Toronto Unplugged » Canadian Music

Album Launch: The Free Press @ The Horseshoe

Thu, 10 Jul 2008 14:19:56 +0000

THE FREE PRESS launch their debut full-length album ‘HALF TRUTHS & WHOLE LIES‘, at the Horseshoe FRIDAY JULY 11. Doors at 9PM. $8 at the door.

The Free Press’ have worked long and hard at preparing for the debut of their first full-length album, which is out independently this week.

This unapologetically-pop group goes against the grain in choosing to write songs about relevant political and social issues, matching the lyrics with an upbeat tempo and catchy hooks. It’s a refreshing take on feel-good music.

The band sets a good example of social responsibility; even the packaging of the new album is made entirely of renewable materials.

A bit about The Free Press…

Toronto’s The Free Press are a bold breakthrough in Pop music – a band that thinks as hard as they rock, or in the context of their live show, a band that entertains as much as they ask their audiences to think. It’s a combination that comes from the band’s unique blend of personal and musical backgrounds, and from their enduring belief that – as cliché as it might sound – rock ‘n’ roll can still change the world.

TOUR DATES

TORONTO, ON: Horseshoe Tavern, July 11

OTTAWA, ON: Live Lounge, July 25

GUELPH, ON: Jimmy Jazz, August 16

KITCHENER, ON: The Boathouse, August 22

HAMILTON, ON: Pepper Jack Cafe, August 23

OTTAWA, ON: Bassline Station, August 29

CAMBRIDGE, ON: Johnny O’s Fantastic Fun Farm, September 13

Post from: Toronto Unplugged

Fringing Helps The Soul | Toronto Fringe Festival | Major Maker

Fri, 04 Jul 2008 18:55:21 +0000

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 concert from Major Maker on Saturday, July 12.

Post from: Toronto Unplugged

Matthew Good Brings His Electric Guitar Back to Toronto

Wed, 28 May 2008 11:46:09 +0000

Matthew Good is used to touring with his acoustic guitar. It is a little easier on the body…perhaps because it is more about the music and lyrics and less about the ‘rock’. This tour, to the delight of fans, Good has decided to crack out his electric again, but admits it’s taking a toll on his body.

“I woke up this morning feeling like I’d run a marathon after which I was hit by a bus, dragged four blocks, and then set upon by wolves,” he said on his website, matthewgood.org, the day after the concert.

The band on this tour is no reincarnation of the original Matthew Good Band, but rather a set of backing musicians for Good to re-explore electric music.

Matthew Good will be playing Massey Hall on Thursday May 29th @ 8pm

Try your hand at tickets here.

Image Credit: Ticketmaster

Post from: Toronto Unplugged

Vampire Weekend Return to Toronto

Sat, 24 May 2008 03:32:16 +0000

Most may know Toronto’s historic Fort York for the annual beer festival…most might not remember any of it, but that’s standard. The Rogers Picnic has declared Fort York home for their annual bash celebrating great music. This year’s bash will feature New York’s Vampire Weekend.

In case you missed Vampire Weekend when they were last in Toronto at their crazily hyped show at the Horseshoe Tavern, this is a chance to see them at another unique (although much larger) venue.

The other acts at this year’s Rogers Picnic includes Animal Collective, Cat Power, Dizzee Rascal, Tokyo Police Club, Born Ruffians, Chromeo, the Carps, and only-in-Canada headliners Alexisonfire side project City and Colour.

Info…

Rogers Picnic Sunday July 20th @ Toronto Historic Fort York | Tickets Here

Image Credit: Wikipedia

Post from: Toronto Unplugged

S.C.E.N.E. Music Festival Line-up Announced

Wed, 21 May 2008 11:51:17 +0000

Silverstein, illScarlett, Cancer Bats, Teenage Head and the Black Lungs are set to rock the 13th annual S.C.E.N.E. Music Festival on Sunday, June 29th 2008. The renowned all-ages, one-day music festival will feature 151 performers at 13 venues and 16 stages across downtown St. Catharines.

S.C.E.N.E. Music Festival (St. Catharines Event for New Music Entertainment) spotlights the best and brightest of the independent music scene, presenting an eclectic roster to thousands of music fans. From intimate clubs to large outdoor venues, the S.C.E.N.E. Festival is dedicated to bringing the fans and the bands together for one hell of a day! From ska to funk, metal to punk and all points in between, this event truly captures and celebrates the spirit of independent music.

Advance tickets go on sale Wednesday, May 21st online at Ticketmaster.ca and MapleMusic.com, and at numerous locations throughout Southern Ontario.

