Maisie Peters, the good witch herself, visited her Canadian coven last week, casting enchantments and dancing away with her fellow witches. Peters, who is currently on a North American tour playing headline shows across the United States and Canada, performed for a packed room at History in Toronto in support of her new album The Good Witch.
Peters, who first played to around 300 people at her first gig in Toronto at The Velvet Underground, took the 2500 cap under her spell and make the room feel like she was playing Glastonbury again — her performance full of punchy and powerful hits like “Not Another Rockstar,” “I’m Trying (Not Friends)” and fan favourite “Lost The Breakup.” After hitting the road playing stadiums with Ed Sheeran, Maisie Peters has learned a thing or two about balancing a mix of entertaining a crowd while keeping things light and free.
Known for her straight-from-her-diary lyrics and knack for creating songs that weave both personal and universal themes throughout, Peters’ has garnered a fanbase of listeners who find solace and comfort in how she bluntly opens up about her experiences. One of the most touching moments of the night was during “There It Goes,” a song where Peters talks about finding strength and healing through things like flowers, going to yoga with her friends, and more, after a break-up. The crowd never overpowered Peters’ own voice, opting to be her own built-in background singers as she sang “The universe is shifting/And it’s all for me, all for me.”
Toronto was the first Canadian stop on the tour which, naturally, meant that “Cate’s Brother,” a song that mentions one of Peters’ Canadian friends and singer Cate Canning and became TikTok’s favourite tune, was a crowd pleaser. It’s just one chapter of what some fans would describe as “the Maisie Peters Cinematic History.” Like her fellow singer-songwriters that paved the way, Peters’ own lore is referenced by fans and her alike as she touches on how they share the same affinity to “John Hughes Movie,” a song she declares as one that helped shape their bond. With the medley of “Two Weeks Ago,” “Worst of You,” “You Signed Up For This” and a One Direction cover of “Night Changes,” Peters dipped into every era of her music and childhood with a nod to the famous boyband. Creating her own universe means to create characters and comrades that appear in her stories — the rockstar from “Not Another Rockstar,” the person who inspired her to write “I am both Kathy Bates and Stephen King” from “BSC,” and the band that shared the 12 bed bus with her on “The Band and I.”
As someone that took her best friend as her date, looking at the wide-eyed crowd — full of best friends and friends made in the line as they waited — the moment Peters hit the stage was an emotional scene. Peters’ crowd shares a special bond with each other; they dress up in “Wendy” costumes, they wear snarky and sweet tees in honour of “their mother,” and hold one another during the most tender moments. Music is one of the greatest ways to create a bond — a shared type of magic that brings people together and becomes the soundtrack of their lives. For the people who danced, sang, screamed and cheered every word that came out of Peters’ mouth, the concert will be one they remember as a shared memory — a momento of the evening, kept inside of them like a spell, brought up to remember exactly how they felt together.
There must be something in the air as some of the most exciting voices in R&B right now have roots in London. East Londoner kwn is the latest star on our radar. Her music captures the essence of pure R&B in its seductive melodies and yearning lyricism. Where kwn’s sound takes on a life of its own, is in its pristine production. kwn’s vocals are always sharp and clean, while her signature sound is moody and bubbling with sexual tension. Its why her fan base is so mesmerized by her music, she truly embodies the aura of her art. kwn never shies away from teasing fans and just dropped a self-produced remix of her popular song Worst Behaviour featuring Kehlani with a hot and steamy music video to match. Schon! gets to know the singer, how the remix came about and a specially curated playlist by kwn herself.
Hey kwn, what are you up to right now?
I’m currently sat on the sofa watching Toy Story with my niece and nephew.
Looking back on the past year, what have you learned about yourself and your craft?
That I should never ever doubt myself and that I am doing great. I just gotta keep going.
How would you describe your sound to someone who is just discovering you?
I always say it’s just unapologetically me. I don’t put myself in a box, never stick to a genre. I’m just doing me and hoping people like it!
The British R&B scene is super strong right now. Why do you think you were most drawn to this genre in particular?
It’s what I grew up listening to. I’ve got two older sisters born in the 90’s so you can only imagine what I had going round the crib as a kid. It’s also just super feel good music. You can’t really pinpoint why it feels the way it does but I just love it.
You’re also an incredible producer. How did you first get into it?
My mum and dad bought me a computer when I was younger and I used to drag in loops from GarageBand to try and make some sort of a beat. Then I slowly started teaching myself by staying up till like 5 am watching people make beats on Fruity Loops on Youtube.
You’ve just released a remix of your popular song Worst Behaviour featuring Kehlani. How did you guys first connect and why was she your go-to choice for the song?
