Music on the Fly

A little extra time at the airport? Walking along the waterfront and searching for something to do? Why not take in a live music performance from one of the many talented local artists. In partnership with the City of Toronto. ArtHaus and Catapult, Music on the Fly @ YTZ will fill the atrium of Billy Bishop Airport with the sounds of live music.

If you missed a performance, or want to hear from the artists again, we have created a Spotify playlist for you to enjoy.

Upcoming Performers

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Christina Smith

“5'0 with the talent, heart and personality of a giant" is the general consensus when speaking of internationally acclaimed and award-winning artist, actress and dancer, Christina Smith. Christina has a natural gift for classical music, creating a one-of-a-kind sound that she calls classical fusion. She was the recipient of the 2021 Black Diamond Ball "Inspirational Youth" Award, the winner of The Deputy Mayor’s Talent Search and was a contestant on Season 1 of Canada's Got Talent. In August 2024, Christina embarked on a South African theatre tour that inspired her to become a louder advocate against Gender-Based Violence through art.

@christinasmithto

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Past Performers

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Kat Valentine

Kat Valentine is a DIY rising pop star, born and bred in Windsor, Ontario. She started her career off young, and left her first mark on the world in 2013 with her time on YTV’s The Next Star. Since then, she’s released her mostly self-produced and entirely self-written EP “SIRENS,” described as a collection of revolving sensuality and all-consuming love.

@katmoscone

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‍‍Jasmine Kiara

Jasmine Kiara is an R&B artist based in Toronto. Showcasing a soulful, technically trained voice and a songwriting style that sets her apart, she is primed to be the next face of R&B. As a skilled songwriter, Jasmine has lent her pen and background vocals to Grammy & Juno award winning producers while developing her own sound. She is a Honey Jam alumni and a Remix Project Graduate (Round18.0). Exceeding hundreds of thousands of streams on her independently published music, and performing in television shows such as FUBAR (Netflix) & Reacher (Amazon Prime) in 2022-2024 - she continues to solidify her place in the music, film and television space.

@itsjasminekiara

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Charlotte Fabro

Charlotte Fabro is a singer songwriter and multi-instrumentalist from Toronto’s west side. Charlotte’s music runs the gamut of musical styles from soulful and upbeat to rich and sultry. Her songwriting effortlessly marries poetry and harmony in a tasteful and honest way.

@charlottefabro

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Frank Ryan

Frank Ryan is a singer songwriter from Dublin, Ireland.  His music has been described as “soulful rock” with hauntingly powerful and  melodic vocals.
 
Ranked in Rolling Stone Magazine in the Top 20 Artists from around the world  who "have chosen the less conventional path, challenging traditional  structures and seeking their own voice in artistic expression."
 
Mentored from a young age by legendary producer/drummer Steve Jordan, he went  on to work as a session musician in London, New York & Los Angeles.  From recording with Steve Jordan, to cutting  his teeth on the live club and roadhouse circuit of North America, he has  forged a sound all his own. With his debut album “Havona” nearing completion, he has released the first  offerings from the record online. He will be performing throughout the USA  & Canada this spring and summer.  

@frankryan.music

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priyana

priyana is a south-asian queer singer-songwriter from Toronto. She knew from the age of eight that music was her passion. She has built a community online and is known for posting videos combining her ethereal voice with her love for crochet! priyana's indie/folk-pop music draws inspiration from Lizzy McAlpine, Billie Eilish, Noah Kahan, Phoebe Bridgers, and many more. Her debut album. 'little thoughts' and three new singles are available on all streaming platforms now with more to come soon!

@priyana.music

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Melissa Kadas

Melissa Kadas is a pop singer songwriter and actor. She recently took part in Y2K X Republic Records survival reality show “A2K”. In 2022 she played the role of Ivy in Peacock/Universal TV series ‘Take Note’. A featured artist in Toronto’s notable Honey Jam.

@melissakadas

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Courtney

Courtney draws you in with her relatable storytelling while her catchy melodies, with a Roots feel, keep listeners of all ages entertained. The passion in her performance is driven by her desire to share joy through music and each interaction with her audience. Her instruments include her powerhouse Vocals, Piano, Guitar, Ukulele and Mandolin!

