Along the wave of pop-synth came a brooklyn duo called Matt&Kim. I was lucky enough to squeeeeze into the Whippersnapper Gallery by College and Clinton during the 2009 North By North East Musical Festival. Due to technical issues at the start and a the runs from some bad Thai Food earlier in the day, the duo put on a shortened set, but still made it the best 25-minute dancy bang you could ask for.
Matt plays synth and sings. Kim bangs on the drums. It’s a simple yet super fun combo that had the crowd jumping and playfully singing along. M&K are starting to get some exposure with their hit single “Daylight” being featured on a Bacardi video, and were recently on Jimmy Kimmel live in August. Not bad for a little dynamic pop duo.
Be sure to check them out before someone like Apple gets a hold of them!
The Tragically Hip are releasing their latest effort, “We Are the Same” on April 7th. I’ve had a listen to the first couple tracks from the album, and I must say so far it definitely isn’t the same (yet again) as the tried and true HIp sound and feel they’ve been coming out with for the past 15+ years.
The Hip are doing an “Evening with…” two-set nights with no openers. And playing a monumental 5-nights stint @Massey Hall couldn’t be more of a perfect venue for this iconic Canadian band. Tour Dates:
05/11/09: Toronto: Massey Hall
05/12/09: Toronto: Massey Hall
05/14/09: Toronto: Massey Hall
05/15/09: Toronto: Massey Hall
05/16/09: Toronto: Massey Hall
Ticket Pre-sales for members tour start on Tuesday, March 3rd at 10:00am
Regular Ticket sales Friday March 6th at 10:00am
Other Canadian Dates:
04/27/09: Kitchener: Centre In The Square
04/28/09: Kitchener: Centre In The Square
04/29/09: Kitchener: Centre In The Square
05/01/09: Montreal: Metropolis
05/02/09: Montreal: Metropolis
05/04/09: Quebec: Le Capitole
05/11/09: Toronto: Massey Hall
05/12/09: Toronto: Massey Hall
05/14/09: Toronto: Massey Hall
05/15/09: Toronto: Massey Hall
05/16/09: Toronto: Massey Hall
05/23/09: Kingston: K-Rock Centre
06/22/09: Vancouver: Orpheum Theatre
06/23/09: Vancouver: Orpheum Theatre
06/24/09: Vancouver: Orpheum Theatre
07/23/09: London: Harris Park
09/09/09: Winnipeg: Centennial Concert Hall
09/10/09: Winnipeg: Centennial Concert Hall
09/11/09: Winnipeg: Centennial Concert Hall
09/14/09: Edmonton: Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium
09/16/09: Edmonton: Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium
09/17/09: Edmonton: Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium
09/19/09: Banff: Eric Harvie Theatre
09/21/09: Calgary: Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium
09/23/09: Calgary: Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium
09/24/09: Calgary: Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium
09/26/09: Ottawa: National Arts Centre
09/27/09: Ottawa: National Arts Centre
09/28/09: Ottawa: National Arts Centre
Jill Barber w/the Hyzoloists
Mod Club
12.21.09
8.5/10
Jill Barber swooped through Toronto on a frigid Saturday in February, promoting her new album, Chances. Using this night as her “official” launch party for this album, I couldn’t think of a better venue than the Mod Club to host. With a hybrid of seats, cocktail tables and a giant mirrorball set, the venue was as classy and chic as our the beloved East Coast singer/songwriter who graced the stage.
CBC Radio3 host Grant Lawrence was the MC of the evening, kicking off the night with a heavily layered and resonant instrumental set from Toronto’s own Hyzoloists. There aren’t many times you get a chance to hear the xylophone (or is it a Marimba?) as the lead instrument in an indie band without it sounding like dissonant off-the-rails random indie band that Pitchfork somehow rated 9.2/10. The Hyzolists were in actual fact very talented and experienced, knowing how to construct a composition with enough variation, layering and movement to keep audiences engaged and from leaving to grab a drink.
Jill Barber bounced onto the stage with a 50′s inspired skirt that fit the theme of her new album, Chances. The bright and bouncy dress matched Barber’s beaming smile and enthusiasm, infectious to everyone watching and the music she performed. Her signature seductive smoky alto voice worked in harmony with her 50s jazz/folk inspired music, staying true to the sound but still relevant to today.
Barber’s performance appeared effortless, captivating the audience though great storytelling and intros to the inspiration to her songs. The highlight of the night was her performance of “Oh My My,” a song which could easily be mistaken as a classic Mississippi bluegrass folk tune sung in the Great Depression. With hand clapping, toe stomping call and answers with the band/crowd, Jill had everyone moving and singing to the beat.
Jill Barber’s set also included some of her classic love/lust songs such as “For All Time,” “Two Brown Eyes” and “When I’m Making Love To You”, reminding us why we fell in love with her in the first place. Overall it was a great show and one leaving everyone with a big smile on their face and little pride in finding a Canadian talent so genuine that can connect with listeners from all ages and backgrounds.
