Toronto captures the essence of modern queer life and the struggles that can come with it
BY SOPHIE GRIFFITHS
East London songwriter Runrummer has wasted no time in making a name for herself as of of the most exciting new names in the alt-pop scene this year. By expertly combining elements of pop and electronic sound, she’s created a unique style that has seen her gain support from the likes of Clash, BBC Introducing and Spotify. Not bad for a project that was only launched in 2018, right?
For Runrummer (real name Livi Morris) her work is a reflection of herself, as well as her socio-political beliefs. Growing up, Morris faced a struggle to find herself as she came to terms with her sexuality and gender identity. She lived in a number of different places from Birmingham, Brighton, Lancaster and even Canada, before settling down in East London.
Her experiences have given her an open-minded viewpoint with which to face the world. Idolising Bowie and Kate Bush, she often found music a form of escapism and familiarity, so she now writes to inspire the next generation and those around her in the LGBTQI space.
If you’re a fan of Georgia, Shura or Lorde, you’ll be sure to love Runrummer’s fresh, alt-pop sound. We’re super excited to introduce you DIVA readers to her music with this exclusive premiere of her new single Toronto. She’s certainly one to watch on the queer music scene.
Runrummer says of the track: “Toronto is a song about growing up with big dreams, but feeling trapped in a place where you can’t achieve them. I lived in Ontario when I was 19 and Toronto was always a place which made me feel excited for life and the future.”
“On the flip side it also embodies a time where my life was in turmoil and I had lots of apprehensions – about being gay, coming out, experimenting with drugs, living far away from home for the first time, and trying to live up to people’s expectations. I think this feeling of teetering on a double-edged sword, on the cusp of life, is really what the song really tries to capture”.
Check out our exclusive first listen of Runrummer’s new single Toronto below! 🎵
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