NXNE Preview: The Paperbacks

The Paperbacks Band
The Paperbacks Band By: TJ Liebgott
May 31, 2010

Coming off the heels of their 32-song double disc album Lit From Within release, The Paperbacks will be making their way from Winnipeg, Manitoba to Sydney, Nova Scotia with two stops in Toronto.  If you can’t stand the crowds during NXNE, you can catch them prior to the festival before they hit the east coast.  To tell us more is bass player Jaret McNabb.

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CONTEST: BSS Vinyl giveaway

forgiveness_rock_record.jpg
forgiveness_rock_record.jpgToronto Music Scene is giving away an absolutely gorgeous, heavy collectable 12" vinyl of Broken Social Scene‘s latest release, Forgiveness Rock Record, courtesy of Arts & Crafts records. Canada’s most famous collective have created perhaps some of the most beautiful, abstract, haunting pieces to date, including vocals from all the favourites: Jason Collett, Kevin Drew, Brendan Canning, Fiest, Emily Haines, Charles Spearin, Amy Millan and the rest.  If we didn’t suffer from a hefty guilt complex, we would hide this record from all of you and keep it to ourselves. But alas, it is yours if you email contests@torontomusicscene.ca and tell us why you should have it.  Best reason wins.  Winner will be notified by email.

CD Review: Chin – D’Tach

Chin CD Review
Chin CD Review By: Stephen Baldwin
May 17, 2010
Canadian artist/producer Chin’s debut album D’Tach has loads of potential, despite a minor plateau. Still, though, the album has a lot to offer.  With a style of urban music that has become characteristically Canadian (what he calls, “Urban Folk”), Chin combines warm acoustic guitar with basic hip hop beats and raw vocals. He uses a variety of elements employed by artists that he’s worked with – both as a producer and a performer – like K’naan and Bedouin Soundclash.

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Show Review: I hated arena rock until Joshua Homme proved me wrong

Them Crooked Vultures Live In Hamilton Them Crooked Vultures, Arkells & Alberta Cross @ Air Canada Center, May 15
By: Shane Saunderson
Photos: Allison Dunnings
May 17, 2010

You don’t know me, so I feel that it’s only fair we chat a bit before this goes too far.  I’m a farm boy from the middle of nowhere in Manitoba.  My first memorable concert was seeing Moist touring on Silver back in ’94 in a hockey rink in Brandon, MB.  This was also the first time I got drunk.  Over the years, I’ve seen more live shows than your average roadie and like many addicted to the stage, I’ve grown to hate stadium gigs.

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Show Review: Stars shine despite overcast skies and a broken air conditioner

Stars Live at Mod Club In Toronto Stars @ the Mod Club, May 5
By: Mike Greene
May 14, 2010
 
On a rainy night in downtown Toronto it was possible to see the stars. Not up in the sky, but at the Mod Club.  Montreal indie darlings Stars came out to preview their upcoming album the Five Ghosts and play it in its entirety; a huge tease considering the album doesn’t drop until June 22. The soggy weather wasn’t enough to stop the sold out crowd, though the broken air conditioner made it felt like a sauna with all the body heat and soon had the crowd dried out.  Thankfully, the venue was kind enough to hand out free bottles of water. As the stage was being adorned with white flowers to resemble a funeral, the crowd was treated to an opening DJ set by Stars’ front man Torquil Campbell.

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Contest: win a EP and a t-shirt from the Cunninghams

The Cunninghams EP That Outta Hold Em
 The Cunninghams EP That Outta Hold Em
 Toronto’s the Cunninghams are giving a copy of their latest EP That Oughtta Hold ‘Em and a t-shirt to one lucky fan.  The rock’n’roll band and self-appointed Cunninghams have a slew of shows coming up including a performance at the Edge 102 studios on June 5th and the Bread and Circus on June 11th.  To enter, tell us the name of the song for their newly released music video.  Check it out for yourself at myspace.com/thecunninghamsband and then send us an email to contests@torontomusicscene.ca along with your contact information (kept confidential) as package will be mailed.  Winner will be notified by email.

Contest: Win free tickets to the Virgins from Smirnoff

Smirnoff Expierence with KeysNKrates, The Virgins and Sonic C
Smirnoff Expierence with KeysNKrates, The Virgins and Sonic C Toronto Music Scene has a pair of passes to give away to the Smirnoff Experience at the Phoenix (19+) on May 21.  The Carnivale experience includes performances by KeysNKrates, the Virgins and Sonic C, as well as contortionists, ringmasters and other circus acts.  All you have to do is email contests@torontomusicscene.ca along with your address and tell us your most whack or memorable carnivale experience.  Hint: we like humour and exaggeration!  Winner will be notified by email and Smirnoff will be sending the package. All your information is kept confidential and deleted once the packages are received.  Contest closes May 15. We’ll be there, will you?! 

Ask A Professional: Recording Engineer Kenny Luong

Kenny Luong Recording Interview
Kenny Luong Recording Interview By: TJ Liebgott
May 10, 2010

Toronto Music Scene recently sat down with Toronto Recording Engineer, Producer and Editor Kenny Luong to discuss the recording process for bands new at the art. Luong trained at Fanshawe College and has worked on albums for Billy Talent, Cancer Bats, Barenaked Ladies, Die Mannequin and Comeback Kid, to name a few.  Here is what he had to say:

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