How many people have actually scored the tickets to go to see Arctic Monkeys in Toronto on May 21st at Kool Haus? I heard the tickets were immediately sold out. Don't worry folks. I have more news from the band to cheer you up. According to the official website,they will release a new single, "Don't sit down, 'Cause I've moved Your Chair' " ( What an amazing title!!!) from their new album, "Suck it and See", which is set to be released on June 6th, via Domino. The digital form of the single is going to be released on April 11th at midnight and an exclusive white label 7' will be available on April 16th in independent record outlets, in order to support the Record day. I can't wait to hear any bits of the new release.
The Toronto Pop rock veteran, Stars, released a new video today for a song called, "Change" from their fifth album, " Five Ghost", which was released in 2010 via Vagrant. I found this video very inspiring including the speech by an anchor at the beginning. The naked girl in the video dances around in the theatre .( The theatre is actually Toronto's Eigin and Winder Garden theatre) At first, I was so confused and wondered why she had to be naked and it was awkward to see her naked all of a sudden. Yet, when I saw the expression on her face, I fell in love with this video. Let me know what you think of the video? Is it too controversial?
The Strokes released a new video of a song, "Call me back" from their new album, "Angels", which came out last week. The video was directed by the lead guitarist, Albert Hammond. Jr. It's a slow motion of a woman walking through the waterfall. Who thought he can direct a video like this!? Enjoy.
According toSpin Magazine, there is a full stream of the Kills' new record, Blood Pressuresontheir official site prior to their official release date, April 5th. Their fourth album is much easier to listen even for these who is not into strong goth - punk sounds. I changed my mind to check out their Toronto show on May 1st with Cold Cave at the Sound Academy as I dig in this new album. My ears are pleasantly surprised. Check it out!!!
This might be one of the best collaborations in 2011. A music producer, Danger Mouse has a new project called "Rome" with an Italian composer, Daniele Luppi. This project also features some contributions from Jack White and Nora Jones. The LP is set to be released on May 17th, (Via Capitol Records) They recently released some trailers on Youtube. Jack White is for sure one of the busiest people on the earth.
Clickhereto check out some sneak-peak tracks from the LP on Soundcloud
I had an awesome time on last Friday at the Garrison to catch talented Toronto bands during Junofest 2011. Here is a video from a performance by the Darcys. Enjoy!!!
A former member of Final Fantasy, as also known as the 2006 Polaris Award winner, Owen Pallett, has released a new video from his new album, " Heartland". This song, " Lewis Takes Off His Shirts", will be also released as a single on March 29th. (via Domino record) Enjoy!!!
The B.C super pop rock group, Mother Mother, showcased what a real talented musician can do and delivered an amazing night to kick off this year's Canadian music week on March 9th at the Phoenix.
The sold-out show was packed with young crowds, which made me feel so old standing among them. If you tend to underestimate artists due to the way they became so popular among teens, sometimes you can be wrong. Overdriven by a mainstream music outlets, such as Much Music and favored by the younger generation, Mother Mother has gained such strong popularity among these kids. But listen, sometimes, kids are right.
What made their performance so special was their musical gifts and the way they exhibited it on the stage. Started with their hit tunes from the previous album, " O My Heart", the quintet had controlled the audience and brought up the momentum instantly. But it wasn't only the catchy tunes, which made kids entertaining. It was hard to keep eyes off from the front man, Ryan Guldemond, throughout the performance. His ability to play such delicate, yet lively guitar riffs was nothing but extraordinary. The bassist, Jeremy Page performed a heart-melting saxophone solo, was the centre of the attention during the song. Another thing is that each song they performed was very unique from a quiet acoustic tunes to high-tempo electro songs.
Ended their show with new song, " The Stand" from the new album, "Eureka", Mother Mother has proved that they are not just a "sell-out" band and they can also pay to an older crowd. The new album is set to be released on March 15th, via Last Gang Records. Don't forget to keep eyes on them!!! Click here to enjoy the free listening of the album via Exclaim!
Rolling Stone magazine is throwing an awesome contest right now. One of the 16 unsigned bands in the North America has a chance to win the cover of the Rolling Stone magazine this summer. How this contest works is to narrow down the list through elimination rounds. It is up to the public to decide who should move on to the next stages. When it gets to the top two, both bands will have a chance to perform at the Bonnaroo Music Festival in Manchester, TN. The final winner is not only to be the cover of the magazine, but also do they win a contract with Atlantic record. How awesome is that!?
One of my favorite bands, The Sheepdogs, made it to the second round. I think this amazing classic rock band should win the contest. So let's help them out by casting your vote! You can listen to some of their new songs from the below post. Finger crossed!!!
