The entry gate 3D logo.

Cross-roads find-a-friend WE ARE HERE sign.

I loved the festival food, which was vegetarian-friendly and fresh. My fave dish had to be the pulled jackfruit sandwich from the Kind Kitchen truck, a vegan establishment out of Orillia, Ontario.  

Kind Kitchen serving up pulled jackfruit.

Wood-oven fired margherita pizza.

Access to free cold water at WayHome was the best I’ve ever experienced.

Active opportunities at every turn.

The best activation goes to Topshop for their amazingly executed art installation rooms by local designer/artists, although MEC had a great one which offered hammocks, slacklining, lime slushies, and wifi…Oh, and I can’t forget the endless party going on at the Bacardi bar – it was like what Montreal is to Toronto.

The Coors Light hot air balloon on one of its only forays into the air.

Festival-goer’s balancing act.

Exploring the installation for Topshop.

Photo ops in the Topshop tent.

MEC rest and relaxation zone. A spot so popular, it was full the entire festival.

There has been some coverage of WayHome’s small turnout this year and speculation as to whether it will return. It seems like a giant feat to stage a multi-genre festival with thousands of visitors, and the Canadian dollar does not make it any easier.  But I, for one, hope there is a continuation of the proudly homegrown fest that is WayHome. With the passion of those who stage WayHome to bolster it, I don’t think it’ll go without a fight. Ultimately, this type of talk takes the focus off of what we are all here for – the love of music. WayHome had everything a true music lover could want. The sound quality, visibility, layout of festival grounds, and amenities covered all my needs as I took in about 8 hours of live music 3 days in a row.

To get to FUX-specific coverage, we hit all your must-sees and more. Here is a breakdown of some of the highlights for you and some snaps of the action.  

ALLAN RAYMAN

Allan Rayman, the guy with the posters plastered all over town (Toronto) that say “Do Not Support Allan Rayman at WayHome.” I cannot find any basis for the posters other than branding and advertising for the artist. This Wyoming native who has been working out of Toronto has started making major waves thanks to his throaty, earnest vocals, mystery man persona, and strange but wonderful music videos. In person, Rayman’s voice is larger than life, and I would not forgo a chance to see him play again. His presence is powerful; you can feel the breadth of his voice from hundreds of feet away. The sunny fields of WayHome didn’t quite suit the moody grit and urbane smooth stylings of his band, but hey, it’s festival season.

DANNY BROWN

I was excited to see Danny Brown, since I have Detroit blood running through my veins, and he did not disappoint. The rapper has flow, and fan love was palpable as the crowd chanted “ENCORE” at the end. WayHome does not have encores on the agenda, so even a very determined group of fans couldn’t get it going. But whatever, he gave WayHomies what they came for, and they were totally into it.

JUSTICE

The last time I checked out Justice was for a show at the ill-fated Circa nightclub in Toronto many years ago.  It was well-executed but pretty basic. So, I was curious, what did this world famous DJ duo from France have to show for their hiatus and lack of hit singles. Sure, I could not have cared less about Justice since my early-20s and had quickly sold off Justice real estate in my music world to D.A.N.C.E. elsewhere, but, memories. All I knew was that it better be good – not because I’m harsh – but because I know that a floppy comeback leads to being written off entirely. 

Well guess the fuck what.  JUSTICE IS BACK.  I don’t exactly know if they left as they did manage to release a few things since 2007’s massive hit record Cross, but I will say that the scale of their live show in light of the tenacity of their most recent album, 2016’s Woman, makes it seem like they are trying to re-establish themselves. They’ve gone further into the disco rock side of things, which will lose and gain fans, we will have to wait to see how the scales tip. “Well you know you’ve arrived, and its time” so say the lyrics to their single ‘Randy.’ The light show alone was worth the trek to WayHome. Thank you for world class entertainment, Justice.  Even your casual oh-so-French cigarette breaks mid-song made me smile.

THEY.

One reason I am glad to be compiling my thoughts on WayHome 2017 after I’ve had some time to digest it all is that I can honestly gauge how much some of the artists got me.  THEY. is #1 on the list. I seriously cannot stop listening to this vocalist/rap duo based out of Los Angeles. Their catchy pop-like R&B meets hip hop, rock, and soul draws me back every day. They took a sunny afternoon at WayHome and a simply-lit stage and made it into an event unto itself, occasionally breaking into matching choreography, reminding me of 70s performers like The Whispers.  

Drew Love and Dante Jones of THEY.

