306: Egin Kongoli & Rohan Lilauwala (New Friends Fest / Respire): Harassing Our Heroes
Summary
Host Jeremy Bolm interviews Respire members Egan Congoli and Rohan Lilawala, co-organizers of Toronto’s New Friends Fest. They discuss the logistical challenges of running a DIY festival, including venue issues and booking strategies, while sharing their musical origins. The conversation covers their early influences, first bands, and the European DIY scene that inspired them to create the event.
Topics discussed
Sponsor message for Heartwork Coffee Bar
Introduction to the podcast and guests from Respire
The logistics and challenges of organizing New Friends Fest
Booking bands and the influence of Raina Maria
DIY ethos, European inspiration, and Canadian funding issues
Musical origins: first records, instruments, and songs learned
Early bands, first shows, and overcoming stage fright
Recording experiences and the DIY release process
Touring in Europe and the US, and future plans
Closing remarks and sponsor shoutouts
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