If you were a teenager—or the parent of one—back in 2016, your Netflix queue was probably dominated by a very specific brand of Canadian musical drama. I’m talking about Lost & Found Music Studios. It was that weird, wonderful spin-off of The Next Step that felt like a cross between a reality show and a high school talent show, minus the annoying judges.
The show centered on a group of young musicians navigating the "Studio A" program, and honestly, the Lost & Found Music Studios cast was a powerhouse of actual musical talent. They weren't just actors hitting marks; most of them were writing their own songs and playing their own instruments. That’s why the show felt so authentic. It wasn't over-produced. It was raw. Sometimes a bit cringey? Sure. But always real.
But it's been years. A lot has changed since the doors of the studio closed.
The Breakout Stars: Where are they now?
Shane Harte, who played the lead role of Luke, was basically the face of the show. If you remember Luke, you remember that "guy-next-door" vibe that every indie band in 2015 was trying to cultivate. Shane didn't just walk away from music when the show ended. He leaned into it. He released singles like "Left Standing" and "Let You Know," which actually gained some serious traction on Canadian radio. He’s transitioned into a more mature pop-rock sound, moving away from the teeny-bopper aesthetic that defined his early career.
Then there’s Sarah Carmosino, who played Rachel. Rachel was always the heart of the show for me. Sarah has stayed incredibly active in the Toronto arts scene. She’s one of those artists who doesn't feel the need to be a "celebrity." She just wants to create. She’s been involved in various musical projects and continues to showcase that signature soulful voice that made her a fan favorite.
The Next Step Crossovers
We can't talk about the Lost & Found Music Studios cast without mentioning the massive overlap with The Next Step.
Victoria Baldesarra (Michelle) and Jordan Clark (Giselle) made appearances, bridging the gap between the dancers and the musicians. It created this shared universe that felt huge. Victoria, in particular, has become a massive digital influencer. She’s moved far beyond just being "the girl from the dance show." She’s a brand now.
Levi Randall (Theo) is another one to watch. Theo was the resident "cool guy" of the studio. In real life, Levi is a dedicated singer-songwriter. He’s been consistently putting out music on platforms like Spotify and SoundCloud. If you listen to his recent stuff, it’s much more experimental than the tracks he performed on the show. He’s finding his voice. It’s cool to see.
Why the Show Still Has a Cult Following
You might think a show that only ran for two seasons would fade into obscurity. It hasn't. Thanks to Netflix and YouTube, a whole new generation is discovering it.
People love a good underdog story. The characters in Lost & Found weren't perfect. They dealt with rejection, writer's block, and the awkwardness of first loves. It wasn't polished like a Disney Channel sitcom. The lighting was often dim, the sets looked lived-in, and the mistakes felt intentional.
The music was the real draw. Think about songs like "Believe" or "Lovesick." They were genuinely good pop songs. The show worked because the producers, like Frank van Keeken, understood that you can't fake musical chemistry. You either have it or you don't. This cast had it in spades.
Deeper Cuts: The Supporting Cast
Alex Zaichkowski (John) brought a certain edge to the show. He was the guy with the guitar who always seemed a bit more serious than everyone else. Since the show, Alex has continued to perform. He’s part of the Canadian indie scene, often playing live gigs in and around Ontario. He’s stayed true to that "musician's musician" vibe.
Keara Graves (Leia) has perhaps had one of the most interesting post-show journeys. They have become a significant voice in the LGBTQ+ community and a successful YouTuber/content creator. Keara’s transparency about their life and career has built a massive, loyal following that extends way beyond the Lost & Found fandom.
Rakim Kelly (Isaac) was the resident rapper and producer. In the years since, Rakim has continued to work in the music industry, often behind the scenes. It’s a common theme with this cast—many of them realized that the "glamour" of being in front of the camera wasn't as fulfilling as the actual process of making music.
The Technical Reality of the "Studio A" Sound
If you’re looking to replicate that mid-2010s indie-pop sound that the Lost & Found Music Studios cast perfected, you have to look at their setup. They used a lot of acoustic-electric hybrids.
- Guitars: Mostly Taylor or Martin acoustics for that crisp, clean high end.
- DAWs: Most of the "producing" scenes showed Logic Pro or Ableton, which were—and still are—the industry standards.
- Vocals: Minimal autotune. That was the key. They wanted the cracks and the breaths to be audible.
It was about authenticity. In an era of overly synthesized pop, Lost & Found was a breath of fresh air. It taught kids that you could just pick up an instrument and tell a story. You didn't need a million-dollar studio; you just needed a "Studio A" mindset.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Cast
There's this weird misconception that the cast were "actors first." Actually, for most of them, it was the opposite. The casting directors specifically looked for kids who were already active in the music scene.
They weren't "manufactured."
That’s why the chemistry felt so natural. When you see them jamming in the background of a scene, they aren't just miming. They are actually playing. This led to a lot of improvisation on set, which gave the show its documentary-style feel.
The Legacy of Lost & Found
The show was a launchpad. It wasn't the destination.
While we might not see a reboot anytime soon—everyone has moved on to very different lives—the influence is still there. You can see the DNA of Lost & Found in modern shows like Julie and the Phantoms. It proved there was a market for music-driven teen dramas that took the music seriously.
Honestly, looking back, the show was ahead of its time in terms of how it integrated digital content with the linear episodes. They were doing "vlogs" and "behind the scenes" content before it was a standard marketing requirement.
How to Follow the Cast Today
If you want to keep up with what the Lost & Found Music Studios cast is doing, social media is your best bet, but not just Instagram.
- Check Spotify: Search for the actors' real names. Most have active artist profiles with recent releases.
- YouTube is a Goldmine: Many of the cast members, like Keara Graves, have pivoted to long-form video content that offers a much more personal look at their lives.
- The Next Step Fan Events: Occasionally, cast members will pop up at conventions or fan meet-ups, especially in Canada and the UK, where the show remains incredibly popular.
Moving Forward with Your Own Music
If you were inspired by the show to start your own musical journey, the best thing you can do is just start. Don't wait for a "Studio A" to invite you in.
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Start by recording voice memos on your phone. Learn three chords on a cheap ukulele. Write lyrics about the boring stuff in your life—that’s usually where the best songs come from anyway. The cast of Lost & Found succeeded because they were fans of music first and performers second. Keep that priority straight and you'll be fine.
The "lost" part of the title always felt a bit ironic to me. These kids weren't lost; they were just in the process of being found. And based on where they are now, it looks like most of them found exactly what they were looking for.
Actionable Steps for Aspiring Musicians
- Study the Songwriting: Go back and listen to the Lost & Found soundtracks. Pay attention to the song structures. Most follow a standard Verse-Chorus-Verse-Chorus-Bridge-Chorus format. It’s a classic for a reason.
- Master One Instrument: You don't need to be a multi-instrumentalist. Pick the guitar or the piano and get comfortable enough with it that you can sing without thinking about your fingers.
- Collaborate Locally: The show was all about the "collective." Find other people in your town or school who play. Even if your styles don't match, the friction usually creates something interesting.
- Distribute Your Work: Use services like DistroKid or Landr to get your music on streaming services. It’s easier and cheaper than ever to have your music live alongside the artists you admire.
The era of Lost & Found Music Studios might be over, but the careers of the people involved are still very much in progress. They’re a testament to the idea that talent, when paired with a platform, can create a lasting impact long after the cameras stop rolling.