Photos by Orest Dorosh – The Lowest of the Low stand as one of the most vital pillars of Canadian independent rock, emerging from the vibrant Toronto Queen Street scene of the early 1990s. With the release of their seminal debut, Shakespeare My Butt…, the band carved out a permanent place in the national consciousness. Their sound—a masterclass in “heart-on-the-sleeve” songwriting—blends the raw energy of punk with the melodic sensibilities of folk and power-pop. Anchored by the literate, socially conscious lyricism of Ron Hawkins, the group’s music captured a gritty, urban romanticism that felt both deeply local to Southern Ontario and universally relatable.
Throughout the decades, the band’s journey has been defined by a fierce commitment to artistic independence and a legendary live reputation. Despite hiatuses and various side projects, the chemistry between the members has remained a rare constant in the Canadian music landscape. Their ability to balance biting political commentary with anthemic, beer-hall choruses allowed them to transcend the “indie” label, earning them a spot in the Canadian Indie Hall of Fame. To their devoted fanbase, the “Low” are more than just a band; they are the soundtrack to a specific brand of defiant, poetic resilience.
As they continue to tour and record into 2026, the Lowest of the Low remain as relevant as ever, proving that authentic storytelling never goes out of style. Whether performing in intimate clubs or historic venues like the Danforth Music Hall, their sets remain high-octane affairs that bridge the gap between their 90s roots and their contemporary evolution. With a discography that serves as a roadmap of the Canadian underground, they continue to inspire a new generation of artists to prioritize substance over spectacle, solidifying their legacy as true icons of the North.
Kingdom of Birds
Kingdom of Birds are a formidable force in the Toronto indie scene, evolving from a group of prodigious teenage “young mavericks” into one of the city’s most exciting and unpredictable post-punk outfits. Led by founding member Ása Berezny (guitar/vocals) alongside Annabel Barbon-Mcguire (bass) and Beatrice Richard (drums), the trio specializes in a gritty, kinetic sound that balances abrasive energy with deeply melodic hooks. Their music draws inspiration from decades of alternative rock, blending dirty, ear-worming riffs with a vocal delivery that ranges from intimate, confessional whispers to full-tilt, primal howls.
The band reached a new creative peak in early 2026 with the release of their sophomore LP, Vermin, an album celebrated for its raw, unfiltered honesty and lack of studio artifice. Recorded with a focus on capturing their notoriously explosive live energy, the record showcases a trio wielding “three-piece power” with surgical precision. Whether they are performing at historic community hubs like Wavelength or sharing stages with underground legends like Deerhoof, Kingdom of Birds continue to prove that their DIY punk ethos and sharp, urban storytelling are essential to the ever-evolving heartbeat of the Canadian music landscape.
