Canadian Music Week (CMW) is here and as with each year, the shows just keep getting better and better.

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:

It’s no surprise Trust’s sold out show at Wrongbar on Saturday was a heavy night leading into a huge month for music in Toronto.  The repetitive drones of “Bulbform” have snuffed youth from typical bubblegum dance parties, and stripped down “Sulk” —  the record’s pop tilted single — is a phantomland, descending the local group beyond a typical lightness associated with She & Him like dichotomies.  After growing weary of heart-bleeding and hopeful romance from Toronto artists in 2011, Trust deploys cliché expectations of indie-electro bedroom bands and the second the outfit dropped their first beat, hometown was on fire.

Seriously, we cannot stop talking about T.Mills. He’s infected our blog, our facebook, our twitter, and our social lives.   So when we found out big don Anna Von was going to have a skype date with Million, everyone else at PinkMafia kinda lost their shit.

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.

If you’re not in love with Beatrice Martin within 5 seconds of her opening her mouth I don’t know what’s wrong with you.  Seriously, read these 20 Qs, and love her forever. Martin is releasing her second album, Blonde,  under band/stage  the name Coeur de Pirate. The event planner had gone all out, with a room full of kids there were fake tattoos being drawn “live”.

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

This past August, I celebrated my 24th birthday, preempting myself for the “quarter-century crisis” that should have followed next year. I started freaking out, thinking of all the places I had yet to travel to; the goals and aspirations I had yet to achieve…the list goes on.

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!

I’ll be honest…when I was asked to write an accessory piece for the Raphael Saadiq shoot I accepted…but…I don’t what the hell an accessories piece is. What does that even look like?

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

Over the years, I’ve watched The Toronto Jazz Festival grow and morph from the City Hall to its new home in Metro Hall. This year’s festival included some spectacular acts that had people young and old buzzing. Most notably was the opener for the Jazz Fest, Aretha Franklin. I had never really caught the Jazz Festival, as it had always fallen on the weekend of Pride but this year two acts stood out to me that I could not miss:

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

Fellow Queerios, it is finally here. The month of Pride. While some of us wait until the actual weekend to do something, there are a few of us who enjoy Pride as a celebration of all things Queer. Its Christmas, but with balloons, hot sticky weather and left of centre politics. For Pride Toronto or -PT- it has been a very interesting year, indeed. The Pride Festival surrounds us, and brings in people from all over the world.

-PT- has come out on top from crumbling politics, set up primarily by the Queers Against Israeli Aparthaed or, QuaIA. This group people or set out to force an issue that had nothing to do with the parade or anything to why we, as a community celebrate each year. Their issue was purely political and had nothing to do with beer tents, drag king performances or flirting with that cute boi and his best friend from Montreal.

We celebrate in different ways. A lesbian couple holds hands for the first time. A drunken walk with your friends to get street meat at the intersection of Gay and Gayer. Where of course, a sea of people are dancing on the street, some only driven by a natural intoxication. The loud house music being pumped out from bar beside bar, trying to drown out the one beside it. There is a collective sense of Pride that has nothing at all to do with -PT- at all.

T.G.I. SWAGGER

Then, there are the brave souls who despite all odds, see Pride as an opportunity to give back to the Queerio community. Cee Sando’s event, TGI Swagger ran last year, and she is doing it again for 2011. She was not impressed by last years antics yet this event is an official one for -PT-. The QuAiA created disruption, but she went ahead with her plans. Her primary reason? “I am not going to lose sight of why we have Pride, what is the point? You carry on and do what the community deserves.”

This is a welcoming event for the 19 + crowd who want to have a seriously happening vibe for the last evening of this year’s Pride. For those of you who maybe new to being 19 this is a great event to experience a “Dress to Impress.” So break out the slinky sandals, sexy dresses, and open to the middle of your chest silk shirts. You can walk down the “Signature Black Carpet” in your own style.

