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By: Sheena Lyonnais
November 2, 2011
When a buzz band launches with a debut album titled Drink Dance Destroy and a lead track called “Wasted” it’s safe to assume you’re in for a messy, good time. Toronto’s Teenage X aren’t trying to be anything they’re not – and perhaps guitarist Rich Gaskin says it best, “We’re not guitar solos. We’re not flash. We’re not costumes and makeup. We’re just good catchy songs and a hot singer.”
By: Sheena Lyonnais
November 1, 2011
Toronto’s Darlings of Chelsea are fresh off the tour and release of their heavily anticipated full-length, Panic is Worse Than The Emergency. This past year saw Darlings of Chelsea’s prolific vocalist Sean Robertson quit the band, with guitarist Paul Thompson quickly stepping in to take lead. Despite the shift, DOC maintained the rock’n’roll synonymous with their brand – and with help from producer Darryl Neudorf (Neko Case, New Pornographers, Blue Rodeo) created an album that does not disappoint. Gearing up for their show this Saturday (Nov 5) at the Hideout, we chat with frontman Paul about the new album, the new songs and what it’s like to suddenly be in the spotlight.
Continue reading “Interview with Darlings of Chelsea’s Paul Thompson”
By: Sheena Lyonnais
October 31, 2011
Toronto Music Scene had the chance to chat with Teenage Kicks‘ frontman Peter Van Helvoort in anticipation of their upcoming performance this Friday (Nov 4) at the Horseshoe. The band has generated buzz since the release of their acclaimed debut EP Rational Anthems, a home-hitting fusion of solid garage rock swirled around undeniable classic rock influences. Peter reflects on lessons learned through his previous roles in The Most Serene Republic and Cain & Abel, the (re)addition of fifth player and key shredder Christian Turner, and what we can expect from the band now that they’re headed to the studio to record their follow-up, currently pegged as Rational Anthems 2.0. There’s even some hometown nostalgia thrown in for good measure. Here’s what he had to say:
Continue reading “Interview with Teenage Kicks’ Peter Van Helvoort”
By: Sheena LyonnaisThere’s a notable wisdom amongst Little City that radiates through their touching and mature folk-inspired indie rock. They are delicate and smooth, yet grounded on solid percussion that is interlaced with Frances Miller’s moaning vocals, melodic guitars, complimentary banjos and authentic lyrics. Guitarist Shaun Axani found some time between the real world and writing masters papers to tell us a little more about why we should pack our bags and move to the Little City…or at least spend the night there during NXNE.
By: Sheena LyonnaisAustralia’s uber sweet Lenka is rolling into town the night NXNE really kicks off, and while it’s not technically part of the festival we thought we’d give her a chance to speak her mind anyway. Her alluringly sweet and catchy tracks like “Heart Skips A Beat” and “The Show” have landed her music in everything from Grey’s Anatomy to Easy A, not to mention numerous late night television performances. She talks to us about her new album Two and returning to the city that hosted her first sold-out show.
BY: Sheena LyonnaisCalgary-turned-Montreal’s Braids are strong contenders for the 2011 Polaris Music Prize long-list (to be announced June 16) and for obvious reasons. Their debut album Native Speaker is already a magnum opus of sorts, receiving high-praise and frequent comparisons to greats like Animal Collective. They combine subtly quirky lyrics with ambient, wispy indie rock and energetic performances, a balance they so elegantly achieve. Bassist/guitarist Taylor Smith tells us about the band’s past year and what to expect from their NXNE performances.
By: TJ LiebgottToronto’s the oOohh Baby Gimmie Mores are a cocktail of eclectic sounds and genres. Starting out as a hip hop duo, TOBGM began infusing live instruments into their act ultimately creating a unique booty-shaking band. Think early Beastie Boy’s with more edge, grit, vibe and a more modern sound. TOBGM tell us more of what to expect from this year’s NXNE showcase.
Continue reading “NXNE Preview: The oOohh Baby Gimmie Mores”
By: TJ LiebgottBastard are the kind of band that write songs soaked in whiskey that you would imagine coming out of LA’s sunset strip scene in the 90’s, except they are from Whitby, Ontario. Don’t let their hometown fool you though, this four-piece plays testosterone filled, balls-to-the-wall, straight ahead hard rock. While it seems a ton of bands are going for this sound in Toronto, Bastard is one of the elite few doing it right. Vocalist Ugly Bastard and drummer Slick Bastard join forces to tell us more.
By: TJ LiebgottThe best way to describe Toronto band Topanga can be summed up in just one word, fun. Sometimes you listen to a band and you just know that it was formed on the basis of a group of good friends that just want to have a great time, play music, drink beer and get laid. All of their songs have quirky hooks, are soaked in energy and seem like they would be the perfect backdrop for a sloppy drunk kegger! Just check out their video for “Lionheart” released today to see what this band is about. I guarantee it’ll be more fun than watching season three of Boy Meets World. To tell us more is lead singer Stefan Babcock.
By: Sheena LyonnaisHotKid is on our list of must-see bands at this year’s NXNE and they should be on yours too. Vocalist/guitarist Shiloh Harrison has a sexy, booming voice that sounds like she grew up hanging out in rec rooms, spinning indie rock and spitting undeniable attitude. Complimented by the fiery Robbie Butcher on drums, the duo combines garage influences decorated with pop hooks best represented in two track’s off last year’s Under The Streetlight, “Yours & Mine” and “Fake It.”
They just wrapped shooting another video with MMVA nominated Alon Isocianu and will be hitting the road with Sloan at the end of the month. They tell us why you should fit them into your NXNE schedulizer.