From the excitement of festivals and major concerts to the vital pulse of community-based queer events and the unfortunate realities of venue changes, Toronto's music scene is anything but static. There's always something happening – explore the links, check out a show, and support the diverse sounds of the city!

The 2025 Canadian federal election has left an indelible mark on the nation, not just politically but culturally and socially. While the Liberal Party's victory has been celebrated by some, the election has also highlighted gaps in addressing critical issues like LGBT rights and the arts. This blog explores how the election results could shape Canada's cultural landscape, focusing on music, literature, and LGBT activism.

A Deep Dive into Dumnonia: The World of The Hollow Vale

As the article highlights, The Hollow Vale is a fantasy novel deeply inspired by the mythic roots and landscapes of the South West, particularly the ancient land of Dumnonia which once encompassed Cornwall, Devon, and Somerset. It's a project that's been a decade in the making, pouring my love for history, language, and storytelling into its pages.

Putting them behind a financial wall, especially one built by tariffs, harms readers, harms creators like me trying to bring worlds like those in The Hollow Vale and the Tharion Cycle to life, and harms the very fabric of our society. I need bookstores. I need access to diverse narratives. As a Canadian, as an artist, and as a queer person, I desperately hope that those in power recognize the immense cultural value of books and keep them accessible to everyone, regardless of trade politics. Our stories depend on it.

Wikipedia. For many, it’s the internet’s encyclopedia, a place that feels like the ultimate source of objective information. Having my own page there felt like a significant milestone, a kind of digital validation that my work and my story mattered on a larger scale. But that feeling turned sour when my page was suddenly deleted, leaving me feeling silenced and questioning the very neutrality of the platform, especially as a queer artist. This is my story.

I’ve come to realize that art is not always about immediate acceptance or understanding. Sometimes it’s about making space for your own voice to exist, even if it’s not part of the dominant narrative. This means embracing the parts of myself that others may not understand and finding ways to make noise in a world that often wants to silence the unconventional.

For musicians and artists, especially those with mental health challenges, it’s important to remember: Keep pushing. Keep creating. Your authenticity and vulnerability in your art are what will ultimately make the space you need. And when you find your people—whether they’re in a big city or a small corner of the world—they’ll appreciate the noise you make.

📘 The Hollow Vale is available at Foyles, Waterstones, and independent booksellers across the UK and Canada.

Thank you to the team at Somerset Live for helping shine a light on the folklore that shaped me—and the stories I now share with the world.

#TheHollowVale #SomersetFolklore #AlexanderPaulBurton #BritishFantasy #LGBTQAuthors #QueerFiction #FolkloreRevival #SomersetLive #DebutAuthor #MythicFiction

One of the most meaningful parts of my life in Toronto has been volunteering with Allan Gardens Food Bank, a grassroots organisation committed to food justice and community care. Located in the heart of the city, Allan Gardens supports hundreds of people each week, offering not just nourishment, but dignity and respect.

I’m honoured to be featured by Volunteer Toronto as part of their National Volunteer Week 2025 Community Member Spotlight! This year’s theme, Creating Waves of Change, recognises individuals whose contributions create lasting ripples in their communities—and I’m proud to be included among such inspiring changemakers.