She has created a Festival of Pride of her own design. Complete with surprise guests, eclectic music,and a donation aspect to her event. Donating the proceeds to an LGBTQ charity is a goal for each event that they put together for our community. She’s booked Internationally known DJ’s who are known for their strong urban body shakin beats. It’s a destination event and yes, you will want to stay. Hotel Ocho, is Toronto’s hottest new boutique hotel.

With a $20 suggested donation, you will be treated to scrumptious food, and high quality entertainment second to none. Expect a mature vibe and sophisticated crowd. There are rumours of surprises guests. Hosting duo Chrys and Kris will welcome hot international DJ’s Designer Imposter from New York and Betti Forde from Toronto. Nicole Pina, from “The Lovers and Friends Show,” and Bklyn Boihood. will join the celebration.

Supporters foodFIGHT, Girls Like Us and Factorial! and live nail art by guerrilla image squad and the |WÖR|iors, just to name a few. The proceeds of the sale of their items will go directly to the NoH8 Campaign. If you want to just get in and enjoy the party, you don’t have to pay the suggested donation of $20.

Its never to early to shout the words “Happy Pride!!!!” I plan on saying it to as many Queerios as I can.

Our girl Roxy Cottontail came through the Great White North for a couple of gigs a while back. And sh sent us this vido to pass on for your viewing pleasure.

Enjoy it to death!

RECESS!! spun some fun into the fundraiser for Schools Without Borders . It is a Canadian Charity that works with Youth with with various goals.

Held at the Steam Whistle Brewery, the event delivered high quality entertainment with an opportunity for people to learn more about what they do.
The various activities at the event ranged from creating a mural,  an online auction, and  an interactive playground.

A group of women who just joined the party.

-photo by shona fraser-

Their  mission is to assist   youth around the world “who live in poverty, violence and corruption.”   Youth volunteers, are   Cultural Delegates . They traveled from our very own Parkdale,  to Kenya and Jamaica. The goal was to bring them to real “leadership dialogue.”  It is the opportunity for the Youth to  talk  about  problem solving and creating “foundations for current arts and cultural policy.”

I spoke with one of the cultural delegates,  Kara who has been in the program for a few years. She found the Youth in Jamaica and Kenya taught her more than she expected.  It was what   they do to make dynamic change and growth happen for their communities that inspires her. Here she is with another cultural delgate.

Participants could donate to SWB in two ways. Donations of  Aeroplan miles  assist in the expenses of travelling  and funding young artists.  An online auction brought out   bidding for some really cool stuff. I liked this one, the best.

-photo by shona fraser-

What is recess with out Basketball? She made it look easy and effortless.

-photo by shona fraser-

No matter how nicely you asked, no one could  get all four flavours into a Tiny Tom Donut bag!

-photo by shona fraser-

This is the mural that was painted  throughout the event.

-photo by shona fraser-
A slide show  brought awareness, and education about what they do for youth.  It is the entire organisation, from the co founders, board of directors,  to the youth volunteers that make Schools Without Borders  as successful as it is.  Toronto’s various  cultural  identities gives it a strong root, as “our fair city is best to  bring ideas of  real learning   and cooperation   to rest the world.”

-photo by shona fraser-

The highlight of RECESS!! was a performance by  The Airplane Boys . They were a perfect match for the event,  and set the musical  tone for the evening. They have a very Torontonian Sound.  Beck Motley and Bon Voyage   “fuse futuristic electonic sounds  to “rock, pop, hip hop and jazz.”

-photo by yannick anton-
They take  influences from  different musical communities and make them work . This is their current  way of  expressing their art as performers.  It is  the combination of an entire band.  A  guitar riff  matched with a drum beat   backing up their hard core  lyrics that creates this sound.  It is somewhere between crisp and clean, to mellow and soulful.

-photo by yannick anton-
To pull influences from four different genres brings out a lot of energy from the crowd. . A couple of times, they  jumped down from the stage  and engaged the audience directly.

-photo by yannick anton-
It was refreshing to attend a fundraiser where the focus was on fun and celebration.  RECESS!!  gave back  a fun night to everyone who  has supported them with the hope of growth ahead to other ventures.

-photo by yannick anton-
words    by shona