It’s busy times for Caribou drummer Brad Weber. The multifaceted musician is gearing up for an international summer-long tour with music gods, Radiohead kicking off in Mexico next month. But first, some DJ sets in Germany. And then, somehow the debut release of his other and equally impressive project Pick A Piper. Caribou visits home with a gig at Downsview Park on June 16 (buy tickets now, drugs later). And while he should probably be packing, he instead grants us insight into his brilliant, rhubarb-laced mind with 20Qs.

1. What is your dream of happiness?

Canada actually being liberal and environmentally conscious again.

2. Blonde or Brunette?

Brunette

3. What is the quality you like most in a person?

I like when people listen and aren’t overly distracted by the multitude of things in modern life that can distract!

4. What do you fear most?

Not being able to get rhubarb pie late at night.

5. 808s or 909s?

I only make sounds using general midi.  Preferably the “brass” presets.

6. What’s your biggest regret?

Using anything other than general midi.

7. What’s your fav bar or club in the world?

Razzmatazz in Barcelona

8. What’s the one thing you can’t live without?

Photos of meerkats hugging each other.

9. What are the 3 musicians dead or alive you’d like to see perform?

Mitch Mitchell, Elvin Jones, Art Blakey

10. What is your favourite decade in music?

1966-1976 was pretty insane.  But music now also rules.  It’s just exciting to constantly discover new sounds that inspire you.

11. If you had to choose, would you rather go blind or deaf and why?

I’d come down with Oniomania (the compulsive desire to shop).

12. How old is too old?

18… oops, I said that out loud.

13. Where do you see yourself in 15 years?

Bald and grey.  Maybe a little salt and pepper!

14. Who’s your hero?

Marshall Allen… 87 and still touring and is still as insane of a player as ever!

15. What’s your favourite colour?

Apparently “razzmatazz” is an actual colour name too, invented by Crayola in the 90s.

16. What song could you live without ever hearing again?

Whichever Meatloaf song title has the most words in brackets.

17. Metallica or Madonna?

Metallica if it’s just the “Some Kind of Monster” documentary. Have you seen that?  One of the most entertaining things in existence.

18. What’s your most hated vice?

Not having rhubarb pie everyday.

19. Who is the most tragic figure in history?

This dude named Roy Sullivan got struck by lightning seven times, none of which killed him!  But then killed himself over a girl.  That’s pretty tragic.

20. What are the top three live shows you’ve seen in your life?

Tough question!  In the last year I’ve seen some insanely good shows like: Tony Allen, Omar Souleyman, Emeralds, A Hawk and a Hacksaw, Sun Ra Arkestra, The Ex & Getatchew Mekuria and so on.  I guess that’s more than three. Sorry!

How to Win:

Every Monday leading up to the 22nd, check out the Pink Mafia Facebook page, for trivia questions about the band and shoot us your answers to enter. We’ll announce THREE winners on May 22nd and mail that shit out pronto.

The more times you play, the better your chance to win. So get on it and get studying.

Check out the video for their comeback single, Perfect World, to get you in the mood to win:

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With a back pocket of featured artists from ‘Songs’ like The Drums, Young Empires, and Rural Alberta Advantage, this YLMC #HumpDayHandout is a party you won’t want to miss. A true double header, ‘Songs’ will have you bending the boards at Sneaky Dee’s with Holy Fuck’s Brian Borcherdt on the decks, all the whilst raising a toast in the name of Cousin’s brand new EP.

No Brainer, kitty cat in a cowboy hat! Bypass that line on College Street and get in to this sucker absolutely free.

How to Enter:

1) Follow @YoungLionsClub and @PinkMafia4life on Twitter. 2) AND Post a tweet that reads, “I want to get down with Holy Fuck and @YoungLionsClub  from #HumpDayHandout.”

OR, if you’re of the Facebook lurking persuasion…

1) Like PinkMafia and Young Lions Music Club Facebook pages. 2) AND Tag PinkMafia & Young Lions Music Club in a status update with the name of an artist you’d like to see featured at an upcoming Songs: A Dance Party. 

There will be another Dudebox rager this month so keep in touch and check out the Dudebox Facebook and Twitter feeds for the announcement of where it’s going down and what it’s going to be for.

In the meantime, Said Yassin of Dudebox was kind enough to fill out our 20 Questions this week:

1. What is your dream of happiness?

Being able to travel the world, cook food and volunteer as much as possible.

2. Blonde or Brunette?

i like girls with hair. so i guess i go both ways.

3. What is the quality you like most in a person?

Selflessness. I like when people care about each other.

4. What do you fear most?

going bald and not having the financial stability to sporadically buy my friends lunches or pay for them to get the hair and nails done when I run into them at the salon.

5. 808s or 909s?

808′s all day

6. What’s your biggest regret?

Not having seen enough of the world. I’m 26 now and the furthest place I’ve been was Kansas in 97. We drove there and it wasn’t fun.

