Interview with Astrid Tanton

Jarod Smith

Jul 19, 2022

What got you into music, and if you had not gotten into music what would you be doing today?

From a really young age music just kind of found me. I always sang and wanted to perform for my family and family friends for as long as I can remember. So it came very naturally to me. It’s hard to say what I would be doing if it wasn't for my music because I find it such an integral part of me. But I think I would find a job and career path that focuses on culture and sociology which is also what I am studying at Toronto Metropolitan University right now.

What do you like to do when you are not playing music and how does that influence your creativity?

I like to go explore Toronto or just hang out with my friends. The music industry can be such a fast-paced and stressful at times environment so in my spare time I like to do things that are relaxing and easygoing. I think this influences my creativity by letting me experience and absorb things that I will use in my music. Without actually living my life outside of my bedroom I can’t feel or see anything that will inspire me to write music.

How long has your band been around?

I have been a solo artist since I was 16 but just put together my bad back in October of 2021 and we just finished our first show together at the Rec Room in June.

Where are you based and how did that influence your music?

I am based out of Toronto and I think it has a really interesting influence on my music because of how musically and culturally diverse Toronto is. You can walk a couple of blocks and feel like you've entered a completely different city so naturally being exposed to such different areas and social settings is going to give me no ideas and lenses to write music through.

How did you come up with the name of your band and what does it mean to you?

My band doesn't have a name other than Astrid Tanton because they are my backing band.

Tell me about your most memorable shows.

My most memorable show would be my show at the Rec Room because it was during Toronto’s pride celebration so the energy in the city was already so amazing and having everyone there excited to have a good time and jam out was just insane for me.

What is your favorite venue to play at, and do you have any places you want to play that you have not already?

I haven’t gotten the chance to perform at many venues so far but I really loved my experience at the rec room, the staff and space were amazing. It’s such a central location in Toronto and the energy that night was absolutely incredible. I would love to play at Massey Hall and the Velvet Underground so those are next on my checklist.

If you could play any show with any lineup, who would be on the ticket?

There are so so so many artists I would like to work with. But right now I think I would absolutely die at the chance to be in a lineup with Dua lipa and Jessie Reyez. They are very different artists but both female powerhouses who I look up to so much.

What is some advice that you would give to someone who is just getting into playing in a band?

My advice would be to take the time to really click with your band, I’m still new to working with a band and I think what helped us sound the best and work the best was just becoming friends. Once we clicked outside of a workspace we found a much easier rhythm when it came to rehearsal and show.

What would it be if you could go back in time and give yourself advice?

DON’T STRESS OUT SO MUCH AND TRUST YOURSELF. I used to get eaten by my own self-doubt and self-criticism. And sometimes I still do. But looking back I wish I could’ve relaxed a bit more and trusted myself as an artist and young woman growing up.

Of your songs which one means the most to you and why?

Petals means the most to me because it was the first song I wrote not about anyone else but about what I was going through in terms of growth and personal struggle. And although I wrote it a few years ago it is one of the few songs I listen to and feel like I can still relate to. Lastly, I think lyrically it is one of my strongest pieces.

Which songs are your favorite to play and which get requested the most?

I think comfort is the most requested song and also my favorite to play. I love playing it acoustically and hearing it with the full band and backing track, I find it to be such a diverse track in how you can arrange it and how the energy of the song can be manipulated.