INSTAGRAM INFLUENCER | COUNTRY MUSIC STARS

May 9, 2021 May 9, 2021 / 210 Comments / Entertainment / By Editorial Team

What inspired you to take over LifeinCalgary Instagram account?

Mariya: I love this city. When Aaron and I were approached to do a takeover during the Canadian Country Music Awards (CCMA’s), I thought it would be a great opportunity to show the city how the YYC music scene is thriving out here and give the Life In Calgary followers a chance to see a behind-the-scenes look at what the CCMA’s and the music scene in Calgary is really all about.

Aaron: Everyone who lives in Calgary or even just comes to visit sees the city through a different lens. People are always curious what the day-to-day life of a musician is like, and this seemed like the perfect opportunity to showcase that. Calgary’s arts community has really blossomed over the past few years and it has so much to offer to musicians, it was really cool to get to share it in the way that we did.

Mariya: I am originally from Stavely, Alberta and moved to Calgary to pursue a career in music. There is so much happening here and it seemed like a great place to start.

What do you do in your spare time? Favourite Calgary past time or activity?

Mariya: I love going for walks along the Bow or checking out a café I haven’t been to before – there are so many great ones in the city. One of my favourites to work in is Velvet Café because the wifi is strong, the coffee is great, and its pretty close to my house.

Aaron: I find I’m a better musician and human if I take time out of my week to exercise. Lately I’ve been addicted to working out at Sweat Science Boxing. Unlike some of the other studios I’ve been to, they teach you how to properly box, which I think is really cool.

Where is your favourite place to eat or visit in the city?

Mariya: Cleaver is one of my favourite bars in the city (such a great happy hour!) and when friends come in from out of town I like to take them to Blue Star Diner for breakfast!

Aaron: It’s pretty hard to top brunch at The Nash in Inglewood, but when I’ve had a rough day a milkshake from Peter’s Drive-In usually does the trick.

What is a fun fact people wouldn’t know about you?

Mariya: I have a weird little obsession with true crime podcasts – Canadian True Crime is definitely my favourite!

Aaron: I was a member of The Bat Conservation Society of Canada from ages 7-9. I was really into bats as a kid.

What do you think is the biggest surprise about Calgary for anyone who isn’t familiar with the city?

Mariya: Calgary has a reputation of being an oil and gas town, but it actually has a wonderful arts scene as well that is only growing every day. There are a ton of awesome live music venues, paint nights, festivals, and theatre shows happening all over town.

Aaron: Like Mariya said, definitely it’s arts scene. Musician friends who visit are always blown away by the infrastructure, community, and the opportunities we have here.

Want to become an Instagram Influencer and contribute to lifeincalgary? Email influencer@lifeincalgary.ca

SAFE, FUN, AND SMALL-TOWN-FEEL – I FEEL GRATEFUL TO HAVE MET MANY, MANY AMAZING PEOPLE IN MY YEARS IN CALGARY.

Arts & Culture Festivals & Events Influencer

Country music stars Aaron Pollock and Mariya Stokes take over Life in Calgary as Calgary hosts the 2019 Canadian Country Music Awards.

Aaron Pollock “Nothing much these days”

Mariya Stokes “Hands on my body”

both available on Spotify.

Monday, September 9, 2019