7. What’s your fav bar or club in the world?

Anywhere bar in London Ontario, I grew up there and when I go back all the university kids think I’m either Tyler the Creator or Andre 3000 ( I look like neither) so people treat me like I’m a big deal.

8. What’s the one thing you can’t live without?

3 way tie. wireless internet, super sharp knives and  jean jackets

9. What are the 3 musicians dead or alive you’d like to see perform?

biggie smalls (he’s the illest) curtis mayfield and mr purple rain

10. What is your favorite decade in music?

the 90′s, specifically early 90′s hip hop. Illmatic and Midnight Marauders

11. If you had to choose, would you rather go blind or deaf and why?

I’d rather go deaf. I have to look fly all the time and I’m already to clumsy to be blind.

12. How old is too old?

46

13. Where do you see yourself in 15 years?

Owning a hole in the wall resturant that the community apperciates. And driving a cab on the weekends.

14. Who’s your hero?

my mother and Hakeem Olajuwon

15. What’s your favourite colour?

Yella

16. What song could you live without ever hearing again?

that song by Journey or Living on a Prayer by whoever sings it.

17. Metallica or Madonna?

Neither. maybe Madonna

18. What’s your most hated vice?

I really like candy and my teeth are so messed up, but I can’t stop myself.

19. Who is the most tragic figure in history?

Raven Simone, she peaked at 6 years old then everything went down hill

20. What are the top three live shows you’ve seen in your life?

The Roots, Pharcyde and A Tribe Called Quest ( for the tribe show, I got a ticket from a friend an hour before the show, then when i got to the show I found a ticket on the ground and sold it to a scalper for 3x times the amount, then lost all my friends when I got into the show but then made friends with 6 Asian guys who spoke no English and partied with them

The night is sure to hold a lot of fun with Burlesque performances and DJ Triple X paired with CJ Sleez droping all kinds of your favourite beats. Come as you are, or as whoever you want to be.

The event is held at Buddies in Bad Times Theatre on 12 Alexander St in Toronto and we’ve got two double passes, singed posters, and copy of the latest CJ Sleez CD for the lucky winner of this weeks #HumpDayHandout

How to Win?

Simply like/follow us on Facebook or Twitter and send us a tagged message saying:

“#HumpDayHandout #FuckUFridays with @CJSLEEZ  from @pinkmafia4life ”

Easy.

If you don’t win, waaahhhh, come out anyway. Check the event out on FACEBOOK, who doesn’t like $10.25 beer pitchers and selected $2.75 shooters all night long.

Keep your eyes open for future fan art by Wendy Ding. You can check out a La Roux illustration she made, and as of right now she’s eyeing up M.I.A. as her next project.

No stranger to the music scene, Santi White a.k.a. Santigold has also collaborated with a number of great artists including, MIA and Pharrell Williams. She’s written for Lily Allen and been featured in Kanye West’s track “Brooklyn Go Hard”. Needless to say, the girl knows her shit.

Tickets are on sale now at ticketmaster, CLICK HERE for the direct link.

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The series starts this Friday and will be held until June 22, 2012, so be sure to catch it for one if not all of the nights. Every Friday, the ROM will host different events under the Friday Night Live moniker-admission is only $6-$9 and features a moveable feast of food and drink throughout the ROM’s galleries. The pop-up bars featured throughout the museums galleries will feature weekly specials of local and international artisanal wines, beers and cocktails. The fare will be created by Fidel Gastro’s sandwich revolution (mmmm sandwich) leader Matt Basile, Micha and Jackson Kennedy of JK Frites, and Belgian waffle master, Valerie Bain of WaffleBar…(basically we’re talking all things carbalicious), paired with some amazing craft brews and Ontario wines and you’re golden.

This isn’t some stuffy black tie affair at the ROM, throughout the galleries will be the sounds of Toronto’s hottest DJ’s presented by ElectriCITY Events.

It’s a chance to experience life performances, art installations, and late night Museum talks by local artists, collectives, designers and curators. Not to mention, DJ’s and Dinosaurs.

So follow #FNLROM on TWITTER and join me tonight for the first night in a series of great nights.

Celebrating the new album, Lioness choose the perfect day, Friday, April 13, 2012, to throw a release party. They’re ready to put you under their spell at The Horseshoe Tavern in Toronto.

The album is full of a diverse range of thought and feeling as the band suffered through two crushing ordeals during the writing, that being of the death of two very close friends, Devon Clifford of Vancouver’s You Say Party and Toronto art provocateur, Will Munro. The album closer, “Stay Awhile”, is a tribute to both friends and the entire album as a whole has become an exploration of the themes of loss and re-evaluation of life.

Vanessa is a rad chick and we were more than thrilled that she took the time too meet with us. Can’t wait to catch the show on April 13.

1. What is your dream of happiness?

an island in the sea

2. Blonde or Brunette? 

Brunette

3. What is the quality you like most in a person?

Honesty

4. What do you fear most? 

The reaper

5. 808s or 909s?

808

6. What’s your biggest regret? 

no regrets

7. What’s your fav bar or club in the world?

Von.

