Last Sunday my day started in The Junction. I headed out to watch Runaway Angel perform at 3299 Dundas Street West. What I didn’t know is that I was going to a Community BBQ, and there was way more going on than just their performance. The 100 year anniversary of the Lynett Funeral Home event was well planned and well attended.
We were treated to free BBQ, ice cream, popcorn, cotton candy and Sno Cones. There was a short speech, followed by the fairly dramatic unveiling of The Frank Lynett Memorial. There were Irish Dancers. The Malta Band performed and Runaway Angel played two sets.
Between sets I had a chance to speak with the ladies who were gracious and thrilled to be a part of The Junction community event. I thought to myself ‘this event is amazing.’ I loved it so much I took a ton of photos of the dancers, community members in attendance, bands and more! I will be posting those on The Adventures of an Urban Flower Girl shortly.
Here are some of the questions that I asked Ann, Stacey and Cadence of Runaway Angel.
Q. How did you hear about the BBQ? How did you get involved?
A. Ann: I know the guy that put it on. I’ve always loved the community in the Junction. There’s a real, real sense of neighbours, and it’s great. I live in this area, It’s a great area, I really like it.
Q. What was the last thing you listened to on your phone, and what platform did it come from?
A. Ann: ‘I do’ by Jesse Decker. I sang it for someone’s wedding yesterday and I had to learn it. It’s a pretty song. I always do iTunes.
Cadence: I have to admit that the last thing I listened to on my phone was Chris Brown, and it was an iTunes song. I figured you guys were expecting Katy Perry, but surprise, Chris Brown.
Stacey: And me, I listen to a lot of 8Trax, it’s similar to Rdio or Spotify, so just whatever mood I’m in, I’ll be like, chill mood, and I’ll just find a random playlist and then you learn so much, and then I fall in love with so much music that I would never search on my own, so that’s what I listen to a lot.
Cadence: My biggest if I just want a random playlist is Songza, I’m like, in love with Songza.
Q. I know Burlington Ribfest is coming up, what else is on deck for Runaway Angel?
A. The girls told me that they’re excited to be headed to Music in the Fields in Lucknow where they will be opening for Tim Hicks and Dierks Bentley. By winning the Sepoy Saloon Showdown they earned their spot on the side stage Saturday night of the fest. They’re looking forward to a fun show with their full band on stage and are especially happy that Music in the Fields is a community run festival that is almost entirely volunteer operated and all of the money made will go back into the community.
Note: Part way through the interview Ann asked me if I wanted to move so we moved from beside the stage area to the back. It was a little quieter and less distracting. The ladies even graciously offered to help me move my things.
Q. You girls are great on social media. Has your involvement online made a big difference in your fanbase?
A. They were quick to agree that social media is making a difference and helping to grow their fanbase. Coming from solo artist backgrounds all three girls were able to bring in their own fans and are now growing the Runaway Angel numbers. They seemed especially excited that more followers are coming onboard before the release of their first single which means that when it comes out, they’ll have an excited audience ready for it!
They also understand the importance of creating and sharing new content to keep their fans engaged and entertained, but admitted that it can sometimes be a little tough keeping up and finding new things to post for their fans online in social media but they clearly love it. You can find them on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.
Q. Okay, back to music! If you were putting together a tour, what artists would you want to take out with you?
A. Ann, Stacey and Cadence gave an impressive and entertaining list of artists including Sam Hunt and a host of Canadian acts like The Road Hammers, Marshall Dane, Tim Hicks, and Small Town Pistols.
Note: Sam Hunt was the first named called out and I asked if they got to meet him at Boots & Hearts… but sadly the answer was no. Hopefully they get to meet the next time they’re at the same show.
Q. If you could bring a Canadian male voice in for a song, who would you choose?
A. Again I got quick answers that I totally agree with in Paul Brandt and Brett Kissel who I saw at Boots & Hearts just a few weeks ago. I’m sure either of them would be great up on stage with the girls of Runaway Angel.
It was a great afternoon for a community BBQ in The Junction and I’m glad that I was there to experience it as well as sit down with Runaway Angel. I hope that I get to speak with them again in the future to talk about their music and the success that they’re sure to find. If you’re headed to Lucknow this weekend make sure you check them out.
More photos of Runaway Angel from Boots and Hearts 2014.