According tothe official website, one of the biggest Japanese rock groups, LUNA SEA, has announced that they will release a new song. It's been almost 10 years since their last single. All the proceeds earned from the new song will be donated to those who suffered from the earthquakes/ tsunamis in the Northern East region in Japan. The band posted a new message on the main page of the website this week. The below is the translation of the post (from their official Myspace). No specific release date was further noted, yet, the new song is highly anticipated among their fans. I can't wait to see what Sugizo, who is also a member of X Japan, will contribute to the song after the tremendous experience with the North American tour in 2010. Don't also forget to readKanae's postabout what we can do to help them throughout Canadian organizations.
From LUNA SEA for JAPAN - About the "New Song Download Fundraiser" for Tohoku-Kanto Earthquake
About the "New Song Download Fundraiser" for Tohoku-Kanto Earthquake Relief
We, the members of LUNA SEA, would like to once again express our sincerest sympathies to all the victims and their families affected by the Tohoku-Kanto Earthquake, and also would like to extend our deepest condolences to those who sacrificed their lives and their families.
As we hope to contribute to a fast recovery and revival of the damaged areas, we have decided to make a brand new song in 10 years available for download in which all of the proceeds of LUNA SEA will be donated to earthquake relief.
What can we contribute as LUNA SEA in a hardship like this?
After a thorough contemplation, all the members agreed that we shall generate support through music because music is the reason of our presence and our lifetime mission.
We are preparing the new song now and trying our best to bring it to you as soon as we can. We will update the details as soon as they are available on our official website. We ask of your patience until the new song is ready.
Let's walk together hand in hand until the day this tragedy is healed.
It was a nice surprise to catch a performance by the Saskatoon rock band the Sleepdogs last night at the Horse Shoe Tavern for Canadian Music Week. Warmly welcomed by the Torontocrowd; they delivered such an entertaining show and impressed us.Strongly influenced by the 70's classic rock, the quartet is certainly one of thethe country’s underrated bands.
The first song which was so nostalgic, yet freshing. Beautiful guitar harmonies flew in the air and echoed throughout the venue with humming from the audience. I especially liked the song,
"Southern Dreaming". The guitar riffs of the intro caused a stuck tune syndrome instantly and the two guitar verses met in the air perfectly.
The Sleepdogs is coming back to Toronto on March 25th for the Junofest. Make sure to pencil it in your schedule.
Check out the video from the show on the Music Psychos' Facebook page.
The indie rock giant, Death Cab for Cutie just announced a new North American Tour in this summer. It will be kicked off from our city, Toronto, and continued in UK throughout this summer. The pre-sale will start from March 24th at noon (EST). General on sale begins on March 26th, at 10a.m (EST). The band also announced details for their upcoming album, "Code and Keys". It is set to be released on May 31st. More information, Click here to go to their official site. It's gonna be full of DCFC this year!!!
05-18 Toronto, Ontario - Phoenix Concert Theatre #
05-20 Chicago, IL - Metro #
05-21 Minneapolis, MN - First Avenue #
05-24 Edmonton, Alberta - Shaw Conference Center *
05-25 Calgary, Alberta - Stampede Corral *
05-27 Bend, OR - Les Schwab Amphitheatre *
05-28 George, WA - Sasquatch Music Festival
06-01 New York, NY - Bowery Ballroom #
06-03 Washington, DC - 9:30 Club #
06-04 Philadelphia, PA - Trocadero #
06-05 Boston, MA - The Paradise #
06-07 Los Angeles, CA - El Rey Theatre #
06-09 San Francisco, CA - Fillmore #
06-26 Munich, Germany - Muffathalle
06-27 Berlin, Germany - Astra
06-29 Hamburg, Germany - The Docks
06-30 Amsterdam, Netherlands - Melkweg
07-01 Kent, England - Hop Farm Festival
07-02 Milton Keynes, England - The National Bowl
07-04 Manchester, England - Manchester Academy
07-05 Nottingham, England - Rock City
07-07 London, England - Brixton Academy
The Toronto folk rock duo, Timber Timbrereleased a new video, " Woman". They are set to release a new album, " Creep on Creepin' on" on April 5th, 2011 (via Arts & Craft). Enjoy!!!
" I'm so confused..." - It was my first word after listening to the new album of the NY indie rock band, the Strokes, "Angles". As much anticipated about the new record, I was so disappointed. After the five years of their silence since the last album, the quintet tried so hard to define who they are. However, it sounds like the band is completely lost in the transition from a new alternative pop rock band to a veteran rock band. Some songs, including their first single from the album, Under Cover of the Darkness, are still strong enough to show that they can compose such alluring verses. Each song sounds fine as an individual tune . However, it is not cohesive as a whole album. Julian Cassablancas is not only the one contributed songs to the album. All the band members contributed something from their solo projects. That's probably why the album sounds random. The album makes me wonder if this album is the last one for the Strokes.- As indicated with several rumors about their breakups.
