Carmen Toth

Canadian husband and wife duo Social Potion are an unusual band. They’ve shirked the traditional several member set-up and gone instead for a much more intimate arrangement. Aided perhaps by their marital status, the band exudes a heartfelt optimism that is itself peppered with an underlying sincerity usually associated to a more stripped down aesthetic. Indeed, for a duo, the pair maintain an impressively full sound, with guitar and vocal duties falling to Carmen Toth while husband Aaron Jones takes care of the drums and keys predominantly.

The Music

Though the band consider themselves to be ‘alt-pop’, that to me is just a catch all term that simplifies all the things that Social Potion are doing. Though the band are shrouded in a pop veneer, upheld impressively by Toth’s sugary vocal talents, there’s far more to it than that. ‘Minishka’, for example, is somewhat evocative of a more accessible Amanda Palmer if in nothing but the off kilter melody of the verses.
Conversely ‘Come Out and See Me’ shows a rougher quality to Toth’s vocal not shown in other tracks. The instrumentation in this track is also somewhat different to the rest of those featured on their self-titled début EP. Perhaps the best example, or at least a personal favourite, is the first track from that EP, ‘Drive Myself Home’. A Mountain Goats inspired guitar forms the backbone of this track, endearing me instantly, while the flesh comes in the form of some fantastic vocal harmonising and layering which provides textures aplenty.

What We Think



Social Potion aren’t a band who are out to break boundaries, their music is catchy, it’s accessible and it’s Summery. It doesn’t need to have a political message or a dissident nature to appeal because the appeal lies within the quirks and the nuances of both Toth and Jones alike. There’s a certain degree of nostalgia about it too, a back to basics approach that can be exhibited in the band’s reliance on the coupling of guitar and vocal harmonies; it isn’t that it’s musically primitive, far from it. It’s just that more often than the simplest of structures can create the most impressive music which is precisely what’s happened with Social Potion, instead of hiding behind a façade, the duo have embraced their pop persona, let it run riot and are just about having fun with their music.
- Ears On

Still flying high from their well received, self-titled 2011 album, Social Potion, Carmen Toth (singer, songwriter, guitar, keys) and Aaron Jones (percussion, guitar, keys/controller), are playing hard in the indie scene.

With ethereal trill and high register, Toth always tells a relatable story with each very distinct song. Whether through wistful harmonies, simple beats, thick bass lines, or synthesized keys, Social Potion carries with it the ever resilient soul of the ‘80s.

Stand out tracks, ‘Stevie’ and ‘Cordelia’, are fantastic stories and really help to give a sense of each piece, simply through the title clues. ‘Stevie’, I can only assume, is a wonderful ode to Stevie Nicks for the great musical influence she’s had on Toth and so many others, while ‘Cordelia’ is, I venture to guess, a more obscure pull, to be found in the music world, from Shakespeare’s King Lear: a story about a daughter who is “loyal to a fault”.

Beyond the album, some years removed now from the forefront of the indie scene, Toth and Jones are ever working away on newer, comparatively retro tunes, which now include rap as well! Social Potion’s new ‘Very Good Girl’ is a synthesized ballad, complete with rap breakdown, available to check out on their official web site, and YouTube.

Songs of reverence, loyalty, and broken hearts: Social Potion brings typical stories to the studio, but gives them a twist, and a new and incomparably simple composition, through which, clarity comes in the form of a social potion.

Don’t miss the chance to see this dynamic duo at the Central, this Sunday (November 24), between one and four in the afternoon, as part of the benefit concert for Typhoon Haiyan relief (suggested donation for the fund: $10).

And if you can’t make it out to the benefit concert, come see them at the International Pop Overthrow Festival at The Sister, for only ten bucks; catch them at 10:15pm. - Raz Mataz Magazine

Social Potion [Interview # 101 // Carmen Toth]

1) Social Distortion can be given the nickname Social D, so can we call you Social P?

Our fans call us "SoPo" actually :)

2) I also feel as if your name can be traced back to a sort of medicine to cure social anxiety. Is this true and if so how would one go about doing that?

