Behind The Music | Podcast

Latoya
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  • Music Commentary
  • Updated Weekly

Join music media personality Latoya Elle as she dives into raw, unfiltered conversations with Canada’s most talented emerging artists. Discover their music journeys, the obstacles they’ve conquered, and the real stories behind the highs and lows of breaking into the industry. From creative breakthroughs to industry insights, this podcast gives you an exclusive backstage pass into the world of rising musicians. Tune in and get inspired by the next wave of Canadian talent!

  1. 10/07/2025

    The Power of Your Gifts: Sarah Good Medicine’s Journey of Healing and Art

    In this inspiring episode, Hip Hop Emcee and DJ Sarah Good Medicine [aka MEdz (she/her)] joins us to talk about community, creativity, and transformation. With deep ancestral roots in Cree, Métis, and Chippewa nations from the Manitoba and North Dakota region, Sarah shares her journey as an artist, storyteller, and mentor in Mohkinstsis (Calgary, Alberta). We explore what it means to use your medicine — your unique gifts and purposeto uplift others, nurture the next generation, and lead through authenticity. From her evolution in Hip Hop to her role as a “good Aunty” in her community, MEdz reflects on life transitions, cultural identity, and the power of music as healing. 🎧 Listen now to discover how music, culture, and community intertwine in Sarah’s journey — and how embracing your medicine can spark change.

    The Power of Your Gifts: Sarah Good Medicine’s Journey of Healing and Art

  2. 09/30/2025

    Letting Go and Letting God: Chinelo’s Story of Faith & Music

    In this episode of Behind the Music, we sit down with Chinelo, a multi-talented recording artist whose soulful voice, genre-blending sound, and intentional storytelling are making waves in Toronto and beyond. Drawn to music from a young age, Chinelo first gained momentum through covers and remixes before releasing a string of singles that showcased her versatility. In November 2024, she dropped her debut EP CodeSwitch — a powerful project that moves seamlessly between R&B, Pop, and Afrobeats, reflecting her mission to create music that’s unorthodox yet grounded, expressive yet purposeful. We dive into her journey of artistry and faith, exploring how letting go and letting God has shaped her music and her life. Chinelo opens up about the challenges of surrender, the importance of staying outside the box, and what it means to use music as both light and liberation. If you’re an artist navigating your own path, or simply love hearing how faith, culture, and creativity collide, this conversation is full of wisdom, inspiration, and raw honesty.

    Letting Go and Letting God: Chinelo’s Story of Faith & Music

  3. 09/16/2025

    Building Culture Through Music: DJ Mendosa’s Story from Congo to Toronto

    Get ready to explore the journey of Mendosa, one of Toronto’s most exciting DJs blending Afrobeats, Amapiano, Coupé Décalé, Kompa, and Caribbean rhythms into electrifying sets. In this Behind the Music episode, Mendosa takes us from his roots in Congo to building his name in Toronto’s nightlife — including his influential residency La French, a sold-out event series that unites the city’s Francophone African community through music, culture, and dance. He reflects on what it takes to grow as an artist: networking before you’re ready, staying close to the people you admire, and planting seeds even when time is scarce — lessons he learned during his school years while building credibility with Toronto DJs long before his big break. Mendosa also shares insights on mentorship, advocacy, and how staying purpose-driven creates the opportunities you need. Perfect for DJs, artists, and newcomers navigating the Canadian music industry, this episode is filled with inspiration, cultural storytelling, and practical advice for anyone building a career in music.

    Building Culture Through Music: DJ Mendosa’s Story from Congo to Toronto

  4. 09/10/2025

    Born Into Northern Cree: Joel Wood’s Path to Impactful Music

    Born into the legendary Northern Cree family, Joel Wood is a JUNO-winning Traditional Indigenous music artist whose voice and songs carry generations of culture, spirit, and resilience. Though surrounded by music his entire life, Joel discovered his true mission within music in 2019, with the unwavering support of his wife. Since then, he has created impactful music that touches hearts across Turtle Island, connecting with listeners of all ages and backgrounds. In this episode, Joel shares how his deep roots in powwows and ceremonies shaped his artistry, how music became both a calling and a responsibility, and why his work continues to uplift communities through the power of story and song. ✨ Whether you’re a fan of Indigenous music, seeking inspiration, or simply curious about the transformative role of culture in contemporary art, this conversation will leave you moved and inspired.