If you are expecting an album that wows you from it, then you will be disappointed, yet, if you give it a try as a free easy listening, then you might find some favourite songs. If you are also a big fan of their grungy rock tunes, including, Juicebox, Heart in a cage, or Reptilia, there you won't find the Strokes that you like with this album at all.
Rate: 5/ 10
Favourite track: Metabolism and Under cover of the darkness.
The luckiest kids on earth are the ones that attended Death From Above 1979's somewhat secret show at the Beauty Bar in Austin, Texas for SXSW. Those lucky Bastards.
It's truly fitting that for their first live performance since their disbanding they opened the set with the first tracks off of each of their releases; respectively "Turn it Out" from You're a Woman, I'm a Machine and "Dead Womb" from Heads Up.
Come on though boys - you're from Toronto. Don't dare forget how much your hometown loves you.
Video footage care of http://www.youtube.com/user/SecretNoteProduction
The Kingston rock duo, PS I love you, released a new video," Get Over", from their debut album, "Meet me at the Muster Station". The band has been receiving such outstanding reviews, including Pitchfork, and Exclaim!. If you haven't heard of their tune, you are definitely missing out. The duo is playing in Toronto on Thursday, April 7th, at Garrison.
eFinally the day has come- The NY indie rock giant, the Strokes' new album, Angles, is set to released on next Tuesday, March 22nd. There is a little surprise from the band. The full album is now available for a free listening ontheir website. The album is getting mixed critics from different media. Stay tuned for Kanae's review
There must be so many of you who can't wait to see the Toronto rock duo, Death From Above 1979's reunion. They have confirmed five shows including Coachella and two shows in UK. However, none of Canadian dates have been announced. Fingers crossed!
The duo released a new video on their official website yesterday. It is a rehearsal video of them performing "Little Girl" Music Psychos will make sure to inform any details for up-coming acts of the band! Stay tuned...
Let's continue with a live show video from Canadian Music Week. Paper Lions delivered such a fun show on March 12th,2011 at Lee's Palace. Here is a video from the show. Enjoy!!!
Here is another awesome performance by the Balconies, " Battle Royale" at Lee's Palace on March 12th during Canadian Music Week. I shot it with a retro mono tone. Enjoy!!!
One of my favorite bands, Foxy Shazam, just announced a summer tour with Panic! at the Disco today. Before participating this year's Warped tour, the glam rock band will fully support the duo for their returning tour. The tour will be kicked off on May 20th in Philadelphia. The Toronto date is set as June 5th, Sunday at the Sound Academy. Don't miss an awesome performance by the quintet!!!
Here is the full list of the tour date:
» May 20 - Philadelphia, PA @ Festival Pier » May 22 - Boston, MA @ House of Blues » May 24 - New York, NY @ Terminal 5 » May 25 - Hartford, CT @ Webster Theatre » May 27 - Atlanta, GA @ The Tabernacle » May 29 - Pompano Beach, FL @ Pompano Beach Amphitheatre » May 31 - Charlotte, NC @ The Fillmore » June 2 - Norfolk, VA @ NorVa Theater » June 3 - Pittsburgh, PA @ Stage AE » June 4 - Detroit, MI @ The Fillmore » June 5 - Toronto, ON @ Sound Academy » June 7 - Cleveland, OH @ House of Blues » June 8 - Chicago, IL @ Riviera Theater » June 9 - Columbus, OH @ LC Pavilion » June 10 - Indianapolis, IN @ Egyptian Room at Murat Center » June 11 - Minneapolis, MN @ First Avenue » June 12 - Kansas City, MO @ Beaumont Club » June 15 - Houston, TX @ House of Blues » June 17 - Tempe, AZ @ Marquee Theatre » June 18 - Las Vegas, NV @ House of Blues, Mandalay Bay » June 19 - San Diego, CA @ House of Blues » June 21 - Los Angeles, CA @ The Wiltern » June 22 - San Francisco, CA @ Warfield Theatre » June 24 - Seattle, WA @ Showbox SoDo » June 25 - Portland, Or @ Roseland Theatre » June 26 - Boise, ID @ Knitting Factory » June 28 - Denver, CO @ Odgen Theatre » June 29 - Omaha, NE @ Sokol Auditorium
Here is some videos from Canadian Music Week. Winter Gloves delivered a energetic performance at Horseshoe Tavern on March 11th. Check out their performance of " Plastic Slides"
I was shocked on Friday morning to hear about the earthquake and tsunami in Japan. It struck off the east region of Honshu (the Main island of Japan). Knowing that most of my family and friends are from the west side of Japan, I wasn't panicking. Yet, the first thing came up to my mind was my brother, who currently lives in the south of Tokyo. I was able to get hold of my mother and was advised that he was alright. I was so relieved. I was able to talk to my brother via Mixi (The largest Japanese social media site) and he told me the story of his day, which was terrifying.
