Køster has paid the price for rock ’n’ roll. With a catalogue of hard-hitting songs that unflinchingly address everything from mental-health struggles to the day-to-day battles of life, the Toronto-based alt-rock veteran is living testament to the guts and determination needed to play — and win — in the modern music industry, while inspiring others to follow in his bootsteps and chase their dreams.
And no surprise, the relentless artist is determined to do it on his own terms. Always has been. Music was the only thing that captured Køster at a young age. Born in Switzerland and raised in Burns Lake, BC, he discovered his love for punk rock and alternative music like countless other young Canadians — by watching bands like Sum 41, Billy Talent and Rise Against on MuchMusic through his early teens. He soon realised his goal and purpose in life was to join their ranks.
Once he left school, his all-consuming passion to rock only grew exponentially. He started off playing drums in Kelowna band The Blackbirds, eventually moving up to the front of the stage as the founder and leader of The Fallaways. With them, the hard-working and determined Køster painstakingly honed his musical and performance skills, heading up more than 120 shows as he climbed the ladder of the Canadian west coast music scene.
But the truth is, behind every great songwriter, there’s a great team. Through the new global online mentoring initiative Bandwagon, Køster was able to secure management with founder Leon Harrison (The Lazys) — and to work with his idols, Jason ‘Cone’ McCaslin and Deryck Whibley of Sum 41.
In the summer of ‘22, Køster made a move from Vancouver to Toronto to pursue his newfound opportunities. Shortly after his arrival, he met Justin Benlolo (BRKN LOVE), and before you could say ‘kindred spirits,’ there were two songs in the can, both co-written and produced by Benlolo. With both Justin and Cone behind the board, Køster’s upcoming debut album is clearly going to be a knockout.
Keep your eyes and ears open for Køster’s album. Packed with energized tracks, vibrant production and songs ripped straight from the rough side of reality, it will be well worth the price. And then some.
Name:
Køster
Genre:
Alternative Rock
Founded:
2022
Latest Album:
Upcoming album “What Did You Expect?”
Latest Single:
Numbrain
Latest Video:
Favourite musician growing up:
Kurt Cobain
Favourite musician now:
KennyHoopla
Guilty pleasure song:
Jealousy, Jealousy by Olivia Rodrigo
Live show ritual:
One Shot as I’m walking on stage
Favourite local musician:
Nickelback all day. People only hate ’em cuz they ain’t ’em.
EP or LP?
LP
Early bird or night owl?
Early Bird
Road or studio?
ROAD! But studio is always fun times as well
Any shows or albums coming up?
I’m opening up for Rock Heavyweights The Lazys at the Horseshoe in Toronto on Jul 29th
Where can we follow you?
Instagram | Youtube | Facebook | TikTok
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Rapid Fire Local Questions:
What is your favourite local restaurant?
Let’s roll with Joe Fortes for this and see if they hook me up next time in town 😉
What is your favourite street in your city and why?
Sunset Ave! … that’s Coquitlam technically. That’s where the old band house was! some hectic times around that spot haha.
What is your favourite park in your city and why?
Stanley Park is a classic! Amazing spot.
What is your favourite music venue in your city?
Biltmore Cabaret is very cool.
What is your favourite music store in your city?
Probably Tom Lee’s