Yes, we feel that music itself is a social potion. Music has been proven to have a positive, healing effect on the brain, and music has also brought people together throughout history. I actually found the name using a band name generator site after typing in the word "Potional," which was the title of my EP released in 2004, when I was working as a solo singer-songwriter.


3) Your music (self titled EP) is being offered for a Name-Your-Price download at Band Camp. Do you feel as if fans of the music will download it for free, enjoy it and then end up donating for it? That’s how I feel most music should work, mainly because I spent far too much of my youth buying entire albums worth of crap for $15 because I only heard one song off of them. Also, will the EP ever be released on 7”, cassette or just some form of d.i.y. CD?

We're offering the 5-song digital EP free as an investment to build our following. It costs us nothing to give it away as a digital download, but it gives us free exposure and puts us in people’s ears J I worked in advertising for 12 years, and I know that the most valuable form of advertising is “word of mouth,” so the more people that download it, and share it with their friends, family, and social media networks, the better. We’ve had some people pay for it though. We do sell the same EP as a physical CD with album artwork at our shows for $5 CDN. And we can mail it out (autographed) for $5 CDN plus shipping costs upon request – just ask us J

4) The EP has been out since 2011. So what’s new on the music front?

We’ve definitely got enough new material to make a couple of EPs or a full-length album. Because we’re indie/unsigned, we just need to secure some sort of funding to help us do it right so it’s of “radio quality.” Right now, I’m exploring different crowd-funding options (such as IndieGoGo, Kickstarter and Pledgemusic) and FACTOR grants through the Canadian Government (which is what A LOT of Canadian musicians end up using – even the established ones like Metric).

5) A somewhat notable singer/songwriter type of musician recently said on Twitter that she hoped one day that “female music” would become known as simply “music music”. Now apparently, “singer/songwriter” might not even be allowed to be a musical genre anymore if the fascists have their way, but as a female in music yourself do you find the idea of the female being pointed or used as a genre in some sense to be degrading or sexist? Personally, I feel like sometimes it’s overkill to say “female vocals” if the person is a name such as Joan Jett where you can pretty expect that to be the case, but having a band name like Social Potion you don’t know if a male or female will sing and I do believe that in some cases it does make a difference because, well, guys and gals sing differently. Plus, I’m at a stage in my life where I’m very much pro-female music and I’m listening to it more than male fronted music which is why I like having the distinction but, I digress.

Well, if my being female brings us fans we wouldn’t otherwise find, awesome. We’ve been featured on some female focused music blogs/Twitter accounts/Facebook pages, which we totally appreciate. I do find there are more males than females in music in general, but I just try not to think about it, and think of myself as an equal. I love Stevie Nicks, and that’s her attitude too. Social Potion recently played a show where we were one of 4 bands on the bill. Of all the bands, I was the ONLY girl there – there wasn’t even a female musician in one of the other bands. But the funniest thing was that I didn’t even notice until someone pointed it out to me afterwards. I think the fact that I didn’t notice is progress in itself J

6) You are from Canada, which surprisingly has a decent number of musicians outside of Celine Dion (And inside Celine Dion, it’s too dark to sing! Sorry, ancient joke but I couldn’t resist) Do you believe how many people actually have googled “If you die in Canada do you die in real life”?

Really? That’s hilarious! Yes, there are a ton of talented Canadian musicians – some of our favourites are The Band, Neil Young, Rush, The Guess Who, The Midway State, Jane Siberry… the list goes on and on. I’ve found that our being Canadian actually works in our favour when submitting our music to blogs and stations because there are so many great Canadian artists out there J

7) Coming up at the end of July, I’ll have been married nine years. I couldn’t imagine forming a band with my wife for a number of reasons (Mainly because I f - Raised By Gypsies

I’m excited to be able to present a unique “Taste Of The Moon” Double Duo Delight show tonight (Friday, August 9) at an east Toronto room that’s big on live music located not far from where the Taste Of The Danforth festival is taking place.

