ABOUT
CREATIVE & CRITICAL
capturing a moment
Sandra is an honor graduate of Seneca's College music production course. Her experience includes working as the marketing manager for a techno label based out of Portugal, Naked Lunch Records.
Eventually, it led her to curating a podcast and branching off into artist management, bookings, and international event production since 2011.
She's worked as stage manager and social media management with Indie Week.
Currently, she works at Bandzoogle, she co-manages the desert punk band called Black Budget.
She is the co-creator of the online underground zine Critical Zero.
Her designs are known capturing the emotions of her subjects and focus on storytelling through visual representation.
Specialization in psychedelic and ethereal art. She's shot bands like Bad Nerves, Teenage Bottlerocket, The Bobby Lees, Conan, Death Lens, Black Budget, Teen Mortage, The Walkemen and more.
Critical Zero
Critical Zero is an "Alternative music media focused on community. Based in Toronto; inspiration gathered from around the globe. ”
It was established in 2021 after the lockdown by Pedro Alvarado and Sandra Byars. Following their graduation from Seneca College’s Independent Music Production course, they aimed to apply their newfound skills to bolster the Toronto alternative music scene.
Inspired by the early 90s alternative music movement in Toronto, Canada, their objective was to cultivate a community dedicated to supporting the alternative music scene comprehensively, encompassing production, creation, design, and music business. Their aim was not only to spotlight individuals within the music industry but also to establish a platform for learning.
With this vision in mind, Critical Zero initially ventured into photography and the creation of show reviews, playlists, and the promotion of local bands and events at punk shows in the area. Over time, this expanded to encompass more content creation, including video segments with interviews, live broadcasts, YouTube videos, reels, and TikToks, all centered around the Toronto alternative music scene like punk, indie, grunge, rock and international artists they believed would resonate with the Toronto music scene.
In 2022, Critical Zero successfully organized its first all-ages events, featuring local punk bands, designers, and artists. The primary objective was to create a safe space for young individuals to connect with local bands and businesses, facilitating networking and strengthening the music community in a post-pandemic era.