So Toronto, how stoked are you on the upcoming Das Racist show?  So stoked that the show at Wrongbar (happening on January 28th) has been sold out now for almost three weeks.  It’s been a long time coming, but people are going crazy looking forward to this show, including myself.  You may love them or love to hate them.  Whatever the case may be, these clever, humorous & intelligent rappers are coming.

When the opportunity came along to interview Das Racist about the upcoming Toronto show, I snatched it up.  I’d heard varying things, like they were great to interview (see Village Voice article here or New Yorker article here) but then I’d read elsewhere that they had been difficult to interview (CNN article here or more recently Cake In 15 Blog here).  Considering I’m a fan, I went in with an open mind and was excited to speak with them.  I follow Heems on Twitter and on Tumblr and personally thought that “Sit Down, Man” was one of the best mix tapes of 2010.  So I had an idea and sense of the humour I was in for.

Now without further ado, it is my great personal honour to present to you the best interview I’ve ever had, brought in part by Das Racist:

Amanda from Pink Mafia: You’ve been tagged as a joke rap / political group.  What do you think it will take for people to accept that you are a serious rap group.

Dap: A short manifesto attached to the dead body of a politician or businessman, preferably both.
Himanshu: That’s a good question.
KOOL A.D.: The synchronized explosions of the summer homes of every Fortune 500 CEO.

Amanda from Pink Mafia: The hip hop game seems to be a lot about who is hood enough or street enough to be “authentic”.  What’s your take on the rap game now.

Dap: As opposed to a time when that wasn’t the case? I think the internet has helped people create/distort their image in a way that allows the music to be heard. Most of it still sucks.
Himanshu: Hmmm, do you mind if I call you Bill?
KOOL A.D.: I’m so hood.

Amanda from Pink Mafia: You’re huge on Twitter right now, people always re-Tweeting your stuff. What’s the appeal of reaching out to fans through Twitter. Have you got some Kanye rants saved for us?

Dap: Twitter, obviously, is a way to communicate quickly, repeatedly and directly with the fans. Rants on-deck, always.
Himanshu: RANTS ON DECK, i like that Dap.

Amanda from Pink Mafia: You recently took part in Fair Use Day.  Since a large part of hip hop is all about fair use remixing, tell me what it was like to be a part of that and your take on Fair Use / Creative Commons.

Dap: The panel was fun, albeit a little meandering. Shouts to Kevin Driscoll and DJ Ripley. Creative Commons are a good thing.
Himanshu: What up with that? Right?
KOOL A.D.: It’s bigger than Hip Hop.

Amanda from Pink Mafia: Thoughts on Canadians?

Dap: They are, indeed, people who live in Canada.
Himanshu: I know right?
KOOL A.D.: YOOOOO!!!

Well there you have it folks.  Be sure to check out the show on January 28th at Wrongbar. I’ve just been informed there will be SOME tickets at the door.  Show up early or else you are bound to miss a show that people will be talking about for weeks.

Toronto’s own Bonjay, just put out Broughtupsy and are celebrating with a live show alongside Little Dragon at Wrongbar on January 17, 2011. We’re giving away tickets to the show to the first person to email: info@pinkmafia.ca Subject: Bonjay as well as an exclusive mixtape from the band themselves. Annnnd, they took the 20 Qs. Look at that, nothin’ but net.

1. What is your dream of happiness?

To make some music that people remember for a long time.

2. Blonde or Brunette?

Definitely brunette.

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

Kwende

4. What do you fear most?

Bores

5. 808s or 909s?

MPCs

6. What’s your biggest regret?

Don’t believe in them

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

Plastic People in London. The sound system there is uniquely tuned to perfection.

When we went there Alanna hopped on the mic and sang over a deejay set by one of our favorite producers.

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

Pho has to read a quality newspaper every day or else he feels out of touch.

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

Arthur Russell, Betty Davis, The Bulgarian State Radio & Television Women’s Choir

10. What is your favorite decade in music?

90s

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

Blind because it would enhance our listening skills

12. How old is too old?

Depends on what yuh asking about!

13. Where do you see yourself in 15 years?

Doing this and sharing ideas. And building things.

14. Who’s your hero?

Local Rabbits and Seiji

15. What’s your favourite colour?

Black and white

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

Any radio rap with a “rock” vocalist on the hook and shitty synths

17. Metallica or Madonna?

Ride the Lightning

18. What’s your most hated vice?

Getting too distracted by all the fascinating things in this world

19. Who is the most tragic figure in history?

Aaliyah

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

Björk

Method Man & Redman

Feist

New Year’s Eve is upon us. This year we’ve been blessed with its occurrence on a Friday and everything. And being that we are somewhat of a band of party experts, we’ve sifted through the invites and surfed the internet and kept our proverbial ears to the ground, and here’s what we came up with as a best bet New Year’s Eve 2010.

