MINT x Empire Thief

Presented by Small World Music
From our Incubator Program to Centre Stage!

About the Artists:
Empire Thief
Blending raw, heartfelt melodies with the intricate textures of Persian music, Empire Thief brings together his emotive folk-rock sound and the mesmerizing artistry of Persian setar player Mehdi Rostami. Through this collaboration, a brand new show is born, A New Dawn. It pushes musical boundaries, creating a sound both familiar and unexpected. Through their arrangements and rich improvisation, they explore new horizons—where folk-rock and Persian traditions meet in a powerful experience.
Empire Thief brings an electrifying blend of contemporary folk and rock that lays its foundation in global roots and delivers intimate and powerful performances. His music features piercing vocals and rich harmonies that lay on a lush bed of perfectly blended guitars. Formed during the pandemic, the band quickly found a distinct musical identity, blending heartfelt storytelling with high-energy instrumentation. Led by Ahmed El Sayed on vocals & rhythm guitar, alongside Aidan McNaughton on lead guitar, Tarun Dawar on bass, and Adam Houle taking over drums & percussion.

MINT
Blending the melodic soul of R&B with the rhythmic pulse of hip-hop, funk, and jazz, the groove-driven duo MINT presents a memorable experience. With just guitar and drums, they craft a sound that’s both intimate and infectious—where dreamy melodies meet head-nodding grooves.
MINT creates an atmosphere that feels like a conversation—one built on rhythm, dreamy reflection, and storytelling. Their music flows effortlessly between laid-back soul and dynamic improvisation, offering a journey that is both vibey and immersive.

Doors open 7:00 PM
The 2025 Small World Music Series is sponsored by TD Bank Group through the TD Ready Commitment and funded by the Government of Canada, Canada Council for the Arts, Ontario Arts Council, and the City of Toronto through the Toronto Arts Council.