Songwriters Carmen Toth and Mena Hardy are two young female performers who I’ve been tracking for the past couple of years as they’ve steadily increased their public profiles and expanded their fan bases.

While they write rather different styles of songs (Hardy has more aggressive Rock-infused alt Pop style, while Toth has a Rootsy Pop feel to her very catchy, melodic tunes) but both like rockin’ Country and Pop.

They’re also both attractive, engaging and personable stage presences and, what impresses me almost as much as their music, they each aggressively promote their original music as well as their gigs.

So putting these two together seemed like a natural solution to help Ryan Mangano, who runs the music-friendly Linsmore Tavern at 1298 Danforth Ave. near the Greenwood subway station, find an act that would both bring in some fans and appeal to the throngs of folks walking by on their way home from the T.O.T.D. festivities nearby.

Actually I’d seen them take to the stage before, when the photo accompanying this article was taken at an open stage Mena briefly hosted in East York recently. They enthralled and enlivened the audience with some impromptu Pop Rock covers and seemed as natural together as if they already had a duo themselves.

Toth, of course, already has her own duo, Social Potion, which features her on guitar and vocals and drummer/guitarist/singer Aaron Jones. Hardy has performed in bars with her Shotgun Revolutionaries group for the past few years but recently disbanded that outfit in favour of putting together a new configuration, which is still in development. But she’s got at least one member lined up already, Richard Kahl, who’ll be with her at tonight’s show.

The 9:30 no-cover show starts with Toth’s duo, after which Hardy’s combo will take to the stage in the very down-to-earth but surprisingly hip old-tavern style room. The pair have also been rehearsing together this week and plan to team up on several songs. I would imagine Jones will be on the kit for those performances as well and who knows who else will be joining them on stage. (There’s a rumour that Soul-Rap writer Bryan Van Dusen will be making a guest appearance with Hardy.)

Don’t be surprised if you hear of these two acts combining to share gigs again in the future. This could be the start of something completely new! - Toronto Moon Magazine

Lively original Pop duo Carmen Toth and Aaron Jones, better known these days as Social Potion, (http://socialpotion.
tumblr.com) have been making some great strides with their music recently. They’ve soared up online charts, Toth has been interviewed on various radio shows and their song “Drive Myself Home” (you heard it from me first earlier that this would be their breakout hit!) is getting spins on a number of outlets both online and over the invisible airwaves. But the pair aren’t getting swelled heads and remain true to their socially aware roots. They recently performed as part of a couple of community-building events in east and west Toronto and this afternoon are once again lending their talents to a good cause. From 11:30 a.m. till 1:30 or so they’ll be doing an outdoor show at Rouge Valley Conservation Area as part of a fundraiser for a group that stewards the urban park.
The Ride For The Rouge event is a bike ride and barbeque taking place there, at 1749 Meadowvale Rd. in Scarborough. A good cause, great music: if the weather co-operates it’ll be perfect! - Toronto Moon Magazine

Carmen Toth and Aaron Jones are Social Potion, one of my favorite indie/pop bands on Reverbnation. Carmen writes amazing songs, and seems to channel Stevie Nicks at times -- the passion and honesty in her lyrics is like poetry in motion (is "Stevie" about Stevie Nicks)? Their music has an air of mystery that draws you in. Social Potion is in the national top 10 on RN and the Indie Top 10 on Women of Substance Radio. Check out "Cordelia" and "Minishka" @SocialPotion13 - TIW Music

How did you guys get together and create this band?

Aaron and I met while volunteering at a charity garage sale in 2000, and we hit it off right away. After we started dating in 2001, Aaron bought me a guitar for my birthday. I learned to play, began working on songs, started playing shows and released an EP as a solo artist in 2004. Aaron would sometimes accompany me but we never called ourselves a band. After we got married and moved from our small apartment into a house in 2005, Aaron inherited a drum kit from his family. Now having the rehearsal space, we began playing together much more often.