8. What’s the one thing you can’t live without?

Dancing

9. What are the 3 musicians dead or alive you’d like to see perform? 

Kate Bush

Nina Simone

Siouxsie Sioux

10. What is your favorite decade in music? 

Late 70′s early 80′s

11. If you had to choose, would you rather go blind or deaf and why?

no comment

12. How old is too old? 

Dead

13. Where do you see yourself in 15 years? 

Alive

14. Who’s your hero? 

Tina Turner

15. What’s your favourite colour?

Electric blue

16. What song could you live without ever hearing again?

That butterfly song by crazy town

17. Metallica or Madonna?

Metallica

18. What’s your most hated vice? 

Sloth

19. Who is the most tragic figure in history?

Michael Jackson

20. What are the top three live shows you’ve seen in your life?

Daft Punk

Kylie

The Magician

The show is sure to be awesome and we’ve touched base with Ryan to answer our 20 questions, he willingly obliged and has provided us with some truly in depth wisdom and insight into his personality that is worth the read. Funny and thought provoking, here’s what he had to say:

So make sure you get your ass out to the Drake tonight to catch this dude.

1. What is your dream of happiness?

Getting to play music for the rest of my life as my career with some kind of balance for family and friends.

2. Blonde or Brunette?

My wife is a brunette. Brunette’s for sure. I’m a blonde myself, or at least I was for most of my youth, so no disrespect to my people.

3. What is the quality you like most in a person?

Open-mindedness.

4. What do you fear most?

Losing my wife, the people I love. Right after that would be not being able to play music for the rest of my life.

5. 808s or 909s?

I don’t know what that means, let me Google, back in a second…. Ok, seems to be some kind of drum machine. Let’s go with 909’s ‘cause 9 is my favourite number, and if you flip 909 over, it kind of looks like 606, which looks like 666, which is the number of the beast, and I have to give respect to Iron Maiden whenever I can for my good friend Ryan (long story).

6. What’s your biggest regret?

I have sometimes wished that I had discovered songwriting earlier and dropped out of school to hit the road, but I learned so much in University and I really see now that where I am is a product of all the decisions I’ve made along the way, good and bad. I have a great life, so I’m comfortable saying that I don’t have any regrets. If an answered is required, then one time after having been bullied myself for many years, I picked on a kid at camp one night with a friend of mine. I regret that for sure, but I learned a lot from it, changed the course of my life I think, for the better.

7. What’s your fav bar or club in the world?

Anywhere with an extensive Scotch list. Allen’s is a goodie, but I just went to this place in Amsterdam called Whiskey Bar that kind of blew all whiskey bars out of the water. The whiskey menu was about the size of an encyclopedia, I may have drooled on it. Sneaky Dee’s for late night nachos is a pretty special experience too. Whenever that’s happening, I’m in a very happy place.

8. What’s the one thing you can’t live without?

I don’t mean to sound like a broken record, but my wife for sure.

9. What are the 3 musicians dead or alive you’d like to see perform?

The Boss for sure is top of my list, Joni Mitchell and Tom Waits.

10. What is your favorite decade in music?

This one, so many exciting things happening.

11. If you had to choose, would you rather go blind or deaf and why?

Oh man… blind I guess, so that I could still listen to and play music… but maybe I would actually pick deaf so I could still go hiking and see the world around me. I don’t know… let’s say blind, Stevie Wonder still seems to have it pretty good.

12. How old is too old?

When you don’t want to be here anymore and you feel that you’ve lost all quality of life.

13. Where do you see yourself in 15 years?

Playing music, hopefully with a small family that still loves me even though I’m a touring musician.

14. Who’s your hero?

I’m not a big fan of the word hero, because I don’t think anyone is more than human, but my grandparents are pretty big inspirations to me. Glen Hansard from the Swell Season is probably the closest thing to a hero to me, and my friend and producer Rob Szabo is in that category as well. I meet lots of pretty amazing people every day though.

15. What’s your favourite colour?

As a kid I always said ‘aqua’ but now I’m not so sure why that is, haven’t really thought about it in a while. Probably blue, I like blue, it’s a good colour.

16. What song could you live without ever hearing again?

Most recent songs by the Black Eyed Peas, I’m not attacking the person, just the product.

17. Metallica or Madonna?

Hmmm… haven’t been an avid follower of either, but going to go with Metallica because ‘Nothing Else Matters’ was one of the first songs I learned to play on the guitar

18. What’s your most hated vice?

I wish food didn’t taste to damn good. I mean I’m happy it does, but it’s a challenge to resist it. I was on Weight Watchers when I was 14 and have managed to stay healthy since, but there’s lots of temptation. Especially cheese. Cheese is evil, deliciously evil.

19. Who is the most tragic figure in history?

Jeff Buckley was a pretty huge loss, but he was living a good life before he died. I would think it’s probably someone I’ve never heard of. Child soldiers, sweat-shop workers, there are millions of stories I’m sure that would break my heart. Many do.