I had the sensation I was at an underground hip hop slash Boyz II Men show – what!  Drew and Dante, the pair who comprise THEY. both have some impressive writing credits to their name, and the originality of their sound and lyrics speak to it. Mellow yet forthright, THEY. have a playful persona live just like on their tracks. The whole crowd joyfully joined THEY.’s Nü Religion – as we all held up our hands to be part of the “wolf pack” – which involves making a wolf face with your hand and repeating some cultish sounding lines – it’s great. Their confident, sexy live show translates from great tracks into great entertainment.  As they grow, I hope to see more of their politically-charged stuff, but also hope they continue to produce appealing singles like ‘U-Rite’ in the mix. Special shout out for playing their hilarious song ‘Dante’s Creek,’ which is a much better song to get stuck in your head than its original version.

SCHOOLBOY Q

After a 10 minute warmup by DJ Mackwop, ScHoolboy Q came out hitting hard with a presence that overtook the WayHome mainstage. Charismatic banter and big time bass, the crowd was transfixed in Q’s grooviness from his first step on stage. ‘Collard Greens’ was definitely the crowd favourite for all fans, but Q went back into the catalogue and delivered his lyrical punches with no apologies. The bass almost on par with the electronic acts’ sound and the heavy beats felt like they could fill a couple football fields. ScHoolboy did a bunch of covers, which was fascinating to hear. Kind of like, I wonder what it would sound like if…oh that’s what. Cool. The WayHomies ate up every moment.

JAZZ CARTIER

One of the most talked-about performances at WayHome this year has to be Jazz Cartier’s. The Toronto rapper has become known for his antics on stage and he did not disappoint.  His bright red jacket, shed partway through the show, made for a strong entrance, as he posed for cameras and hung off stage elements. He moved the crowd like ferrofluid, people hung on his every word; there was a certain fever in the air. Jazz javelin- hucked a janitor’s broom into the crowd.  Instead of getting knocked out, people jumped for it and paraded it like a trophy (totems are very popular at WayHome and one donated by Jazz Cartier has cachet).  

Of course, the grand finale trumped every other moment of the festival for me, and I seriously considered what it might feel like to get trampled. Jazz dared us to beat him to a nearby food truck. He wanted to celebrate being Canadian and being with his local peeps and what better than to stand on top of a food truck that serves poutine. Thousands of eager fans rushed the Moustache Burger truck, surrounding it while we helped him finish singing the now in heavy rotation track ‘Dead or Alive.’ Jazz Cartier withstands all hype and I see nothing but up for this artist. Those who were lucky enough to witness him at WayHome 2017 will have a story for years to come as his fame grows.

Jazz Cartier launches himself into the crowd.

Business was booming after Jazz featured the Moustache Burger Truck in his larger than life performance.

LOUIS THE CHILD

Louis the Child, a DJ duo out of Chicago, got the crowd into full groove mode right off the bat.  People were ready for them, and they had a sizable base of listeners in attendance at WayHome. Their minimalist crown logo was apparent in clothing and signage amongst the crowd. I loved their energy and the fact that Robby Hauldren wore a Raptors shirt. Of any of the performances out in gorgeous weather in the Southern Ontario summer, Louis the Child’s brand of poppy future bass fit most perfectly. Nothing like a summer afternoon and some fun, carefree electronic music to dance to.

Robby Hauldren and Freddy Kennett at the WayAway stage.

MARSHMELLO

I had to check out Marshmello, the (not-so)mysterious DJ who wears a white bucket on his head, to see what all the buzz about was about. I joined throngs of electrified fans, nicknamed the “mellogang” as they witnessed his set.  It’s fascinating that he is one of the top-earning DJs in the world right now after only 2 ½ years since his first track release. The pyrotechnics and video were incredible, but all too rehearsed, too perfect. I ended up leaving partway through, feeling like I’d just gotten to see the coolest wedding DJ ever. It was interesting to see the Mellogang just randomly repping their idol throughout the weekend, and as far as 100% entertainment goes, Marshmello definitely brings a lot to the table.

DANIEL CAESAR

A warm dusk, string lights amongst the trees, calm multitudes waving in tandem to the smooth sound from Daniel Caesar’s stage at WayHome. Everything aligned to create a beautiful place to experience Toronto’s crown jewel as he soothed our ears with his spectacular vocals and talented band. This feels like modern R&B, it’s the music of lovers, and I could have spent hours in Caesar’s dreamy soundscapes.

