Tag: interview

Laura Gagnon – Still a Road Warrior.

by Richard Young

In a 2023 profile I prepared of well-known London area singer-songwriter and Forest City London Music Awards recipient, Laura Gagnon, she told me, “I’m a road warrior at heart.” Since that story was published, the Port Stanley resident has kept up her busy schedule of live performances in and around London, throughout Canada, and abroad.

I caught up with Laura as she was in the throes of organizing and preparing for The International Women’s Day – Women In Music Showcase, being held at London’s Palasad Social Bowl on Sunday, March 8th.

What follows is an updated Q&A Interview with Laura about her career and the March 8th event. (The Interview has been edited for length and clarity.)

Q. Tell me a little bit about your upbringing. Was yours a musical home?

Very much a musical home! My parents are both professional musicians, and once a week, they’d have band rehearsals at our home in the garage when I was very young. The garage was connected to our kitchen, so you can imagine me singing all the tunes in the kitchen at the top of my lungs while they’re practising. Ha-ha!

Q. Do you remember the moment when you made the decision that music was going to be a big part of your life?

In our previous interview, I talked about Grade 10, but the more I reflect on my life and career, I realize it was much earlier than that. Recently, I discovered old VHS tapes of me singing and playing piano, and I could see how much I loved it. I was shy but determined! My first TV appearance was on “Rogers TV” for the Salvation Army. You can actually watch these on my Instagram account. The glimmer in my eyes really says it all.

Q. Has the piano always been your primary instrument? Do you play any other instruments?

I definitely started with piano, and then singing came not too long afterwards. It gave me the foundation for pitch and how notes worked together. The sound was beautiful to me. I then tried to learn the sax and trumpet, but that didn’t stick. Ha-ha. Then I picked up the drums. I can jam pretty well with musicians but not well enough to play a big show. I’ve recently picked up the flute, so we’ll see how that goes!

Q. What have your musical influences been over the years?

Going way back to when I was eight years old, it started with the Wizard of Oz and “Somewhere Over The Rainbow.” I was enchanted by Judy Garland. It grew into a love for Disney songs. My favourites were Snow White, The Little Mermaid and Beauty and the Beast. Then along came Alicia Keys, who introduced me to soul and a female artist who could play and sing piano. The sassiness of Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera followed, and then the range and sensitive tone of Mariah Carey really started to shape my musical world.

Q. Tell me about the various groups and musicians you have played with since you started playing professionally.

I’ve had the privilege of playing with some pretty exceptional musicians, but also some really amazing groups like the Extreme Tour, based on guiding the lost out of the dark with music. I’ve written with Guess Who Guitarist, Dale Russell (may he rest in peace). An incredible producer, songwriter and human. Gary Martin of the Touring Funk Brothers is another exceptional musician who taught me how to better connect with an audience through just one single note. These three stick out to me because they’ve had an incredible impact on my career.

Q. What types of gigs have you played over the years?

Oh wow! I’ve played festivals like CMW, VENUEXVENUE, World Fest, Ribfest and conferences. I sang the Canadian and American national anthems in France for a tree planting ceremony for the 100th Anniversary of Vimy Ridge. At MMA events, London, ON City Council, Ottawa, ON City Council, baseball games, hockey games, soccer games. Performed in Nashville at Rocket Town for an industry showcase and many songwriter showcases around Canada.

Q. Tell me a little bit about any recordings you have made in your career.

It all started with writing a song for Remembrance Day, “In Our Hearts”. I wrote it based on many veteran ceremonies I’ve sung at. I wanted to give something back to the community that had supported me for so long. Two days before their ceremony, I asked if I could perform “In Our Hearts,” and they said yes, absolutely.

Now, at this point in time, the song hadn’t been recorded yet, and I wanted to see if it was worth diving into, and it was. There was an overwhelming need and feeling to get this song professionally done. I recorded the song at Prevail Media Group, and they brought it to life! Fast forward a year, and I get a message in my Facebook inbox from a woman asking if I have sheet music for the song. I didn’t at that moment, but I quickly wrote a lead sheet for her and sent it off.

