Unlike Bluesfest which can sometimes feel like a marathon, especially if you attempt to attend every single day, CityFolk’s short five day schedule always seems to go by in the blink of an eye, and the 2025 edition coming to a close tonight is no different.
Sunday, September 14
TD Stage:
6:00 pm – Cam Kahin
7:20 pm – USS
9:00 pm – Down With Webster
An all-Ontario lineup closes out the mainstage tonight with a variety of rock subgenre blends.
Kicking it off is Cam Kahin, the indie rocker who emerged with a series of ear-catching singles and EPs over the pandemic years which he parlayed into a label deal and a spot on the Bluesfest River stage in 2023. The DIYer never stops churning out high-quality songs, with an ever-growing range of sounds, with the greatest departure yet being his most recent single “break or bend”. Trading in the garage rock fuzz of his previous work for a more lush production, while showcasing his vocals at his most vulnerable, it’s yet another step in his growth. Given the quality of his output thus far, anticipation for his debut full-length album just continues to rise as it looms on the horizon.
Taking over for the up-and-comer will be the first of two reunited bands. Toronto duo USS (Ubiquitous Synergy Seeker) were always a product of contrasts, both in personalities as well as in sound. Blending alt rock with DJ beats and samples, they were leaders in developing a new sound from that blending of genres, and remain unique to this day. You would be hard pressed to find another band that sounds similar (early Twenty One Pilots maybe?), and from the start with single “Hollow Point Sniper Hyperbole” they were mainstays on Canadian radio for their fifteen year run. But beyond their recordings, USS developed a lasting reputation as one of the most fun live acts – more an experience than a concert. With no long term plans beyond the few reunion shows this year, you should heed your FOMO on this one.
Another of USS’s Toronto contemporaries, Down With Webster’s timeline has been fairly similar. After getting their foot in the door with their 2007 self-titled debut album, the band broke through with Time to Win, volume 1 being the 2009 EP, and volume 2 the full-length album released in 2011. Spawning four platinum singles including “Rich Girl$” and “Your Man”, their blend of rap and pop rock was tailor made for radio and MuchMusic. Having pulled the plug in 2021, the band announced a reunion tour last year to celebrate the 15th anniversary of Time to Win, playing a memorable show at Bluesfest as part of the return. The reunion seems a bit more permanent though, as they’ve released a new single “Okae” this summer, which refreshes their sound while fitting perfectly in their repertoire of bangers.
FASKEN Stage:
5:30 pm – J Morris
6:30 pm – Blakdenim
7:45 pm – Tobi
While rock fills the main stage, the side stage will be featuring a mix of rap and R&B with local roots.
First up is local rapper J Morris, who has been a cornerstone of the local rap community both behind the mic and behind the scene as a co-founder of Cranium Arts (and don’t forget Cranium Festival is up next weekend!), and host of the Hip-Hop Food Drive. With his latest releases, including last month’s “Contemplation” and July’s “Song For My Kids”, the master lyricist continues to raise the bar while dropping bars.
Making their debut at CityFolk after being regulars at Bluesfest, Ottawa’s own Blakdenim will be showcasing their infectious blend of hip-hop, rap, jazz, rock, and pretty much any other genre they find interesting. Rapping with a backing band that includes a horn section and electric guitar, songs keep listeners on their toes, going from a Rage Against The Machine type guitar lick to a jazz piano, all in the same bridge. You may not know what to expect from their song, but the performance is consistently impressive.
Last up is TOBi, the Nigerian-born, Brampton-based rapper who also had a brief stay in Ottawa to ensure a local hook. His smooth soul-infused rap brought him industry attention almost instantly, and after releasing his first studio album Still in 2019, he followed it up with a pair of award winners, first 2020’s Elements Vol. 1 that won the Juno for Rap Recording and was shortlisted for the Polaris Prize, then 2023’s Panic which earned him another pair of Junos and another Polaris shortlisting. This summer’s Elements Vol. 2 amazingly could even top his previous award winners, another step in his growth as a supremely talented artist.
BONUS! Free Show on the Plaza!
5:00 pm – Minuscule
Another pop-up free show on the Plaza, this time by Hamilton’s Minuscule. Their name might catch listeners off-guard, as there is nothing small about this choir. The arrangements may be sparse but the intricate vocal harmonies provide so much more punch that onlookers will absolutely be stopping dead in their tracks when they take the stage.
CityFolk takes place on the Great Lawn at Lansdowne Park September 10 to 14. Keep an eye on apt613.ca for daily coverage and photos!
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