@courtneybowlesmuse

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Amir Brandon

With a voice gone viral across platforms worldwide, pop singer-songwriter Amir Brandon has garnered the attention of millions on TikTok and YouTube. Find his music on Spotify and Apple Music.

@amirbrandon

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Orit

Orit is an 18 year old singer songwriter from Toronto. She has always been intrigued by music and started singing at 6 years old. Her love for writing started at 13 years old; she found a way to easily express herself and do it in a way
where she was able to create something out of nothing. Her music combines influences from alternative R&B, traditional R&B, jazz, and soul sung with intricate lyrics and melodies. In her music, she often reflects on the past or projects into the future. She draws inspiration from artists such as Frank Ocean, Sade, Blood Orange, and Solange. Her main motivation is creative authenticity and to watch her music grow as she does.

@orit.orit.orit

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whereisluna

whereisluna is a Toronto based artist and songwriter whose approach to songwriting is one of openness and unfiltered emotions based on her personal experiences. Blending the infectious energy of pop with the raw edge of early 2000s rock and punk, whereisluna navigates the complexities of introspection and mental health. Her music reflects a deeply personal journey of self-discovery, where poignant lyricism meets irresistible melodies. Each song draws listeners into her world, resonating with those who value authenticity and emotional depth. Similar artists include LØLØ, Nessa Barrett, and GAYLE.

@wherethefisluna

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Past Performers

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Jenna Dundon

Jenna is a singer songwriter and is the next emerging artist to come from Kingston Ontario. Already known throughout the greater Toronto area for her skills as a drummer, Jenna has been making her way into Canada’s music scene as an independent artist. As winner of the 2024 James Gray SHINE! Music Bursary, Emerging Solo Vocalist at the 2024 MARTYS and a advocate for young disabled women, Jenna hopes to use her platform to empower and inspire women everywhere.

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Natalie Reis

Natalie Reis is an independent folk singer/songwriter whose music is caught between bitter sweet narratives and soaring melodies. Following her debut EP 'Bones on Fire' in 2020, Natalie has released five singles including “Twenty-Four” that have evolved her storytelling-lyricism and solidified her sound as a distinctive emerging artist. In the past year, she has had the opportunity to showcase her originals all across Ontario. In her latest release, “Twenty-Four”, Natalie pairs a soaring melody with a bittersweet narrative, that captures the joys and pains of finding your purpose in your twenties.

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Meghnaa Vasudev

Toronto based alternative/folk/pop singer-songwriter, magenta, writes honest and emotional songs which fans describe to be brutally relatable. With music similar to the likes of Phoebe Bridgers, Gracie Abrams and Jeremy Zucker, magenta’s audience has been growing ever since her first release in 2021. After two successful EPs and a land on Spotify’s Fresh Finds Canada Playlist, magenta is now releasing singles from her upcoming third EP titled “Angel” projected for release in early 2025. With connection and storytelling at her core, you can find magenta performing at venues around the city.

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Chinyi C

Chinyi’s music is vulnerable, sweet, and thoughtful, a mix of intimate, honest lyrics with lush fingerpicking. Singapore-born and now Canada-based, her songs draw on moments from a life constantly on the move, telling stories of grief, loss, love, and rebuilding. She released her debut EP "All We Are" in 2022. Her latest single and music video, "Human", released in 2024, is a tribute to her communities all across the globe. Chinyi is currently planning her next music recording project and can often be found in local Toronto venues playing or enjoying the live music scene.

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Rachel Hickey

Rachel Hickey is an Ontario-raised singer-songwriter, her distinct sound nestled somewhere between folk, pop and rock music. Inspired by artists like Shania Twain, Joni Mitchell, and Feist, Rachel’s performances are both emotional and energetic, packed with stories and heartfelt lyrics. Following her 2021 debut EP Getting By, Rachel’s sophomore 2022 EP So Long further evolved her sound and earned her coverage in Exclaim! magazine as well as plays on CBC Radio across Canada. She is currently performing live across the country in support of her debut full-length album, ‘The Eve of St. Agnes’ out now. Learn more at www.racheljhickey.com.

