Meet Peter Mahoney | DJ/Cat Parent

We had the good fortune of connecting with Peter Mahoney and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Peter, why did you pursue a creative career?
I’ve always been passionate about music, and it’s often led me to jobs that facilitated either enjoying it, or being able to play.

I’d been DJing for a number of years before the pandemic, and with it we (My DJ partner, Hate Mior and I) opted to go online. We definitely didn’t seek it out, but people kept tuning in and we’ve grown our channel quite a bit in a short time!

It’s funny that for all of the intent placed in prior efforts to focus my life around music and art, a seemingly silly decision has become a fulfilling career, but I’m into it!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Darkness Forever is probably notably different from other streams and events because we have a focus on building community. Yeah, we’re focused on playing music for people to shake their butts to, but we’ve carved out a niche where people come to be themselves.

I’m so proud of providing a space where people can just be who they are, fully, and feel empowered and safe to express that. It isn’t always the most popular thing to do, but I’ve seen enough people come and go in an attempt at popularity or whatever, and it doesn’t seem nearly as rewarding as doing something that benefits all of us.

The lesson I learned over the years is that if at the end of the day you make a positive impact in someone’s life, that’s success. Money comes and goes. Defining my success by the metrics of capitalism is a surefire way to suck the fun out of life.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Living in Toronto, it’s hard to say when a lot of the city is being closed off to the artists and artisans who made it wonderful.

But if you’re here, in no specific order:

– Capital Espresso for some of the best caffeine I’ve ever had
– Doubles from Ali’s West Indian
– Houndstooth (Darkness Forever’s home)
– eat some greasy breakfast at KOS in Kensington Market
– drink cheap beer and eat vegan nachos at Sneaky Dee’s
– visit Bathurst Local for one of the best Whisky selections in Toronto
– hit up Hanlan’s for some clothing optional beach relaxation (it’s super queer-friendly and creeps are very much not welcome!)
– ice cream from Honey’s
– hit up the Garrison for a show (Fully accessible venue! Woah!)
– Go record hunting at Paradise Bound, Invisible City, Sonic Boom, and Rotate This
– sit on the southern hill of Bickford Park, and watch the dogs in the off-leash area. Maybe bring a quality adult beverage to enjoy (responsibly) with pals.
– go on a brewery tour, obviously hitting Blood Brothers and getting some Shumei IPA.
– grab a massive roti from One Love by Bathurst Station and stay full for the entire week.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Everyone who tunes in to our shows and helps us pay bills & eat food! They’re ultimately the people who I owe the most love to!

Long term, my mom was a huge influence. We grew up without much, but she always encouraged me to do what I love because life is short.

Hate Mior, my DJ partner and long-time friend has always been crucial. They’ve always been so adaptable in any situation, and have always had my back. 10/10 would recommend.

Last but not least, my partner, Rosie. She’s been incredibly supportive, even when I came to her and said I want to focus on DJing, she was like, “go for it!!”. It’s rare to have someone put that level of faith in you, and it means a lot.

Website: Darknessforeverto.com

Instagram: @vernaltrash

Twitter: @vernaltrash

Image Credits
Jessica Laforet Photography Rosemary Chapman-Smith