What’s the story behind the band’s name?
I actually found it on a band name generator site after typing in “Potional,” which is the name of the EP I released as a solo artist in 2004. So “Social Potion” is a nod to my solo EP “Potional.” We liked the message of it too – music really is a social potion – it brings people together. We did shop around some other band names but everyone kept choosing “Social Potion.” The letters in “Social Potion” also make some cool anagrams when you rearrange the letters: patios in loco, social option, cola position, isolation cop, casino pool it and my favourites: pianos cool it, and coital poison! Haha.


What are your music influences?
We listen to a lot of different music, but we really love classic rock, indie rock and new wave. Some of our favourites are Stevie Nicks, Fleetwood Mac, Lindsey Buckingham, Peter Gabriel, Tom Petty, Bob Marley, The Beatles, Death Cab For Cutie, Kate Bush, Cyndi Lauper and The Silversun Pickups, just to name a few.


What’s your method at the time of writing a song?
It’s either the music or the lyrics that come first. They never come at the same time. If it’s a melody idea, like a riff, we will jam together and see where it goes and I usually make up lyrics as I go along and evolve them. If it’s a lyric idea, I usually try singing them alone with the guitar or keyboard and see what I can get. Then, when I have a melody to go with the lyrics, we try playing it together to see what happens. I will never forget the day we created our song “Minishka.” I started playing a riff, Aaron started drumming to it, and he told me to just start singing to it. I made up lyrics on the spot and it all just fell into place.



Your new album. How it has the recording and writing process been? Any release date, title yet in mind?
We do have more than enough new songs to record a full-length album right now, but we are pushing ourselves to evolve them more, and we have recently been experimenting with some electronic/synth and trip hop sounds. We also need to secure funding for the studio time, mastering, production and distribution. We are really hoping to be able to record and release our new album before the end of 2013. As for titles, we might call it “Put It Out There.”



What are the PROs and CONs of being a married couple group?
Well, there are definitely more pros than cons. We live together, so it’s easier to schedule practice time. We have good musical chemistry because we’re a couple. We are able to read each other pretty well because we know each other so well. We know we can trust each other, which is important when you’re in a band. As for cons, I guess I would say the other life annoyances that get in the way of our music and inspiration. For example, we just wanna rock, but we have to deal with our fixer-upper house.



What message do you want to spread with your music?
Each song kind of has its own little message. But overall, I guess the message of our music would be: Enjoy yourself. Be yourself. Forgive yourself. Have some fun. Get lost in the song.



What has been one of the funniest moments you’ve had while playing live or touring?
We were doing an outdoor fundraiser event and it was a hot day so we had some giant umbrellas – the kind that you see on patio tables – for shade. Anyway, we were in the middle of a song and one of the umbrellas blew over right onto me. I didn’t stop the song and a guy from the audience jumped on stage and put it back in position.



Are there any plans for the future we should be aware of?
Besides working on our first full-length album, we are looking into making a music video for one of the 5 songs off our self-titled EP, “Social Potion.”



Where can we find more about your music?
Just Google “Social Potion” and you’ll find us. Our main site is socialpotion.ca
http://socialpotion.ca/
https://www.facebook.com/SocialPotion13
http://www.reverbnation.com/socialpotion13
http://www.youtube.com/potional
http://www.sonicbids.com/socialpotion



Do you feel you’re moving in the right direction?
We sure hope so. We know we love making and performing music and we don’t want to stop! - Vents Magazine

Like the Monday night open stages at Toronto’s Free Times Café, the jam/open stages the same night at Grossman’s run by the loosely-knit group of people known as No Band Required are unusual in the community of such events, in that there is no permanent host nor rotation of hosts.

Although NBR honcho Edward Ambrosius is always on hand and has a group of house players available, each week sees a different guest host run the events, which makes every week an adventure I suppose. The event offers a house drum kit and amps and the club also has an old upright piano that’s been played by some pretty amazing talents over the years.

Tomorrow night vivacious songwriter Carmen Toth is in the host role —the first time I’m aware of her ever playing such a role. I’d expect she’ll also have her husband and musical partner drummer in the Social Potion duo, Aaron Jones, helping her out by manning the kit. The event runs 9:30 till late and welcomes all styles of music from solo songwriters to full-blown band configurations.

