Two Feet: The Next Steps Tour

There is a specific kind of atmosphere that Zachary William Dess, the mastermind behind Two Feet, conjures. It’s smoky, it’s deeply rhythmic, and it feels like it was engineered specifically for a dimly lit room where the bass rattles your ribcage just enough to make you feel alive. When he rolls into The Opera House on April 3rd for 'The Next Steps Tour,' he isn’t just playing a set; he’s bringing that signature blend of lo-fi electronic production and gritty, blues-infused guitar work that turned tracks like 'Go F*ck Yourself' and 'I Feel Like I’m Drowning' into viral sensations.

The Sound of the Shadows Two Feet’s rise to prominence is a masterclass in modern music discovery. What started as a bedroom project in New York quickly exploded because Dess possesses an uncanny ability to marry technical precision with raw, unfiltered emotion. His guitar playing is deceptively simple—often relying on soulful, bluesy licks that feel like they were pulled straight from a dusty vinyl record—but it’s the way he layers those sounds over heavy, distorted basslines and crisp electronic beats that makes his work so addictive. Live, this translates into a performance that feels surprisingly intimate despite the venue size. He doesn’t just stand behind a laptop; he’s a multi-instrumentalist who leans into the tension of his music, creating a sonic landscape that is as much about the silence between the notes as the notes themselves.

A Historic Stage for a Modern Sound The Opera House, located at 735 Queen St E, is arguably one of Toronto’s most storied venues. Originally built in 1909 as a vaudeville theatre, the space retains a grand, slightly gothic charm that feels perfectly suited for Two Feet’s dark, atmospheric aesthetic. There’s something about the high ceilings and the wrap-around balcony that adds a layer of gravitas to a show like this. Unlike the sterile, cavernous feel of some of the city's larger arenas, The Opera House forces a connection between the artist and the audience. You’re close enough to see the focus on Dess’s face as he navigates his pedalboard, and the acoustics of the old building ensure that the low-end frequencies hit with a visceral, physical impact.

Making a Night of It in Leslieville One of the best things about catching a show at The Opera House is its location. You are firmly planted in the heart of Leslieville, a neighbourhood that has long shed its industrial skin to become one of the city’s most vibrant culinary corridors. Before the show, head over to one of the many local spots for a pre-concert bite. If you’re in the mood for something elevated, the nearby restaurants along Queen Street East offer everything from refined gastropub fare to authentic international cuisine. After the encore, the area is perfect for a low-key drink to decompress. The vibe in Leslieville is decidedly more relaxed than the chaos of the Entertainment District, making it the perfect place to linger after a show that leaves you feeling a bit introspective.

Good to Know - **Getting There:** The Opera House is easily accessible via the 501 Queen streetcar, which runs 24/7. If you’re driving, be prepared for limited street parking; it’s highly recommended to use public transit or a rideshare service to avoid the headache of navigating Leslieville’s narrow side streets. - **The Vibe:** Expect a crowd that appreciates the moody, downtempo side of electronic music. It’s not a mosh pit; it’s a swaying, head-nodding affair. Dress comfortably, as the floor can get crowded and the temperature rises quickly once the set gets going. - **Pro Tip:** The balcony at The Opera House offers a fantastic vantage point if you prefer to take in the production value of the light show without being pressed against the stage. Get there early if you want to snag a spot with a clear view of the stage.