20. What are the top three live shows you’ve seen in your life?

Neil Young at Massey Hall, The Frames and Damien Rice at Convocation Hall, and (this was a modern dance show): Dave St Pierre ‘Un Peu de Tendresse’ at the Harbourfront Centre.

Nick Pouponneau, lead vocals, a rapper by trade, started the show by forcing the crowd to move forward.

“We don’t bite” he said, as people moved up.

This was just the beginning of the engagement that Nick solicits from his audience. As the show continued, he constantly made reference to the crowd and had people making as much noise as he possibly could.

The band consists of 4 members, Nick, a rapper who twists lyrical rhymes with melodic hooks in such a way that even though he doesn’t have your typical front man vocals, his emotion comes through his voice making it completely discernible as his own, there is no other like it. Next we have the band members consisting of three gents of multi-instrumental talent, Mark Milloy, Dominic and Samuel Goss. The three instrumentalists pull together a collective talent for creating music that both moves and inspires the listener.

These guys are dedicated to their work to such an extent that they had their CD’s passed out during the show to all the audience. They put them in sleeves handmade with Z and L stamps done by none other than the boys themselves.

Lucky girl that I am, I got to sit/stand with these guys after the show for a quick and dirty interview on the here and now as well as the future:

When did you get together and start?

Nick: We started in the summer of 2010, Sam and I had been friends for a while, and Dom has been Sam’s brother for…ever?  We’d talked about it for a while and eventually just got together and became Zoo Legacy.

Sam: And then Mark came in in October 2011

So then, Mark, where are you on the tracks that are out there now?

Mark: Right, the tracks on the EP are not mine, however, any of the live tracks are…

Sam: Heavily Mark’s, HEAVILY Mark’s, on the new album, Marks played a big role

The NEW Album, when’s that coming out?

Dominic: End of May

Nick: Mid to End of May

(Can’t wait)

How excited are you for next week? You’ll be performing with Classified and Kardinal Offishal on Friday

Nick: Junofest is gonna be off the hook, to do a show like this in our own city means a lot and we’re going to rep hard

Dominic: Our momentum has been growing as-it -is in Ottawa, and to play with two Juno nominees, well I think it’s going to be a HUGE show for us

What are you plans while you’re in Toronto?

Sam: We are taking advantage of the festival, seeing some bands and attending some conferences, we’re also have a photoshoot on Saturday since we added a new member, our photos are all mostly of the three of us.

Mark: And continue the guerilla marketing, handing out CD’s and stuff like that, which we’re famous for

What’s the word for the future?

Nick: Make music forever….Should we add a bit more to that?

Sam: We’ve definitely built a following in Ottawa so we’re trying to expand, we’ve done a few shows in Montreal and this is our first show in Toronto so we’re definitely excited to move things east and west.

So be sure to look out for the boys of Zoo Legacy in the future as well as Friday, March 30 in Ottawa  at Ritual, tickets are $20 at the door and they’ll be performing with Classified and Kardinal Offishal, proving to be a great night!

Check the FACEBOOK EVENT HERE

Also, check out the boys WEBSITE HERE where you can read up on their bio as well as DOWNLOAD their album FREE

Peace,

Meaghan

We love T.Mills and know that you do to0, so here’s the deal, tweet us your favourite song from the T.Mills Leaving Home album to @pinkmafia4life and enter in the chance to win a pair of tickets to the show.

Here’s some inspiration to get you started.

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If you don’t get lucky, hell, we’re sorry, but you can still grab tickets at ticketweb. CLICK HERE for the link!

Peace!

The event is in it’s 30th year, and has proven itself to be the best of the best in North American entertainment events that celebrates the business of music. Brining together all things amazing, spanning 5 nights of performances, with more than 800 showcasing bands at 60 live music venues downtown Toronto, CMW 2012 IS Where Music Means Business!

Because you’re free time is important and should not be wasted, we have compiled a list of acts that should not be missed for you to check out:

Wendesday March 21

Young Empires at the Great Hall Basement  -Doors @8pm-

This event hosted by Union Events and Pirates Blend features an amazing showcase of talent. Young Empires should not be missed and always provide high energy sets that get the crowd going with their infectious beats. Since their formation in 2009 this band has risen to fame and international acclaim, we love them and we know you will too if you don’t already.

Check the FACEBOOK EVENT HERE for more details

Revelstoke at Rancho Relaxo @8pm

A multi-instrumental project of indie greatness, they’re kicking off the indie styles of the week in style. The sound is well thought and complex, we don’t know what else to tell you because you really never know what Andrew Seale is going to pull out next at his shows.

Connected Wednesdays at College St. Bar -Doors @ 8pm-

INFO HERE

Sure to be a good night, featuring the compelling Ashton Martin and slick piano styles of JD Keys this line up of varying sounds and styles is for you eclectic individuals who want to hear something a little different. Supported by Artistree and sure to be a good one.

The British Columbians at The Garrison

The night is Entitled CMW: Amos Transparent and doors open at 8pm

Tickets are $8.50 in advance on ticketweb

A Vancouver, BC, based quartet, these boys are here to provide you with a breath of fresh air in a scene that’s been rattled with gaps in originality and covered in imitation. This band should not be missed.

