This weekend, Canadian hip-hop icon Choclair is bringing his signature sound to this years Tall Pines Festival, taking place July 19 and 20 in Gravenhurst, Muskoka. Known for his effortless presence and timeless tracks, Choclair is ready to engage the festival crowd in a way only he can.
“I’m really looking forward to it,” he says, relaxed and confident. “I love being on stage, especially with these types of crowds. People are just there to have a good time, and that’s what I’m about.”
Choclair is one of the few hip-hop names on this years lineup, but blending genres has always come naturally. “I’m that guy who grabs the aux cord, and people expect me to play hip-hop, but I’ll put on Bon Jovi, Quiet Riot, George Michael,” he laughs. “I just appreciate all kinds of music. Music connects with people because it’s all about feeling.”
Keeping It Real
Even after decades in the industry, Choclair’s philosophy stays the same: be yourself. “Anytime people ask me for advice, I always say, practice in front of the mirror,” he says. “It might feel weird, but it helps. Then perform for your friends and family, get comfortable. And don’t chase trends- just do you.”
That mindset has kept him going strong. From underground shows to JUNO wins, Choclair’s career is built on authenticity. “If you’re chasing trends, you’re following,” he says. “And when the trend changes, you’re just changing to catch up.”
Proudly Canadian
Choclair reflects on how far Canadian hip-hop has come. “Before, people in Toronto would wear Yankees or Philly hats, and someone would say, ‘Oh, this guy raps, he must be from the States,’” he says. “Now we’ve got our own identity. Canadian artists are headlining festivals by just being themselves.”
That pride in identity shines through in his live shows, especially on songs like Made to Move Mountains. “That track means a lot to me,” he says. “When the crowd’s singing it back, it locks me in.”
Still Going, Still Creating
With over two decades in the game, Choclair remains as active as ever. His upcoming project, Transit Music, arrives this summer, compiling tracks that many fans have not heard together in one collection.
“Everyone knows Let’s Ride, but there’s a lot of songs people haven’t heard,” he says. “Transit Music gives people a fuller picture.”
For fans of physical music, Choclair’s recent limited vinyl release of My Demo sold out quickly. “There’s just something about putting a record on,” he says. “That crackle when the needle hits- it’s a different feeling. You sit back, let the album play, and it hits different.”
More to Come
Choclair does not miss a beat when it comes to dream collaborations. “I’d love to do a track with Shania Twain,” he says. “That would definitely catch people off guard, but I think it’d be a vibe.”
Between new projects, festival performances, and classic tracks, Choclair’s set at Tall Pines promises to be a highlight of the weekend. “At the end of the day, it’s about the energy,” he says. “And that’s what I’m showing up with.”
