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.
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!
Bonus: TNS Radio
49 min
Trying something a little different. Instead of sitting down with a guest, I'm taking a page from the old college and community radio playbook and spinning a collection of songs from some of my favourite bands that have come out of the Canadian hardcore, punk, metal and alternative scenes over the years. From Outnumbered and Scarred Love to Withdrawal, Demolition, Fortune Teller, and more, each track has a story, a memory, or a connection that makes it worth sharing. This is my first time trying an episode like this. Maybe it works, maybe it doesn't. Either way, I hope you discover a new band, revisit an old favourite, or find something that makes you want to dig a little deeper into the incredible music that's been created in scenes across Canada. Track Listing: Time To Shine - Outnumbered Worthless - Scarred Love Rock & Repeat - Shortline Hero Lions - Lions A Song For Us - The Battlecat Consequences & Repercussions - A Distance From Hollow Apology - Substance Jaded Minds - Substance Lick Your Wounds - Never Was World Of Ruin - Withdrawal Reclaim - Fortune Teller Big John’s Mosh - Demolition The Underdog - PlanetxDanger Thanks for listening!
Episode 4: Randy McAllister of MOURN
2 hr 57 min
RIP LOU KOLLER In this episode of True North Strong, I sit down with Randy McAllister (MOURN, PINPOINT, OWL EYES, THE AUTHOR, and more) for a conversation that bounces between hardcore, metal, local scenes, and a bunch of memories from years gone by. We talk about the Barrie/Niagara connection, Scenefest, merch trades, No Warning, playing in bands, and the people and experiences that kept us coming back to hardcore year after year. There are stories, scene nostalgia, a few tangents, and plenty of laughs along the way. Check out Randy's current and past projects wherever you stream music. Thanks for listening!
Episode 3: Danny Surjanac of MAD TRAPPER
2 hr 33 min
In this episode of True North Strong, I sit down with the nicest guy ever, Danny Surjanac, to talk about his time in FACE, TERROR SPELLS, MAD TRAPPER, STRANGE LIMBS, LAPSARIA, BITTER SPIRIT, TRENCHLUNG, and more. There are a lot of bands, and I shamelessly listed every single one of them for the algorithm. You're welcome, Danny. We dive into how we discovered hardcore and metal, some memorable shows from our past, Danny's current projects, and a whole lot more. Along the way, we talk about the records, people, and experiences that helped shape our connection to music and the scenes we've been a part of over the years. Check out all of Danny's bands and projects wherever you stream music. Thanks for listening!
Episode 2: Tim Waugh of EXALT
1 hr 45 min
In this episode of True North Strong, I sit down with my friend Tim Waugh to talk about his time in BOTTOMFEEDER, his work with EXALT and MOURN, and the lasting impact of the Ontario hardcore scene. We dig into the bands, records, stories, and friendships that helped shape who we are, both inside and outside of hardcore. Check out EXALT and MOURN anywhere you stream music. Thanks for listening!
Episode 1: Danny Wilson of PRISON
1 hr 14 min
What better way to kick off True North Strong than with one of my oldest friends? In the debut episode, I sit down with Danny Wilson from PRISON to talk about the band's journey, the Ontario hardcore scene, and the people, records, and experiences that shaped us along the way. Check out PRISON anywhere you stream music. Thanks for listening!