I asked her if she could send me clips of her singing group practising and performing it. I also wanted to come see the performance and hear them in person. I asked where they were based, and she said Australia!! Darn, that’s a bit far! Ha-ha!. But I was so honoured that they picked my song to sing for their Remembrance Day ceremony. They found it on YouTube! Thank you, Moss Vale High!

Q. Other than the March 8th International Women’s Day – Women In Music Showcase, what projects are you currently pursuing?

Right now, I’m working on a couple of singles, one to be released in about five weeks called “Blue Eyes”. It’s a soft, stripped-down, cuddle vibes kinda song. The song feels like a warm hug, chicken soup for the soul and the feeling of getting tucked into bed as a kid. I remember that feeling well. I’m really excited for this one and honoured to be working with a really amazing producer, Randy Mead, out of London. After that single, I’ll be releasing another single, then an album.

Q. Is there anything else you think our readers should know about Laura Gagnon, the musician and Laura Gagnon the individual?

Since we last chatted, a lot has changed, and it’s been an amazing adventure and gift. 2025 was a big year for me. I was signed to an indie label, Big Records World (Canadian label), signed to a Management/Booking label, Grace Musicians Management Group (NYC Label), and toured the United States performing and helping the homeless with a group called The Extreme Tour, as I mentioned earlier. I’d like to expand on “The Extreme Tour” because it was the pivotal point of my career. It took me out of business mode and reminded me that I’m an artist and I have a bigger mission than just playing show to show, hoping to increase my followers.

I forgot to connect with my audience and be warm for them, be gentle with myself. I forgot that silliness is okay and actually inspires humans to be themselves. That tour reminded me why I started this career in the first place. I think it’s our job as musicians to help, heal and be kind to those who aren’t kind to themselves. To give them permission to be themselves. When lost, you help them find their way. The amazing part about that is that, in turn, sometimes in helping them, they help you. Selflessness is the key to success. Being YOU and no one else and just showing up. TRUST. I will be going back on tour with this amazing team, but also be touring a string of shows in New York City soon.

—

The Doll House Showcase Presents International Women’s Day – Women IN Music Showcase

Q. The Facebook post for the event suggests that it has been 10 years since you have done one of these showcases. Why is that? What has motivated you to revive the showcase in 2026?

I organized and ran The Doll House, a showcase for female musicians from 2016 to 2018, which allowed me to play with many amazing female musicians like Sarah Smith, Nikki James, Carly Thomas, and many others. It was all about empowering female musicians and working as a team to accomplish our goals and being there for one another when things got tough.

The past couple of years, I’ve been asked if I’m going to be bringing this showcase back to the city by multiple musicians and showcase goers from the previous years. I thought, as it has been ten years, this would be the perfect time to bring it back.

Q. Do you have any other partners in organizing and staging this event?

I have been doing all the organizing and staging. I’ve done all the marketing, posters, video and picture promo, radio interviews, TV interviews, including setting up the flow of the artists and booking the venue.

Q. Are similar events taking place in other communities?

Yes! It’s quite amazing! Ottawa has two of them, “Girls To The Front” and “Vox Femme”, and Burlington has “Harmonia”. I know of many others, but those are the ones that stick out in my mind. I’ve performed at two of them.

(Watch Laura in this segment from Roger’s TV What’s Up London https://www.facebook.com/share/v/18MR5Ubrsv/)

Q. Where are the proceeds from the event going?

Most of the proceeds are going towards My Sisters Place – a vital London, Ontario charity operated by CMHA Thames Valley that provides a safe, welcoming centre and essential services for women experiencing trauma, mental health challenges, addiction, and homelessness – and the participating musicians. In true Doll House Tradition, there will be a tip jar for all musicians to share. “It’s A Doll House Tradition To Tip The Musician!”

My Sisters Place has the same mission as the Doll House, which is to protect and create awareness of the dangers of one’s surroundings. It advocates for women to speak out and be heard. To work together and heal through music and community. When we first started this event, that was the main purpose, so women in the music scene weren’t alone and could call on each other. It was created as a safe space, like My Sisters Place.

