Sleep while you can because it’s almost that time of year again. Again, Toronto will be taken over by hundreds of musicians from every corner of the earth for seven days of nonstop music. Canadian Music Week is that special time of year where you get a glimpse of nonstop amazing bands. While the big showcases may be your go to, don’t rule out those club shows. Here are some hidden gems not to miss at this year’s CMW.
No, this isn’t a mistake, this bill isn’t from 2007 (and we mean that in the best way). First we must address the elephant in the room, the indie rock legends, Yeah Yeah Yeahs. Popping up on select international bills the band is set to headline this year’s Field Trip Music Festival in Toronto alongside Metric. The rockers, which have been quiet since their 2013 release Mosquito is making a large comeback this summers, yet no new music has been released. Don’t let the huge names be the only things to get you excited, this year’s festival is one not to miss. Canadian talents, Partner, Alvvays and Ellevator are apart of the bill and they are all shows to see. The cozy set up at Fort York normally allows you to see pretty much everything, without having to jug for miles between overlapping acts. Happening June 2nd and 3rd, the two day fest is coming up soon!
Be sure to get your tickets while you can!
Not out of the norm there was a show in Toronto. An artistic expression with feminist inspiration was the festival’s goal. Welcoming all into a safe space much needed in the music scene. Venus Fest did just that, by creating a safe, welcoming space dedicated to woman, art, and music. One of the first festivals in Toronto to celebrate an all female lead lineup, the festival was welcomed by many. Crowds came early to catch all the talent in the lineup, including headliner, Weaves. Take a look at the photos below.
Sam Coffey and the Iron Lungs opened Hopped and Confused with their matching denim and punk rock attitude. These guys have the presence of true rock and rollers who love what they do. It was impossible to stand still while watching them play. They create an energetic and fun environment that will make any audience member want to dance and have a good time with them.
Said the Whale truly were the comfort in our company. This Vancouver band plays as honest as they write. I fell in love with these guys only moments into their set. They maintained their composure even though an audience member was taken out by security during their heart wrenching Emily Rose. Tyler brought us all together by making audience members shine lights for Emily Rose and continuing with their set, uninterrupted.
Yukon Blonde just know how to play live. They played a hypnotizing show with their electronic elements and 70’s sounds. Their music reminds us of better times and the way they played enticed all of us to have fun with them, and dance just like Brandon Scott did with his guitar.
The Trews play with the confidence of classic rockers – and you can’t blame them. This band is solid from start to finish, playing true hard rock and having a damn good time doing it.
Day two began with Ottawa’s own rising stars. From marshmallows, to ramen, to confetti, New Swears got us messy to start off Saturday night. Don’t let this distract you from their music, though. These garage rock Ottawa boys played a fantastically fun show that left us all wanting more.
Dilly Dally’s Katie Monks took over the stage embodying “cool”. With her raspy growls and soft vocals, Dilly Dally creates a mysterious sound that will make you fall in love with every song.
The power went out right before Hollerado’s set. But that didn’t stop them from coming out on stage to perform a singalong with waiting audience members.
Their presence during the outage made it clear that they would find a way to make sure the show would go on. When the power came back, Hollerado played a show full of good vibes and so much fun that would have made anyone feel like a teenager again.
Tokyo Police Club was a fantastic way to close this festival. After being delayed by the earlier power outage, they were given permission to play past the usual curfew, and it was definitely worthwhile.
Gallery
MUSIC. ART. BANDS. MUSIC. Did I mention music? Camp Wavelength may not have made it to the island, but it was in full swing. Long Boat at The Great Hall was transformed for a weekend of musical oddities to continue the spirit of the festival right here in Toronto. Here are the top five moments of Camp Wavelength 2017.
Duchess Says off stage performance
Two songs in, Duchess Says’ Annie-Claude Deschênes, decided the stage wasn’t intimate enough, and spent most of the set walking amid the crowd. The Montreal band is known for their live spectacle performances. However Saturday’s might have been one of the best. Orange powder rained down on campers, as Deschênes thrashed her way to the back of the room.
Deerhoof’s performance in the air
Headlining Sunday night, Deerhoof had the exact opposite reaction to the crowd. Die-hard fans mingled with the campers. An energy few bands could have ramped up on a Sunday night was wired through the air. The band’s energy was contagious, each member spend the set jumping, trashing and rarely touching the stage.
Dilly Dally Never missing a beat
Toronto’ darlings have come a long, long way. Perfecting the perfectly imperfect grunge persona of ,Dilly Dally, Katie Monks took the stage with a calm coolness that blows every crowd away. You can never help but fall in love again and again with her raspy howl.
The Mutant Cat
Don’t ask because I couldn’t tell you. The mutant cat hanging around Wavelength turned heads until you realized it’s a Wavelength show. Combining arts and the outlandish style of the festival, it was no surprise to run into oddities.
The last of Emilie and Ogden
Don’t fret. The angelic sounds of Emilie and Ogden, a singer and her harp, won’t be gone forever. Lead, Emilie Kahn, revealed that the band will be undergoing a name change. No word yet as to what the new name will be, but Sunday’s performance was the last under the current name. Making the sweetly dark sounds all the more meaningful.
Need more Wavelength? Check out the gallery below
Get ready to grab your sparklers, tents, swim trunks and head to the island, Camp Wavelength is almost here. The line-up is nothing short of amazing. Local rockstars Dilly Dally will be headlinging the three day festival taking over Toronto Island, as well as, Deerhoof and Jessy Lanza.
The Wavelength experience is nothing like other music festivals. Three days spend on the beach with art installations live music and band members roaming about set this event apart from just a music event. It’s an odd world you need to experience.
Check out the full line up here.
![[Photos] Inside Venus Fest](https://jesusssister.files.wordpress.com/2017/10/venus-fest-71.jpg?w=672&h=372&crop=1)
![[Photos] July Talk & Scott Hellman @ The Festival of Friends](https://jesusssister.files.wordpress.com/2017/08/july-talk_-43.jpg?w=672&h=372&crop=1)
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