If you missed Bestival a few weeks back on Toronto Island, then you missed out on a lot. Including a stupidly amazing performance by Canada's own, Grandtheft.
I caught up with the much-talked-about-DJ via email shortly after the festival to get his reflections on the event.
Mike: So what was the best thing about Bestival?
Grandtheft: The decor of the grounds and environment of the festival made for a really cool vibe. Also the fact that it was on the island made it really unique.
Mike: How does the festival experience compare to playing a club?
Grandtheft: For the most part, when I headline a club or a venue, the people there are all there to see me perform. At a festival, some fans will come to see me and others just wander over and end up there. So, at a festival, the crowd can be so so much bigger than any venue show. There is the potential to make new fans and to give some suspecting people a really special experience.
Mike: And how does it feel to be playing in front of so many people on Toronto island?
Grandtheft: It feels great to be back in the city I live in and doing such a big show. I hadn't played here since my Hoxton show in January, so this was a special homecoming! I think me and my hometown fans were really excited about it. It was also cool to bring out Toronto artist Lowell as a surprise guest. She and I debuted a single from my new record called "Quit This City." It was special to have her come out to a full stage at home to sing our song that no one has ever heard.
Mike: How did you celebrate after playing Bestival?
Grandtheft: I went to Fat City Blues and ate a ton of oysters and drank bourbon!
Mike: What's next for you?
Grandtheft: I just finished a crazy weekend at EDC Las Vegas and back to Toronto for the MMVA awards. Lots more big shows this summer including Mad Decent Block Parties in LA, Brooklyn, Vancouver, Nashville and Denver at Red Rocks, Ilesoniq Festival Montreal, Evolve Festival, two festivals in Germany and lots of Las Vegas dates for my residency at Surrender and Encore Beach Club. This week, I'm wrapping up the final mixes for my new EP for Mad Decent. It's my first full original record and I'm really excited about it. Look out for that!