    Born Into Northern Cree: Joel Wood’s Path to Impactful Music

  5. 08/26/2025

    Flowercity Ace Talks, Brampton Roots, Soulful Sound, and Music Business Lessons

    On this episode of Behind the Music, we sit down with Flowercity Ace—Canadian rapper, singer, actor, and entrepreneur from Brampton, Ontario—to dive deep into his journey in music and entertainment.  Ace opens up about the importance of discernment when building a music career, the vision behind FlowerCity Entertainment, and the unique dynamic of working with his momager, Andriah Bryan—an accomplished actress, singer, and songwriter who has been instrumental in shaping his path. From his soulful sound rooted in R&B and Hip Hop to his early beginnings on screen alongside legends like Whoopi Goldberg and Mekhi Phifer, Ace’s story is one of talent, strategy, and authenticity. We also explore how his mother’s influence continues to inspire his artistry and business moves today. 🎧 Tune in for real insight into the music industry, the balance of artistry and business, and how Flowercity Ace is carving his own lane in Canadian music.

    Flowercity Ace Talks, Brampton Roots, Soulful Sound, and Music Business Lessons

  6. 08/19/2025

    SABRE: From Sync Deals in California to Toronto’s Music Scene

    On this episode of BTM: We sit down with SABRE, a rising genre-fluid artist blending R&B, Soul, Pop, Reggae, Rap and more. SABRE shares how the powerful words of music executive Tina Davis shaped her artistic vision after an event in Toronto, and reflects on landing her first sync deal while in California auditioning for The Voice. We also dive into her life in Toronto, where community and mentorship have become driving forces in her music career. SABRE opens up about motherhood, collaboration, and her upcoming project—new original music set for release in Fall 2025, featuring her daughter and produced alongside her partner, Juno Award-winning saxophonist Joseph Callender. If you’re passionate about authentic artistry, the realities of the music industry, and the rise of independent artists, this conversation with SABRE is a must-listen.

    SABRE: From Sync Deals in California to Toronto’s Music Scene

  7. 08/12/2025

    Ryland James on The Beauty in Stardom’s Highs and Lows

    In this Behind the Music episode, Canadian singer-songwriter Ryland James opens up about how the path to stardom is evolving—and why the most meaningful moments often live in the highs and the lows.  From his small-town beginnings in Deseronto, Ontario, to his breakout hits and global recognition, Ryland reflects on the real, unfiltered side of success in the modern music industry. We talk about the changing definition of fame, the role of social media in building authentic fan connections, and the emotional resilience it takes to thrive as an artist today. Whether you’re an aspiring musician, a music industry professional, or a fan of heartfelt storytelling, this conversation offers rare insights into both the art and reality of building a music career in 2025.  Listen to discover: How Ryland James built a loyal global fanbase from a small-town start The beauty (and necessity) of embracing career highs and lows How stardom is shifting in today’s digital age The emotional truth behind making music that lasts 🎧 Press play and step inside the evolving journey of an artist redefining what success looks like.

    Ryland James on The Beauty in Stardom’s Highs and Lows

  8. 07/15/2025

    Faith, Identity & the Sound of Self: A Conversation with La Shana Rochelle (Latrice)

    In this powerful episode, we sit down with La Shana Rochelle (formerly known as La Shana Latrice)—a rising music artist and entrepreneur who's carving her path with faith, fearless creativity, and purpose. Born in Birmingham, UK to a Jamaican family and now based in the U.S., La Shana opens up about her journey from modeling to music, and how she's embraced her identity, spiritual grounding, and multifaceted sound along the way. Known for her genre-blending influences—from gospel, reggae, and punk-pop to the soulful vibes of ‘90s/’00s R&B—La Shana shares what fuels her evolving artistry and how her 2020 debut EP Everything is Changing became a reflection of personal growth, vulnerability, and transformation. We dive into: 🎙️ The role of faith and spirituality in her music 🎙️ Navigating identity and self-assurance in the industry 🎙️ Creating music that speaks to hope, love, and inner healing Whether you're a fan of conscious music, soul-infused storytelling, or inspiring artist journeys—this episode will leave you moved and motivated.   Listen now to discover how La Shana Rochelle is redefining what it means to be an artist grounded in truth.

    Faith, Identity & the Sound of Self: A Conversation with La Shana Rochelle (Latrice)
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Join music media personality Latoya Elle as she dives into raw, unfiltered conversations with Canada’s most talented emerging artists. Discover their music journeys, the obstacles they’ve conquered, and the real stories behind the highs and lows of breaking into the industry. From creative breakthroughs to industry insights, this podcast gives you an exclusive backstage pass into the world of rising musicians. Tune in and get inspired by the next wave of Canadian talent!

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