Zoo Legacy at The Piston @9pm

This Ottawa based band combines alternative rock and hip hop sounds that are sure to win over music lovers from all genres. They believe in style and creation and fuse it together so impeccably that you can’t help but stand in awe of their talent. Rhymes and melodic hooks combined with numerous instrumental intricacies, these guys are the ones you should be looking out for in the near future.

Dream Jefferson will also be playing at 1am, they’ve been known for breaking the mould and are more than worthy of your attention.

MORE SHOW INFO HERE

Thursday March 22

The Postelles at Lee’s Palace @ 9pm

The Postelles are a classic listing in this fest and should not be missed, they come from an bloodline that connects them to The Velvet Underground to the Ramones, to Blondie and all those wonderful things that made the 90s as amazing as it was. They were all reared on 50′s and early 60s rock and roll and it’s their love for and aspirations to be like these bands that brought them together in the first place.

DJ Tom Wrecks at The Sound Gallery -Doors @ 10:30pm-

Part of the Artistree line up, this Ottawa Ex-pat throws down beats that have been mentioned, watched, and hailed by many, including none other than Kanye West. He works out of Toronto and if you don’t know him already, keep your eyes open for this DJ who’s sure to get you moving.

Check out the FACEBOOK EVENT HERE

Diemonds at Wrongbar @12:30

Self described as sleazy hard rock slut machines, this band is full of energy that will get you up and moving. Nothing about this show will be tame, an all out rock fest designed specifically to make you feel alive and on the edge of your seat at all times. One look at Priya Panda screams everything you love about rock and roll, which is no doubt the pure unadulterated sex.

The entire line up is proving to be the best spot you could possibly hit and party is hosted by Truth Explosion and Jagermeister……. need we say more?

Facebook Event Page? CLICK HERE

ALL WEEK AT WRONG BAR 2-4AM SPECIAL SAY “PINK MAFIA” AT THE DOOR AND GET LINE BYPASS/FREE COVER

Kids and Explosions at The Garrison @1:30am

The Garrison is throwing a kick ass party this Thursday to Saturday that you should definitely look into. Hosted by the Red Bull Music Academy they’re pulling together some amazing talent involving only the best calibre of young and talented professional artists.

Kids and Explosions is sure to inspire you to reach new grounds as they rip your favourite sounds into a new level of extreme awesomeness. Picture “Girl Talk” on steriods and you get what we’re talking about.

Friday March 23

Half Moon Run at The Drake Hotel @7:30pm

A Montreal based india showcase of Canadian talent at it’s best. With the release of their debut album this month, they’re sure to be talked about.

The Arts & Crafts Showcase at Horseshoe Tavern

Newly signed to the Arts and Crafts family, Snowblink will be performing at 8pm and are worth checking out.

Eight and a Half will be performing at 10pm with Gold and Youth following and since their debut album isn’t even out until April 10th, this is a featured sneak peak that will be sure to rock you. To be honest, this band is quite possibly the best band playing in the entire festival, they are well worth a listen and you should definitely check them out.

The Apache Relay at El Mocambo @10:30pm

This indie band is on the road a hell of a lot more than most getting their sound out there, they are well worth a listen and we appreciate them even more for their effort.

Check the FACEBOOK EVENT for the evening HERE

CMW:Windish at Lee’s Palace 

Tickets are $15 in advance on ticketmaster

Cavemen @ 11pm

Cloud Nothings @12am

An indie rock band from none other than Cleveland, Ohio, they started out as a simple project to pass the time away and grew into something much greater than expected.

Stavin’ Hungry at The Bovine Sex Club @ 12am

Self proclaiming that their sound is reminiscent of babies crying this band is an amalgamation of styles that aims only to move and inspire the listener.

Tickets are $10 at the door, shows start at 9pm

Thread of Scarlet at Cherry Cola’s Rock N’ Rolla Cabaret

The leading rock/alternative band from Barbados, these guys rep’d Barbados at SXSW with tracks ranging from rock/alternative and intimate acoustic, to rock ballads and reggae fusions, all with the band’s unique sound of two lead vocalists and slick arrangements.

Saturday March 24

CMW @Virgin Mobile Mod Club 

Fanfarlo @7:30

One of the first major line-ups to be announced in CMW, they’re are a London-based indie-pop band formed in 2006. Fusing elements of folk, indie rock and post punk using eclectic instrumentation including trumpet, violent, mandolin, musical saw and clarinet. This band is sure to entertain.

Paula I Karol at Cabin 5 @7:30pm

A large family of Warsaw-based musicians who, for the past two years, have been capturing the hearts of young and old alike, across Poland and abroad. They will melt your heart and lift your spirits all at once with their folk pop songs and instruments.

Dragonette at The Hoxton @10pm

The Canadian electronic band Drangonette has been around since 2005 and have been dazzling the scene ever since. Most of the band is born and raised in Toronto but they now all live in West London, they’re a mixture of great talent put together to make even greater music. With a strong backing in the UK this band has been turning heads since day one.

