CTRL+ALT+BEAT

October 13, 2025

We are turning into goldfish.

Everyone reading this, even us writing this, we are all guilty of it. It’s scary how quickly our priorities have shifted during this new age of digital media and engagement. Conversations are something that are chronically avoided, everything is turned into an email or a text message, eye contact is frightening more than it is desired and we pride ourselves in being homebodies, not realizing that we are missing out on moments in the world that can never be replicated.

In the age of DIY, we took it upon ourselves to create an exclusive, in person experience that fights against the lost art of human connection. This is where CTRL+ALT+BEAT was born. From the love of live events, live music, and live conversation, CTRL+ALT+BEAT bridges this gap by creating a structured, community-driven entertainment space where Artists can discuss their work, and audiences can connect in meaningful ways.

Traditional media often overlooks emerging Artists, while digital content can feel fleeting, unstable, and isolating.There is a constant lingering feeling that there aren’t enough platforms dedicated to not only showcasing Toronto’s diverse creative community, but simultaneously dedicated towards fostering an accessible and deeply engaging experience.

From the mind of Chelsi Campbell, Creator, Host & Producer:

I’ve always had the belief that the ability to connect, learn and relate to each other through authentic conversation could allow us to really see the humanity in each other. And through this connection, we’d be able to not only understand each other better, but be able to find ourselves.

Born from a love of music, culture, and conversation, I dreamt up a space that was reminiscent of old school media in a digital age. We’re privileged to be able to have access to people digitally, but something I’ve always longed for was an in-person, community experience for my generation.

Toronto is a hotspot for creativity. Seeing the beauty and talent of the people around me, from musicians, to dancers, to producers and artists, it feels like people in this city truly create from their souls. The reason for this show was always about creating a space that uplifts and encourages people in the arts, but also tells a story of how beautiful the culture is here, and how our unique upbringings have shaped our personal experiences. With references like 106 & Park and Much Music’s Rap City, we wanted this show to feel nostalgic yet fresh.

Social media and digital content can feel individualistic sometimes, but there is something to be said about strength in numbers.

My hope for this show is for everyone to see the importance of community and feel its impact, because there is always more than enough room for all of us to succeed.

From the mind of Tisania ‘SpokenbyT’ Smith, Director & Producer:

When Chelsi came to me with this project, I still considered myself a baby in the world of production. I still am. However, this was different. She trusted me to produce a live talk show with no prior experience, and wanted me to direct it as well. As a Capricorn, it was impossible for me to say “no”. Immediately, I believed in the project and adopted it as if it were my own. As an Artist in the city, I have had first hand experience with platforms that claim to be “for the Artist”, but don’t know the first thing about hospitality.

There are a plethora of platforms and digital spaces that have been curated to support the Emerging Artist. When it came to CTRL, I knew I wanted this to be different. It was important to us to create an experience where the Artist doesn’t have to lift a finger. One where all the logistics are covered before shoot day, so the Artist knows exactly what they’re walking into.

One where the audience can connect with the Artist as a human by diving deep into the nitty gritty, the emotional, the process.

I believe there is a lack of appreciation for the process. This show has and will continue to help us reimagine what it may look like to be an Artist not only in Toronto, but every city globally. Reminding us that we are all humans at the end of the day. Humans that just really love art.

As we began to work through the intention of it all – we knew that this wasn’t going to be a one hit wonder. This was something that had the potential to build into a globally shared experience. We see more for this show – not just in terms of timeline, but in terms of impact. CTRL will have people leaving with things to think about, talk about and feel about. I feel like that’s what this world needs a little bit more of.