#PERRIERFAIL

One of my bones to pick with WayHome was the Perrier stage. With a mandatory 19+ IDing happening at the door, a lot of people in the ‘cashless’ festival grounds were left out in the sun as they did not have a driver’s license tucked into their summer wardrobe. Once inside, it was well below 18C and slim cans of Perrier cost $3.75 – just give it away, it’s called advertising. The prominent DJs they collected, tasteful and au courant, were wasted on small crowds due to major headliners like Frank Ocean playing at the same time. What could have been a fantastic escape from the heat with a gathering of some of the coolest DJs in the industry was a frigid ice box with bad service and low attendance.

FALCONS

An important stop on my WayHome tour was to see Falcons, the Los Angeles producer on Fool’s Gold records. Falcons did a chill set for us on Saturday afternoon, his hip hop-influenced dance music is playful and the vibes were happy, and it’s where I danced the most all weekend. His transitions were smooth maintaining energy with ease. It was a solid set, well worth catching.  One megafan I spoke to said Falcons set “was better than Flume,” and I’d agree. Next time, I need to see Falcons after sundown and in a place with a huge dancefloor.  

RYME

The tent for RYME’s show had a lot of Badlqqk merch on bodies. It was cool to see a local techno/house DJ duo and a local record label so well represented at a festival with a ton of American and international acts.  The energy was high, and ended with some great dancing by Rynecologist.

FRANK OCEAN

Team blonded.

FRANK was everything you could hope for and more. We put the cameras away for this set and tuned into the frequency that is the creative genius of Frank Ocean. Spike Jonze behind the visuals. Frank Ocean behind the sound. The harmonistic intimacy felt in the biggest crowd the 2017 festival had seen, was a fusion of hi-fi artistic realness and surrealistic low-fi viz that must be experienced for yourself. Must.

Day WH2017

Night WH2017

WayHome is a space for music lovers of all ages and genres. We hope to see it back.

Word by Karis Malszecki. Photos by Eryn McCarthy.

The post Forget The Headliners – Wayhome 2017 Was All About The Side Stages appeared first on FUXWITHIT.

Justice shot by Eryn McCarthy

The last weekend in July, I got the chance to attend the third edition of the WayHome Music and Arts Festival (read my recap here). Having caught acts like Justice, Flume, Mura Masa, Frank Ocean, and Falcons, I saw CDJs, synths of all shapes and sizes, drums (real and electronic) and even some guitars (bass and otherwise) all put to use. This led me to consider the importance and/or value of the term “live” and how it’s used in electronic music.Of course there’s a vast difference between a DJ set (pre-recorded, pre-planned, or entirely off-the-cuff) and a live set. But just what live means differs between acts. Colin and CK have already addressed 8 artists/groups here, who all use a variety of tools, or instruments if you will, to create their own live set. But is one kind of set up better than another? And if it isn’t, then why do we care? And then wouldn’t a DJ set be just as good? Do we go to a show to see someone’s musical prowess or to be entertained with good music?

Flume shot by Eryn McCarthy

I know, I’m asking a lot of questions and not giving many answers (uh oh, my philosophy background is rearing its ugly head), but this is a topic I’ve wondered about for a long time, and will likely continue to question for the foreseeable future. But at least by going through the act of writing it down and sharing it with you we can become more enlightened on the subject.At one point during Flume’s set (as he stood surrounded by synths, drums and other gear), I wondered whether he had pre-produced these VIP (variation in production, not very important person) versions we were hearing or whether he was actually improvising and performing them on the spot. Eventually I was able to follow his hand movements and realize that he was indeed manipulating his material himself. But then I wondered do I really care? Because regardless of its real time nature, it sounded damn good. So shouldn’t I just sit back and enjoy? Why do I feel the need to scrutinize? Sure, it seems disingenuous to fake DJ, lip sync or even have ghost produced tracks to your name, but if the track is good and makes you feel something, does that matter?

Mura Masa shot by Eryn McCarthy

Part of the allure of a live performance is the organic element: anything could happen, be it a solo, an improvised fill or even a happy accident. This is without a doubt more engaging with the audience, as it becomes a unique and personal experience, but can’t the same thing be said about a live DJ set? In fact, I’ve been known to argue for more DJ sets than live sets. Live sets can be more restricting, in that you can likely only play your own material, save for a few practiced covers. They are less flexible, in that you can’t just pick up a tune you heard that morning and add it to your repertoire. You almost know what you’re gonna get with a live set, whereas with a DJ set there’s more room for surprises. The mixing allows for mashups, more rapid-fire selection and crowd work. But I guess the question then lies with what you’d rather hear/see. Maybe in the perfect world we’d start at a venue more conducive to a live set, then move over to a club for the DJ set after-party.Although neither were explicitly promoted as playing as live sets, that’s exactly what Flume and Mura Masa did. While their set ups and delivery were different, their acts were similar in that they played their own tracks, remixes and covers for a ravenous audience, well aware of what they were going to hear. Now neither interacted with the crowd much (as they were busy performing), but Mura Masa had Bonzai as a direct connection to the crowd. She hyped up and reached out, destroying the divide, much like a DJ who leaves the decks to crowd surf or orchestrate an elaborate dance. Both live and DJ sets can be a spectacle, but is that what you want? This is really the question that this post begs: is live really a selling point?