Nightbox at Wrong Bar @12am

These dance rock specialists are sure to get you moving. Not to be missed, this band hails from Ireland and are now based out of Toronto. They always bring their best to a show and provide their audience with an energy and range of movement that is hard to beat.

Check the EVENT PAGE HERE

ALL WEEK AT WRONG BAR 2-4AM SPECIAL SAY “PINK MAFIA” AT THE DOOR AND GET LINE BYPASS/FREE COVER

Murder by Death at The Bovine Sex Club @12am

Hailing from Bloomington, Indiana, this band was formed in 2000 and has been rocking it ever since. They mingle Old West murder ballads with rock-injected Western classicism to not only string together songs, but to create experiences. Masterfully beautiful and enticing, this band will make you melt into the sound.

Tickets are $10 at the door shows start at 9pm

Sunday March 25

Be sure to sure to check out the closing night at Wrong Bar for a mash up of DJ’s that’ll get your blood pumping. Ian Kamau will be featured and his views on art and life life through his music in such a way that you’ll have no choice but to be moved.

Further info on the weeks lineups:

Wrongbar has great line ups all week, if you love the place you can check out all their listings on the facebook event pages here:

Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday aaannndd remember, if you say “Pink Mafia” at the door between 2am and 4am you get in free with line bypass….hoooked UP

Show times for The Garrison‘s Red Bull Music Academy line up can be found HERE

Be sure to keep your eyes on Artistree, you can view their FACEBOOK EVENT for CMW HERE.

Overly danceable in complexities and its entirely, lose knit ties to post-punk make the band’s debut LP progressive, average-listener-friendly fiasco-pop.  And extremely far from anything you’d ever expect to hear out of Arts & Crafts, TRST is belligerently cool.

A shy pair, questioned only for their lines being drawn too closely to the silhouette of Thunderheist’s legacy, Trust boast and revolve around a militia of radiant and dexterous musical skills. Recordings reproduced to a T in the flesh, Robert Alfons and Maya Postepski pour mystery down the barrel of a glock, paying Canadians like Grimes, European’s like King Krule, and American’s like Julie Holter the respect they deserve for being sensational by international standards just because being a weirdo is much more important than anything else.

And weird is an understatement. Trust have bigger bollocks than your bi-weekly west-end fantasy spectacle. If only for releasing the LP on a Toronto-based label known for a consistently younger fan bases than the maturity TRST assumes to reach. And despite the duo’s interview refusal and general offstage acquiescence, their clueless ownership of synth balanced punk is actually much more humble than they in fact position it to be.

For fans of Nine Inch Nails and Nicolas Jaar, Trust is rude and your ticket to the wild side. Make no mistake of it, The Pet Shop Boys, Kraftwerk, and Depeche Mode will ABSOLUTELY knock boots to TRST in no time. Perfectly balanced, this debut is both for urban imports to apply black eyeliner to, and a collection of stories fit for strolls with the upper-middle class.

Regardless, Anna got to have a 1-on-1 with Mills to talk about everything from touring to Starbucks to Chairman Mills. Check out some clips after the jump.

Yeah, that’s what he said. 140 SONGS!

“Come Inside” didn’t make the cut…

2 hours make a song. Jesus.

He’s from Oshawa (sorta) suburban ladies, feel free to swoon.

FYI, Chairman Mills is one of the largest party rental companies in Canada, based in Toronto.

You can’t hear what Anna Von says cause our editor has a PC (sucks balls), but basically she says, “I bet you can make a good coffee now” and “that’ll come in handy”…some seriously heady stuff here people.

We heart Trouble & Bass and Luca (Drop The Lime)’s taken our 20 Qs before too.

On the FYI, BOI-1DA is a home grown producer from Ajax (near Oshawa), he’s got two Grammy’s (the last one for Eminem’s “Recovery”), and he produced “Headlines” that Drake track that 93.5 plays on repeat. You know what that means…he’s coming to town to get to work.

Dear, the Nation’s Music Station, T.Mills has a heart on for you. There, we did our mainstream duty, and kept a promise.

So here’s what’s not in there: he’s playing TIME Supper Club in Montreal on the 29th and a one-off fly out date after two days in the studio here in TO.

Then it’s a Euro-tour all through January, then Canada and the US until a top secrete June/July tour int he summer and finally the full-length album drops in the fall of 2012. It’s a long haul, but he’s most definitely up for the job. If you wanna see the full interview (save for some bullshit small talk from the beginning and end) then CLICK HERE

To buy the Leaving Home EP, click THIS 

Then, possibly the most adorable person to sport two full sleeves and a cornucopia of other tats, girl took the stage looking like Brigitte Bardot if she joined the Hell’s Angels. The launch took place at the Rialto theatre in Mile-End, Montreal. Couer de Pirates vocals and sound fit perfectly with the theatre that could have easily (and possibly did) host a burlesque show.

