1-2-3 | With a little place called Aspen
- SHOWGRAPHERS
- May 13
- 3 min read
We’re back with another edition of "1 Band – 2 Photos – 3 Questions", where we dig into the stories behind the songs, the snapshots, and the creative chaos that fuels our favourite artists. This time, we’re tuning into a little place called Aspen, a five-piece alt-pop project born out of Toronto and driven by pure creative chemistry. Their latest single "Headspace" is a sun-drenched, feel-good track tailor-made for weekend road trips and movie-scene moments. Though the band exists purely in the studio for now, their collaborative spirit and love for pop-culture-infused fun shine through—whether they’re bouncing around song ideas or posing like they just stepped out of a ‘90s sitcom. Let’s take a look behind the curtain.
Keep reading & listen to "Headspace" if that is you:
Someone who listens to our music is chasing good energy. They’re the type who’s got the windows down, sunglasses on, volume up, and a full tank of gas heading into the weekend. It’s that feeling of freedom—sun on your face, your friends in the backseat, and a soundtrack that makes you want to shout every word. They’re not just listening—they’re living in the moment, turning everyday drives into scenes from a movie. Whether they’re on the way to a beach, a bonfire, or just getting lost somewhere new, they want music that makes life feel bigger, louder, and a little more cinematic.
1 Band
a little place called Aspen was founded in Toronto, Ontario in 2022 by five friends with a shared vision: to create an alt-pop "boy band" crafting infectious, pop-inspired music. Each member contributes both instrumentally and vocally, shaping the band's unique sound. Currently, the band is strictly a recording project with the individual members also releasing and touring their own music/projects. 'Headspace' marks their third release with new music dropping every month through 2025 and into 2026.
2 Photos
Once we started dropping releases this year, we figured it was time for a proper photo shoot to tie it all together. Like with our music, we wanted to keep it light and fun—so we pulled outfit inspo from pop culture and leaned into the playful energy that really captures what the band’s all about. This one’s called “The Sitcom”—pretty much sums us up.
While we’re all deep into our own musical projects at the moment (so no live shows or tours on the horizon), here’s a behind-the-scenes shot from one of our Headspace recording sessions. Most of our writing and tracking happens in our home studios scattered across the GTA. When we’re working on something new, we usually kick things off by tossing around theme ideas, then bounce around references and inspirations to lock in the vibe. By the end of a session, the track is usually shaped up—lyrics, vocals, and structure—then we revisit it later to tighten things up and make final tweaks.
3 Questions
HOW DO YOU APPROACH PHOTO SHOOTS AND DO YOU ENJOY THE PROCESS?
We approach our photo shoots the same way we approach our music—it’s got to hit, but it’s got to be fun. For us, the vibe matters just as much as the final product. Whether we're writing a track or setting up a shot, it's all about keeping the energy loose, creative, and a little offbeat. We’re not trying to fit into a mold—we’d rather mess around, experiment, and land on something that feels real. If we’re not having a good time making it, it’s not worth doing. That balance of quality and chaos? That’s kind of our sweet spot.
WHAT CAN PHOTOGRAPHERS EXPECT WHEN THEY ACCOMPANY YOU BACKSTAGE AT A GIG OR ON TOUR?
If a photographer ever tagged along for one of our writing or recording sessions, they’d probably catch some music-making… and then immediately wonder how they ended up in a 90s sitcom. One of our post-session rituals is to completely shift gears—either by throwing on a classic comedy we’ve seen a hundred times (yes, we’re quoting lines), or crushing episodes of Jeopardy from the couch like we’re on the actual show. It’s our way of resetting the brain—equal parts creative cool down and a bonding moment.
WHAT KIND OF PHOTO WOULD YOU LIKE TO HAVE TAKEN OF YOURSELF?
Eventually, it would be awesome to have some live photos of the band performing these songs!
Hooked? Then check out a little place called Aspen's recommendations:
Photographers: Justin Friesin and Matt Guarrasi
Bands: Harbour, Current Swell, Jack Gray, Valley - just to name a few!