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TAKAAYLA

Redefining the pop genre with edgy rock undertones and haunting vocals, Takaayla’s sapphic pop alternative grunge is anything but easy to describe. Born in Toronto, Canada in 2000, Takaayla has a fearless determination to create music that breaks boundaries and inspires listeners. She is very open about women empowerment and her queerness.

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Jade Hilton

Born to Chinese and English parents in Toronto, Canada, Jade Hilton is making her mark through her emotive voice and storyteller songwriting. The singer/songwriter fuses earthy country melodies over pop soundscapes.  Jade released her first album in 2022 to much success. Her songs were featured on a number of notable Spotify editorial playlists such as New Music Nashville, Live Country, and Fresh Finds Country. Jade has performed at many notable live events in Canada. She performed at the CMAOntario Awards 2024, NXNE festival 2024, was the official anthem singer and a live performer at the National Bank Open in Toronto the past three years, and performed at Hotel X Toronto, Muskoka Music Festival, Sofar Sounds Toronto as well as multiple other venues in the city this past year.

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Chara Tan

Chara Kai-Le is an alt-pop songwriter and producer based in Toronto. Her multicultural upbringing in Malaysia, Singapore, England, and Canada profoundly influences her unique musical style. Her debut EP "LIMINAL" reflects her experiences as a Southeast Asian woman in a Western society and has attracted listeners globally. Her 2024 sophomore EP "KINTSUGI" delves into healing from grief and finding beauty in brokenness. Recognized by FACTOR Canada and the OAC, Chara creates music that resonates with a worldwide audience through contemplative yet relatable lyrics.

@charakaile

blue monday

blue monday is a queer indie/folk songwriter and singer from Toronto, and describes her music as "acoustic electropop". Artistically influenced by artists like Holly Humberstone and Robyn, blue monday's music is inspired by the intersection of love and sadness, and every body of water to ever exist. Exploring themes of unrequited love and the fickleness of human memory, and blending stripped back vocals and instrumentals with lyrical intimacy, blue monday creates a haunting soundscape that asks you to wade into the river of time, and let yourself sink into the deep.

@allbluemonday

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Nigel Irwin

Nigel Irwin is a Cree-Canadian musician, composer, and storyteller from Niagara Treaty territory, who lives in Toronto - Dish With One Spoon Territory. As Creative Director of Nagamo, Irwin has helped build the first production-music library created entirely by Indigenous artists, working closely with a growing network of Indigenous singers and musicians worldwide. In addition, Irwin also provides original musical scores for film and television projects. Recent credits include scoring the Crave Original Thunder Bay and CTV’s Acting Good. Further credits include mixing and sound design for BUFFY Podcast for CBC, two Nature of Things episodes, and the Tom Longboat Heritage Minute. He also provided the score for two recent award-winning productions, Shadow of the Rougarou on Apple TV and kwéskosíw (She Whistles), which won Best Short Film at the recent Weengushk International Film Festival. Irwin also provided the music for a VR Experience produced by the NFB called This Is Not A Ceremony which made Official Selection at this year’s Sundance Film Festival. Through his own artist music, Irwin became the 2019 recipient of the Bullseye Music Award through imagineNATIVE and Slaight Music.  Irwin has been published in VICE, The Nation, Two Row Times, and the Niagara Falls Review, covering a wide range of Indigenous stories.

Jace Martin

Jace Martin is an award winning artist, songwriter & producer that has charted on the USA Top 40 & #1 in Canada on the R&B Charts! He has shared the stage with Canada's Queen of Jazz Salome Bey, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Robbie Robertson and GRAMMY Winner Jonny Lang. His new album "Beautiful Broken Pieces" is available now on all platforms.

