The Q Interview

Nineteen85 is behind some of Drake’s biggest songs, from “Hotline Bling” to “Hold On We’re Going Home.” And when he’s not putting his Grammy Award-winning touch on other people’s music, he’s making his own as part of the R&B duo DVSN. Nineteen85 talks to Tom about his new album, his love of Jimi Hendrix and what it was like producing some of Drake’s most beloved songs.

Plus, Cressida Cowell’s children’s book series “How to Train Your Dragon” has sold more than seven million copies worldwide and has become an award-winning franchise that you’ve probably seen with your kids… or just by yourself because it’s a great movie regardless of how old you are. Cressida tells Tom about the famous franchise and about her newest book, “Which Way to Anywhere.”

Matty Healy, the frontman of the band The 1975, is known for his quippy, observational lyrics about dating, youth culture and technology. But when it comes to his own emotions, he’s typically quite guarded. On The 1975’s new album “Being Funny in a Foreign Language,” he leans into his feelings and shares them with the world. Matty joins Tom Power to talk about being a band for two decades and why their new album is their most sincere yet.

Plus, Maria Qamar (a.k.a. Hatecopy) makes South Asian-focused pop art that you can see everywhere, from a giant mural in Montreal to the background of a TV show like “Ms. Marvel” or “The Mindy Project.” Maria’s art is blowing up in a big way as it’s being showcased in prestigious art galleries like New York’s Richard Taittinger Gallery and Toronto’s Museum of Contemporary Art. She joins Tom to talk about her budding art career.

Sam Smith is one of the biggest artists in the world. They made a name for themself in 2014 with devastating songs about love and loss and ended up winning four Grammys because of it. Now, Sam is trying something new: focusing on joy in their life and music. Sam opens up to Tom Power about their new record, “Gloria,” why focusing on queer joy is the most radical thing they can do, and the highs and lows of finding their identity.

Plus, the queen of country pop Shania Twain tells you the story behind her new single, “Last Day of Summer.”

Actor Paul Mescal talks about his starring role in Aftersun and the success of his breakout role in the TV adaptation of Sally Rooney's Normal People. Christa Couture's memoir How to Lose Everything is opening the door for other Indigenous artists to share their stories of resilience. Writer, producer and director Kenya Barris talks about his ambitious new animated project with rapper Kid Cudi. Elamin Abdelmahmoud joins Tom to talk about the new show launching next week, Commotion. Plus, Shamus Currie, composer of the original theme for Q with Tom Power, joins Tom to help him say goodbye to the tune.

Director Ruben Östlund discusses his latest Palme d'Or-winning film, Triangle of Sadness, and why he wanted to look at "beauty as a currency." Playwright Chloé Hung discusses her new dark comedic play, Three Women of Swatow, about three generations of Chinese women who discover they are bound by more than blood. Photographer Carrie Mae Weems discusses art, class and culture — and how she feels about being called an artist ahead of her time.

Poet Rupi Kaur talks about her new writing guide, Healing Through Words, plus her own journey with writing and overcoming writer's block. Artist Vivek Shraya shares more about her autobiographical solo stage show How To Fail As A Pop Star, which is focused on the true story of her life in music. Director Darren Aronofsky talks about the difficulty of casting the lead in his latest film, The Whale, and why Brendan Fraser was perfect for the part. Canada Reads is back for another round! Join us as this year's line-up of all-star books are revealed live alongside their all-star champions.

Singer-songwriter Ani DiFranco discusses her new memoir, survival, the boundary-breaking themes in her music and how she feels about the ongoing #MeToo movement. Comedian and This Hour Has 22 Minutes cast member Trent McClellan talks about his upcoming comedy tour, returning to his hometown to perform stand-up, and finding humour in the things that frustrate you. Writer Bryan Washington talks about capturing the quiet moments of modern family life and complicated relationships in his debut novel, Memorial.

We've moved! Please join us over at our new home: Q with Tom Power.

Five days a week, acclaimed interviewer Tom Power sits down with the artists, writers, actors and musicians who define this cultural moment in time. Whether he’s ribbing Adele, singing a boyband classic with Simu Liu, or dissecting faith with U2 frontman Bono – Tom brings the same curiosity, respect and meticulous preparation into every conversation. He also has a track record for interviewing artists on the precipice of stardom – like Lizzo and Billie Eilish — who appeared on Q well before hitting the mainstream. Hear your favourite artists as they truly are, every weekday with Tom Power.

Five days a week, acclaimed interviewer Tom Power sits down with the artists, writers, actors and musicians who define this cultural moment in time. Whether he’s ribbing Adele, singing a boyband classic with Simu Liu, or dissecting faith with U2 frontman Bono – Tom brings the same curiosity, respect and meticulous preparation into every conversation. He also has a track record for interviewing artists on the precipice of stardom – like Lizzo and Billie Eilish — who appeared on Q well before hitting the mainstream. Hear your favourite artists as they truly are, every weekday with Tom Power.

One trophy away from EGOT-status, there's strong speculation that Hugh Jackman could win the outstanding Oscar for his latest movie, The Son. He talks about his long career on stage and screen. Ann-Marie MacDonald reflects on the curiosity and empathy that continue to inspire her work from the page to the stage as Fall on Your Knees becomes a stage play. Otis Williams, founding member of Motown legends The Temptations, talks about the group's legacy, longevity and why their sound was so impactful during the 60s.