Toronto Unplugged

Two Thousand and Seven was the spark to the tinder for the end of the music industry as we know it – 2007 was the meltdown.
Musicians, bands and management started realizing the full potential of the digital and Internet soundscape. They started realizing that the current model just doesn’t make sense anymore and began exploring options.
Stars, Prince and Radiohead wielded the biggest digital axe, but rising bands also took a toll by releasing, promoting and selling music on their own through a very simple formula – lots of hard work. Is there a valuable lesson …read more

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This just in…
I just got an email from Run with the Kittens manager Nick informing me of the
following…hilarious:
We’re in the top 20 for 2007’s “Song of the Year” on the Red Peters Comedy Music Hour, a real funny show on Howard Stern 101, on Sirius Satellite Radio. The Kittens tune “Let’s make F*^k” from our first record is being considered for the top spot.
Voting has already started, and will continue until January 15th at 5pm EST.
It’s easy to vote, just click here scroll down, check out the (lack of) competion, and then vote for us!!! We’re way funnier and filthier …read more

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This past year saw truly good musicians and bands break out in the city. This is always refreshing to me…when bands that you’ve seen in small bars and venues (that you always knew were great) start getting major buzz and recognition and can watch the success unfold.
2008 will carry and continue this trend of good (if not great) bands breaking out – the momentum of great music and hungry bands in the city is too strong to steer otherwise.
The Assistants could very well be one of our next bands to break. According to their Myspace page, they describe …read more

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b5media’s Flight of the Conchords blog, Conchord Crazy, is excited to announce that Sammi Dittloff will be taking over the helm.
Sammi Dittloff is a well established blogger who currently also writes the blog 52 Bands – which was recently nominated for Best Music Discovery Blog by Hypebot.com
Stay tuned to Conchord Crazy to get your fix of New Zealand’s fourth most popular digi-folk paradists.

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Outside of New Year’s Eve gigs, tonight at the Pheonix is the last big show of the year.
Billy Talent is taking the stage tonight to headline the Second Annual FU.MS. concert to raise money for the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada.
Joining Billy Talent tonight is:  City and Colour, The Saint Alvia Cartel, K-OS, Justin Peroff of BSS and DJ Jazz.
The show is 19+ 
Tickets: $49.50 (Plus service charges) Available at all Ticketmaster Outlets and online at ticketmaster.ca. Call 416.870.8000 to charge by phone. All proceeds will be donated to the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada.

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We’re in the lull between Christmas and New Years and in that lull, it is strongly advised that you set aside an afternoon to throw on some vinyl and enjoy one of life’s simple pleasures. While you’re in the spending mood this holiday season, you might want to treat yourself to a few additions to your vinyl collection.
Here are some of the best spots in the city to add to enhance your vinyl library. Plus, it keeps you away from spending money in big box stores and puts some dough into the jeans of the one’s that are the soul …read more

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Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from everyone at Toronto Unplugged.

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“The Clash is the only band that ever mattered.”
If you are a Clash fan, this statement may define what The Clash means to you. The Clash was as influential in their social construction as they were in their impact on rock and roll. They values represented real and meaningful issues and their avenue of communication molded and continues to shape a lifetime of music ahead.
Joe Strummer was the founder, song writer and lead singer of The Clash, but more importantly, he was a man of class who worked relentlessly to communicate issues of social significance.
“The most profound voice of …read more

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The holidays are about a lot of things, but behind the peace to all men and good tidings and joy is the notion of live music and pints with friends and family. Sunday December 23rd is a great night for that.
Two days before Christmas, all of the good venues are closed and not gigging. Right?
Kinda wrong. There are a few places open. Here’s what on the dance card in the city tonight – although it seems to be heavy on the country vibe…
Afternoon to Night..
Cameron House: Get Right Church w Chas Lawther & The Do-Gooders …read more

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The cold of December is warmed by lists, recaps, nominations and awards of virtually every music media and medium.  There are many I absorb, but only a few I truly hold steak in.
Over the next few days, we’ll look at the lists – what artists and albums consistently held high ranks in the lists of the world.
Today however, I simply regurgitate an acclamation.
Canada’s Chart Magazine, Chart Attack, just named Feist as Artist of the Year.  This recognition is based on chart position on Canada’s College campuses, so (in my opinion) it is a true award and speaks to credibility as …read more

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