NXNE 2007 Highlights (Click for Video)

North by Northeast 2007, an indie music fest, rolled into Toronto and taking over 40+ venues and 400 bands over 4 days. Loaded with industry folk and scenesters, one can feel cynical and a bit intimidated. With so many artists it can be daunting, especially when it appears everyone knows who the ‘hot’ ones are to see. But let’s be honest, it all depends on what you’re looking for. Play it by ear, chat with others and enjoy the randomness of the festival. It’s all about finding out about new music and having a kick ass time doing it.

After checking out about 10 artists, here are a few that blew me away:

Hey Rosetta! - An east coast roots rock band from NFLD. Lead singer and songwriter John Mullane has an explosive voice that sounds like he’s been smoking, drinking and singing for 20 years, when he’s probably barely passing 25 himself. With elements of Matt Mays, Joel Plaskett and a bit of Counting Crows, HR! has got a repertoire of infectious emotional and comforting music that pulls you right in. Songs like The Simplest Thing and Into the Night evolve as they play them, changing tempos and dynamics to keep you on your toes. It’s like every song is a soundtrack to a movie climax. Good shit.

Justin Rutledge – a heartbreaker roots country singer/songwriter. During his set he described his music “drunken bastard ballad tunes,” and I couldn’t agree more! It was my first time seeing him perform live, and I’d have to say it was much better than the recorded CDs. He’s a terrific performer, entertainer and storyteller.

You Say Party! We Say Die! - As part of the CBC Radio3 sponsored evening at the Horseshoe, it appeared to be that YSP!WSD! was band everyone wanted to see. With both media and wristband lineups that went for miles down Queen and all the way up Spadina, I wondered if they would be worth the fight with scenesters to get in. I was a little hesitant after a lukewarm crowd reception at the Exclaim! Spring Fling festival with DJ Champion (but granted, they were given the kiss of death 8PM opening start). This time around it was absolutely incredible. Their suburban punk-rock sound had the crowd jumping, crowd surfing and even moshing. It’s not every day when you see the comatose Toronto crowd moving at an indie show. With Rogers contracts and major labels buzzing around, YSP will be going places!

King Sunshine – A local Toronto act, King Sunshine once again delivered a 40-minute rollercoaster 70s disco funk/groove party at the Gladstone. It took a few numbers to the crowd moving, but once the engine got going the crowd was hopping. The lead singer has got both the Whitney Houston power and Aretha’s soul and sass, enough to turn your 2 left feet back to the right foot!

Here are more photos/videos from other artists that week. ENJOY!

Jim Bryson – NXNE

Pat Robitaille – NXNE

2 comments June 29th, 2007