Sistema Toronto Students Release New Song, ‘W.A.Y: We Are Young’

With help from Saukrates and Cody Coyote, the young musicians delivered a hit

 

 

Students of Sistema Toronto - Parkdale have released their debut song, W.A.Y: We Are Young with help from Ottawa-based Indigenous hip-hop artist Cody Coyote and Juno-nominated Toronto rapper Saukrates. The students built the song from concept to final mix, using the opportunity to explore issues they hold close to their hearts: cyber-bullying, self-image, the climate crisis, and following their dreams.

"Working alongside youth participants of the Sistema Toronto program and Saukrates was an absolutely incredible experience all around!" says Cody Coyote. "It was truly wonderful as you could see them challenging themselves to try something new while working together creatively to put together meaningful lyrics as a team and it was also beautiful to witness them supporting each other throughout the whole experience."

Sistema students were at the centre of the creative process from conception to completion, writing the lyrical content with help from Cody Coyote, performing the string accompaniment on cello and violin, recording the vocal track with guidance from Saukrates, and shooting the music video with help from Zac Facts. The catchy song represents the hard work and dedication fo students who have been learning with Sistema Toronto for years.

Sistema Toronto supports children from Toronto's underserved neighbourhoods, providing them with 10 hours of free, after-school music education each week. Students in the program have the opportunity to participate in workshops with established musicians in addition to their regular programming; their work with Cody Coyote and Saukrates was generously produced with the support of the city of Toronto through Toronto Arts Council and SOCAN Foundation.

For more information, please contact:
Kelsy Vivash, Communications and Marketing Manager
Tel: 416-545-0200
[email protected]