This year marks a milestone in Toni Vere’s life. After years in the music industry, Vere is finally releasing her first ”real” CD, taking herself and her band Hashmagandy on tour, and celebrating her 10th year as a proud lesbian.
After two heterosexual marriages and a music career spanning twenty plus years, Vere can finally be who she is: a woman, mother, and artist. The title of her latest album, Just to Be, reflects exactly where she is in her life.
Toni Vere is no stranger to the Alberta music scene. She is constantly entertaining fans at local bars across the province, and has even opened for such great acts as Kate Reid, Leeroy Stagger, Sarah MacDougall, and Women in the Round. Her music is described as “quirky, folky, and bluesy” with an audience that “includes a broad spectrum of ages, genders, and persuasions.”
This CD debut may have come later in her life, but her success is quite apparently influenced by her incredible journey. She was born in New Brunswick and grew up in the Prairies. Vere credits this upbringing with the development of her original musical style, her foundation. By the age of 18, Vere was deep into her musical career. She was a part of the Lethbridge Folk Club, and the youngest person ever to be played on the local radio station. She heard herself on the radio, and realized that a music career was in the cards for her.
Through two marriages and three children, Vere continued playing music, but took a bit of a hiatus at the end of her last marriage at the age of 37. Her brother had passed away unexpectedly, her marriage was over, and she was in the process of coming out. She was emotionally exhausted and took some time to write music, unsure if she would continue with this career.
In 2002, Vere’s life took a turn for the better. She was transferred to Calgary for work, met her life partner and manager Marilyn McIntosh, and became virtually unstoppable.
Vere could not be more proud of her most recent venture, her all girl-band Hashmagandy. Hashmagandy is of Australian origin, referring to an “outback stew made from a variety of ingredients.” Similarly Hashmagandy, the band, described itself as “an artful infusion of genres, spiced with original music, flavored with timeless favorites and stewed with a healthy portion of fun.”
The three other members of Hasmagandy are a definite mix of genres and generations. Lead guitarist Carla Rawlyck has an impeccable sense of melody, dynamics, and harmony that compliments the eclectic sound of the group.
Bass guitarist and vocalist Kelly Timleck started her music career performing with her mom. She has a trademark sound that engages their audience and keeps them coming back to shows.
On the drums is Lauren Buckell and ten year percussionist. She is currently a University student with a love for music.
Upcoming tour dates and locations are being updated on Toni’s website. CDs are available for sale during shows, and demos of her songs will keep you entertained as you browse through her site.
Just to Be is the beginning of an outstanding career that draws from a myriad of life experiences and musical stories. If there is one thing that Toni Vere wants to say about her CD, and advice she gives to her fans, it’s this:
“We all have the right to be who we are. I have struggled with trying to be who people thought I should be for the lion’s share of my life.” 