Toronto Unplugged

Everyone has a handful of websites that they check out on a regular basis.
Within the Toronto scene, I have three clear cut favorites, but when a solid act rolls through town I always stop by Concertaholics to see if there is a review.   Concertaholics reviews are always in depth, more often than not the reviews include pictures and the full AV gamut and they (Jeff and Todd) do a great job communicating the overall vibe of the shows.  They are both Concertaholics and they bring you insights into the city’s top shows.
Their Black Crowes review was awesome and their …read more

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Radiohead is at it again…doing things their own way.  This is what we love about them.
Radiohead are exploring a new way to make their next music video.  The band’s latest video, “House Of Cards,” is being done without the use of a camera.

Instead, the group is utilizing Geometric Informatics and Velodyne Lidar to create the unique video.  I’m sure everyone knows what that means…
For the non-techies, the Geometric Informatics employes a structured light scanning system to capture an image (in this case Thom Yorke and others in the scene) in 3D at close proximity.
Yorke says, “I liked the idea of …read more

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The Fringe is Toronto ’s largest theatre festival.
In 2008 Toronto’s Fringe Festival will host over 800 artists from Ontario, Canada and around the world, with over 135 unique productions in more than 25 venues.
Productions range from dramas to musical extravaganzas to improv and take place in local theatres as well as in unusual spots: playgrounds, parking lots and more. The festival also hosts a beer tent, two outdoor patios and a free nightly Cabaret.
unjuried, unexpected, unforgettable
Music wise, there are some solid acts (free of charge) at the Fringe Club, 292 Brunswick. There’s something different every night, including a special …read more

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In an overall slumping time for record sales, Coldplay has shown that it can still be done – you just need to be a global musical power.
Since this album’s launch it seems to be available for purchase everywhere – at the cash of the pharmacy, grocery store, coffee shop…etc. This is smart, but also a luxury that only the biggest bands have. The marketing costs a fortune but…
This marks the first time since March 2005 that the Billboard 200 was led by a 700,000-plus sum in consecutive weeks. The last occasion happened when 50 Cent’s “The …read more

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Pre-prepped journalism…sometimes will bite you in the ass.  I was pretty pumped for the Peter Hook show, so I decided to throw two posts yesterday on the blog.  I posted them late Monday night to run Tuesday, because I knew I would be away from my computer for most of the day.  i was in the car listening to The Edge when I heard Bookie say, “it’s official, the Peter Hook show has been canceled”
Bollocks.  Sitting in my car…away from a computer…knowing that I couldn’t change the posts.  Ah well.
Bummer about the show.  I know a lot of people that …read more

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I have always supported musicians with spending my money on their concerts – the ticket, often a t-shirt and occasionally an impulse buy of the album at the show.  In this digital music age, I discover music online and for the music/bands that I really dig, I support them financially when they roll into town – often dragging friends with me.
Although CD’s now contain features that digital downloads do not (bonus tracks, video footage…etc), CD sales are still fading while touring and number of shows are up.
There was a great article in The New York Times today talking about this …read more

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The movement of online record sales has taken traditional retailers back to the drawing board in trying to figure out how to increase traffic and sales in stores.
HMV – Canada’s largest retailer – is introducing a range of new “entertainment” products that moves away from its traditional focus on music. Throughout HMV’s new ‘reinvented’ stores one will notice the new additions of books, cellphones, iPods and MP3 players.
Toronto’s Bloor Street West HMV store launched their new look store yesterday with live tunes from Sam Roberts and Billy Bragg.

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Always pushing the envelope…

In an unprecedented and exclusive collaboration, MTV EXIT (End Exploitation and Trafficking) Campaign and Radiohead have partnered to produce a music video for Radiohead’s track “All I Need” off the album In Rainbows.
The collaboration represents an innovative and creative example of fusing musical content with MTV’s pro-social messaging. The “All I Need” video is being released globally across all platforms, and will potentially be seen in 560 million households worldwide.
The “All I Need” video was filmed in Australia by Oscar-winning Cinematographer, John Seale (The English Patient, Cold Mountain ), and award-winning director, Steve Rogers. It provides insight …read more

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Artist on Artist from myspacetv.com presents an awesome sit down with acclaimed actor John Cusack and funky Oscar winning writer Diablo Cody. The two talk about getting bombed, future projects, and other entertaining banter. Enjoy.
Artist on Artist John Cusack – Diablo Cody

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There was a plethora of great content in the Music Channel this month.  There were a ton of tips to new music, handfuls of concert reviews, album reviews, industry news, compilations and lists.
Here is a recap of some of the top content from this past month.  Enjoy!
Austin Sound Check already has the SXSW 2009 Dates.Big Apple Music Scene has a list of her favorite CD store in NYC.
Brit Music Scene begs for BoyZone to give up.
Christian Music Fan reviewed David Pettigrew “Every Minute Miracles”.
Concord Crazy delved onto New Zealand’s Coat of Arms.
Country Music Stop tells us about the Country Music’s …read more

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