SPOT-lighting new artists and launching the site!
Live music, giveaways and alcohol…
What more could you ask for?
Date:
March 22, 2007 @7:30PM; Show 8PM
Tickets:
$8
Location:
The Boat
Address:
158 Augusta Avenue
Advance ticket holders will get a free CD sampler of music by the artists performing. Also other free giveaways at the event!
Party with us and these homegrown artists:
Damien Rice has announced their US/Canadian tour dates this spring, promoting his new album, 9 crimes. He will be stopping by in Toronto at Massey Hall on May 18, 2007.
Damien Rice emerged into the spotlight in 2002 with his critically acclaimed breakout album “O”. As a fresh singer/songwriter from Dublin, Rice blew away audiences with his intimate, mesmerizing and emotionally charged music and lyrics. Following the success of “Blower’s Daughter” and “Cold Water” on the movie Closer, Rice has since been played on TV’s Grey’s Anatomy with “9 Crimes”, as well as collaborations with artists such as Tori Amos and The Frames.
The combination of Rice and the piercing accompanying vocals of Lisa Hannagan creates explosive and emotionally intense show; one can’t help but feel raw and vulnerable after experiencing one of their sets. With the rise of digital photography and videos, note that Rice has been known to stop mid-song to ask the audience to simply watch the concert rather than record it. At a gig in Toronto in 2006, he changed the lyrics of his song, “I remember” from
“I remember it well, taxied out of a storm, to watch you perform, and my ships were sailing” to
“I remember it well, when we used to watch concerts, not through a camera, please turn, them off please”
There are over 500 bands from around the globe performing at over 40 venues. CMW is a great festival to check out some new bands and some of your favourites perform at small venues. For a $35 wristband you can get access to the festival. There is also a conference (additional cost) where music gurus run workshops, panel discussions and performances for hungry musicians and their managers.
Artist highlights include: Apostle of Hustle, Baby Eagle, The Barmitzvah Brothers, Bedouin Sound Clash, The Besnard Lakes, Black Halos, Cadence Weapon, Cancer Bats, Carole Pope, DJ Champion, Glen Ballard, Gym Class, Hunter Valentine, Jacksoul, The Junction, Les Breastfeeders, Mute Math, Neverending White Lights, The Nymphets, Ohbijou, The Philosopher Kings, Rock Plaza Central, Royal Wood, Rubik, Stars of Track and Field, The Trews, Under Byen, Uncut, United Steel Workers of Montreal, We Say Party! You Say Die!, Wolfmother and Young Galaxy.
Click HERE for a complete list of bands performing.
This Friday night at This is London marks the triumphant return of our hometown disco-house boys, MSTRKRFT (pronounced ‘master craft’).As most of you know, prior to the incarnation of MSTRKRFT, there was a little indie-hardcore band called, Death From Above 1979 which featured two musicians – drummer/singer Sebastien Grainger and a bass/synth player, Jessie F. Keeler – whose sound equated to having an elephant in your living room blowing its nose.However, DFA’79 was short-lived as both members had seemingly bigger and better interests in other projects – Grainger, a surprisingly soft solo project, and Keeler his ongoing dance collaboration called MSTRKRFT.As a result, the two split ways and haven’t turned back.
Now, Keeler, who goes by JFK, has teamed up with DFA’79 producer AL-P to create a Daft-Punk loving alter-ego filled with robotic vocoders, heavy four-to-the-floor house beats and handclaps, and of course, a shit-load of cowbells.The result is splendid combination of rave beats that have caused the indie kids to lose their minds on the dance floor.FINALLY!All it took was two indie superstars to teach pretentious hipsters how to dance.
Although, MSTRKRFT has been around since before DFA’79, they have only recently been working full-time on this project.Their catalogue currently includes an LP on Last Gang Records titled ‘The Looks’, and three singles; the porn-electro ‘Easy Love’, the Daft Punk-esque ‘Work On You’ and the club banger ‘Street Justice’.They have also been busy remixing every possible rock and pop act you can think of including; Annie, Bloc Party, Wolfmother, All Saints, Metric, Buck 65, and even JFK’s deceased DFA’79.This stacked repertoire of dancy goodness has taken MSTRKRFT to international success with DJ tours all over the world, from Edmonton to Ibiza.
The great thing about these guys is that their not afraid to try and resuscitate the otherwise breathless electronica music scene, especially in North America.With back to back nights in Toronto and Montreal this weekend, and an extensive tour across the U.S. with house legend, John Digweed, you can be sure that our dance saviours from East York will not be back for sometime, or at least until it gets a bit warmer.So you best get your asses out into the cold winter air and come down to the swanky This Is London Nightclub, because it’s bound to be a great party.