We have mutual friends! We met through social media initially and then started working on some songs together, one of them being Clothes Off on her tape. Then what’s funny is when Worst Behaviour came out she was like, “y’all should do a remix,” and I said “well, do you wanna be on it?” And the rest is history.
You’ve been working on a project. What does the music you’re currently making say about this era of your life?
I think it’s just very pivotal. The past few years of my life have been super challenging and I think this body of work has allowed me to just let go and let life do its thing. I’m very proud of this project. It’s still a work in progress but it’s solid for real.
So far, how does it make you feel when you listen to it?
PROUD. I am so proud, excited and also a little big headed because the music is great if I do say so myself.
What are you looking forward to in the year to come?
More music, more shows, more success, more everything. I’m ready to see what this year has to offer.
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Initially quiet and reserved, Devon Ross gradually reveals her vast artistic world. We connect with her via video call. Ross seems serene, vaping and surrounded by guitars in what looks like a music studio. She embodies a laid-back coolness that seems to flow in her veins—after all, she is the daughter of Crag David Ross, Lenny Kravitz’s lead guitarist, and former model Anna Bauer. Furthermore, her upbringing split between the shores of The Bahamas, the artistic vibe of Woodstock, and the never-ending energy of Los Angeles, has undoubtedly played a role in shaping her unique style. The more we talk, the more it is clear that her artistic journey has only just begun.
As a model, Ross has graced the catwalk of Valentino, landed a Gucci campaign, and more recently became a “friend of the house” of Louis Vuitton. Beyond modelling, Ross is a talented musician and actress. Last year, she launched her debut EP, Oxford Gardens and starred in the thriller Depravity, where she plays the role of Aria. We have also seen her alongside Alicia Vikander in the drama mini-series Irma Vep, and more recently in My First Film by Zia Anger. Presented as a film within a film, it’s an honest and insightful perspective of a young filmmaker struggling to create her first feature. Definitely not her first role, Ross plays Dina, the newly starring actress.
Speaking with Schon!, she discusses her recent role in My First Film and the challenges that come with starting in the industry, as well as the reality and struggles of any beginning.
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Let’s go back to where it all started, to your beginnings. So tell me, what is your earliest acting-related memory?
Probably when my sister and I were around eight and ten years old. We got these little video cameras and we immediately started writing and making our own movies. She would shoot and put me in them, so that was probably my first acting memory. I remember we made a mockumentary, so a fake documentary, about being a pop star. We were pretending to be those pop stars in the studio or getting ready… Just super casual, kids at home making movies.
This is not too far from your actual day-to-day. So now that you are older, how do you choose the projects you want to work on?
I think it’s super important to understand your director and get along with them before the process. You kind of have to know what you’re diving into. For example for My First Film, Zia Anger, the director, and I got on so quickly. It’s kind of nice to get to know the director beforehand. We were always on the same page with Zia. By the time you get the job, you’ve hung out a few times already. But also I would say, just taking risks and doing things I’m not the most comfortable with, that’s the best way to learn things in life.
There’s a real honesty about My First Film, where you play the role of Dina. How was it portraying being a newly starting actress?
I could relate to her so much, the scene where she is like, “Cause I’m an actor now,” that’s literally how I felt. So preparing for that was just getting to know the story, and trying to understand the motives. I could definitely relate to her, I loved her. It really was all in the pages, it wasn’t too hard to get into it. Also, even though we never really spoke about it, “by the way, you’re not supposed to be good.” I feel like it’s something I just understood. It was kind of a mutually untold thing, that was just how it was going to be played. This girl (Dina) has never acted before; she’s just kind of a watcher, an observer which I can relate to. I’m like that as well; half introvert, half extrovert. There’s a side to me that is kind of quieter, more inquisitive.
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What advice do you have for someone making their first movie or acting for the first time?
I just feel like you just have to go for it. It’s such a nerve-racking thing; it’s such a self-conscious experience. Obviously, your first time doing anything, you’re constantly asking yourself: “Am I doing this right? Am I good enough? Does anyone hate me?” But I think you just have to go through everything! You are there for a reason, you have to try your best to throw out your insecurities and get where you want to get. That’s the most important. I mean, my first job, I’ve spent weeks losing sleep. Why did they pick me? I’ve never even acted before. You just have to put trust in the people who chose you, have gratitude, and just do the best that you can.
My First Film is a movie within a movie. Wasn’t that too confusing to play?