NBR, btw, tonight also debuts a new Sunday night jam taking place in the Kensington Market area. The 7:30-1 affair is at Augusta House at 152 Augusta Ave. - Toronto Moon Magazine

Though she’s not a kid, vivacious Carmen Toth has only been performing full-time for about two years, since recording her duo’s debut ep in 2010. Now her hard work and talent are paying off, as her Social Potion duo has cracked the global indie charts 100, is currently #3 in the Top Ten Indie Songs chart on Women Of Substance Radio, has a song on the Music City Podcast and she’s been getting interviewed regularly by broadcasters

Tonight she’s solo as one of four Pop songwriters doing showcase sets at The Central in TO (603 Markham St.), hitting the stage at 10:30. - Toronto Moon Magazine

Social Potion are a Canadian pop rock husband and wife duo of Carmen Toth (Songwriter/Vocals/Guitar/Keyboard/Piano) and Aaron Jones (Drums), who use Toth’s lyrics and unique high pitched voice and Jones’ beats to fuel their music. They began playing live together in 2005 and their self-titled album was released in 2011. The EP’s singles, “Drive Myself Home” and “Cordelia” are currently getting airplay on several online/satellite radio stations.

Each song on the album sounds different and her voice changes in seconds. She squeaks one moment and the next she’s singing deeply. It’ll keep the listener’s attention and may through you for a loop. Their self-titled album starts with “Come Out and See Me” which shows off Toth’s deeper register of her voice, sounds a bit eerie and she starts by singing the following lyrics.

Why don’t you come out and see me sometime
Why don’t you come out and see me sometime
Cause I, I’ve got a weapon and I’m going to make you mine
Why don’t you come out and see me

Halfway through the album “Stevie” begins with a groovy repetitive melody played on an acoustic guitar. Jones fuels the song with the beat, but doesn’t overwhelm the music and vocals. Toth’s voice sounds very airy and at times it echoes into the background. It’s so hard to compare her to any other singer today.

“Drive Myself Home” will quickly become a favorite song on the album for many listeners. She sounds so happy throughout the song, but the lyrics are so powerful. The most impactive lyrics she sings in this song are “The more I try to change the more I stay the same” and “I’ve got nothing to lose and everything to prove.” It’s as if she’s trying to change, but realizes she’s okay the way she is. She drives herself home with a broken heart, says that everything will be okay in the end and that everything happens for a reason.

On Thursday Jan 3rd, Toth will be playing a solo acoustic show at The Smiling Buddha in Toronto. Please check out their show if you live in the area, if not take a listen. Most listeners will wish their album is longer. You will not be able to get enough of Toth’s voice and her relatable lyrics.

Wordkrapht Rating: 4 Stars - Wordkrapht

Social Potion are a Canadian pop rock husband and wife duo of Carmen Toth (Songwriter/Vocals/Guitar/Keyboard/Piano) and Aaron Jones (Drums), who use Toth’s lyrics and unique high pitched voice and Jones’ beats to fuel their music. They began playing live together in 2005 and their self-titled album was released in 2011. The EP’s singles, “Drive Myself Home” and “Cordelia” are currently getting airplay on several online/satellite radio stations.

Each song on the album sounds different and her voice changes in seconds. She squeaks one moment and the next she’s singing deeply. It’ll keep the listener’s attention and may through you for a loop. Their self-titled album starts with “Come Out and See Me” which shows off Toth’s deeper register of her voice, sounds a bit eerie and she starts by singing the following lyrics.

Why don’t you come out and see me sometime
Why don’t you come out and see me sometime
Cause I, I’ve got a weapon and I’m going to make you mine
Why don’t you come out and see me

Halfway through the album “Stevie” begins with a groovy repetitive melody played on an acoustic guitar. Jones fuels the song with the beat, but doesn’t overwhelm the music and vocals. Toth’s voice sounds very airy and at times it echoes into the background. It’s so hard to compare her to any other singer today.