In the end, what I like most about a live performance is the act and very essence of play. If they are actually having fun while performing there’s no doubt that energy oozes over the crowd, and isn’t that what it’s all about? Sharing in a communal experience of joy, centered around music.

Agree/disagree? Think my writing sucks? Let us know in the comments, on Facebook, Twitter or come at me personally below.

All photos by Eryn McCarthy.

The post What Is “Live” and Does It Matter? appeared first on FUXWITHIT.

Danny Brown

Danny Brown’s energy effectively dominates and infects the crowd the second he hits any stage. A big smile and even bigger sound, the Detroit artist’s unique range of style never leaves room for a dull moment. A bite to his flow, and an undeniable steez, Danny Brown’s catalog is stacked with collaborations from Kendrick Lamar, Ab Soul and Earl Sweatshirt to DJ Shadow, Freddie Gibbs, Purity Ring and more. If this performance is anything like his new video for ‘Lost,’ we’re in for a trip. You are now entering the sometimes manic, sometimes abstract, always vivid dimension of Danny Brown. Get ready to move. Really doe. Catch Danny Brown at 12:15am on Friday at the WayAway stage.  

Mura Masa

Mura Masa and summer are pretty much synonymous. His music perfectly encapsulates everything that makes the season so special while weaving in emotional and evocative elements for a sound that is spellbinding. His incredible self-titled album just dropped this month and this will be the first chance to hear him perform the project. His show goes beyond the typical DJ set, combining keys and drums for an engaging and unique experience. Although it isn’t listed, Masa has been known to tour and perform alongside vocalist/rapper Bonzai. If she’s there alongside Mura Masa, expect this to be one of the best sets of the weekend. If it turns out to be a solo set, it certainly won’t disappoint either. Mura Masa is one of the most impressive producers in music at the moment, find out why at 11:00pm on Saturday (WayAway).

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/320406458″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/310426592″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Falcons

Falcons has been a FUXWITHIT favourite since we started the site. The LA producer has been heating up the summer with smashes like ‘Boo You Know (Ft. Goldlink)’ and ‘Want Your Body’. His unique blend of electronic music and rap makes him a must see for fans of either genre. If you love both, it doesn’t get mulch better than this. Falcons will have the festival feeling like the best house party you’ve ever been too. Turn up on Sunday at 7:30pm, Perrier Greenhouse.

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/319277717″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/331744946″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

THEY.

Coming up under ZHU’s Mind Of Genius label, THEY. have been impressing since their debut Nu Religion. Their sounds can move from moody to turnt and their ability to switch between singing and rapping is unmatched. Add their incredible energy along with their standout smashes like ‘U-RITE’ and ‘Motley Crue’ and you won’t want to miss a track. Catch them on Friday at 5:30pm a the WayAway Stage.

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/302417175″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/228236440″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Jazz Cartier

Toronto hip-hop titan, Jazz Cartier aka Jacuzzi La Fleur is somebody you should not be sleeping on. A two-time Polaris Music Prize Long List selection and most recently, a 2017 Juno Award winner for Rap Recording of the Year, for his 2016 mixtape Hotel Paranoia, Jazz and the synergy of his smooth and raw style, show no signs of slowing. Give your ears the gift of experiencing the fluid pacing of this Toronto talent. You will feel like you’re surfing on the perfect wave, but be warned, once you check in, you’ll never check out. Don’t miss your chance to see the ‘Talk of the Town’ at 7:00pm on Saturday at WayBright. 

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/244905982″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/200930383″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Louis The Child

Chicago duo Louis The Child are a must see at any festival. Their original works are a perfect balance between forward thinking future bass, pop and indie leanings. All this is wrapped in a soundscape that embodies warm weather and sunshine and is assured to boost your serotonin. You won’t be at this set without a smile in your face. Enjoy the vibe on Saturday at 7:30 at WayAway.

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/304794670″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/282783773″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Daniel Caesar

Take the time to slow down and open your soul up to the medicine that is Daniel Caesar. This R&B heavyweight will soothe your most delicate energy needs with the power of his angelic expression. Floating like a butterfly and stinging like a bee (in the feels), this era blending sound with a modern twist has a realness that is sure to leave you with goosebumps. From keys to strings, evident gospel influence and Daniel’s vocal range, the performance of Caesar’s individuality is sure to be a sweet treat for your heart and ears. Slow it down with Daniel at 7:00pm on Sunday at WayAway. 