Dan Mangan from Vancouver has been recording a sophomore album to his first release, Post Cards and Daydreaming. He’s got a deep, raspy powerful voice accompanied by stripped down acoutic guitar that’ll make anyone stop to to listen.
Although he was a bit rusty being in the studio vs. relentessly on tour and playing folk festivals up the guitar hole, he put on a decent set at the Wreck Room on the corner of Bloor and Spadina. It was part of IndieCan Radio, a local indie music radio/podcast that puts on a free weekly show showcasing indie artists.
What a way to spark up a freezing Wednesday night. A trio East Coast artists put on a show at the Horseshoe, showcasing great breadth of music and talent emerging from the East. Opening the set was Oh No Forest Fires, a firey indie punk band, with as much ragged bounce as it’s lead singer’s hairdo. Although I only caught the last 2 tracks of their set, I could tell they could’ve gone all night.
Following up was Museum Pieces. Although they had a few technical issues and temperamental front man right out of the gates, they put in a decent set. Essences of Northern Lights and prog rock shimmered through, but overall I had trouble deciphering variance between songs, to a point where everything simply melding into one. Their rolling instrumental proggy sequences that never climaxed, and with mediocre on-stage performance, the band had trouble connecting to and engaging with audience. We never really got past their name, let alone their live set.
The Earnest East coasters roots rock band Hey Rosetta! headlined the night with an high energy set promoting their newest album produced with Hawksley Workman, Into Your Lungs. Yet again the kids from Halifax New Foundland delivered a foot stomping, hand clapping show stopping set. With a handful of devote fans leading the way, highlights included “New Goodbye”, “Handshake the Gangster”, and ‘oldies’ “Another Pilot” and “Simplest Thing”.
I just can’t seem to get enough of this band – Each song works like chapters in harmony with one another. Each musician is equally gifted in their own way and you can hear elements of classical training adding in depth, intricacy and sheer genious when it’s all stitched together. HR! on stage presence is strong and you can see their love and passion for the music and stage. It’s a brand of earnest musicians that love what they do and don’t let the their new found success and hype go into their lungs.
Apologies, but the concert page is under construction. Tibconcerts (the company I work with to list Toronto shows) is totally revamping their site.. so my SPOT the Groove page is on the list, hopefully coming up soon.
Jeffery Straker
Bread and Circus, Kensington Market
09.10.08
On a referral from a friend, I mosied down one cool Wednesday evening on September 10 to check out Jeffery Straker, a queer small town prairie boy come singer/songwriter in Toronto. It was a friendly songwriters circle, with two other musicians sharing the stage. It was at a small venue that I’ve walked by a million times while in Kensington Market, but never entered. The Bread and Circus is a tiny nook bar tucked between the fish, fruit and random army surplus vendors on Baldwin Street.
With mostly friends supporting their kickoff party to their West/Northern Ontario tour, the prairie boys put on a fun and intimate gig that had everyone singing, clapping and even playing harmonica. Straker was on the piano and had a bright, whimsical, cabaret sound, accompanied by a barrel of lyrics based mostly on personal experiences, childhood (trauma!) and the actions of those around him. Despite the seemingly bright and auspicious sound, many times the lyrics painted a deeper, somber picture. But when you have a bipolar friend that stole a cake from Tim Hortons and fed it to a statue of Alexander the Great right in front of you, as a songwriter how could you NOT be inspired to write about the experience? With Elton John ala Tiny Dancer inspired pianos and MIKA vocals, you can’t help but sit up and take a listen.
The other 2 musicians were also engaging and fun to listen, interacting with the audience and engaging in witty banter, which is par for the course. One especially amusing tune was “Soldier” by David Hein, a well seasoned local singer/songwriter and folk festival veteran, written as part of a workshop at the Brandon Manitoba folk festival. The tune was written in 24-hours and must include the infamous Killers lyric: “I’ve got soul but I’m not a soldier”.
The “3 guys from the prairies” will be touring in Hamilton, Manitoulin, SSM, and North Bay, and returning back to Toronto for Straker’s CD Release party on Nov 13 @Supermarket. Let’s hope he’ll have the full band so we can see him in full force!
Over the past few years the organizers for UofT Orientation week have consistently delivered on steller Canadian acts to perform at the end of frosh week. Previous performers include Hidden Cameras, Stars and Metric. This year they have delivered again. Although they say you must be a UofT student to go, they’ve pretty open to non-froshies coming to party with them. As long as you can handle standing among confused and socially awkward 17-year olds, I suggest you head out.
TOKYO POLICE CLUB w/Cadence Weapon and Basia Bulat.
DRAGONETTEis headlining the afterparty, a poppy Esthero-esque electropop band.
Last week NXNE hit Toronto for another year of indie music and film mostly centered around Queen St. West. For $29 music fans and hipsters can parade from venue to venue, checking out anything from old time favourites, international sounds or local basement bands. From June 12-14, 2008 musicians from around the world strolled the streets of Toronto, attending the industry conference by day and playing as many clubs/bars/street corners as possible to get noticed.