If you are taking transportation, the best bet is and has always been, the subway. That’s of course only pre 11PM and post 3AM of course, in between, just pray you’ve got a decent pair of shoes on and a heaping dose of patience for cabbing. A good rule of thumb when it comes to NYE is “stick to what you know”. Parties or clubs that have a reputation for being good throughout the year, are generally the best on New Year’s Eve. And don’t forget that EVERYONE goes out on this night, even the people who never go out, so expect that the standard will be lowered across the board.

Now, here’s our best of…

Best Dance Floor:

Wrongbar. Every year it’s the best. It’s sweaty, it’s unassuming, it’s no bullshit, it’s dress up or down, it’s good tunes and it’s all smiles. No asshole doormen, great dance floor vibes and tickets are starting at $20. Click here for more info and to buy tickets.

Best Year Round Rep:

Shuffle @ 6 Degrees.

These parties have been going off monthly at Revival for AGES. The guys behind one of the hippest charity/blog, 1LoveT.O, in town. It’s a pretty good bet for NYE, especially if you’re into the monthly parties. Get your tickets fast though, this shit will most definitely sell out. Click here for more info. Jedi’s DJing alongside D-Lux, tickets are available at Play De Record, Pleasure And Pain, and Remix for $40.

Best Independent Party:

It’s a tie between the Burroughs Building and Pacha.

Pacha: The Jons and Rob Dyer (Skate4Cancer) are in their third year of this party, titled simply I Heart New Year’s. Hotmess DJs are playing alongside Black Friends and Sonos. Tickets are $30 and can be purchased by clicking here. If you liked Dance Like You Fuck, girls in their 20s, getting booze poure don you, but not having to deal with bridge and tunnel, then this is the jam for you.

The Burroughs: Stacey Felicia is the promoter behind this one. It’s open bar until 11:30PM, with 9 DJs playing over two floors including a rooftop smoking area. Merk Meny, Grahmzilla, and Meech are playing alongside other locals. It’s $80 but there’s that open bar thing and they do deals for groups of 6 or more. For more info, click here.

Best Gay Party:

Arrival @ The Phoenix.

Prism and Matt Sims Events have teamed up to bring you this one. They’re serving until 3AM and there’s 6 DJs over 2 rooms. And can you believe that tickets are only $25 in advance? More at the door of course. This is hands down a best bet if you wanna get down in the gayborhood on NYE. More info here.

Best Free Event:

Bowties + Party Dresses @ The Savoy

Bangs + Blush have done it again. Like 60s music and pretty party dresses? Then this is the NYE you’ve been looking for 100%. The Savoy is tiny, so make sure you come early.

Best Party In A Bar with Bands:

The Bovine NYE @ The Bovine Sex Club

It’s always a blast at the Bovine. A little known gem of a spot for TIFF and NYE and any other bullshit weekend fest that brings out all the novice party goers. bands are: Blackie Jackett Jr. (Finger Eleven side project) and Brooklyn Fletcher (ex trigger Happy, Bangers, Hellen Killer). It’s only $12 and that gets you in + party favors and a Jager toast at midnight of course. More info/tickets here.

It’s Wrongbar’s anniversary on the 18th and producer/DJ, Tensnake, has the honor of playing the party. Known to friends as Marco Niemerski, you probably know him best for the sweet ethereal music he makes. Massive hits like “Coma Cat” and “In The End (I Want You To Cry)” have been tearing up blog land and dance floor since their release. It’s dance music with originality, makes you want to move AND buy it for home. It’s called talent in case you’re not familiar with it, and Tensnake’s got it in spades. We raise a glass to you Wrongbinder with these 20 Qs. Happy Birthday! Follow us on Twitter to see how you can win ticket too (@pinkmafia4life)

1. What is your dream of happiness?

“The day when the human race will successfully get over its own greed.

And the day I write the perfect track!”

2. Blonde or Brunette?

“Brunette.”

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

“Honesty, trustworthiness & creativity.”

4. What do you fear most?

“The loss of electricity.”

5. 808s or 909s?

“809!”

6. What’s your biggest regret?

“I’ve got no energy to waste on regrets.”

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

“Daniela Bar / Hamburg.”

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

“That is simple: music.”

