The Side Door Sitdown

Building Community Through House Shows with Sara Hines

In this episode, Sara shares what it’s really like to turn a home into a venue. Hosting intimate concerts at The Brockton, the space Sara and Geoff created in their Toronto home. They’ve welcomed artists like Ten Kills The Pack, Jenn Grant, Jim Bryson, and many more into their open-concept living room. Sara talks about the joy and responsibility of inviting audiences into a personal space, the powerful feedback they receive from creating a safe and welcoming environment, and why hosting live music has become such a meaningful part of their lives. If you’ve ever wondered what goes into running a house concert or why people open their doors to the community, this episode is full of honesty, heart, and the spirit of DIY live music. https://www.instagram.com/thebrockton/

Ria Mae

Ria Mae [https://www.riamae.com/] is a platinum-selling, Juno-nominated pop singer-songwriter from Halifax, Nova Scotia. In this episode, Ria shares insights on finding balance between creative freedom and industry expectations, the role of collaboration in staying inspired, and the importance of staying grounded through success and change. The conversation dives into growth as an artist in Canada, trusting instincts, and learning when to say no to protect creative peace. Whether navigating a first release or a fifth album, this episode offers honest reflections from an artist who continues to evolve with purpose and heart.

The Ultimate Music Fan with Michael Coll

In this episode of The Side Door Sitdown, host Laura Simpson sits down with Michael Coll, one of the biggest DIY music fans she knows. For Laura, seeing Michael in the crowd is always a good sign that she’s in the right place. Michael shares what it means to show up for artists as a fan. Paying fair ticket prices, buying merch, and letting musicians know when their set moved you. He talks about the joy of being part of the scene without organizing festivals or asking for guest lists, just supporting artists because you love what they do.

A Hot Tip Sandwich with Sug Daniels

In episode 06 of The Side Door Sitdown, Philadelphia-based singer-songwriter and storyteller Sug Daniels [https://sugdaniels.com/home] joins us to serve up a “hot tip sandwich” full of practical advice for indie musicians. From the importance of always having merch (even if it’s handmade), to treating booking agents with kindness, to why house concerts should be part of every artist’s plan, Sug shares lessons learned from years on the road. We also talk about making tours out of festivals, playing all-ages shows, and finding a balance between day jobs and music in today’s economy. With influences ranging from Janet Jackson to Brittany Howard, Sug’s music and insights are equally vulnerable, empowering, and unforgettable. Sug’s debut album drops September 23, 2025.

Khari Wendell McClelland

In Episode 05 of The Side Door Sitdown, we welcome Khari Wendell McClelland. Khari Wendell McClelland is a diversely talented and ever-evolving artist. Originally from Detroit, Khari has become a darling on the Canadian music scene with reviewers lauding his performances as a clever mix of soul and gospel. Khari’s songwriting crosses genres and generations, joyfully invoking the spirit of his ancestors who straddled the US-Canadian border in efforts to escape slavery and discrimination.  His music draws from this rich history, integrating the rhythms and folklore of early African-Americans with contemporary sounds and stories of struggle. Recently, Khari received critical acclaim for his Freedom Singer project, recreating the music fugitive slaves carried on their journey north into Canada. Khari also performs with the Roots Gospel group The Sojourners. Whether on stage or in the studio, Khari's passion for community, equality and justice is palpable, as is his belief in the redemptive power of music. khariwendellmcclelland.com [https://khariwendellmcclelland.com/ ] ---- In a world where everything is free, the work of the artist has been devalued to the point where independent musicians are in crisis. Live performance is one of the few places left where artists can truly gain more control, connection, and financial security. But booking and playing shows takes work. That’s where The Side Door Sitdown [https://pod.link/1830541189] comes in, our new podcast featuring honest conversations with the good folks who make up the independent live music scene. We talk to DIY artists, indie venue owners, and behind-the-scenes pros about how they book shows, build their audience, and try to make a living without losing their minds.