Kasador’s first hometown show since 2023 didn’t disappoint.
Kingston’s Kasador swept the Broom Factory off its feet on Sept. 20. Headlining the show, they were ed by Toronto’s The High Loves, and Edmonton’s Sparrow Blue. Kasador played familiar favourites, as well as teasing unreleased tracks, with recent collaborator Julia Finnegan ing the band on stage for part of the show.
The band’s current lineup of Cam Wyatt, ArtSci ’15, Boris Baker, MSc ’18, and Stephen Adubofuor had a synergy that was palpable in their Friday night show. With Wyatt on lead vocals and guitar, Baker on bass, and Adubofuor on drums, the trio were ed on stage by guitarist Keefer Aris, and keyboardist Benni Vandergaast, in addition to Finnegan’s vocal talents.
The band got its start during Wyatt and Baker’s time at Queen’s, though they’ve transformed since their conception in 2012. Starting under the name the Will Hunter Band, their lineup, and name, has shifted over the years.
Speaking to the band’s evolution, resilience has been key. They noted how beloved bands who seem to explode overnight usually have long, unseen histories of perseverance.
Many university bands grapple with the challenge of transitioning from campus life to the “real world.” However, Kasador’s proof it can be done.
“Especially at a school like Queen’s, it’s very ive. Kingston’s always had a good music scene. There are a ton of bars to play… It’s very easy, and in a way it’s a big change once you’re no longer in undergrad,” Baker said in an interview with The Journal. “[The students] scatter, and then they kind of progress in their lives and get busy. You don’t have that same community, so it’s almost like once you graduate, you kind of start again,” he added.
But to Kasador, change isn’t always a bad thing. “You have the kind of transition from your friends who want to party, and that like you as a person, versus actual music fans who like music, and like bands. It’s a very strong difference,” Wyatt said.
Kasador urges current student musicians to enjoy the experience, as it provides valuable lessons for the future. From gaining performance experience, to learning how to load in for shows, it’s a great opportunity to learn.
Wrapping up their last tour in June, and starting their current one in August, Kasador is staying busy.
The pressure of putting on a hometown performance comes with its own challenges, but it was one the group revelled in. Their energy was infectious at Friday’s Kingston show.
“It’s so good to be home, playing for all you wonderful people,” Wyatt said on stage.
Kasador’s most recent album, Youth, produced some of their most memorable hits to date. “I feel like our latest album has connected with people,” Baker said. With most of Youth created during the band’s three year break from touring that coincided with the pandemic, they came out of this “cocoon” stage stronger. Wyatt also shifted into the lead singer role during this time.
Both musically dynamic and lyrically poignant, the album’s songs came alive on stage. “Crawling” and “R.I.P. Me Down” were highlights of their performance. The band also shared their newest single “Squeeze,” which was sweet and reflective.
In addition to originals, Kasador also played a few fun covers. “Ooh La La” by Faces and an encore performance of “I Miss You” by Blink 182 were a fun surprise the crowd wasn’t expecting.
Speaking to the energy of their shows, the band emphasised everyone is welcome. “You can come in and feel comfortable to be yourself, and excited to just enjoy music and feel the energy of the room,” Wyatt said. “I feel like everyone’s comfortable. It’s just a nice safe space to enjoy music and feel the energy—just feel good about life, taking what music has to offer,” he added.
Excitingly, the band played a few unreleased originals, hinting at the musical direction Kasador’s headed. If “Winter Weighs,” is anything to go by, their next release is one to watch.
All signs point to something new brewing for Kasador, and it certainly sounds like something good.
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