Exclaim! just announced the Spring Fling tour, featuring DJ Champion and Québecois breakout band Malajube. I went to Exclaim! Magazine’s ’06 show with the Organ and Stars (among others) and I know tickets for the Toronto show sold out in a couple of days… so get them fast (Rotate This! or Ticketmaster are your best bets).
DJ Champion has exploded into the mainstream with their title track, “Heaven,” beating through the airwaves with their electro-rock beats across the nation. After major critical acclaim and nominee in the Polaris Music Prize, montréalers Malajube are bridging the Anglo-Francophone gap. These guys have a diverse indie rock sound to them, so catchy and so infectious that you don’t mind the French language – in fact, it wouldn’t be nearly as unique and fresh if it were English.
Exclaim! Spring Fling 2007 Line up: DJ Champion
Malajube
Chromeo
You Say Party! We Say Die!
If you’ve ever heard of Sam Roberts, you’ve likely come across a Matt Mays song or two. Matt Mays has made a name for himself in North America by frequently touring with the Canadian rock superstar, supporting his ever-growing catalogue of songs. While both artists are deeply rooted in the neo-classic rock tradition, Mays distinctive guitar driven songs and raspy lyrics has given way to a new style of Canadian rock. With the heavy airplay and wide success of his debut single, “Cocaine Cowgirl”, Mays was nominated for the Best New Artist at the 2005 Juno Awards, as well as several nominations at the East Coast Music awards. Mays then made an appearance at this year’s Virgin Festival on Toronto Island where he wowed a large audience with his day time set.
As a result, the Canadian people demanded a new album which Mays so elegantly delivered as a concept album called ‘When Angels Make Contact’ in late 2006. With several guest appearances (including production and a collaboration with Buck 65), the new album is a fantastic assortment of music ranging from soul and hip hop to blues and rock. ‘When Angels Make Contact’ is proof that Canada has bred yet another great genre-crossing artist who will likely make an impact internationally in the near future. Most recently, Mays appeared on Late Night with Conan O’brien, who personally requested for the appearance of the east coast rocker.
On Saturday January 20th, Mays brings his concert to the lavish Mod Club for what should be an amazing night of good old fashion heartbreak rock n’ roll. For anyone who is a fan of Tom Petty, BTO, the Guess Who and even Sam Roberts, you will not be disappointed by Matt Mays. I give this show my personal guarantee.
Check out the show here
Check out their website here
Hey there – wanted to highlight a local festival that’s just outside of Toronto: Brampton Indie Arts Festival 2007. It’s an indie arts festival in B-town happening Feb 8-11, showcasing local artists in all disciplines (visual arts, film, theatre, music). There are some big indie names performing including Moneen, Great Lake Swimmers and Most Serene Public.
This is a great place to check out some new local bands (One man machine is quite the piece of work. Think John Coltrane tricked out on K) and see some indie films and fringe theatre while you’re at it! Tickets vary and the festival pass for $25 is limited to 100 people.
Check out the website here
For the list of confirmed artists to date click here
Walking in the Drake Hotel on Wednesday, I was expecting an intimate and low-key acoustic show. What transpired was a night of high school rockin’ and shakin’ rain of young energy that made rethink my notion of “acoustic-soul”.
I arrived at around 10:20PM to Pat Robatille finishing up his solo set to an inattentive crowd. The ads posted a 10PM door opening, but unbeknownst to me the doors were actually at 9PM. It was a shame that I missed his set. I’ve heard about this young Windsor kid that’s got a get set of vocals.
Next up was We Are the Take, stripped down to an acoustic set with its core singers Craig Stickland and Erik Alcock. They had a bit of a rocky start thanks to a piano slightly out of tune, and a few jitters to work through. But once they belted out “Let Me Rule Your Life” and “I Will Wait For You,” they were in their element. WATT’s catchy chorus-drilling pop songs were built around piercing 2-part harmonies that forced the crowd to pay attention. As I listened to their set, I couldn’t help but keep thinking what their full band would sound like. I felt a few holes in the acoustic set that I think would’ve been answered with solid drum and bass support.
Justin Nozuka took the stage a little of after 11:15 PM. That’s late for an acoustic singer/songwriter show, but hey, may be it’s just me getting old. I first came across him at the Hillside Festival on the summer. Nozuka has got an infectious acoustic soul sound, reminiscent of Ben Harper, Amos Lee and sexy alto-diva India.Arie, with an incredible range of Stevie Wonder falsettos and a (dare i say) few sprinkles of Justin Timerlake.