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

- Marvin Gaye

- Larry Levan

- Mozart

10. What is your favorite decade in music?

“1978-1988.”

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

“Hmm, hard decision. Probably deaf, as you could still feel the lower frequencies!”

12. How old is too old?

“You are never too old!”

13. Where do you see yourself in 15 years?

“Sun – hammock – cold drink.”

14. Who’s your hero?

“Musically I would say Larry Levan for all these amazing 12″ mixes.”

15. What’s your favourite colour?

“No favourite colour, i like them all!”

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

“20 Fingers – Short Dick Man.”

17. Metallica or Madonna?

“Madonna.”

18. What’s your most hated vice?

“Smoking.”

19. Who is the most tragic figure in history?

“Most politicians.”

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

Phoenix

Broken Social Scene

LCD Soundystem

Aloe Blacc, the man behind the theme song “I Need A Dollar” from hipster hit TV show, How To Make It In America is coming to Toronto to play November 15th alongside Maya Jupiter and Maylee Todd at Wrongbar. He was a nice enough to take the 20 Qs with us leading up to it. You can buy tickets by clicking HERE

1. What is your dream of happiness?
To travel the world and share my music. I’m living the dream.

2. Blonde or Brunette?
My wife is a brunette.

3. What is the quality you like most in a man?
My dad is a pretty stoic guy and I appreciate his rational thinking.

4. What do you fear most?
Physical torture.

5. 808s or 909s?
808s.

6. What’s your biggest regret?
I wish I would have started singing sooner.

7. What’s your fav bar or club in the world?
The Do-Over: blog.thedoover.net

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

9. What are the 3 musicians dead or alive you’d like to see perform?
Jorge Ben, Nat King Cole, Michael Jackson.

10. What is your favorite decade in music?
1960s.

11. If you had to choose, would you rather go blind or deaf and why?
I would rather go deaf because you can still feel vibrations through your bones and I am visually inspired to create. Plus, I enjoy being completely independent, which makes sight necessary.

12. How old is too old?
Dead.

13. Where do you see yourself in 15 years?
Probably directing films after an acting career.

14. Who’s your hero?
Ghandi, MLK, Mandela, Siddhartha, Sam Cooke, Quincy Jones, Oprah, Nina Simone.

15. What’s your favourite colour?
Oxblood.

16. What song could you live without ever hearing again?
Hmmm…Ithink I have already established a pretty good mental block, so it doesn’t come to mind.

17. Metallica or Madonna?
Madonica.

18. What’s your most hated vice?
N/A

19. Who is the most tragic figure in history?
When it comes to the music of my generation, I think Cobain is likely the most tragic figure.

20. What are the top three live shows you’ve seen in your life?
-The Police in a stadium in Sydney
-Paul McCartney performing across from me in the Jools Holland studio in London
-Raul Midon in a small private showcase in Hollywood

What images come to mind when you think of Horse Meat? Now close your eyes and just think for a minute: animals, raw meat, something raunchy and disgusting – am I right?  The last thing you probably think of is – disco?  James Hillard of Horse Meat Disco, playing at Wrongbar on Friday September 24, 2010, is just one in a four-man disco entourage also including residents Jim Stanton, Severino and Luke Howard (aka Filthy Luka) that has been taking the UK by storm.

So who exactly are these dudes who have decided to helm this disco revival?  Well, James tells me that Horse Meat Disco all began, back in the seedy underbelly of gay clubs and raves in 2000.  “My first club collaboration (with Jim) was back in 2002/3. The party was called Never Mind the Neighbors (on account of me having problems with my neighbors at the time).”  Both frustrated with what the gay scene had to offer (musically and creatively) and under advisement from NYC DJ Adam Goldstone, James and Jim decide to make a name and party by themselves and for people like themselves, disco enthusiasts. Thus, Horse Meat Disco was born.

For James, disco has always been in his blood and a part of his family.  His father, also a DJ, collected disco records when he was younger and passed down the infectious nature of the music to him.  “Perhaps it was familiarity or the infectious nature of the dance grooves that got me from a very early age, I don’t know but it must have been an influence. I think as I grew up and got to understand what the songs were about, what they expressed and what they spoke of I quickly identified with it (disco).”