Hard ticket sales locations and other festival information is available at www.scenemusicfestival.com

Image Credit: SCENE Music Festival

Post from: Toronto Unplugged

Ron Sexsmith’s Exit Strategy of the Soul, out July 8th

Sat, 26 Apr 2008 12:05:12 +0000

Produced by Martin Terefe, who also produced 2005’s Retriever and 2002’s Cobblestone Runway, Exit Strategy of the Soul was recorded in varied locations including studios in London, England and Havana, Cuba. Its ambitious arrangements, backed by a punctuating and swelling horn section on nearly every song, complete an album that is one of Sexsmith’s most wide-ranging in breadth of sound and feel.

With Ron Sexsmith’s disarmingly warm, inviting voice and his brilliant lyrical melancholy, the album’s 14 tracks contain observations on spirituality, love and the ever present hope that the beauty of life can overcome the world’s harshness. Also included here is Sexsmith’s joyful recording of “Brandy Alexander,” a song co-written with fellow Canadian, Feist, whose own version appears on her 2007 hit album The Reminder.

Post from: Toronto Unplugged

Go See Tom Fun Orchestra | Ticket Contest

Thu, 24 Apr 2008 04:28:36 +0000

One of the most talked about Canadian bands right now is Nova Scotia’s Tom Fun Orchestra. The 10 piece Soul | Western Swing | Post Punk outfit is touring the globe and giving everyone something to rave about along on the way.

Their recent release You Will Land with a Thud has received rave reviews from music authorities at everywhere. Description? …the sound of exotic birds standing on the sides of forgotten highways, flapping their wings in the winds of speed-induced truckers.

Seeing this band live is an experience – your eyes race the stage to keep up with the action – your ears smile at the wild mix of sounds – and your taste buds crave another beer to bring you up to par with the crowd (and band). It is an experience.

The Tom Fun Orchestra will be playing Lee’s Palace tomorrow night. The band will go on at 10pm.

Tickets for this show are hard to come by, but the band may have some to provide our progressive and faithful audience.

Leave a comment below with your favorite Tom Fun track if you’d like to check out the show and we’ll hook some of you folks up. Include your email address with your comment or follow it up with an email to mlaba@b5media.com. There may also be other Tom Fun prizes to win. This will be an awesome show, don’t miss it.

Image Credit: Company House

Post from: Toronto Unplugged

Artist Profile: The Cliks

Sat, 12 Apr 2008 05:35:18 +0000

It took a blogger in Austin Texas during SXSW to introduce me to The Cliks. Finding out I was from Toronto, the lead blogger for Austin Sound Check indicated that one of her favorite bands was from our humble abode – a band called The Cliks who ’sound a bit like early Pretenders.’

The Cliks are known for their blazing, uncompromising live performances. Their brand of rock is a throwback to what is fresh again. In this same breath,The Cliks will be opening for The Cult at The Sound academy tonight (April 12).
Late ticket pickups can be sought after here.

The Cliks latest album Snakehouse is in stores now.

Image Credit: The Cliks

Post from: Toronto Unplugged

Virgin Festival Calgary | Canadian Music Feast

Fri, 11 Apr 2008 16:31:22 +0000

The globally successful and popular Virgin Festival will rear it’s commercial head and try its hand in Calgary on the June 21 & 22 weekend.The lineup is quite strong: Stone Temple Pilots and The Tragically Hip will headline, but it is the supporting acts that are generating all the chatter.

Here is a snap shot of the meat and potatoes…

The Flaming Lips, City and Colour, Matthew Good, Stars, New Pornographers, Constantines, Face to Face, Attack in Black, The Dudes, Said the Whale, The Spades, The Whitsundays, Ten Second Epic and quite a few more.

One day passes go for $75 and weekend passes are $125. Tickets go on sale tomorrow morning.

Image credit: Virgin Festival

Post from: Toronto Unplugged

Artist Profile: Two Hours Traffic

Fri, 11 Apr 2008 12:01:40 +0000

Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island’s Two Hours Traffic is a band that you will likely hear blasting out speakers – depending on what circles you find yourself in. The brand of ‘Anthemic Pandemic’ powerpop is prefect for this season – the bridge between winter slumps and patio season. Their upbeat sound is sure to bring joy to your journey from A to B.

Two Hours Traffic is a Canadian indie rock band who chose their title after a line in the prologue to Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. Although often described as the band that Halifax guitarist Joel Plaskett took “under his wing”, they have increasingly become known as purveyors of original, well-crafted power pop songs.

Joel Plaskett returns to the producer’s chair on the bands latest album Little Jabs, which packs a wallop with eleven captivating tracks that blur the line between folk rock and powerful pop.

Standout Tracks: Sure Can Start and Nighthawks

Image Credit: Wikipedia

Post from: Toronto Unplugged