Toronto Band The Beaches Takes Us on a Nostalgic Trip Through the Beaches
We caught up with the Toronto band to chat about their favourite neighbourhood.
The Beaches are adored. Sir Elton John counts himself a fan. Most of the band’s Toronto fans know that their name is a nod to the neighbourhood in which they grew up. Well, most of them anyway: Kylie Miller, Eliza Enman McDaniel and Jordan Miller were raised in the Beaches; Leandra Earl is an honorary Beacher on account of her second home being the Miller residence.
Just in time for summer, the band released their new album, The Professional. It doesn’t disappoint. As arbiters for a newer brand of indie music, The Beaches’ sound is sexy and dance-able, with a touch of 1970s rock. With glittering guitar riffs and lyrics perfect for belting out of open car windows, it basically checks all the boxes for a perfect summer soundtrack. As they tour from Los Angeles to London this summer with Passion Pit, we asked them about the beachy little borough they like so much, they took its name.
Kylie Miller
The Beach or the Beaches?
The Beaches!!!
What was it like growing up there?
I really loved growing up in the Beaches. It was almost like living in a small town within the city. I remember going to the ice cream truck with my friends and hanging out late at night on the boardwalk.
Your favourite spot?
RIP Moo Milk Bar. There are some amazing places to shop—Mourget and Artisans are where I buy almost all my jewellery.
Describe your perfect summer day in the Beaches.
Definitely a beach hang. I’d meet up with the girls, grab some beers and snacks (probably cheese and baguette from Alex Farm Cheese) and have a nice picnic in Kew Gardens. We’d walk down to Ed’s Ice Cream for a little late afternoon treat. The perfect ending to the day would be a barbecue at my house, with all our pals, that would last late into the night!
Eliza Enman McDaniel
The Beach or the Beaches?
The Beaches!
What was it like growing up there?
Lick’s hamburger place at Queen and Kenilworth is the first thing that comes to mind when I think of growing up in the Beaches. My parents and I would always walk up and get kiddie meals and ice cream after… it was the best place ever. I’m sad it’s not there anymore.
Favourite spot?
I love the entire area where I grew up. The tennis courts at Kew Gardens are so nostalgic for me!
Describe your perfect summer day in the Beaches.
I would start by visiting my dad at my old childhood house for lunch, and then probably walk along the beach to the Millers’ house. I would cruise Queen Street with them, probably stop at Zane Patisserie, walk by our old elementary school, hit the Stone Lion for a pint, and head back down to the beach cruising our favourite hood.
Leandra Earl
Favourite spot?
It would have to be Murphy’s Law. Daily drink specials, flamin’ hot tots, three floors and two patios to choose from – it’s the perfect spot to grab a post-band practice pint (or to meet up with an old acquaintance from high school who you don’t necessarily want to hang out with anymore).
Describe your perfect summer day in the Beaches.
A Beaches at the beach hang 100%. Prep the drinks and snacks at the Millers’, walk over to the beach for a lil tan sesh and call me crazy, but maybe we hit McDonald’s at Coxwell for a little Summer Drink Days $1 Coke yo.
Jordan Miller
The Beach or the Beaches?
People 40 and over call it ‘The Beach’; people my age call it ‘The Beaches.’
What was it like growing up there?
It was an awesome place to grow up. Having access to all the parks and to the beach in the summer was really great when I was a kid, and awesome when I was a teenager.
Favourite spot?
I love the GOOF. My mom used to take us there every Saturday afternoon as a treat. I always order the same thing: lemon drink, cold turkey with lettuce sandwich and french fries with gravy.
Describe your perfect summer day in the Beaches.
I’d hang out with some friends by the water, get some Ed’s ice cream and then get a few margaritas at Xola.
 and have a nice picnic in Kew Gardens. We’d walk down to Ed’s Ice Cream for a little late afternoon treat. The perfect ending to the day would be a barbecue at my house, with all our pals, that would last late into the night!
https://www.instagram.com/p/BkbUDuRHDUe/
Eliza Enman McDaniel
The Beach or the Beaches?
The Beaches!
What was it like growing up there?
Lick’s hamburger place at Queen and Kenilworth is the first thing that comes to mind when I think of growing up in the Beaches. My parents and I would always walk up and get kiddie meals and ice cream after… it was the best place ever. I’m sad it’s not there anymore.
Favourite spot?
I love the entire area where I grew up. The tennis courts at Kew Gardens are so nostalgic for me!
Describe your perfect summer day in the Beaches.
I would start by visiting my dad at my old childhood house for lunch, and then probably walk along the beach to the Millers' house. I would cruise Queen Street with them, probably stop at Zane Patisserie, walk by our old elementary school, hit the Stone Lion for a pint, and head back down to the beach cruising our favourite hood.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BkrFBGfgA3b/
Leandra Earl
Favourite spot?
It would have to be Murphy’s Law. Daily drink specials, flamin’ hot tots, three floors and two patios to choose from – it's the perfect spot to grab a post-band practice pint (or to meet up with an old acquaintance from high school who you don’t necessarily want to hang out with anymore).
Describe your perfect summer day in the Beaches.
A Beaches at the beach hang 100%. Prep the drinks and snacks at the Millers', walk over to the beach for a lil tan sesh and call me crazy, but maybe we hit McDonald’s at Coxwell for a little Summer Drink Days $1 Coke yo.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BvzSA3clkRY/
Jordan Miller
The Beach or the Beaches?
People 40 and over call it ‘The Beach’; people my age call it ‘The Beaches.’
What was it like growing up there?
It was an awesome place to grow up. Having access to all the parks and to the beach in the summer was really great when I was a kid, and awesome when I was a teenager.
Favourite spot?
I love the GOOF. My mom used to take us there every Saturday afternoon as a treat. I always order the same thing: lemon drink, cold turkey with lettuce sandwich and french fries with gravy.
Describe your perfect summer day in the Beaches.
I’d hang out with some friends by the water, get some Ed’s ice cream and then get a few margaritas at Xola.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BwQBJKaHr4x/
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