Q. Tell me about the artists who will be performing on March 8th. What genres of music will be represented?

The artists are women who have been busting their butts in the music scene worldwide. They aren’t just local heroes but international inspirations. They come from all walks of life. Some have been with the Showcase from the beginning, and some I have met in the past year. They come from Quebec, Guelph, Port Dover, London, Kincardine, Port Stanley and Toronto.  Each musician is pushing boundaries every day to create that safe space for the young musicians coming up. Easy to talk to, open to tell you anything and help you where it’s needed. Sometimes an in confidence ear.

The lineup includes myself, Anne Moniz, Cinzia and the Eclipse, D’eve Archer, Gillian Davies, Angelina MacKinnon, Felicia McMinn, Rachel Dara, Andrea Matchett, and Kate Channer. Musical genres presented will include Pop, Folk, R&B, and Rock. (Editor’s Note: Photos of the participating musicians appear below.)

Q. Where can readers get more information about the individual artists?

Each artist has an Instagram account and a website. They’re all on social media, so they’re easy to find. I urge you to follow them, comment on their pages and tell them what inspired you when you saw them perform.

Q. Do you plan on making this an annual event again?

That’s a great question. I haven’t decided yet. But I think this is a great idea.

Q. Is there anything else you think our readers should know about the March 8th event?

This isn’t just a showcase. These events have always been about networking and connection, storytelling, and just making sure we all get a little bit of love. There will be merch for sale, so please bring cash. That goes directly to the artists. We have an amazing host named TIA G, who is a champion of women owning their energy, advocating for being yourself, and is a bright light in our sometimes very dark community. We are so excited to have her!

IF YOU GO:

What: The Doll House Showcase Presents: International Women’s Day – Women in Music.

When: Sunday, March 8th at 6:00pm.

Where: Palasad Socialbowl, 777 Adelaide Street N., London, ON.

Tickets: $10 cover charge at the Door. An All Ages Event.

For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/events/1920189272180409/

PARTICIPATING ARTISTS:

(Tia G.)

(Anne Moniz.)

(D’eve Archer.)

(Gillian Davies.)

(Rachel Dara.)

(Kate Channer.) 

(Angelina Mackinnon.)

(Felicia McMinn.)

(Andrea Matchett.)

(Cinzia And The Eclipse.)

Q&A Interview with Laura Gagnon conducted by Richard Young, Publisher & Content Manager of The Beat Magazine 2025.

If you have a story idea or would like to become a Volunteer Writer for The Beat Magazine 2025, you can reach Richard at richardyoung@thebeatmagazine2025.ca

Q&A With Musician Marque Smith

by Richard Young

Interviewed by Richard Young

(Pictured: Marque Smith.)

Pianist/vocalist Marque Smith is a very busy, well-known musician in the London area. Since moving to London in 2007, he has been the musical director for plays with Musical Theatre Productions, London Community Players and Original Kids Theatre Company, to name a few. He is also a very experienced choral musician and has been a member of The Karen Schuessler Singers, The Nathaniel Dett Chorale, The Toronto Mendelssohn Choir, The Toronto Mendelssohn Youth Choir and The Canadian Children’s Opera Chorus.

He has performed with many of the city’s leading soloists, choirs and ensemble groups, including Denise Pelley and London Symphonia. He is currently the Accompanist/Band Leader of the London Gospel Collective.

Marque was the Recipient of the 2012 Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal from the Governor General for dedicated service to his peers, his community and to Canada.

What follows is an edited Q&A Interview with Marque conducted by The Beat Magazine’s Publisher and Content Manager, Richard Young.

(Pictured: Marque Smith.)

Some basic stuff first: Where were you born? How long have you lived in London?

I was born in Toronto. I lived in London from February 2007 to September 2025. I moved to Port Stanley in October 2025.

Was yours a musical home? Did you have any professional training, or are you self-taught? A bit of both? Could you tell me about your early musical endeavours as a child and teenager?                         

Yes, music was played quite a bit in my home. I studied classical piano at The Royal Conservatory of Music and jazz piano at Humber College. I sang in The Canadian Children’s Opera Chorus, The Toronto Mendelssohn Youth Choir, The Toronto Mendelssohn Choir, The Nathaniel Dett Chorale, and The Karen Schuessler Singers.