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/289067161″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/289067151″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

The post 7 Must See Acts At WayHome 2017 appeared first on FUXWITHIT.

The post WayHome Is Back As Big As Ever For 2017 appeared first on FUXWITHIT.

Welcome home, WayHomies!

RFID enabled bracelets served as high tech tickets and mobile wallets during the weekend

Almost there! The road to the music was line with distinctive and colourful flags designed by Angus Watt. Some might recognize these flags from other festivals such as Glastonbury and Bestival Toronto.

Edmonton-based brother-sister duo kept exchanging excited smiles during their funky electronic instrumental set.

Three piece dream pop outfit, LANY, helped set the mood on Friday afternoon.

British electronic musician and songwriter, Tourist, on the WayBright stage.

Nigerien guitarist Omara “Bombino” Moctar

Toronto producer and singer-songwriter, River Tiber on the WayAway stage

The WayAway stage served host to many up and coming artists throughout the weekend.

English electronic duo, AlunaGeorge, treated the audience to songs from their own discography, as well as selections from their collaborations with Disclosure and ZHU.

English rock band, The Struts, entertained the crowd with their stage antics, classic Brit rock, and popped bottles of champagne

Calgary’s Braids on the WayAway stage

Festival squad!

American folk singer-songwriter Nathaniel Rateliff on the WayBright stage

Toronto’s own Shad weaving his literary heavy rhymes for the WayBold crowd

Punk rockers, White Lung, led by the enigmatic Mish Way

Montreal indie rockers, Wolf Parade, having recently ended their indefinite hiatus, graced the WayBright stage

Toronto’s own Tory Lanez bounced around the WayBold stage

Metric’s Emily Haines

Twilight at Burl’s Creek

CHVRCHES’ Lauren Mayberry

The crowd at the WayBright stage for CHVRCHES

Showers may have been $9 each for those who braved the campgrounds, but Foals provided them absolutely free

My personal favourite set of the weekend, Foals.

LCD Soundsystem played their first Canadian show since returning from their five year hiatus.

At night, the WayHome grounds lit up

LCD Soundsystem may have been Friday’s headliner, but as hip-hop duo Rae Sremmurd took to the stage, they proved that the party had just begun.

Mac DeMarco

Marian Hill, composed of production artist Jeremy Lloyd, vocalist Samantha Gongol, and featuring improvisational jazz saxophonist Steve Davit, were my unexpected discovery of the weekend. Their AlunaGeorge meets jazz sound was perfectly paired with the peaceful evening ambiance of the WayAway stage

Keys N Krates

The music of WayHome lasted well into the evening, with the night’s final performers, Matt & Kim, taking the WayBold stage at 1AM.

Lindsey Stirling paired her theatrical violin performance with fully choreographed dance moves to open up Day 2

X Ambassadors on the WayHome stage

Montreal indie rockers Half Moon Run

Afie Jurvanen, known by his stage name Bahamas, at the WayBright stage

With a heatwave all weekend long, this cactus was a very fitting totem

Nineties nostalgia was alive and well at Third Eye Blind set on the WayHome stage

Liverpudian singer songwriter, Banners

A Tribe Called Red performed their First Nations music infused electronic music, alongside dancers dressed in traditional Native garb

Kurt Vile at the WayBright stage

Toronto’s BadBadNotGood performed their genre defying brand of jazz to a packed WayAway stage

French electronic band, M83, at the WayHome stage

Some impromptu Luchadore Wrestling

Arkells’ treated to the crowd to a handful of songs off their upcoming 4th album, including ‘Drake’s Dad’, which released just two days prior

Saturday’s headliners, Arcade Fire

A fireworks display at the finale of Arcade Fire’s set

Australian singer-songwriter, Chet Faker, performed his downtempo electronica tunes for the WayBright stage audience

Vince Staples is an absolute ball of energy. During his performance, he bounded from side to side of the WayBold stage.

The dim lighting of Savages’ set paired perfectly with their haunting and aggressive noise rock

Major Lazer treated the crowd to a high production show, complete with confetti, background dancers, CO2 cannons, and crowd surfing in giant inflatable balls.

Thank you WayHome for an incredible weekend! See you again next year!

Words and Pictures by Katrina Lat. Follow her on Instagram for more incredible visuals.

The post PHOTO REVIEW: WayHome 2016 appeared first on FUXWITHIT.