With it being Horse Meat Disco first time in Canada, what can the Wrongbar crowd expect from one of their live shows?  Having listened to one of the Horse Meat disco sets, I can definitely say that it’s a mix between classic disco, house, funk and soul-disco.  A little bit of something for everyone on the dancefloor to shake and vibe to.  James tells me that each of the men in the group have their own different styles that complement one another.   While one will pump up the party with house sounds (Severino), Luke will come in with sounds from his soul background and try to shake things up.  This is something you can hear when you are listening to them live.  You are taken on a journey not just through all the styles of disco, but through the different genres of music. James notes that, “What you will get regardless is a party. We’re not afraid to play hits if we feel like it. Neither do we shy away from playing stuff that you might not have heard before or that is just plain weird. One thing we are always surprised about when we travel is the diverse nature of the crowd.”

Close your eyes one more time and think back. Horse Meat – now all you will think of is visions of Saturday Night Fever and four blokes from the UK trying to get your ass on the dancefloor.  Check out Horse Meat Disco at Wrongbar this Friday.

We’ve been taking our vitamins and getting our beauty sleep. We’ve stood in line for mani pedi’s and booked our blow outs. It’s that time of year again, people, time for the great tradition of the TIFF gauntlet. It’s the Cannonball Run of Toronto events. 10 days of celebs, dinner reservations, pretending to care about movies, and partaaaays.

If it’s your first TIFF, you’ll probably spen all your time up in Dorkville trying to catch a glimpse of Helen Mirrin or Clive Owen lunch at that vile One or coming out wine-drunk from risotto and low lighting at Sotto Sotto. If you’ve been around a few, then you know the real parties, and gossip and good times all happen post 2AM at a select few bars that get extended license. And here’s our guide to what’s good at TIFF 2010.

THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 09, 2010

BRANT HOUSE 522 King St. West

Kevin Dillon from Entourage is hosting. Bet he’ll be a hot mess. expect celebrity bartending and lots of shots shots shots shots shots.

WRONGBAR 1279 Queen St. West

FUBAR 2 GIVE’R AGAIN PARTY!
The Official Afterparty for the Toronto International Film Fest
Premier Screening of FUBAR 2!

http://www.fubar-themovie.com/

With Live Performances by Skullfist, Dentata and DJ Ian Blurton.

DJ sets by Legendary Times DJ’s The Gillespie Brothers.

Heavy Metal Karaoke hosted by Terry and Deaner!

FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 10, 2010

BOVINE SEX CLUB 542 Queen St. West

Early Bovine Presents: Teenage X, Voodoo Bunny, Mass Assembly. Late Wild Bunch Presents TIFF after party.

SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 11, 2010

WRONGBAR 1279 Queen St. West
Red Bull, Embrace and Nastymix present

THE ED BANGER HOCKEY SQUAD 2010 PARTY

$20 Advance Tickets available at Rotate This, Soundscapes and Play De Record and online at Ticketweb.ca For Reduced email: Jonathanc@embracepresents.com

THE SOCIAL 1100 Queen St. West

Mowgli + Neoteric + Lucy ‘Lo

TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 14, 2010

CENTURY ROOM 580 King Street West

Street Level Tuesdays Presents: RIVA STAR

THE DRAKE HOTEL 1150 Queen St. West

Sasha Grey Late Night DJ Set + Betti Forde + Your Boy Brian

We have a HUGE Reduced List for this sucker, email: info@pinkmafia.ca Subject: “SASHA” to get on it.

THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 16, 2010

THE DRAKE HOTEL 1150 Queen St. West

Do Right Music Presents: Maylee Todd + The Right Look + Friends

$5 Before and $10 After 12AM

THE BOVINE SEX CLUB 542 Queen St. West

Sailor Jerry Presents; The Balconies, Biblical + DJ Sebastien Grainger

FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 17, 2010

WRONGBAR 1279 Queen St. West

HERCULES & LOVE AFFAIR (DJ SET)

with The MAKEOVER & Filthy Gorgeous

http://www.myspace.com/herculesandloveaffair

http://www.myspace.com/themakeovermusic

TICKETS $15.00 Advance (plus service charge) • 19+ Event • Doors @ 10PM

SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 18, 2010

THE SOCIAL 1100 Queen St. West

Bassanova: Jubilee (NYC) and Grahmzilla

If you make it through that with your liver in tack, call us, we have a trophy for your death bed.

Clothes Make The Man, The Darcys, & Hollerado @ Le Boat

Thank you for flying Tight Air flight 339 to Big Sex. Where you have no seat belt and ageism is finally a thing of the past…

Maybe it was Cut Throat Britva guitarist Zaddi Pesino smiling your way, or simply meeting Menno and his lovely new fiancé Annie that wound your karma maker for the night, but nothing quite says ‘special snowflake’ like learning the best kept rock and roll lifestyle secrets from the best kept rock and roll lifestyler himself, Mr. Serb Superb.