@jacemartinmusic

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James Wilson

James N. Wilson is a Mohawk and French-Canadian Singer-Songwriter Musician from Six Nations of The Grand River. He has performed his music all around North America sharing the stage with many artists such as Derek Miller, Logan Staats, DJ Shub, and many more. His original music has been compared to artists such as Dave Matthews, Shawn Mendes, and Coldplay. In December of 2019 his song “City Lights” hit #1 on the IMC Indigenous Music Countdown. He is set to release his second album "Alive" in 2024.

@jamesnwilsonmusic_

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Ariana Fig

Ariana Fig, born and raised in Hamilton, Ontario, is a gifted and passionate musician whose love affair with music began at the young age of three. From her early days as a violinist in string ensembles and youth orchestras, to gracing the stages of musical theatre productions, Fig's musical journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. At the age of 13, Fig's creative spirit led her to explore the art of songwriting, and since then, there has been no looking back. Her journey has consisted of honest and heartfelt compositions and has become a powerful reflection of her evolving identity.

@arianafig_

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Sarah Hiltz

Sarah Hiltz is a contemporary folk artist based in Toronto, Canada. Her newest album (CALM FURY) is a collection of songs that grew out of her research into the ways we experience, express and repress anger in modern society, especially women.  Hiltz has independently released four full-length albums and two EPs since 2009. Her work as a talented singer-songwriter has landed her Folk Music Ontario’s Songs From The Heart Award, opening slots for Canadian icons Gordon Lightfoot and Ron Hynes, a Best Folk Album nomination (Toronto Independent Music Awards) and earned her an invitation to give a TEDx talk.

@srhiltz

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J3M

J3M is a fusion of pop, disco & R&B, sure to live in your head rent-free. The award-winning singer, songwriter, producer, pianist has backed artists like Lu Kala, Yukon Blonde, Leith Ross, Tanika Charles & more, locally & internationally. Sharing stages with everyone from K’naan to Cupcakke, J3M is no stranger to the industry; playing festivals like POP Montreal, Ottawa/Toronto Pride and Osheaga. His debut EP AFRONAUT, featured on CBC Q and Searchlight is out now.

@j3msings

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Julianna Jones

Hailing from Toronto, Canada, singer-songwriter Julianna Jones is a powerhouse with a rich RnB Pop voice and an insatiable core fanbase for her authenticity and sharing her stories unapologetically. Living life to its fullest, she is echoing her experiences to fans who are navigating life as new adults, relating to her fans on every level. Drawing from modern and classic influences such as Ariana Grande, Julia Michaels and SZA, she infuses Rnb, soul, pop, and rock songwriting from her personal experiences in love and life.

@juliannajones

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Päter

"Blessed with all the charisma and charm in the world, Toronto artist PÄTER continues to surprise and beguile us with the energetic glow and appeal of their explosive alternative pop/rock sound" - Kieran Rogers, CLOUT

Enter the Päterverse. After grabbing the attention of listeners internationally by posting original music online, Päter (Iran-born, Toronto-based Parmida Kakavand)’s debut single ‘Dam, Damn’ racked up over 2,000,000 streams on Spotify alone. Two EPs and a string of self-directed visuals later, Päter is back with their debut LP project, ‘4-7 Company’. Teaming up with Vancouver producer Howard Redekopp (Tegan & Sara, Mother Mother), Päter explores the solitary hours between4-7pm, when you’re "alone with your thoughts and anything can happen”. As vulnerable as it is theatrical, the album sees Päter confidently navigating through their brightest and darkest storytelling yet. In support of the album, Päter is showcasing at CMW, Springtide Festival and Cityfolk Festival in 2024.

@paterverse

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Paula Sofía

Paula Sofía is a Guatemalan singer-songwriter based in Toronto. From the stage, Paula weaves a playful connection with her audience, turning each live performance into a unique, shared moment. While most of her songs are in Spanish, Paula transcends language boundaries through her quirky songwriting, vivid imagery, and a touch of playfulness. She navigates the human experience and shares it with her listeners through her melodious voice.

@paulasofiamv

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Jessica Wolowich

Jessica Wolowich is an indie singer-songwriter based in Kingston, Ontario. With a background of performing with various bands, Jessica's solo work takes a different path, featuring stripped-back instrumentals that emphasize her melodies and lyrics. In May 2024, she released her debut single, "Stay," along with an accompanying music video. This marks the beginning of her first summer of live music touring. 