Performing her new single Martin was joined by Sam Roberts four songs into her set. I know right? She looked as shocked as everyone else. Roberts stayed on for once short duet. My attentions were stolen by the sax player. He was dressed for an SNL sketch about hipster saxophone players (is this a thing? It should be). But he was super rad. And a fox.  Martin was joined again with for “Pour un infidèle” by original vocalist Jimmy Hunt. I don’t know if his mustache is in the spirit of the season but he had a whole James Taylor/Vampire Weekend thing going on.

Coeur de Pirate will be perforimg at the Mod Club November 11th.

Photographs by Renee Tousignant

View from our apartment just after arriving in Iceland.

This is how I found myself spontaneously booking a trip to Iceland with some (at the time) relatively unknown acquaintances for Iceland Airwaves 2011 (see below for a cool video montage of the festival). For as long as I can remember, I have wanted to go to Iceland. I think I maybe have bizarre travel habits (remember my last adventure, driving to the Yukon?)–the idea of Iceland; barren, desolate; serene and empty has always called to me. This October,  I was finally able to answer, spending a whirlwind of 9 days between the greatest music festival I have ever been to; hot springs; horseback riding; and the Arctic Circle.  We ate some amazing food, met beautiful people (Iceland is full of babes), and experienced one of the greatest countries on earth. I’m going to throw down this Most Fun Ever into two parts: Iceland Airwaves, and Iceland Adventuring.

Venue & map. Reykjavik is tiny!

Redeye to Reykjavik

Departing YYZ at 9pm for Reykjavik, I was fortunate enough to be seated with two fellow T.O blogger/photogs–Frank Yang of Chromewaves, and Carrie Musgrave, both of whom were in town to cover Airwaves  (check out their photos! Beautiful!) We headed North, on an overnight flight set to arrive at 6:30am Reykjavik time. Iceland Air is seriously your cheapest way to get to Iceland. Our flight was really affordable and just over 5hrs!

Arriving in Keflavik was like a dream. It was absolutely freezing, dark, cold and windy (we left Toronto in a 30 degree heat wave over Thanksgiving, remember? ) The airport is 45 minutes outside of Reykjavik, and the road runs through a lava field. As the sun rose on our drive into the city, I knew we were in the most beautiful place on earth.

My companions and I stayed at Reykjavik4you Apartments right in the heart of downtown. With a kitchen & a “Bonus” (Iceland’s equivalent to No Frills) next door, we were set for 8 crazy nights of music, food, and adventure. In a haze after we landed, we spent our first day (and really, our only day with sunshine during the trip) picking up our passes, and making a game plan for what we were going to see the first day of the festival, which started the next day.

Swag bag was mad, yo. And full of Icelandic treats!

Iceland Airwaves is one of the best curated festivals I’ve ever been to. At first glance, I wasn’t overly impressed with the line-up, but after spending some time checking out bands online, I was totally blown away. The schedule at each venue was tight, and the bands were a wonderful mix of hip Iceland-based groups and largely Canadian/U.S. artists.

Bjork-a-go-go

As part of the festival, 200 tickets were available to see Bjork. FOR FREE. I nearly died of happiness. So, on the second day of our trip, we ended up waiting in line for 3 hours in the freezing cold for tickets…to much success.

So cold & miserable.

Bjork performed at Harpa, which is like being inside of an Escher painting, for real. It’s one of the most beautiful buildings I have ever been in, and seeing her there was intense. In a 500 person room, Bjork performed material from her newest album, Biophillia, which was narrated by David Attenborough(?!?!) Seriously, this is one of the best shows I have EVER been to. If you have the opportunity to see her on this tour (assuming she comes to North America), I would highly recommend it at any cost.

To much success!

After that, we headed to NASA to see some Icelandic bands. Of all of the shows we saw at Airwaves, Of Monsters and Men were hands down one of the best of the fest. They’re coming to Toronto on November 13th @ the El Mo and you should go.

Harpa. Escher IRL.

Toronto Does Iceland

As part of my press cred, we were taken on a day-long “Press Trip” where we were taken to see the Bedroom CommunityRecording Studios just outside of the city. They’re a really beautiful label that seems to specialize in songs for lovers.Owen Pallett is recording his upcoming album there, and I would venture to say it’s going to be stunningly beautiful. Next, we were taken to the Outside Air Museum, which seems to be Reykjavik’s equivalent to Black Creek Pioneer Village. Queue a half hour tour in crazy wind, cold and sleet that culminated in downing shots of Brennevin and eating dried fish underground in a farmhouse.

@ Bedroom Community Studios

Next, we were taken to the shore, where we were set to go “sea swimming”–sea swimming is a process that involves running into the water, submerging your body up to your neck for a minimum of 15 seconds, then running into a hot tub. It was so exhilarating! The water was beyond freezing. We’re talking 5-6 degrees here. But so worth it, and definitely something I can see as having enormous health benefits!

So quaint! So cold & miserable, as per usual.

With a belly full of Brennevin, I hit up Owen Pallett’s set at Idno, with Puzzle Muteson opening. We had full intentions of hitting up the TuNe YaRdS, but I ended up vetoing that in favour of this set. You’re probably thinking–you went all the way to Iceland to see bands from Toronto? Yes. But let me explain why.

Your favourite bands are your favourite bands no matter where you see them. And see Owen Pallett and Austra’s mind-blowing sets were an incredible experience. I feel as though I got to see some local fare that was truly wonderful, but also see some more well-known bands who I knew would put on a show (James Murphy of LCD Soundsystem fame did a DJ set which I would also like to include in this list as being in-fucking-credible. That man knows his music like you would not believe).

Blue, blue lagoon

On the second last day of the festival, Iceland Airwaves hosts a “hang over” party at the Blue Lagoon, which is about 45 minutes outside of the city. This is a must see if you are ever in Iceland. It’s beautiful, and touristy and inexpensive for a day of spa relaxation. And trust me, after 5 straight days of drinking and staying out late (many bars in Reykjavik are open until 4am, and serving!) There was a DJ, mud masks and in true Icelandic fashion, not one but TWO hailstorms while we were enjoying the saltiest water on Earth. The geography nerd in me would also like to point out that at the Blue Lagoon you straddle two continental plates! Neat!

Hang over party was a bit too "Girls gone wild" for me, personally.

So with that, I wrap up my coverage of Iceland Airwaves. But stay tuned for a full-blown travel guide to Iceland, featuring Icelandic ponies, the Arctic Circle, and some of the best the country has to offer.

The beautiful Blue Lagoon

Plus – check out this rad Iceland Airwaves montage!

So, I asked myself some questions…unearthing acute insight into the very heart of accessorizing itself! (Note, this line should be read aloud with a deep epic voice.)

Play this Raphael Saadiq song while you continue on – it’s from his latest album (and goes by the same name), “Stone Rollin’”.

I asked myself…what is an accessory? What is that? What is its function? What occurs when you step in front of the mirror and lay that hat on your head like a fresh dressing over a crisp salad?

Embark on this exploration with me…let’s grope and grasp together.

An accessory is actually very difficult to define…an accessory is not the meat and vegetables in the stir-fry but the spice thrown in that affects the entire flavor of the meal….an accessory is a thing that if done well goes unnoticed at first…an unapparent barb of beauty…an accessory is a catalyst! Yes! A subtle catalyzer…an accessory is a kiss on your lower back that jolts you­––sending shivers down your spine while deepening your addiction to the lips of the culprit on your skin!

Yes! Now we have a sensory impression, a rough idea of what it means to accessorize. An accessory is an essential element of a story, it swoops in as a bonding agent, tying the entire look together; synthesizing!

Now…the most delicious thing…when a person intimately understands how to accessorize they are actually demonstrating a knowledge of stylistic grammar…that’s right…I have just now coined that term…it shows the ability to emphasize•punctuate•question•expand• knowing exactly where to plant that tremor inducing kiss.

Speaking of lips that kiss…it appears that Yinka’s entire genetic ancestry devoted itself to the long-term cultivation of the most full voluptuous lips known to man.

And huzzah! I believe I’ve crafted an accessories piece with a fair bit of elegance and cheek. Success. Enjoy the hard work of our fantastic team.

UPDATE – Our buddies over at perfectomag.com released all the other delicious photos we didn’t use here (and then some).

Photographer: May Truong, Stylist: Diego Armand, Stlist Assistant: Nitasha Göel, MakeUp/Hair: Jade Smith, Model:Yinka (Elite)

Words by Markus Laczko

Wardrobe
Polos: Farah
Hats: Big It Up
Glasses: Supers

JULY 1, 2011 – THE ROOTS

I had talked to some people who said the Roots come through Toronto all the time and weren’t crazy about the $50 ticket price. But regardless, one thing is for certain: the Roots put on a crazy wicked show. The energy from the crowd as soon as The Roots hit the stage was tremendous. Lead man Black Thought wasted no time in using the crowd’s enthusiasm to his advantage, getting the audience to cheer, chant, and clap out rhythms for the group to incorporate into their songs. They ran through classics like You Know That You Got Me (see video) and did some covers like Led Zeppelin. Having the Roots as a part of the jazz festival is a serious no brainer. They are able to combine hip hop, funk, soul and rock into a solid hour and a half long set. They just have an ebb and flow that make them easily one of the best live bands. No wonder Questlove is part of Jimmy Fallon’s houseband.

Photos taken by Stacey Nolan

JULY 2, 2011 – BOOTSY COLLINS

From the bottom of his platform boots to the top of his glittery hat, Bootsy Collins is one larger-than-life character. For his age, Bootsy Collins looks so young and you would never be able to tell that he has been funking since the 1970s. The beat was impossible to resist and Bootsy acted as our high priestess of funk that night. The band was also dressed to thrill, all dressed like a acid flashback. With slapping basslines and funky grooves, Bootsy’s show was lots of fun and fabulous music from the hardest working band in funkdom.

Photos taken by Lori Steeves