It’s so funny because my first job ever was a show about making a film, and then the next one was a film about making a film, which is so funny to me. I mean, you’re around a fake film crew, with cameras, with mics and then there’s an actual crew with mics and cameras… It didn’t get confusing this time because we were all so close, so we obviously knew who everyone was. It was so fun to make something like that. It was a fun ride for sure!
What was your favourite scene to play?
The dancing scene was probably my favourite. Monica Mirabelle choreographed it. I used to be a dancer when I was younger. We filmed it on a night shoot, it was just me and Odessa (Young) on the scene and that was really fun. Also, the scene where I was trying to scream, was great! We were all so close when we filmed that, because we spent so much time together everything was fun, that scene in particular. It was all really cool to make, I can’t think of one scene that I didn’t enjoy.
There’s a real female perspective to the film. It talks about abortion and its struggles… Is that something that drew you to this project?
The script deals with things that people don’t talk about, which is so important to me. Now when my friends watch it, they’re like, “Oh my god! I’ve never seen people talk about that, or I can relate to that so much, or this happened to me.” When you write a script that’s the reaction you want from a film like this. I think films should always have real subjects, you know. It was female-directed; the DP was a female, the costume, and the make-up artist were all women… We were surrounded by females; so obviously as a woman, it’s the most comfortable environment you can be in. It wasn’t hard to take risks or try new things.
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In which movie did you have to get out of your comfort zone and take risks?
Just recently, with the movie Vindicta, which is not out yet. It’s a period piece and it was very dialogue-heavy. I was in every scene, which I’ve never done before. There was a lot of physical work as well. I would have loved to do every stunt but wasn’t allowed to, because obviously, I would hurt myself. But it was a great new experience; it took everything to the next level. I’ve learned so much!
I know you can’t talk much about Vindicta, as it’s not out yet, but tell me more about Depravity.
That was also a pretty crazy experience! We filmed it in Bangkok, Thailand for two months. I’ve never been there before, so it was really cool. Same with the film, I was in a lot of scenes and it was a lot of physical stunts but also choreography. We even had a stunt coordinator. They would teach us how to “kill” someone, how to make it look real… You never think about that part when you are watching a movie. You think everyone goes on and does it, but actually, you have to learn how to do these specific movements and where the camera is… It’s a bit confusing at first but it was really interesting to learn.
Is there a genre or film director you would like to work with?
Oh yeah! I have a list actually, I can tell you some… I love Annie Baker, she did the film Janet Planet this year, which I thought was amazing. I’ve watched it like 4 times! Wim Wenders is one of my favourite directors of all time. I love Sean Baker, I love Jim Jarmusch and India Donaldson just did this film called Good One… I’m obsessed with movies! I can just go on and on and on.
What you would be doing if you were not an actor? What about modelling?
I thought about this the other day, I feel like I’ll still do music. Or maybe casting, it sounds like a really cool experience, but I’ll definitely still be in the creative umbrella of things for sure. I loved modelling, it came out at such a great time in my life, I was the perfect age. It was so fun; it took me to so many places and met so many people. But modelling and acting are so different. When modelling you are there for someone to show their work, your purpose is to help someone make their vision come alive, but they’re in control of it. You are a mannequin, which is fun and you have some freedom in that… But with acting, it’s much more of a collaborative experience. You are constantly being asked, “What about this? What do you think about this? What if we try this?”, especially with indie films, everyone needs to have the same amount of passion around. Everyone is so in love with what they’re doing. It’s a little piece of art that everyone needs to put passion in to come alive at the end. I enjoy both, and it’s really cool that acting comes with that and I still get to do some modelling.
What is your relationship with fashion?
I love fashion! I grew up loving fashion, forever and I still love it. I always loved vintage clothes, my parents would take me vintage shopping, finding something special and irreplaceable pieces. So I love searching for things, but you know, I also love going to an LV store and getting beautiful things. I think that modelling fortunately goes along with acting so hopefully I won’t have to stop doing it. I recently became a ‘friend of the house’ of LOUIS VUITTON, which means I can participate in all of the events and go to the fashion weeks. I get to do all the fun stuff!
What are some exciting projects you are looking forward to in 2025?
None that I can talk about really… I can tell you that I’m shooting a film called The Deputy, it’s starring Julia Fox, William H. Macy and Stephen Dorff, which I’m really looking forward to. I’m also working on Vindicta, which is a Croatian film where I play the lead role. But overall, I’m always keeping myself busy, usually with music. I wanna do everything! I would love to direct one day, I just love everything about this business.