Do you remember the moment when you made the decision that music was going to be a big part of your life?                

I was in my last year of high school when I decided to pursue music as a career.

How long have you been playing music professionally?           

I have been playing music professionally for twenty-seven years. 

Other than keyboards, do you play any other instruments?        

I am a vocalist. In elementary school, I played the Baritone and in high school, I played the guitar.

(Pictured: Marque Smith.)

What are your main musical influences?    

I love classical, jazz, disco, R & B, hip hop, rap, gospel and pop music.

What influence does your Christian faith have on your music?          

I grew up in the church, and faith has had a huge impact on my life.

Tell me about the various groups and musicians you have played with since you started playing professionally. Who are you currently playing with?                

The list is long indeed. I perform with a variety of vocalists, instrumentalists, and choirs.

Tell me about any recordings you have made in your career.    

I recorded two albums with Nathaniel Dett Chorale, one album with Elizabeth Paddon, one album with Cindy Ashton and one album with Angus Sinclair. 

(Pictured: Marque Smith in concert with London Symphonia, The Sounds of Home, December 6, 2025.)

Your social media posts suggest that you are a very busy musician. What projects are you currently pursuing? Do you have any gigs coming up this month or two you would like our readers to know about?

I have a concert on Saturday, December 13 in London with London Gospel Collective and one on Saturday, December 20, with Maggie Grace and Guitar Gord in Port Stanley. There will be more in 2026.

In addition to your musical endeavours, are you involved with any other arts organizations or activities in the London community?         

I am a collaborative pianist at the Lester B. Pearson School for the Arts in London. I occasionally perform for The London Arts Council, as well. 

Is there anything else you think our readers should know about Marque Smith the musician and Marque Smith the individual?                   

I am the music director at Grace United Church, Sarnia and have been since October 30, 2022. I have been happily married to my husband, Andrew Koornstra, since September 28, 2024.

To learn more about Marque Smith, visit https://www.marquesmith.com/

Follow Marque on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/marquesmithmusic

Follow Marque on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/marquesmithmusic

To learn more about London Gospel Collective, visit https://www.londongospelcollective.ca/

(Pictured: London Gospel Collective.)

London Rocker Rose Cora Perry returns home October 24th at the Palasad Socialbowl

by Richard Young

by Richard Young

London rocker Rose Cora Perry returns home for a gig at the Palasad Socialbowl on October 24. The Beat Magazine 2025 spoke with Rose in between gigs during her international tour about her developmental years in London and her life as a musician on the road.

The Beat Magazine featured a cover story, Driven to Succeed, about Rose Cora Perry in its Fall 2012 issue.

At that time, author Bob Klanac described Rose as a “snarky punk-popper” who also modeled, wrote, acted,  and hosted her own Rogers TV show entitled London Driven, a program that profiled the city’s young entrepreneurs. She was also working on an album.

A lot of water has run under the bridge since that story was published. These days, Rose fronts and tours internationally with her band, The Truth Untold.

The Beat Magazine 2025 caught up with Rose before her homecoming gig at London’s Palasad Socialbowl on Friday, October 24.

It would appear she’s still Driven to Succeed!

Q. It’s been a while since we last talked, years even. What have you been up to in the intervening years since then?

Only over a decade, but who’s counting?! Allow me to summarize. I hosted a couple of TV shows, acted in some short films, released a second solo album and toured as a singer/songwriter, wrote some columns that got published in multiple media outlets and achieved acclaim, emceed some amazing mental health awareness-raising events…and most recently I’m back where I belong: on stage fronting a rock’n’roll band called The Truth Untold.

Q. You certainly have been busy! Let our readers know a little bit about Rose Cora Perry, the musician and person. Where were you born? How old are you? How long have you lived in London?

I’m a born and raised Londoner – specifically a proud Byronite. And you should know it’s impolite to ever ask a woman her age.

Q. Was yours a musical home? Did you have any professional training, or are you self-taught? Could you tell me about your early musical endeavours as a child and teenager?

I love ‘em, but my parents have zero musical ability. They are both phenoms in their own right, however, as incredibly successful athletes and entrepreneurs.

