One ukulele, one piano and two old friends are the ingredients for one of Toronto’s newest bands, Cotton Bags!

Maia Waern’s original ukulele songs sound even better with Julian Fauth‘s piano accompaniment, and Maia’s new, unrecorded songs are being treated to what only Julian can do. This new ukulele-piano duo is already turning heads, including Maia’s…

Maia:

“At our rehearsals, as we shape my songs together, I’m regularly reminded of why Julian is an award winning musician – and one of my dearest friends. His constant complimenting of my songs and songwriting makes me blink and smile a lot, which in turn encourages me to write more (and better) songs. I feel the same way about his music; as I am, after all, his number-one fan (self-proclaimed).

It has always been a secret little dream of mine to play my songs with Julian; which means that my dream is a few decades old! We first met in Kensington Market, when we were much younger and even more shy and softer-spoken. His piano playing made my jaw drop back then; and now, I’d need a chin strap if it wasn’t for how my smile wraps around my ears.

It’s a delightful full-circle of a wishful intention to now be rehearsing with Julian Fauth – in the dreamy scenario of good old friends with a new band – with my songs, to boot. I am forever grateful, and I’m honestly having the time of my life rehearsing for upcoming concerts, including being Julian’s guest at The Senator Winebar on Friday, May 25th!”