For urban communities throughout the world I think its fair to say that Toronto, Canada is best known for Kardinal Offishall, Drake, Format Magazine and beautiful women like Tamia and  Zaki Ibrahim. Not often are we exposed to the other-side of the extraordinary, colorful culture that the “T. Dot” brings. 

Friendly Rich and the Lollipop People are the epitome of that – they’re young, fresh and quite unique. From sounds ranging from tense frustrations to deep dark noises that inspire elevation, these kids are really making a statement. From the streets of Brampton, Ontario to the halls of the University of Toronto, Rich is making moves throughout North America and abroad.

After obtaining his Masters degree in music, the eclectic yet defined composer made his mark in both the television and music industry. He’s provided sounds for three seasons of MTV’s The Tom Green Show and children TV programs in Russia. Him and his band  (trombonist Scott Thomson, accordianist Kimberley Pritchard, bassoonist Jeff Burke and harpsichordist Gregory Oh) have toured Europe (and are huge), recorded sounds on his label, The Pumpkin Pie Corporation and have opened up for countless certified bands. 

“We are tighter than a 13-year-old boy up here!” says Rich after a show to writer Charlene Chae. He then went on to describe the latest album, Pictures at an Exhibition as “butchering.” Talk about emerging style…

Check out some of their latest work:

Photo Credit: Mitch Orsatti

Bookmark to: