Tag Archives: Toronto

Seen. Chewed. Reviewed. | Kylie V + Quinnie @ The Drake Underground

May 5th, 2023 | Quinnie and Kylie V play a sold-out show in Toronto
Kylie V

Vancouver singer-songwriter Kylie V, stepped onto the stage with an acoustic guitar and a nervous smile that instantly captured the audience’s hearts.

This is my first show outside of Vancouver,” they said before stunning The Drake Underground into a collective daydream. Their songs place their soul on display offering an endearing vulnerability. The 19-year-old is a fixture in the Vancouver music scene, as audience members mouthed the lyrics back to the performer, it’s clear their influence was felt in Toronto surprising the emerging artist themselves. Their raw talent and sound have a way of mesmerizing way of centring attention to the lyrics. The few stumbles in the acoustic set immediately had the audience captivated and cheering for more. The artist’s ability to connect with the crowd through their music was truly remarkable.

While other artists often grow tired of their breakout single, 21-year-old Tik Tok sensation, Quinnie pauses the show to showcase gratitude.

“We wouldn’t be here without this song, thank you “Touch Tank,” she said before the crowd erupted. The 21-second song snippet quickly introducing her breakout single to the world is a much-needed ode to sexual connection through the lens of comfort and the female gaze. Despite being sold out, the intimate setting allowed for an up-close and personal experience that truly highlighted the artist’s quirks. From soulful ballads to the upbeat pop hit responsible for sending everyone into the crowd into a trance, the artist’s versatility kept the crowd engaged throughout the entire performance and made it clear she is an artist here to stay.

SEEN. CHEWED. REVIEWED: EDEN @ HISTORY

February 1st, 2023 | EDEN headlines History in Toronto.

The ICYMI tour hit Toronto in the dead of winter, but that didn’t stop fans from waiting outside all day for a front-row view. EDEN, amassed of crowd of enthralled fans who waited patiently despite the slight confusion at the shows intro. Cheers enveloped the room as a words flickered across the screen running through a conversation that then faded to black. The crowd’s cheering intensified as they expected the singer to emerge from the way side, where he stood holding his helmet,  but instead was greeted with another screen, this time featuring Totoro from the 1988 fantasy film My Neighbour Totoro, before EDEN burst onto stage space helmet in hand. With the stage still entrenched in black, the screen lit up one final time, this time with the audience viewing themselves lost in excitement. Blue lasers flashed across the stage while the singer wandered about, helmet still in hand. It wasn’t until song three where the lights went up and the singer found their grove, rightfully stepping into spotlight to finish the night. 

FIELD TRIP 2018: Might just be the best one yet

fieldtrip_2

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!

 

Live: Maybelleen with Do Tell & A Listers

Maybelleen @ The Cavern 2

With their beers on the stage’s edge and their shoes forgotten somewhere backstage, Do Tell ended the night by sending good southern vibes into the crowd with their foot-stomping, hand-clapping, rockabilly-folk set. From the modest stage they struck the room with their pure intent to have a good time by laughing with one another, dancing and cracking jokes at and with the crowd. The six-member set up, including three singers, managed to insert their positive energy into the room while impressing all who hadn’t heard of them with rich harmonies by vocalists Emma Schnurr and Caitlin Comeau-Jarvis. While on guitar, vocalist Steven Herman got cheeky with the crowd and faded into the back until it was time for him to unleash his rounded, raspy voice unto the audience. The room fed off the band’s energy by taking a seat in front of the stage, raising their beers or by letting out their best moves in the back.

Earlier in the evening Maybelleen, Peter and Charles Camiré from Montreal, took the stage. After a bumpy start with a few technical difficulties, the French boys played a great set. Focusing on playing songs from their latest EP, Stereotypes, the brothers sent good vibes into the crowd. Their interaction with the audience was minimal, but their eye catching attire and unique stage presence spoke for them.

The youngin’s on the block, A Listers, opened the show. With an interesting stage presence, including a saxophonist, they had range of genres from blues, rock to funk. The crowd jammed with them and while their set wasn’t particularly as clean sounding as it could have been, the crowd had fun showing them their love.

Inside Panamania: BADBADNOTGOOD & Death From Above 1979 Take Down Nathan Philips SquareBa

DFA @ PanAm 2015

Panamania is the month long event that has taken over downtown TO for Pan Am. Free concerts have music lovers flocking to Nathan Philips Square for a glimpse of some highly anticipated artists. The big names include Mariana’s Trench, Serena Ryder, Dragonette and the band I was excited to see, Death From Above 1979.

Playing before the finale of DFA was the very pleasing BADBADNOTGOOD.

BADBADNOTGOOD

(Photo courtesy of Devin Ouellette Photography)

After hearing them I’m ashamed to say, at first I had no idea who they were.–Beginning in Toronto, Matthew Tavares (keys), Chester Hansen (bass), and Alexander Sowinski (drums) came together over their love of hip hop and created something special. They’ve worked with Tyler the Creator, Frank Ocean and earlier this year released an album with Ghostface Killah.

BADBADNOTGOOD @ PanAm 2015 1

The jazz trio touches on some different genres and creates a space and sound with the versatility to please almost any musical pallet. Their set held no lyrics yet, held the crowds attention until the end. Their rich harmonies and perfected rhythm are in a class of their own. They had no issue amping up the crowd and even stealing a bit of focus.

BADBADNOTGOOD @PanAm2015

Death From Above, you sweet, sweet men, you sure know how not to disappoint. Cheering “DFA” long before the show began fans waiting impatiently for the duo, Sebastien Grainger (vocals, drums) and Jesse F. Keeler (guitar) to take the stage.

DFA @ PanAm2015

With a long set to leave an impression, the two tore up the stage with songs from both of their albums, You’re a Woman, I’m a Machine (2004), though focused laid heavily on latest release, The Physical World (2014).  In short, they came, played their hits and left the crowd fully satisfied

DFA1979 PanAm2015(Photo courtesy of Devin Ouellette Photography)