Social media sensation ‘Summertime in the Loo’ celebrates connection in KW

What does summer sound like in Kitchener-Waterloo? CTV’s Colton Wiens speaks to the man behind a social media sensation, Summertime in the Loo.

A local artist may have a hit on his hands as his ode to summer in Kitchener-Waterloo racks up thousands of listens.

AJDIDIT released his song, “Summertime in the Loo,” on Spotify in May. Since then, it has been heard more than 13,000 times and his social media views continue to climb.

“It was either going to take off or just be completely pushed away, because I did know that not a lot of people have mentioned it in such a specific way, like mentioning landmarks and talking about their life growing up in KW,” AJDIDIT told CTV News on Thursday. “When I posted the video, I think it got like 70,000 – 80,000 in the first week. Then I’m like, okay, this has potential then.”

The lyrics mention going for a ride on King Street, Wilfrid Laurier University, University of Waterloo, Conestoga College and Bridgeport.

The musician said he wanted to capture the sprit of the community.

“I’ve been in Kitchener my whole life and I was just looking out my apartment window, just observing and talking abut how I was feeling. I grew up in Kitchener and it kind of includes parts of my life story mixed with just the feeling of looking forward to summer. It’s been a long winter, and I wanted to just bring some good vibes for everyone in the city,” he explained.

His music is resonating with people who share his love of the area.

“We just love what he’s done for the community,” Kianna Warkentin, a fan, said after spotting AJDIDIT in Waterloo. “He’s been the voice for KW and we’re big fans. I was starstruck, honestly.”

AJDIDIT said there aren’t a lot of songs that celebrate KW.

“Every day when I walk around, people are coming up to me and saying, ‘Oh, you’re AJDIDIT. You made Summertime in the Loo,’ and it’s really a blessing. I’m happy that I can connect with the people in the city and I want to try to use my platform for good, to try to give back. I’ve always been into charity work since I was a kid, so I want to try to use whatever I can build here to give back to KW.”

Industry experts tell CTV News it’s not a surprise that his song is popular with locals.

“It’s really all about trying to build a connection and make people think that they not only want to see you succeed, but that they’re going to help you succeed. Having that local flavour is exactly what he should be doing,” Eric Alper, a music industry expert, told CTV News.

Alper said growing to a national or global stage is a different challenge but feels AJDIDIT is on the right track by using social media to expand his audience.

“We want to champion our own. We’ve seen what it’s like when somebody like Drake explodes for the City of Toronto, the economic value and the emotional connection that we all feel with that. When the Tragically Hip explodes, Kingston feels that. When 54-40 does that in Vancouver, and we could be looking at a whole new area of Kitchener-Waterloo blowing up, because of this video and because of the song,” Alper said.

The man behind the music

AJDIDIT’s real name is Aidan Ruston and he grew up in Kitchener, but recently moved to Waterloo. The 25-year-old musician majored in psychology at the University of Waterloo and minored in theatre and performance. He’s worked in social work for the last five years helping children with developmental and behavioural challenges. He was also pursuing a masters in spiritual care and psychotherapy at Wilfrid Laurier University, but decided to focus on music and content creation.

Since releasing his song, AJDIDIT has made videos with people throughout Waterloo Region, including the Kitchener Rangers. The players said they listened to Summertime in the Loo during their Memorial Cup championship run.

Despite the local fame, he isn’t taking time to rest.

“So, the next song I have coming out is called ‘Finest Girl in the 519,’ so I’m really excited about that one. It represents the larger community of south Ontario. I feel like a lot of times Toronto gets recognition, which is great and I’m happy for them, but I wanted to represent the other parts of Ontario that haven’t been getting as much spotlight.”