True North Strong: Canadian Hardcore Podcast

Chris Killingsworth

True North Strong explores the bands, people, and communities that shaped Canada's hardcore scene. Hosted by lifelong hardcore kid Chris Killingsworth, the podcast features conversations with musicians, promoters, photographers, label owners, and scene veterans from across the country. From legendary records and unforgettable shows to the DIY values that continue to influence everyday life, each episode celebrates the culture, history, and spirit of Canadian hardcore.

  1. Nov 1

    Episode 13: Troy Edison of A DISTANCE FROM

    In this episode of True North Strong, I sit down with my good friend Troy Edison, vocalist of A Distance From, for a conversation that covers Ontario hardcore, hip-hop, horror movies, fatherhood, and just about everything in between. Troy takes us back to growing up around Keele and Eglinton in Toronto, discovering hip-hop and R&B long before hardcore, and eventually finding heavier music through nu-metal and the Family Values era. We get into the earliest versions of the band that would eventually become A Distance From, how a group of friends slowly turned into a real band, and how their mix of hardcore, metal and hip-hop gave them a sound that never quite fit neatly into one scene.  From there, we talk about discovering the community around Latcham Hall, friendships with bands like The Diverse Attraction, Uplift and On Burning Shores, unforgettable road trips and shows, the slow and somewhat accidental end of A Distance From, and whether there might still be some life left in the band after all these years.  And because it's a Halloween episode, we naturally find plenty of time for horror movies, parenting, Tim Hortons, Mugshot, Misery Signals, The Gorgeous, sad music, and the important question of whether seven grown men can survive a freezing van while listening to Dear Solace.  Be sure to check out A Distance From and the many bands and friends whose stories are woven throughout this episode. Thanks for listening!

  2. Sep 18

    Episode 11: Jordy Hedderwick of UPLIFT

    In this episode of True North Strong, I sit down with my longtime friend Jordy Hedderwick, best known as the unmistakable voice behind Ontario hardcore staples Uplift and The Fitzpatrick Incident. From his early days playing in basement bands around Markham and Stouffville to helping build the legendary Latcham Hall scene, Jordy shares stories from a pivotal era in Ontario hardcore. We dive into the origins of The Fitzpatrick Incident, the evolution into Uplift, DIY touring across Canada and the U.S., playing unforgettable shows, and the friendships that have endured long after the last show. Along the way, we talk about hardcore as community, the impact of bands like A Distance From, Go It Alone, and Exalt, the rise and fall of Latcham Hall, and why some of the best memories from that era had very little to do with the music itself. We also explore Jordy's lesser-known history in musical theatre, choirs, anime podcasts, and the creative journey that eventually led him to Peacemaker, where he feels he found his strongest voice as a songwriter and vocalist. Be sure to check out Uplift, The Fitzpatrick Incident, Peacemaker, On Burning Shores, A Distance From, and the many bands and friends whose stories are woven throughout this episode. Thanks for listening!

  3. Aug 31

    Episode 10: Brad Garcia of SAFE TO SAY

    In this episode of True North Strong, I sit down with my longtime friend Brad Garcia of SAFE TO SAY, LOCKET, LIKE PACIFIC, and more.  We catch up on the exciting news that he and his wife are expecting their first child, discussing their IVF journey, what life's looked like leading up to this moment, and how it's already changed his perspective on music, work, and the future. We also dive into Brad's journey from the Toronto and Durham hardcore scenes to becoming a composer whose work has been featured in major advertising campaigns, sports broadcasts, and arenas across North America. Along the way, we revisit Safe to Say, Locket, touring, songwriting, record labels, and the people and bands that shaped us growing up. From hardcore kid to successful composer, Brad shares an honest look at creativity, community, and building a life that stays connected to the scene that started it all. Be sure to check out Safe to Say, Locket, Like Pacific, and the many bands, records, and projects that have made Brad Garcia one of the hardest-working creatives to come out of our scene. Thanks for listening!

