THE GREEN LINE GUIDE TO...
TORONTO'S BIPOC metal/rock musicians
Metal fans during a concert in Toronto, gesturing the "devil horns."
: Paul Chambers/Unsplash.
Adele Lukusa
Graduate of Toronto Metropolitan University and Kitchener native living in Riverdale. Enamoured with all things arts and culture. Journalist and avid zinester who loves criticism, but loves iced tea more.
Aug. 20, 2025
I’ve been passionate about sharing local artists with you all. So I was particularly excited to see TikTok user Luckylemons ask for BIPOC rock/metal musicians in the city.
Here are five bands and artists to keep your eye on:
The OBGMs are a perfect addition to your playlist. Their latest album, SORRY, IT'S OVER, offers a vulnerable perspective as the band’s lead singer, Densil McFarlane, reflects on life post-therapy. My personal fave of theirs is the 2020 track “All My Friends” — an infectious headbanger that begs to be replayed.
If you’re into the likes of Leith Ross and Phoebe Bridgers, then check out singer-songwriter earth 2 tiffany. They lean more towards a folky sound that’s perfect for this time of year, especially for when you’re taking a hot girl walk, or daydreaming on the TTC. Their tunes are the sonic equivalent of the sea kissing the shore with every wave.
A collage of BIPOC rock and metal musicians in Toronto. Top row, from left to right: The OBGMs, Chasing Laika, skwerm. Bottom row, from left to right: earth2tiffany, Chinese Medicine.
Chinese Medicine is a punk band fronted by the electric Juno Hailey. The name is a play on coming from multiple cultural diasporas. If you wanna mosh to a band whose promotion relies heavily on Twilight-related memery and trans-positive slogans with a discography made to be experienced live, then this is the band for you.
If you theoretically enjoy rock music, but need the undeniable hooks of a pop song, the bubblegrunge band Chasing Laika is one to look out for. Led by the vocals of Sol, Chasing Laika’s songs sound like they came right out of the soundtrack of a late ‘90s, early ‘00s teen blockbuster. It’s easy to imagine Lindsay Lohan in Freaky Friday or Kat from 10 Things I Hate About You burning tracks like “Simp Song” onto gifted CDs.
skwerm are a newer addition to Toronto’s rock scene, but they’re bringing it for all the alt Black baddies in the back. The all-Black band’s only release so far is “(bitch) buy me some fries,” but make sure to keep an eye out on their future work and shows. The single already demands to be danced to in your very best platform boots, so I’m sure their setlist is just as enjoyable.
If you want more music recommendations from yours truly, make sure to check my "Toronto Songbook" playlist.
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