There’s the needle, then there’s the groove. For Fion Liu - also known as Sadstab - they embody both.

The needle grazes skin, in their role as a talented visual & tattoo artist. The groove is within every fine black line that is traced.

The needle flows through spinning vinyl records, note by note, carefully curated. The groove inspires movement - on the dancefloor, and in their place of work  - the iconic Play de Record.

Fion has become an adjective to those who love them dearly. Friends and local music community, patrons and staff of Play de, an array of audiences - blessed by the tunes they select artists, songwriters and bands - on buses or backstage, ready for new ink.

In this episode of Sound Travels, I connect with Fion on the tracks that have shaped their journey as an artist of many mediums, a true team player in Toronto, their signature style, and the person they are today - who is an honour to know.

LISTEN:

You can connect with Fion and Sadstab and learn more about their gigs and projects on Instagram @fion.vinyl or @sadstab. Visit them at Play de Record in Toronto located at 411 Spadina Avenue, and @playderecord.

If you’re in Toronto, don’t miss Sadstab’s big birthday bash at The Baby G - this Friday, September 27 - tickets can be purchased here.

TRACKLIST:
Private Idaho - B52s
Sadstab - Danny Miles
Thank You - Tuxedo
Ffunny Ffriend - Unknown Mortal Orchestra
I Love You - Anzen Chitai
IOU - Freeez

Watch: Drop The Needle Documentary

Play De Record’s feature-length Drop the Needle features documentary-style footage that details the prolific history of the famous Toronto record shop that was nestled on Toronto’s busy Yonge Street. Directed by Rob Freeman, the documentary details the social and cultural impact Play De Record has had on Toronto’s bustling music scene for over 30 years. Watch it here.

Sharing the land:

Sound Travels is produced in Tkaronto (covered by Treaty 13 with the Mississaugas of the Credit) – it is an honour and privilege to create this work on the traditional territory of many nations including the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishnabeg, the Chippewa, the Haudenosaunee and the Wendat peoples and is now home to many Indigenous communities from across Turtle Island.

Sonic Fold Respect Mandate:

Sonic Fold is founded on CommUNITY, all caps on UNITY – we do not tolerate any form of racism, hate, bigotry, sexism and violence. Every conversation is a conversACTION. It is an honour and a privilege to do this work – and a continuous opportunity to learn and grow. Thank you for sharing this with me, and those who listen.

Tune In to Sound Travels:

Every Fourth Wednesday | 1 to 2 pm ET - LIVE on JOLT RADIO

Jolt Radio is an amazing community-driven platform that supports local, national, and international independent artists, producers, radio hosts and DJs. They are broadcast from their Allapattah, Miami, FL studio and listened to worldwide. Much gratitude to John Caignet for the trust and support! Bringing my two fave cities together for this initiative is a true blessing. Support Jolt Radio HERE.

TEAM

Sound Travels is curated, hosted, produced, photographed by: Ola Mazzuca/ olasconola Sonic Fold

Ep. 9 | Fion / Sadstab Connects with Needle and Groove