  4. Aug 21

    Episode 9: Jordan Black of LIKE PACIFIC

    In this episode of True North Strong, I sit down with one of the funniest people I know, Jordan Black of LIKE PACIFIC, and DONNY CROSSWELL (and, of course, his cigarettes). We spend the night catching up on Jordan's journey through music, from the bands and records that shaped him to his evolution from drummer to frontman with Like Pacific. Along the way, we revisit the Barrie and Toronto hardcore scenes, swap stories about local shows, and reminisce about Canadian staples like The Gorgeous, classic merch, and the people who helped shape our community. We also get into skateboarding, the peak of the pop-punk era, the challenge of being a band caught between genres, and how Like Pacific found its identity over the years. Jordan shares stories about touring, record labels, management, songwriting, and why authenticity has always been at the heart of the band's music. Check out Archive Forty Five to listen to the bands we discussed on todays episode, and be sure to check out Like Pacific, Donny Crosswell, and Open Mouth Kiss. Thanks for listening!

  5. Aug 17

    Episode 8: Lance Brown and Cody Coughlan of SUBSTANCE and CONSTRAINTS

    "The Mask doesn't hold up" - James Cameron In this episode of True North Strong, I sit down with two longtime friends from the Ottawa hardcore scene: Lance Brown (SUBSTANCE, MIDLIFE) and Cody Coughlan (CONSTRAINTS, OLD RULES, and more). We look back on their introductions to the Ottawa scene, the early days of Smart Mouth, touring across Canada with Substance and Constraints, and the friendships that grew along the way. From Rob Zombie karaoke to the legendary story of Constraints getting stranded on an island, this episode is packed with the kind of stories that make our friendship so special. More than anything, it's a conversation about the people, places, and experiences that connected the Ottawa and Barrie scenes and helped build friendships that have lasted decades. Be sure to check out Archive Forty Five to hear many of the bands discussed in this episode, and don't forget to give MIDLIFE a listen. Thanks for listening!

  6. Aug 14

    Episode 7: Ty Askin of SLEWFOOT

    In this episode of True North Strong, I sit down with Ty Askin of SLEWFOOT. Ty is many things- vegan, straight edge, a show promoter, lacrosse superstar, and a hell of a barber. We dive into Ty's introduction to the Bolton music scene, the early days of booking shows with Baytown Hardcore, his excellent taste in hip-hop, and what's next for Slewfoot. Check out Slewfoot, Baytown Hardcore and Wayward Barbershop. GO LEAFS GO. Thanks for listening!

  7. Aug 12

    Episode 6: Austin Parkin of EIGHT ELEVEN

    In this episode of True North Strong, I sit down with one of my oldest friends, Austin Parkin, best known for his time in EIGHT ELEVEN and VULTURE CULTURE. We dive into Austin's introduction to the local music scene, the early days of playing shows with Eight Eleven, and what it was like coming up in the Barrie music community. From Anti-Prom and the Barrie Dance Crew to unforgettable nights at The Last Class, we revisit the people, places, and moments that helped define a generation of kids in the Barrie scene. Equal parts reflection, storytelling, and catching up between lifelong friends, this conversation explores the legacy of Eight Eleven and Vulture Culture, the evolution of the scene, and the friendships and connections that continue to endure decades later. Check out Austin's bands and projects, past and present. Thanks for listening!

  8. Jul 30

    Episode 5: Garth Stone of KING COBRA

    In this episode of True North Strong, I sit down with Garth Stone, best known for his time in THROUGH ROSE TINTED GLASSES, MCCARTHY, KING COBRA, and ATLAS. We take a deep dive into the origins of the Barrie hardcore scene, the bands and personalities that helped shape it, and some of the memorable shows, stories, and moments that defined an era. Along the way, we talk about the connection between hardcore, tattoo culture, and community building, as well as the evolution of local bands and the scenes that surrounded them. From Supernova memories and lineup changes to songwriting, vocal health, and the influence of personal experiences on music, this conversation covers a little bit of everything while celebrating a unique chapter in Ontario hardcore history. Check out Garth's bands and projects, past and present. Thanks for listening!

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True North Strong explores the bands, people, and communities that shaped Canada's hardcore scene. Hosted by lifelong hardcore kid Chris Killingsworth, the podcast features conversations with musicians, promoters, photographers, label owners, and scene veterans from across the country. From legendary records and unforgettable shows to the DIY values that continue to influence everyday life, each episode celebrates the culture, history, and spirit of Canadian hardcore.

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