Carmen Toth
Carmen Toth and Social Potion
Tell me about your history? How did you get where you are now?
At age 9, I wrote my first song on my Casio keyboard. I also sang in different choirs over 11 years while in school, which is how I got my knack for singing harmonies. I began to take my songwriting seriously in 2001, when I started playing guitar -- a gift from my then boyfriend, now husband.
I made my singer-songwriter debut at an open mic in 2003, and released my first EP album Potional in 2004. In 2005, my drummer and husband and I started playing as a 2-piece band called Social Potion. We've been compared to The B-52s, The Go-Gos, Tori Amos, Blue Rodeo and even my personal hero Stevie Nicks. We recorded our self-titled EP, Social Potion in 2010 and it's available on iTunes and amazon.com
Currently, I'm also experimenting with some exciting musical collaborations.
For booking inquires or more info, email socialpotion@rogers.com
Have you performed live in front of an audience? Any special memories?
I absolutely LOVE playing live. It really is one of my favorite things to do, I play gigs both as a solo artist and with my drummer as Social Potion. And I'll play just about anywhere there's an audience. When people get up to dance, or just get quiet because they're listening, it's the biggest compliment and reward. Some of Social Potions past shows include: El Macambo, The Rouge Valley Conservation Centre (various events since 2009), an MPs Community Barbeque, Lou Dawgs Bar and Café and The Moore Gallery (private show). Venues I've played solo include The Grover Pub, NABS Gala Fundraiser at the Guvernment and Tuneology Music Store and School. All of those venues are in the GTA (Greater Toronto Area), but I've also played at a music store in PEI and a Pub in Moncton, New Brunswick. I dream of touring the world, and will tour as soon as I get the right opportunity.
Your musical influences
Fleetwood Mac, Stevie Nicks, Lindsey Buckingham, Tom Petty, Peter Gabriel, The Midway State, Heart, Tori Amos, Kate Bush, Midlake, Death Cab for Cutie, David Bowie, The Who, Joan Osborne, Elvis, The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, The White Stripes, Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, Radiohead, Chemical Brothers, Bob Dylan, The Who, Rush, Bob Marley.
What equipment do you use?
Mostly acoustic guitar, keyboard, drums.
Anything else?
Check out www.socialpotion.ca
For booking inquires or more info, email socialpotion@rogers.com
