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“Rusholme are a shining example of people finding each other at the right time.”
Exclaim! Class of 2023, Megan LaPierre
Who we are
After cutting their teeth on some of Toronto’s most iconic stages, including The Garrison, Horseshoe Tavern, The Drake Underground, and The Monarch, Rusholme has solidified their place as one of the city’s most compelling emerging rock acts. Known for their high-voltage performances and emotionally charged songwriting, the band blends the grit of alternative rock with the melodic punch of modern pop-rock. With a loyal and growing local following, Rusholme’s sound is made for fans of Paramore, The Band Camino, and Nothing But Thieves. They deliver anthems that balance vulnerability with power, and introspection with explosive release.
Named to Exclaim!’s Class of 2023, Rusholme continues to carve out a distinct lane in Canada’s alt rock landscape. Their live shows are immersive and unfiltered. Moments where the emotional weight of each lyric meets the raw edge of performance, are often captured live off the floor to preserve the urgency and authenticity of their sound. In every song, there’s a pulse that speaks to the complexities of love, identity, and the messiness of growing up in a digital, disconnected world.
More than just a band, Rusholme is a feeling! A soundtrack for late-night walks, unresolved conversations, and the kind of emotional honesty that lingers long after the last chord fades. With momentum building and a clear voice of their own, Rusholme is poised to become one of the defining names in Toronto’s next wave of rock.
Quote Source: Megan LaPierre
Rusholme are a shining example of people finding each other at the right time. “Every member is the perfect piece to our puzzle and we've all found some healing in that," bandleader Sam Abbygail says of their first six months as a band, “so we're doing everything we can to showcase that magic." The quartet will be capturing that alchemy to tape, as they're in the process of recording the band's debut LP — and they're looking forward to feeling reenergized in the studio with all the feel-good chemicals they know they'll receive performing at the Monarch. Rusholme's big-hearted, angsty anthems embrace a nostalgic mentality, looking for solutions to problems we already know the answer to. Sometimes it takes a melody to access your inner knowing.
Quote Source: Sofar Sounds
Rusholme is a Canadian indie rock band from Toronto, Ontario. Fluent in melancholic expression, their style reflects the war of words between our inner monologue and sense of self. Combining grandiose instrumentation and emotive vocals, Rusholme delivers a powerful performance on and off record. Diving head first into the deep end, selling out a headline show as their first debut, Rusholme proves they are no stranger to the Toronto local music scene.