“Drive Myself Home” will quickly become a favorite song on the album for many listeners. She sounds so happy throughout the song, but the lyrics are so powerful. The most impactive lyrics she sings in this song are “The more I try to change the more I stay the same” and “I’ve got nothing to lose and everything to prove.” It’s as if she’s trying to change, but realizes she’s okay the way she is. She drives herself home with a broken heart, says that everything will be okay in the end and that everything happens for a reason.

On Thursday Jan 3rd, Toth will be playing a solo acoustic show at The Smiling Buddha in Toronto. Please check out their show if you live in the area, if not take a listen. Most listeners will wish their album is longer. You will not be able to get enough of Toth’s voice and her relatable lyrics.

Wordkrapht Rating: 4 Stars - Wordkrapht Magazine

Ultimate Music Mix is proud to present,” Social Potion”, a wonderful sounding group, when we first heard their song “Stevie” we were floored, Carmen’s voice reminded us so much of Stevie Nicks, and with those two together it felt like we were listening to a new Captain and Tennille.

Together they have a great vocal and sound combination that is very enjoyable, you should close your eyes as you listen to Social Potion, and remember the sweet sound as they play, because we wouldn’t be a bit surprised to see that Social Potions music being played a lot on the radio. Us here at Ultimate Music Mix can see that happening in the near future. - Ultimate Music Mix

Although Country-tinged Pop songwriter Carmen Toth and her partner Aaron Jones normally play guitar and drums respectively when they team up as the Social Potion duo, they’re versatile enough that Jones can take a turn on the six-string while Toth tinkles the ivories, as they demonstrated in July at my Hirut open stage. Tomorrow night expect their more usual config as they appear at The Winchester (51A Winchester St. in Cabbagetown) to share tunes from their self-titled ep among other offerings. - Toronto Moon Magazine

gottaBscene chatted with Carmen Toth and Aaron Jones of Toronto indie music duo Social Potion. With a definite ’90s flare to their sound, it’s no surprise that Fleetwood Mac and Kate Bush are listed as some of their influences. Check them out at Friendsfest 2012 where their self-titled EP will be sold! - gottaBscene

A two-man band that is as loveable as they are talented, Social Potion (with Aaron Jones on drums and Carmen Toth on guitar, keyboard and vocals) will once again grace the Friendsfest stage. With a definite ‘90s flare to their sound and Toth’s voice comparable to Tori Amos, it’s no surprise Fleetwood Mac and Kate Bush are listed as some of duo’s influences. Visit their website for more band information. And don’t worry – self titled EP’s will be sold at Friendsfest for your convenience. - gottaBscene

Meteorologists are forecasting hot, sweaty weather tonight, with a temperature of around 27 degrees and a light breeze at 10 p.m. when sultry yet serious songwriter Carmen Toth begins her half-hour feature set at my 8-1 open stage at Hirut, 2050 Danforth Ave. just west of Woodbine.
So it’s a good thing the club this past weekend had installed a new roll-up garage-door style window behind the stage area, because even if the very functional air conditioning system is turned on we may well need the breeze to help keep things cool inside.
For Toth’s catchy Roots Pop music is anything but “cool”, though it’s certainly got plenty of contemporary feel and, as recorded on the 5-song ‘Social Potion’ ep she released with drummer Aaron Jones, (the title is also the name of their duo) an intelligent use of the most modern and with-it studio technology. But the real appeal of her tunes, whether with the recording effects or when she’s on stage doing them in acoustic solo mode, is her by turns seductive and piquant voice combined with catchy melodies and the urgent passion of lyrics on tunes such as “Come Out And See Me”, “Minishka” and especially the tune I think is a hit-in-waiting, “Drive Myself Home”. (Hear and see more at either http://socialpotion.tumblr.com or www.carmentoth.com.)
She’ll have copies of the ep with her and she’s also arranged to have a video artist on hand to record her set, so this could end up being one of those memorable nights you’ll want to be able to tell people you were at in a few years time after she’s become a mainstream phenom. - Toronto Moon Magazine