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Singer Mereba keeps the spark of poetry alive through music. With the American South and Ethiopia in her heritage, it makes perfect sense that the artist is so comfortable painting emotion with sound. When she speaks to Schön!, Los Angeles is still in the midst of some of the fiercest fires it’s faced in decades. Mereba is safe but reflective under the cloud of uncertainty that covers the city. Taking a moment to talk about her new music is as healing for the artist as it will be for fans who take their first listen to her latest album The Breeze Grew a Fire. Its soothing melodies and whimsical vocals explore human themes like childhood, nostalgia and personal relationships. Released on Valentine’s day, the album is Mereba’s love letter to all versions of herself with its meditative calmness. The project has a worldly rhythm to it, pulling from the likes of Afrobeat legend Fela Kuti, Brazilian Bossa Nova and Ethiopian Jazz. In her interview with Schön!, Mereba delves into everything from maintaining a sense of self in motherhood to freeing herself from a rigid career timeline.
How did you first get into poetry?
I tried to ask my mum because I’m having trouble remembering at this point. I wouldn’t say I was a shy child. I’ve always been pretty social but I was a very reflective. I guess you could say melancholy, I think is the word that she used to describe it. So, I think that poetry just gave me this space of my own to process the world through. That kind of deep lens that I would always take things through as a child. And I’ve just always kept it with me, like I always would move around the world with a journal and write about my feelings from this more poetic place. And I think it also created a space where I could make something beautiful out of a lot of the more painful revelations that I had throughout my life about the world, about people, about family.
Is there anything you wish your younger self would have known?
There’s not a rigid timeline on life. I always felt like I was running behind with my purpose. When I was 10, I was like, I’m getting old. When I was 15, I was like, I have all these songs I should have released them to the world. I always felt like an alarm was going off and I needed to turn it off. Life is so beautiful, that if you focus too much on feeling like you’re not where you’re supposed to be, you really do miss out on what’s around you. I would tell her that all the things that make her uncool to the people around her at that current time will eventually make her pretty cool.
What else would you tell her?
The most important thing to focus on is being the kind of person that you’re proud to be. We do gravitate towards being our best, fullest, most expressive selves as children without being as critical of ourselves. I would tell her that she’s doing a great job in that area and she’s living in her truth and is helping other people just by her being herself.
They say that sometimes the name that you’re given at birth can predict what you become when you’re older. Your name is related to sunrise which is what many would say your music sounds like. So, what does your music feel like to you?
This album in particular really comforts me. Maybe you just cleaned your house, the wind comes through and you feel that breeze and it just feels like this calm feeling of OK, I’m here in this moment and I’m doing good. I’m loved and I love very deeply. It feels warm. It does feel like a mother’s love. It’s hard to listen to it from an objective place because I was going through becoming a mother for the first time while writing.
How did creating new life influence the sound of your new album?
It changed the way that I relate to the spark in me around music, my passions my work and my life. A lot of my work has nature themes infused in it. I love the connection between nature and all of the universal lessons you can learn. If you just observe something in nature and its cycle long enough, it can apply to getting through life.
What did you learn most about yourself when you transitioned from being just a girl to being a mum?
The balance between wanting to give your child an amazing life and still tending to the child within yourself. That person inside of me that still has something to say and still has something to show my son. Like, this is who your mum is as an autonomous person and then this is who she is as your mother. The most important part has been sacrificing parts of life that I normally would have given to myself and making sure that my son has everything he needs. And then balancing that with bringing him into my life and not losing sight of who I am as a person.
It’s great that you’ve made that intention. I’m sure we all know women who had all these dreams that they let go after motherhood.
There are not a ton of road maps. [For those] who don’t necessarily want to live the reality of suppressing those dreams and desires and then waking up 30 years later like, my kids are gone and I have to live for myself again. How do I do it? There’s something so beautiful about that but I do think in the end that everyone — the child, the mother and your village — benefits more from all of us being true to ourselves, you know? And I’ve learned a lot of lessons about that from the women around me.
Why did you decide to call the album The Breeze Grew a Fire?
These songs are in large part about friendship, family and those relationships in life that make you really strong, but that you almost take for granted. It feels a lot like what a breeze is. Like those gentle phone calls from your sister or your best friend, or, you know, those constants in your life. You barely notice how gentle and sweet they feel but they make you feel like life is worth living.
Is there a song on the album that feels most sentimental to you?
The first obvious one that comes to mind for me is Starlight. It was on my heart that I wanted to write that song when I went into the studio that day. I was very clear, I’m gonna make a song that’s essentially a letter to my son, but not a lullaby. I wanted it to have a certain level of grit and depth to it sonically. I’m explaining to my son that there are all sorts of things to watch out for in life, but you have all of the tools inside of you that you need for the game. He does sing at the end so that’s really cute. You can hear it if you’re really listening.