The Known Unknown x AR Report

In just a few short months after its rebirth, the Known Unknown has evolved past being just a prominent monthly showcase in Toronto by bringing a new element to the mix. Collaborating with A&R Report’s Who Got Next, Tika Simone, Michael Asante and their collective armies brought the industry to the talent through a Toronto artist showcase at The Hard Rock Café this month.
The allure of opportunity was undeniable while walking through the doors, and the historical venue, with photos of legends lining its walls, only added to the excitement of the night’s event. Supporters filled the venue to absorb the talent from Toronto, anticipating what is next for the budding careers of each act.
Talent scouts and industry folk such as Epic Records’ Jeff Juin had their eyes on the stage, upping the ante of pressure for the artists and giving an opportunity that surpassed their regular performance.
The event’s host Marlon Palmer announced the evening’s line-up, which consisted of bands Unbuttoned and Plaitwrights, who were both magical forces on stage, unbelievably skilled singer Juvon Taylor and rappers Sean Leon, G Milla, TFHOUSE and KJ, who showed the audience what Toronto hip-hop is working with.
Toronto rapper/singer/art director, WolF J McFarlane shared his set to showcase some of his musical peers such as Shi Wisdom, O’Sound and Lord Quest, who performed alongside him. “It was very embracing. You could actually see people listening to the music. It’s not the Screwface Capital as everybody always puts it. Everybody really enjoyed the music. I got a lot of feedback,” he says.
Nylo, the night’s headlining performer, hailing from Chicago, wowed the Hard Rock in a white lace dress, with her trained vocals and incredible range.
Toronto blogger, Jordan Hayles, also known as Mr. STiXX, says that this month’s Known Unknown stood apart from others. “Because there are more industry people here, it’s like everyone is bringing their A game and the selection that they had, although they have the returning visitors like Juvon Taylor and WolF J McFarlane… there’s a lot of good talent,” he says. “… The fact that so many people come out to see the unknown talent that we have here is a good sign.”
Giving talent a stage to perform on is already a commendable act, as so many artists lack the opportunity, but to offer them a microphone and an audience consisting of fans and industry alike is a change that evolved many of the artists on the bill from taking their skills from a hobby to a career. Although it’s unknown what is to come for many of the artists, with the amount of talent showcased at this month’s event, what is known is Toronto got next.