ALEXX PONTA OF WILDSTREET
On his Collision 5AR drumsticks
I thought about it a lot and I was going to go with the Meinl cymbals I play back home [ in Montreal ]. I want to say a big shout out to Felix Hamel , drummer for Absconder , for giving me access to an amazing drum kit , including that Meinl Classics Custom Dual 19-in . crash . If it wasn ’ t for him , I wouldn ’ t be answering this question . But now back to the question … the piece of gear I love the most at the moment would be my new Collision 5AR drumsticks . I truly believe that the key to improving your drumming skills is by mastering your stick handling . It all comes back down to the fundamentals , which is having the perfect sticks for you and a good practice pad .
I ’ ll be totally honest , at first , I never even heard about Collision , up until they approached me to try their sticks out . They said they are recognized for having a high durability , which is perfect for me because I always break my sticks , so it just seemed like a great fit .
PHOTO : LOCK STREET BREWING COMPANY / CHARLOTTE PAQUETTE
ASTRID TANTON
On her Seagull acoustic guitar
My most cherished instrument is my Seagull acoustic guitar . I ’ ve had it since I was 12 . I got it for my grade eight graduation from my small-town public school in Verona , ON . It meant so much to me as I was moving to Toronto to attend Rosedale Heights School of the Arts . Before this , I had been learning on my brother ’ s old classical guitar and it didn ’ t feel like mine , just something I was borrowing . Getting this guitar from my parents as a surprise present felt like the beginning of my music career . It felt like it fit me perfectly — like an extension of my body and soul .
Since my grade eight graduation in 2014 , that guitar has not left my side . Wherever life took me , physically or emotionally , I brought that guitar . Through my best and worst days , I knew I could count on using that guitar to help me express myself . Yes , I am a singer and singing will always be my main focus and outlet as an artist . But the guitar , and specifically my acoustic Seagull , opened a door for me to become a better musician and really create music that was so much more than a melody and poetry . I feel like that guitar has connected me with so many people through campfires , jam sessions , and performances . So , no matter what new guitar I get or when that guitar strums its last chord , it will always mean the most . It really connected me to my music and helped me become the artist I am now and the artist I am growing to be .
CANADIAN MUSICIAN 55