Another person that I was worried, was Takuya. I studied at ESL with him five years ago and he currently lives in Sendai, one of the most affected regions. According to a mutual friend, who spoke with his brother, Takuya and his family were safely evacuated. Sadlythough, his house was completely destroyed and floating in the water.
The earthquake has killed hundreds of people, and there are more missing as well as numerous people and families that are stranded with little in the way supplies or aid. They are still experiencing a number of smaller earthquakes and fear another possible impending tsunami. It is going to be a long fight for them to get back to their normal lives. Now is the time for us to help them get through this. According to Yahoo Canada, there are a number of Canadian organizations that are collecting donations:
Canadian Red Cross: Call toll free at 1-800-418-1111 or visit the webpage dedicated to providing relief in Japan. Donate here.
CanadaHelps: Check here for an indepth listing of Canadian charities providing aid to those in need.
Oxfam Canada: Teams and partner organizations are on-site and monitoring the situation from the ground. Donate here.
Global Giving: Working with Save the Children, International Medical Corps and others to provide support on the grounds of Japan. Donate here.
ADRA Canada: ADRA Japan has extensive experience with providing national and internationalsupport to those affected by such disasters. Donate here or call 1.888-274-2372.
World Vision Canada: Donations will help the organization to rush supplies such as food, clothing, blankets and shelter to those in need. Donate here or call 1-800-844-7993.
I can't stop thinking about what would have happened if this had occurred in my hometown. Although my family and friends are all fine, there is a staggering number of people in need of help. They remain plagued with the fear of more possible earthquakes and tsunamis. We can't predict accurately what nature has in store for Japan. But we can help these people from Canada. Let's do our part.
P.S Thank you so much to those who contacted me to make sure that my family in Japan is fine. I want to thank you all on behalf of my family. We will do our part from Japan and here in Toronto.
I had a blast last night with such talented musicians at Horse Shoe Tavern. If you missed the amazing night, check out Cuff the Duke's performance on Music Psychos' Youtube channel. Enjoy!!!
Are you ready for this year's Canadian Music Festival? If you are shaking your head, don't worry. The festival continues for four more days until March 13th, which means you’ve still got plenty of time to check out who will be performing in the city.
I just discovered a band from a small town, Cobourg Ontario, called Gentlemen Husbands this morning and my day has been a seriously endless repeat of their songs on Sonic bids. Their songs are comprised of what makes music sounds good: They are strongly influenced from both country and rock music with full of grungy, yet harmonic tunes. They are well-known for their wild live performance, so don't miss your chance to check out their gig. They are playing on Friday, March 11th, at Horseshoe Tavern (their set time is 1:30a.m)
Here is a little bit of a sneak-peak of their live show video. Enjoy
Metz are a Toronto based trio, who are the loudest of the loud among Toronto bands. If you are looking for an aggressive night out with an outstanding live performance; Metz should be on your must-see list. The trio reminds me of the first moment that I heard of Death From Above 1979 - thank you Bryen - which completely electrified me.
Chris Bilton, Assistant Editor of Eye Weekly favours the band, as "This Toronto trio has been earning a boatload of hype largely on the strength of their consistently intense live shows". You can expect lots from this trio.
Metz are performing on Thursday, March 10th at Wrongbar (the Set time is 12p.m)
How many people have actually scored the tickets to go to see Arctic Monkeys in Toronto on May 21st at Kool Haus? I heard the tickets were immediately sold out. Don't worry folks. I have more news from the band to cheer you up. According to the official website, they will release a new single, "Don't sit down, 'Cause I've moved Your Chair' " ( What an amazing title!!!) from their new album, "Suck it and See", which is set to be released on June 6th, via Domino. The digital form of the single is going to be released on April 11th at midnight and an exclusive white label 7' will be available on April 16th in independent record outlets, in order to support the Record day. I can't wait to hear any bits of the new release.
According to
A former member of Final Fantasy, as also known as the 2006 Polaris Award winner, Owen Pallett, has released a new video from his new album, " Heartland". This song, " Lewis Takes Off His Shirts", will be also released as a single on March 29th. (via Domino record) Enjoy!!!
", Mother Mother has proved that they are not just a "sell-out" band and they can also pay to an older crowd. The new album is set to be released on March 15th, via Last Gang Records. Don't forget to keep eyes on them!!! Click 
The Toronto folk rock duo, 
