Month: June 2010

By: Sheena Lyonnais
June 16, 2010

If you haven’t seen a White Cowbell Oklahoma performance, you haven’t lived.  Nothing is off limits for this crazy, country rock’n’roll band – strippers, Santas, you name if, they’ve done it.  The antics alongside their impeccable ability to lay down some superbly talented gritty chops makes them a must see.  Clem C. Clemsen tells us more.

By: TJ Liebgott
June 16, 2010

Toronto band Styrofoam Ones are an orgy of musical styles entangled into one cohesive sound described simply as pop noir.  However, pigeonholing them into any genre is an impossibility.  Bringing the raw energy of punk, combining it with pop and throwing in some Richmond st. Club sounds for good measure, Styrofoam Ones are one of the more unique bands playing this year’s festival.  To tell us more is keyboardist/vocalist Andrew The.

By: TJ Liebgott
June 15, 2010

The first time we saw Spirits live we were instantly blown away.  Since then, we have seen them on numerous occasions and not once have they disappointed.  This threesome from Kitchener pack their shows full of synth pop hooks,  addictive melodies and more swagger than you can shake a stick at.  To tell us more is drummer Nick Skalkos.

By: TJ Liebgott
June 15, 2010

Alt-Country has been such a staple of Toronto indie, but Warped 45’s definitely stand out of the Horseshoe scene by being more country inspired, instead of drawing from the indie rock.  Warped 45’s have been making such waves in the scene that they have a steady flow of gigs leading them across Canada until November 27th.  Be sure to check out these up and comers before they become the next Blue Rodeo.

By: Sheena Lyonnais
June 11, 2010

I’ve seen bands cover songs from Super Mario Brothers, but never before have I seen a band whose entire catalogue of music is inspired by Nintendo and video games.  New York’s Anamanaguchi boasts intense techno-punk Yoshi beats.  They just completed the soundtrack for the Scott Pilgrim video game and are now bringing their fury of power ups and mushrooms to NXNE. Nerds, rejoice. Guitarist/NES-master Peter Berkman tells us more.

By: Sheena Lyonnais
June 11, 2010

My loyalty to Toronto’s music scene is rivaled primarily by Brooklyn, New York thanks to bands like Gold Lake.  For a band that lists “the smell of our nitrocellulose lacquered guitars” and “poisons and their antidotes” as influences, they sure transpire into a breezy, beautiful collection of songs with sharp lyrics, romantic melodies and moody guitars.  Vocalist Lua Rios tells us what we can expect from their much-anticipated return to NXNE.

By: Sheena Lyonnais

June 9, 2010

It amazes me the level of sheer talent coming out of Ireland right now and Autumn Owls are no exception.  A dreamy, solemn band, Autumn Owls is currently working on releasing their debut full-length album.  After two successful EPs, the band is bringing their haunting, enigmatic music to multiple showcases throughout Toronto’s NXNE.  I’ve fallen in love, guitarist/keyboardist Paul Bermingham tells us why you should too.

By: Sheena Lyonnais
June 8, 2010

Regina’s Rah Rah released their sophomore album Breaking Hearts earlier this month.  It’s full of whimsical indie beats, with lovely co-ed vocals and catchy, rampant choruses.  It’s the exact music that has stapled their image to Canadian streets.  Returning to NXNE for two performances, vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Erin Passmore tells us what to expect.

By: Sheena Lyonnais
June 8, 2010

I had never given much thought to volcanoes in Canada until the international level of natural disasters occurring as of late. Canada is home to almost every kind of volcano, primarily situated on the west coast. Luckily, Canada’s volcanoes have remained relatively dormant.  Not so dormant, however, are Saskatchewan rockers Volcanoless in Canada who have been touring the country en route to NXNE.  Guitarist Levi Soulodre tells us more.