Static’s second issue, First Times in Toronto, is out October 22nd. So to celebrate, over the month, you’ll get to know the contributors of the issue through some of their first times in Toronto.

Ricky Lam, the ninth tallest Asian on earth, will make his Static debut in issue 2 in a real meta way. Before we let him infiltrate our world, he was just a senior software developer, founder/editor of The Panic Manual, concert festival world traveler, slick DJ with funky dance moves and lover of world peace. But now, his life is going to be that much more full of static cling. Good luck, Lam!

First concert in Toronto was Echo and the Bunnymen, 2003, Palais Royale. Ventured to The Palais Royale on a weeknight for this show despite the fact that I lived at Yonge and Finch at the time. I think it took me four or seven hours to get home by TTC from there, but it was completely worth it. Also, the last time I have been to Palais Royale.

First job was found using my friend’s U of T account to access their career site. When I was asked during the interview how I found the job since it was only posted on the U of T site, I told them I used my friends account. I think they liked that. Cheat to win baby, (but it’s not really cheating).

First outdoor concert in Toronto was Curiosa – The Cure, Muse, Interpol, Rapture @ Molson Amphitheatre, It’s always interesting to see the Cure play an outdoor show in August just because of the inevitable goth makeup meltdown from some of the Cure fans who decided dressing up for a Cure show in the middle of summer was a good idea. Muse was certainly a highlight, and played in front of maybe 200 people. That, as we know, would soon change.

First trip out of Toronto (after moving here, besides going to Edmonton) was Coachella 2004! Radiohead, The Cure, Belle and Sebastian, kraftwerk, Flaming Lips, Basement Jaxx, Pixies, Beck, Air, Muse..pretty much the best Coachella lineup ever. The first trip I paid for with my own hard earned money would be a good indicator of my musical tourist type of vacations in the years to come.

First time I felt like Toronto was home was when I flew back to Edmonton and realized that I was more Toronto and less Edmonton, by that, I mean, I cut off people when I walk and jay walked relentlessly.

First in-store was Gruff Rhys of Super Furry Animals in Soundscapes. It was absolutely packed in there and two of my friends left because of the heat, I also learned how to take the streetcar for the first time that day.

If I had a last day in Toronto, I would eat multiple meals, go to the island, chill in kensington, go to dance cave, go to chinatown, base jump off the CN tower..in that order.