Mercedium Stretch

Departure 2026 Music Preview (Episode 76)

This week the Mercedium Stretch takes a listen to some of the incredible Canadian artists transforming Toronto for Departure 2026. 
From May 5th-9th over 130 artists will be preforming at venues across the city, showcasing local talent as well as those traveling in from across the country. 
We spin tracks from Isla-Maria, priyana, and The Codas, who kick off the festival on May 5th. 
Dive into some songs from LOV, Sofinari, and Jennarie who you can catch on the 6th. 
Then listen to Abbi Woods, mei anima, and Pick a Piper, who are playing shows in the city on May 7th. 
Before swinging it to Puma June, and BAD CHILD who you can catch at Longboat Hall on May 8th. 
And finally, we finish with tracks from Cam Kahin, Noise Hotel, Kat Pereira, & AVIV, all finishing off the festival on Saturday the 9th of May. 
Tune in Tuesdays at 2pm for more, only on CIUT 89.5 FM. 

Canada in Springtime (Episode 75)

On the three quarter century episode of the Mercedium Stretch, we take a listen to songs about the changing of the season, from cold winter into temperate spring. 
We play tracks about spring from Quebec rapper Koriass and indigenous group Digging Roots, as well as songs about blooms, blossoms, and flowers from Canadian artists like THE BRGHTLIGHTS, Meltt, Edwin Raphael, PHELIX, mei anima, and David Francey. 
Catch us live on CIUT 89.5FM every Tuesday at 2pm.

Sarina brings Kompa through Toronto (Episode 74)

On the 74th episode of the Mercedium Stretch we take a Break from Toronto™ and speak to Haitian-American pop singer Sarina.
Sarina came through the city to perform at the Drake Underground and we got the chance to catch up with her after the show.
We chat about her experience being in Toronto for the second time along with Sarina’s surprise to see people singing her new song PAPI just days after its release.
Sarina recommends some Raboday music out of Haiti as well as a track from fellow DMV singer Simi Liadi.
Tune in live every Tuesday at 2pm or listen online at the link in our bio.

Meagan Aversa jokes that Spotify doesn't want artists to collaborate (Episode 73)

This week, the Mercedium Stretch speaks to singer and songwriter Meagan Aversa.Not only does Meagan front her own band, but also lends her talents the bands Velvet Beach and Paste. We speak about what it’s like having a different role in each project and about how her new split came to be with frequent collaborator Grey Estates.We hear tracks from the latest project, along with songs off her debut album, and a brand new single from the aforementioned Paste.Tune the dial to CIUT 89.5FM every Tuesday at 2pm for more amazing conversation and music from Toronto's best. 

Tange wants to perform in Paris (Episode 72)

This week on the Mercedium Stretch we welcome Tange to the show.
Melding the talents of Deanna Petcoff & Sabrina Carizzo Sztainbok (a.k.a Huxlii), Tange is back to playing shows in the city.
We talk about the release of their EP back in 2019, and what it’s been like coming back to the project with more life experience under their belts.
When asked what makes something “Tange” the band explained that it needs to have a youthful and effortless quality while also having some elements of absurdism.
We get to hear that come to life through their music, as we take a listen to some fantastic tracks off the tangible EP, as well as songs recommend by the band from Toronto artists Jay Feelbender & Eliza Niemi.
Catch the show live, Tuesdays at 2pm on CIUT 89.5 FM.

THE BRGHTLIGHTS perform Manchester, New Jersey LIVE (Episode 71)

Back on the Mercedium Stretch this week are the boys from THE BRGHTLIGHTS.
They come in and play their new EP Manchester, New Jersey live from Studio 2.
Along with the infectious energy they bring to each track, we also sit down to speak about the songs off the project and their release show at the Baby G in early January.
Catch us live each week on CIUT 89.5 FM, Tuesdays at 2pm. 
Power is the ability to listen...

Minh Hoang's Duck Society (Episode 70)

Today’s episode of the Mercedium Stretch features Minh Hoang, band leader and composer for Duck Society.
Collaborating with some of the most talented musicians in Toronto, Minh crafts winding cinematic pieces which take the audience on a musical journey. I witnessed it first hand at their show last Friday.
We talk about the process of writing Suite 1 & 2 for Duck Society as well as his path going back to school to study music.
Live, every Tuesday at 2pm, only on CIUT 89.5 FM. 
Power is the ability to listen...

januaryy. performs LIVE on air (Episode 69)

The 69th episode of the Mercedium stretch features Toronto artist januaryy.Coming off the back of single releases in late 2025 and early 2026, we speak about his shift in sound, as well as becoming more comfortable as a performer, not just a recording artist.To prove said point, januaryy. comes in live, to perform his tracks Shield, HERCULES, two philosophies, & radio exclusive Medusa.Tune in, every Tuesday at 2pm, only on CIUT 89.5 FM.

Interludes (Episode 68)

This week's episode of the Mercedium Stretch takes a look at an often overlooked, yet critical part of an album: the interlude. 
It's roots travel back to opera and theatre, acting as a bridge between two musical pieces, or a way to give a short break in the action while changing over from one act to another. Think intermezzo or entr'acte. 
You'll hear interludes from featured artists on another's album, smooth r&b tracks, indie jams, instrumental numbers, as well as spoken word interludes that break up the action. 
Interludes from Canadian artists, Tony Rosenberg, Limit, Daniel Caesar, KAYTRANADA, Men I Trust, Delachute, Orbital Ensemble, diskarte, Les Louanges, & Schwey also feature. 
Get locked for this fast-paced-musical-whiplash-interlude-filled episode of the Mercedium Stretch. 
Always Tuesdays at 2pm, only on CIUT 89.5 FM.

MercediUpdate (Episode 67)

This episode of the Mercedium Stretch features new songs from some of the amazing artists to have graced the show in the past.We started off with a banger from The Kount & Noam and go straight into some upbeat dance music from Memblem and fkblnde.We hear new tracks from Trey Joshua and Noahh as well as smooth sounds from Mercedium staple Kairos, infusing some sun to the cold Toronto weather. Into a segment featuring Woodbridge and Vaughan mainstays THE BRGHTLIGHTS & Sofiacide highlighting their latest EP and album releases respectively.And we finish off with a wonderfully relaxing new song from Ale Nuñez and sleek R&B from Ley Vara.For more amazing local music & interviews, tune in every Tuesday at 2pm, only on CIUT 89.5 FM.