Interviews

Greg Davis opened Soundscapes in August 1999, and it didn't take long for his little shop on College to become a go-to location for the news and noise of the city's independent music community. Over the last decade, Soundscapes has kept its customers steadily supplied with some of the best recordings, in-store performances, and concert tickets to be found in the GTA. Greg's been joined behind the counter by some other faces over the years, but his enthusiastic advice and friendly encouragement of audiophiles new and old has remained an essential part of what makes Soundscapes one of the best record stores you'll ever walk into.

Greg and the Soundscapes team have been partners with the Toronto Public Library's Local Music program since its inception, and they help us choose recordings, plan events and host shows on the regular.

What is your most memorable Toronto concert experience?
Most memorable Toronto concert experience would be my first concert experience, which was seeing the Clash at Maple Leaf Gardens on April 30, 1984. I was only 13 years old and pretty shocked that my paren'ts actually let me go see a punk band. At the time, I knew very little about the Clash but was just tagging along with a more knowledgeable older friend who said this was an important band. Of the show itself, I remember being completely shocked when one of the lyrics contained a swear word that was repeated over and over. Quite scandalous for 13-year-old ears.

What Greater Toronto Area musician/band’s album do you think everyone should be listening to right now?
Timber Timbre's new album "Creep On Creepin' On" is a pretty special album. He creates a unique sound world and will floor you if you ever catch him live, he's a modern day blues singer.

What does the term “Independent Music” mean to you?
Music that's created purely from the sounds in the artist's head with no preconceived notion of what the audience wants to hear.

What advice would you give someone trying to break into the Toronto music scene?
#1. Create amazing music. Nothing happens unless the music itself gets people excited.
#2. Become a compelling live performer. The live show is where the money is made in the music world these days. Make sure people will want to see you every time you play a show.
#3. Get involved in the local music scene. Make sure the people that can help you (i.e., promoters, record stores, media, amoung others) know you personally.
#4. Build a fan base, make sure you know who your fans are and treat them well because they are the ones who allow you to be a musician.

When you were six, what did you think you'd do when you grew up?
Definitely not a record store owner, that didn't come until I was in my 20's. I probably wanted to be an athlete, fireman or astronaut, the careers that seem so cool when you're a young kid.

Greg Davis opened Soundscapes in August 1999, and it didn't take long for his little shop on College to become a go-to location for the news and noise of the city's independent music community. Over the last decade, Soundscapes has kept its customers steadily supplied with some of the best recordings, in-store performances, and concert tickets to be found in the GTA. Greg's been joined behind the counter by some other faces over the years, but his enthusiastic advice and friendly encouragement of audiophiles new and old has remained an essential part of what makes Soundscapes one of the best record stores you'll ever walk into.

Greg and the Soundscapes team have been partners with the Toronto Public Library's Local Music program since its inception, and they help us choose recordings, plan events and host shows on the regular.

What is your most memorable Toronto concert experience?
Most memorable Toronto concert experience would be my first concert experience, which was seeing the Clash at Maple Leaf Gardens on April 30, 1984. I was only 13 years old and pretty shocked that my paren'ts actually let me go see a punk band. At the time, I knew very little about the Clash but was just tagging along with a more knowledgeable older friend who said this was an important band. Of the show itself, I remember being completely shocked when one of the lyrics contained a swear word that was repeated over and over. Quite scandalous for 13-year-old ears.

What Greater Toronto Area musician/band’s album do you think everyone should be listening to right now?
Timber Timbre's new album "Creep On Creepin' On" is a pretty special album. He creates a unique sound world and will floor you if you ever catch him live, he's a modern day blues singer.

What does the term “Independent Music” mean to you?
Music that's created purely from the sounds in the artist's head with no preconceived notion of what the audience wants to hear.

What advice would you give someone trying to break into the Toronto music scene?
#1. Create amazing music. Nothing happens unless the music itself gets people excited.
#2. Become a compelling live performer. The live show is where the money is made in the music world these days. Make sure people will want to see you every time you play a show.
#3. Get involved in the local music scene. Make sure the people that can help you (i.e., promoters, record stores, media, amoung others) know you personally.
#4. Build a fan base, make sure you know who your fans are and treat them well because they are the ones who allow you to be a musician.

When you were six, what did you think you'd do when you grew up?
Definitely not a record store owner, that didn't come until I was in my 20's. I probably wanted to be an athlete, fireman or astronaut, the careers that seem so cool when you're a young kid.