LAUREN OF ALL TRADES
Lauren Toyota is the face of MuchMusic in Western Canada. Her gig at Going Coastal allows her to get involved on both sides of the camera, which is just the way she likes it. With a vivacious personality, ear to the ground in the Western music scene and an addiction to television, Lauren is the perfect candidate to bring the West to the rest of Canada.
Before joining Much, Lauren spent two years honing her on-air and production skills at Razer’s youth and lifestyle magazine show 969.
WEST IS BEST
Born in Mississauga, Lauren grew up in Toronto before falling in love with beautiful British Columbia. She’s now a devoted West coaster, passionate about Canadian music and a major advocate for the West coast music scene. Lauren’s vital West Coast bands include: Age of Electric, Limblifter, The Weakerthans, The New Pornographers, Matthew Good, Shout Out Out Out Out, Chad VanGaalen and Cadence Weapon.
THE FAST TRACK
Lauren caught the music bug during an internship at SONY BMG in high school. From there, she sought a diploma in entertainment administration at Durham College and after a few 9 – 5’ers, Lauren realized her heart was in the music biz. She quickly switched gears and landed one of her first auditions at 969.
THE RIGHT STUFF
Throughout her career, Lauren has talked to A-Listers like Sean Lennon, Kanye West, Gene Simmons, Fall Out Boy, and Chris Cornell. But she definitely got a dose of reality when her one-time heartthrob, Jordan Knight, showed up for his interview inaudible and incoherent. Or when an innocent chat with Snoop Dogg turned into an innuendo exchange for the ages.
KEEPING IT REAL
In a business full of superficiality, Lauren stresses the importance of being genuine and open-minded, and the best interviewees are those who are the same. This girl is not into ego-stroking!
LAUREN’S LIST
Gig: Going Coastal, Host/Segment Producer
Bday: November 3
Hometown: Mississauga, but considers Vancouver home now.
Background Check: Lauren’s father is Japanese; her mother is English/Scottish. One of her dreams is to travel to Japan and truly connect with her roots.
Dream Interviews: Jeff Buckley, Elliot Smith, Will Ferrell.
Proud Pastimes: Music, television, fashion, shopping and lounging with her cat, Snickies.
Inspirations: Music and goal-orientated ambitious people – they help keep her on top of her game
Essential Artists: Thursday, Jimmy Eat World, Radiohead, Hayden, Jeff Buckley, Phil Collins, International Noise Conspiracy, American Football…and that’s just the short list.
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