My father is an insurance broker/financial advisor, and former World Powerlifting Champion, and my mother is a fitness trainer/guru and former Bodybuilder. I probably should’ve grown up to become an Olympian with their genetics, but alas became a depressed teenager and turned to rock to deal with my angst.

My late brother, however, was a tremendously talented natural musician who could pick up just about anything by ear – his presence growing up definitely influenced my musicality. This was supplemented by the fact that my parents, early on, recognized I liked being the centre of attention and on stage, and promptly enrolled me in classical vocal training, which I studied diligently for over a decade. When I was 15, I founded my first rock band.

Although I studied voice and theory through the Royal Conservatory, achieving my grade seven and grade two, respectively, I am an entirely self-taught guitarist, so much so that I actually invented my own tablature for the purposes of writing songs.

Q. Do you remember the moment when you decided that music was going to be a big part of your life? How long have you been playing music professionally? Do you consider yourself a full-time or part-time musician?

I don’t think I “decided” to “make” music a part of my life so much as I was “given” a gift that I don’t take for granted. There have been many times throughout my music career when I’ve felt defeated and beaten down, but then the muse once again strikes.

Any musician will tell you, you cannot simply “turn off” being a musician; it is a part of who you are intrinsically, a part of your identity.

Even if I wanted to give up touring, for example, songs just come to me – I have no control over that ability. Most of the time, I consider it a blessing…unless it’s 2:00 am and I’m really fucking tired. LOL. In those cases, it’s a bit of a curse.

However, I believe each of us is given very special gifts to share with the world, and the universe blessed me with the gift of music.

I consider myself a professional musician and gig in accordance with having a work/life balance. I have been fronting bands in a professional capacity since I was a teenager.

Q. Other than vocals, do you play any other instruments?

I do! I am well-known for my rhythm guitar prowess as a down-stroking queen. I also rock the lower clef on bass and have written/recorded bass on several albums.

Q. What have your musical influences been over the years?
Songwriting-wise, I adore Alanis and Chris Cornell. My biggest influence as far as style is irrefutably Veruca Salt.

However, I have diverse tastes, and on any given day, you might catch me listening to big band/swing, metal, or pop – it just depends on my mood.

Q. Tell me about the various groups and musicians you have played with since you started playing professionally. Who are you currently playing with?

High school years: HER. Cofounded with the late Trish Doan on lead guitar. She later went on to rock bass as a beloved member of Kittie. I was the frontwoman, songwriter, and rhythm guitarist. To write and release an album with this band, I practiced six hours a day for six months on guitar, until my fingers bled, and I could competently sing and play at the same time. True story!

College years: Anti-Hero. We got signed to a major label, played some notable festivals in Canada and the US. Got to perform at Warped Tour the year that Joan Jett headlined and hang with her backstage. Swoon!

Again, I was the frontwoman, songwriter, and rhythm guitarist. Fun fact. While in the studio recording our hit single, “Unpretty”, I learned on the spot how to palm-mute; a technique which has become integral to my playing style.

Post-college: Released two solo albums in the singer/songwriter vein. Toured briefly, armed only with an acoustic guitar. HATED it. I decided to form a band again because I missed distortion and being obnoxious.

Present Day: The proud frontwoman, singer, songwriter, and rhythm guitarist for award-winning rock quartet, The Truth Untold.

(Pictured: The Truth Untold L-R, John-William Kostecki, Steven Skrtich, Rose Cora Perry, and Jessie Taynton)

Q. Tell me a little bit about any recordings you have made in your career.

HER: Straight from the Loft (album)

Anti-Hero: Unpretty (album)

Rose Cora Perry: Feisty (demo), Off Of the Pages (album), and Onto the Floor (album)

The Truth Untold: Other Side of the Story (EP) and One Thing Left to Say (EP)

The Truth Untold is currently in the studio recording a brand new EP entitled Phoenix Rising. We’re super stoked about the new music we’ve been working on and excited to have collaborated as a band on this project.

Listen to The Truth Untold’s new single, Excuses:

Q. What projects are you currently pursuing? Do you have any gigs coming up in the next month or two you would like our readers to know about?