Nozuka had quite the following of mostly female fans at the front and his own teenage/early 20s friends, which then made me see his “The O.C.” indie-artist potential. The crowd roared through most of his songs, knowing most of the tunes. “Criminal”, “Mr. Therapy Man” were big hits and during “Be Back Soon”, a break-dance circle broke out in front of the stage. The stage also took a turn to a rowdy Studio 54 floor when a tipsy girl took the stage and did her own cheerleader dance routine beside a blushing Nozuka (see video). Who knew acoustic-soul could set a flame to everyone’s shoes like this?
In the middle of the set he thanked his mother (in the crowd) and dedicated the next song, “Oh Mamma” to her. Nozuka’s CD also titled “Holly,” the name of his mother. You can still feel a humble nature and innocence on stage and through his music, which kept the night feeling fresh and genuine. Although he was still young, he had hefty things to say, with words about war, social change and spousal abuse.
As the night progressed, only the hardcore friends at the front of the stage stayed to the very end. I guess I wasn’t alone thinking this was a late start to the set. Pulling out six encore tunes to dwindling crowd was a bit taxing as the clock moved well-past midnight (on a school night – it wasn’t like we’re at the Opera House for a Supernova battle of the bands or anything). Perhaps he should have ended off a little earlier when he had the crowd wanting more, but it was his CD party… it was his night, so let him celebrate!
Nozuka pulled off a show that demonstrates that young talent can fell outside of the typical emo-punk element; a new wave of acoustic-soul is here. And with Nozkua’s album hitting Top 5 Albums downloaded in R&B/SOUL, it looks like it’s here to stay.
I just heard that this year’s open door music festival is happening this Wednesday Nov 22 @Mod club. This is a great fundraiser and showcaser of Cdn talent. Some are independent, some are more well known. Previous performers include tegan+sara, danny michel, liberty silver, lindy, melissa ferrick, erin mckeown, d’bi young, jill barber, madviolet, jonatha brooke, ladybirds & serena.
This year’s lineup is:
multi-instrumentalist with a cinematic flair for lyrical imagery, ANDY STOCHANSKY,
politically-charged folk-jazz-funk indie music sensation, EMBER SWIFT,
delightfully harmonious, new Universal artists, DALA,
ascendant urban jazz artist, KELLYLEE EVANS,
swoon-worthy acoustic balladeer, CRAIG CARDIFF,
and the spectacular MCC CHOIR with multi-faceted and powerfully big-voiced, JULIE MICHELS
All of these musicians donate their time and undeniable talent to make a real and tangible local difference.
SPOT the Groove Presents:
Damien Rice has announced their US/Canadian tour dates this spring, promoting his new album, 9 crimes. He will be stopping by in 
CMW 2007 line-up has been announced
This Friday night at ![[Exclaim! Logo]](http://www.mawovancouver.org/images/exclaim_logo.jpg "[Exclaim! Logo]"){kind=logo}
Exclaim! just announced the Spring Fling tour, featuring DJ Champion and Québecois breakout band Malajube. I went to Exclaim! Magazine’s ’06 show with the Organ and Stars (among others) and I know tickets for the Toronto show sold out in a couple of days… so get them fast (Rotate This! or Ticketmaster are your best bets).
If you’ve ever heard of Sam Roberts, you’ve likely come across a Matt Mays song or two. Matt Mays has made a name for himself in North America by frequently touring with the Canadian rock superstar, supporting his ever-growing catalogue of songs. While both artists are deeply rooted in the neo-classic rock tradition, Mays distinctive guitar driven songs and raspy lyrics has given way to a new style of Canadian rock. With the heavy airplay and wide success of his debut single, “Cocaine Cowgirl”, Mays was nominated for the Best New Artist at the 2005 Juno Awards, as well as several nominations at the East Coast Music awards. Mays then made an appearance at this year’s Virgin Festival on Toronto Island where he wowed a large audience with his day time set.![[BIAF Logo 2007]](http://myspace-376.vo.llnwd.net/00835/67/37/835307376_m.jpg "[BIAF Logo 2007]")
Hey there – wanted to highlight a local festival that’s just outside of Toronto: Brampton Indie Arts Festival 2007. It’s an indie arts festival in B-town happening Feb 8-11, showcasing local artists in all disciplines (visual arts, film, theatre, music). There are some big indie names performing including Moneen, Great Lake Swimmers and Most Serene Public.
Here are pics from the 
I just heard that this year’s 