@jessicawolowich

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Kev Olden

Kev Olden's musical journey is deeply shaped by his native Ireland and new home in Canada. Relocating to Toronto in 2020, he has seamlessly woven elements of Americana and indie folk into his musical tapestry. The result is a unique fusion of heartfelt storytelling and evocative melodies. His work has been featured on Mahogany Sessions and Hot Press. He was successfully chosen to be in the RBC Music Entrepreneurship Program, highlighting and working with some of the best emerging talent in Canada in the music industry. He has spent the last year working towards his upcoming EP ‘Always At Dusk’.

@kev_olden

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RSY

Raised in Brampton, Ontario, RSY infuses her R&B music with rhythmic beats and ethereal vocals. Her first three singles served as an introduction to her sound, but this new era promises to provide listeners with a deeper understanding of RSY's range and taste. Delving into themes of truth and vulnerability, her music offers a universally resonant experience, perfect for finding solace or providing a vibrant morning drive soundtrack.

@risirsy

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Ramona Vee

Ramona Vee is a Mexican/Canadian Artist. First introduced to music as a child through piano lessons and later through band, Ramona Vee began singing during her teenage years. She performed as the lead singers in a local RnB/Funk band and started to take wedding and background vocal gigs around the city before she started producing for herself. Currently Ramona Vee is focused on crafting a unique sound influenced by Toronto‘s Indie scene, cumbia, bachata, reggae and corridos.

@ramonaveeforever

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‍Paesler

Nestled between boy genius and Bon Iver, Paesler’s debut single “Gold” features beautiful female vocals, catchy melodies and serene instrumentals. With comforting yet gripping soundscapes and compelling verse, Paesler works to process and explore topics such as the nature of accumulation, life stages, and what it means to have unconditional and radical love for every person you meet. Paesler’s upcoming EP “when things do not dry they are heavy”  is co-written and produced by TALK (Nicholas Durocher and Connor Riddell): the team who create all music for TALK’s projects, including the smash hit “Run Away to Mars”.

@paesler.mp3

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‍Kennen

Toronto-based pop auteur Kennen began writing & producing songs at age 12. The multi-hyphenate released his first solo tracks as a singer in 2020. The beat-forward, lovelorn songs–including quintessential indie-pop "1 2 365 4 Me”–amassed ~4,000,000 streams on Spotify as of 2023; landing editorial playlists such as NMF Canada, Daily Lift, Fresh Finds, GLOW, it’s a bop, Jasmine, and more. He’s performed at major venues and festivals including Toronto's Phoenix Concert Theatre and TIFF. Over 9,000,000 streams are under his belt as a genre-fluid producer, including his work for artists such as Vardaan Arora, Tia Kofi, and Lyle Kam.

@kennensings

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‍Dani Saldo

Dani Saldo is a Filipino-Canadian artist & songwriter who makes vulnerable & conversational music with moody melancholy & dreamy coming of age productions. Her music is genuine & honest as she explores love & self-discovery. With a proven track record, her song “All I Need” premiered in Anna Kendrick’s movie “Alice Darling” in TIFF 2022 and she has had numerous other song placements in film & TV. Her debut EP "everything I couldn't say" is out now on streaming platforms everywhere, speaking on grief, mental health, disability, love and more. Continuously collaborating with numerous artists & producers she is continuously making music soon to be released.

@dani.saldo

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Heather Russell

With depth that accompanies wisdom, the grit of anxiety and influences of yesteryear’s troubadours, enter Heather Russell; a 23-year-old powerhouse vocalist, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and producer, based in Toronto. Inspired by a love of film noir and pop culture, Heather’s songs have a vintage, theatrical feel with a voice akin to the Mariahs and Arianas of the world. After navigating the industry's twists and turns since signing a major record deal at the tender age of 9, she possesses the determination and life experience to lay it all on the line.

@Heatherrussellofficial

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Music on the Fly is supported by:

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