Even though NXNE pails in comparison to the world famous mecca of indie music festivals, SXSW in Austin, TX, 500 bands in 40+ venues isn’t too shabby! TIP: 2 wheeled transport is king. With bands going on at the top of each hour from 8PM to 1AM (some as early as 6PM and as late as 4AM) and playing 40-45 min sets, you’ve got about 15 mins to get to your next venue. Battling traffic is a breeze by bike on Queen street since at the core, cars and streetcars are pretty much a standstill. All you need to mind are the odd schmoes swinging their door open in front of you excited they actually found a parking spot.
Thanks to my handy bike and wristband, I was able to hit up quite a number of acts. Every year I question whether it’s worth fighting with hipsters at venues just because it’s busy, watching pretentious music industry folks pass through the line only to chat with themselves through the entire set, or simply enduring overly hyped and boring shows. But it’s all worth the effort when you find at least one artist that blows you away. Some highlights this year included Hey Rosetta!, Justin Rutledge, You Say Party! We Say Die! and King Sunshine . Below are a few hot acts I caught from NXNE 2008:
Death, drugs, sex and absolute fabulousness. This ADHD glam rock band has come out of the NYC closets and grungy bars to make their Canadian debut at the Silver Dollar. Their high energy show will bring rock and sexuality back in the vein of Bowie/Iggy Pop. Bisexual frontman Justin Precious Tranter gives a commanding diva sized performance that’ll top any drag queen from Priscilla: Queen of the Desert or perhaps even Hedwig, the transrock queen from Germany. Their blend of classic rock is contemporised with a grungy NYC sound; throw in some 12-inch heels, boob bombing, and heel/toe kicks during guitar solos and you’ve got a weapon guaranteed to rock out any club! CDs won’t be available until the fall, so until then you can always pick up one of their semi-precious jewellery or an envirobag printed with a line that really summaries this killer band: "I CAN’T PAY THE RENT BUT I’M FUCKING GORGEOUS".
A great singer/songwriter from the West coast. He’s acoustic folk and pop sound is powerful when coupled with his deep raspy voice. Similar to S-PW, Dan’s music is inspiried both by the old greats like Woody Guthrie and the ambient pop artists today (A Northern Chorus, Sigur Ros). Although he was forced to cope with the cavernous Fun HAUS (poor poor venue selection by NXNE organizers), Dan was able to still capture some intimacy into his set. Let’s hope he’ll play at a better venue next time around!
OK so not really one artist, but rather an amazing pastiche of Canadian bands doing 15-min power sets at Six Shooter HQ backlot on Queen St. East, near Pape Ave. With a flurry of musicians both performing and simply enjoying the music, Six Shooter put on a great afternoon of free music, food and $4 beer from 2-6PM. It’s a hidden gem off the beaten NXNE path, but well worth the trek out East. This years artists included: NQ ArbuckleElliott BroodJason PlumbHey Rosetta!Hawksley WorkmanMelissa McClellandLuke DoucetJustin RutledgeOh SusannaChris LetcherRoyal WoodDog Bus . It was a truly relax atmosphere focused around great music, leaving fans satisfied (albeit loaded) and ready for the final Saturday night of festival going in the city.
It’s days before the 14th annual North by Northeast Music & Film Festival (and Conference) hits Toronto. This Thursday June 12- Saturday 15, 2008 at over 50 venues in downtown Toronto will host over 300 bands from around the world. Sure, it’s no SXSE, the mecca for indie artists, but it’s still a great opportunity to see both local and international artists without slepping it out to Austin, TX.
Having been a delegate, volunteer and general concert goer in the past, NXNE will deliver some great music, helping launch local artists like Tokyo Police Club, Moneen and Pilate (whatever happened to Pilate anyway?). This year’s line up has a ton of international artists to discover, especially a bunch traveling all the way from down under.
Highlights: Sloan, My Morning Jacket, Ted Leo and the Pharmacists, the Besnard Lakes, Dan Mangan, Magenta Lane, People in Planes, Two Hours Traffic, Matt Mays and El Torpedo, We Are Wolves, Great Lake Swimmers, Hey Rosetta!, White Cowbell Oaklahoma, Julie Doiron, Swervedriver, Redd Kross, Sheek Louch, the High Dials, French Kicks, Black Diamond Bay (featuring the Dears’ Patrick Krief), the Diableros, Uncut, Young and Sexy, and Carina Round.
Similar to SXSW, there’s a film festival component to North by Northeast. Of particular note is the debut of the premiere episode of “The Side Street Project”, which gets Holy Fuck, Buck 65, and Emm Gryner jamming on Springsteen’s “State Trooper”, Gordon Lightfoot’s “The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald”, and Def Leppard’s “Pour Some Sugar on Me”.
Click HERE for the full list of artists and films.