We are winding down our summer tour, which started in May of this year, and among its highlights were Hills & Hollers Music Festival (Pennsylvania), Fun Fourth (North Carolina), Skatepark Fest (Ohio), headlining Strummerfest (Waterloo), and opening for Big Sugar at this year’s Taste of Edmonton (Alberta).

We’re super excited to be having a homecoming of sorts on Friday, October 24, at the Palasad Socialbowl. This will be the first London gig we’ve had in two years! The last time we played locally, we opened for The Killjoys at the same killer venue.

This time around, we’re sharing the bill with Howlin’ Circle and Baby’s First Pistol. All ages are welcome. It’s a $5 cover and doors open at 8:00 pm.

Q. In addition to your musical endeavours, are you involved with any other arts organizations or activities in the London community?

I’m part of several fun meetup groups that take part in everything from hiking to board games. You’ll also see me, of course, attending concerts supporting my fellow locals.

Q. What do you do for fun/leisure when you’re not performing and/or recording?

Apparently, attempt to be witty while answering interview questions. Just kidding! I love action movies, rollerblading, and drag racing my Camaro – not necessarily in that order.

Q. Is there anything else you think our readers should know about RCP the musician and RCP the individual?

If there is, it’s probably well-documented on my website www.rosecoraperry.com, but if anyone has a burning question for me, they are absolutely always welcome to reach out.

I love connecting with fellow musicians and fans, and I appreciate all of you wonderful people for reading this fun interview.

Q. Just one last question. Do you ever smile in your promo pics?

Why would I do something silly like that when I have such a glorious, sultry pout?

For more information about Rose Cora Perry, visit https://www.rosecoraperry.com/

Follow Rose on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/rosecoraperry

Follow Rose on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/rosecoraperry/

For more information about The Truth Untold, visit https://www.thetruthuntold.ca/

Follow The Truth Untold on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/rosecoraperryofficial

Photo Credits: Mystery Man Photography.

London Fringe Shows and Performers Highlights – Jenn Weatherall & Maria Colonescu

by Richard Young

Best friends, Jenn Weatherall and Maria Colonescu, are presenting a double bill – No Lilies & Everything I Didn’t Get to Say (In a Collection of Petals), while Maria is performing one of her own, The Companion, at this year’s London Fringe.

“They are haunting, emotional pieces that explore life and death, strength and fear, words never said, loss and pain,” says Jenn. “Our shows are the only all women productions in the festival, and we are the only two female playwrights in the festival. Maria is the only female director.”

Show Highlight: The Companion at Procunier Hall

We should all be so lucky to have that one, constant companion, there for us in our most difficult moments – patient, honest, kind. Or should we? Even the things we thought we knew could change in an instant. The Companion is an intense, demanding, cerebral two-hander that will have you confront life’s big moments: terrifying and hilarious, gentle and cruel. You will be captivated by two superbly challenging performances from Maria Colonescu and Andre Furlong and leave the theatre thinking about what it all means.

Show Highlight: Everything I Didn’t Get to Say (In a Collection of Petals) at Procunier Hall

Sometimes, words fail. Sometimes, you don’t get to say the words at all. Sometimes, words are not necessary to begin with. Everything I Didn’t Get to Say (In a Collection of Petals) is a colourful journey into the past, revisiting moments that went wrong, moments that went just as they should have, and moments that only happened in an imagined alternate reality – all through the beautiful and fragrant lens of flowers and their world of meaning. A fever-dream of story-telling, poetry, and botany, all packed into 20 minutes!

Show Highlight: No Lilies – at Procunier Hall

Preparing for any big life event can be terrifying. Perhaps if we were free to strip away all the pressures and expectations put upon us by those around us, society, even ourselves…maybe then we could experience life with a purity so many of us search for. No Lilies is an exploration of just that; of finding the strength to reject everyone else’s wants and putting yourself first to encounter your life with complete transparency and truth.

This is a piece that was written as part of Flush Ink Productions’ annual “Write or Flight” program. It was performed both in Flush Ink Productions’ Unhinged Festival of Disturbing Theatre, and the Guelph Fringe Festival in which it was awarded Outstanding Performance.

To purchase tickets and get more information about the London Fringe, visit www.palacetheatre.ca/london-fringe