If you’ve been to birthday parties at the Boat before, you know this one was by far the best.* The bar was to the tits with cats for a night of exceptional music and good times. Highlights included: Huffing wine in the alley, Clothes Make the Man’s fire starting Bon Jovi cover, ‘Nightime/Anytime’, and a flake or two of confetti. You should be glad you were there because it’s nights like these that remind you just how great Toronto can be.

*The Untold City’s summer birthday jam party at the Boat became a whole lot more important to me with the announcement of a) a Constantines hiatus yesterday, and b) the Casby Awards nominees. By far one of the best Canadian bands of our lifetime and towing along with them sounds from the young bucking Arkells, our Golden Horseshoe boys will surely carry on. But suffice to say, the Constantines will be missed and I hope their paths weave again soon AND bouillon to the Manotick boys, sitting pretty with 4 nominations this year! ~KLV

Photo Credit: Courtney Lee Yip

Warpaint w/ Javelin @ Wrongbar

Ok, so granted not every show you pay your painstakingly hard earned cash to attend is going to go off without a hitch, sometimes you really think somethings got to give. A classic case of bait-and-switch. We’re promised a stacked bill with Warpaint, Javelin and Beach Fossils so it’s pretty safe to say it’s going to be fantastic, no doubt. Then things slowly start to change. First it’s announced that Bassmentality(with Juan Bassman no less) is scheduled to make it’s Wednesday night debut starting around 11; meaning it’s going to be an early show. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, it just means that bands will stay true to their allotted set times and scheduling (read: no encores). I can live with that. Then Beach Fossils mysteriously disappear from the line-up, allegedly loosing their passportswhich is a total bummer, but again I can live with that. Luckily the ’give’ part came with vengeance and I was served up a healthy dose of badass with a side of NY.

Javelin was up first and I felt as though I was partaking in a archaeological dig into layers and layers of sounds. Known to be a flint of sorts in igniting a party, their shows are BYOB – the B standing for boombox, naturally. Their concept of broadcasting their shows via FM transmitter alone should be enough incentive to check them out. I didn’t catch any boomboxes, ghetto blasters or jamboxes in the crowd but not everyone can pull off the look like Julian Casablancas can. Their music is an anomaly. They erase the lines of distinction between genres and produce an undefinable sound. Their mixtape of a setlist kept the audience engaged if for nothing more than to hear what was coming next. This Brooklyn duo was full of good vibes that bounced around stage amidst their boomaatats. Minus the one rather limber gentleman in the front, the vibes weren’t reciprocated until their final track but the crowd was definitely left wanting more. Or maybe they were confused.

After a very short break we were whisked away to the sunny west coast by four total babes who restored my faith in all-girl bands entirely. Warpaint are phenomenal. Sure, it helps to have the considerable backing of oh, I don’t know say John Frusciante, but these ladies can definitely stand on their own 2 feet. Equal parts talent and looks, their arrangements can go from simple to complex in an instant. They bounce vocals that are both airy and sultry back and forth. Their songs are lackadaisical yet profoundly meaningful. They had the audience eating out of the palm of their hands; entirely captivated in a dream-like trance. Their sound came pouring out the speakers and lazily floated down to be readily absorbed. While their set was disheveled in comparison to the one played at NXNE earlier this year, the ladies took breaks between songs for pow-wows to sort themselves out which further cemented their darling status and made them that much more endearing. Together on stage they each individually exude talent and their collective arrangement allows them the flow freely while casually exchanging giggles.

Missing from the set was “Billie Holiday” off the 2009 released Exquisite Corpse EP but a chilling rendition of “Burgundy” more than compensated for it. Instead of covering all the tracks off the EP they heavily favoured their new material which utilizes the full band. Stella Mozgawa on the skins is an excellent addition. Playing now as a quartet, their sound seems complete and it is definitely working to their advantage. I highly encourage you to check out their first full length to be released in the fall.

The set was raw and beautiful and I was completely swept up in their mystique. ~Kate Masewich

You’ve probably seen him everywhere. And I mean every effing where. Maybe as  Nav Sangha working almost every record store in the city, as Nasty Nav DJing at every decent club or making up half of the the evil mastermind duo behind Wrongbar (yfy). Nav was the first one to take the 20 Qs, in fact they were created to interview him for now defunct, Hot Flux Magazine. We lost the originals, so he took them again.

Wrongbar is by far the best dance floor in the west end. They recently launched a Jamaican inspired menu too that’s quite delish.

1. What is your dream of happiness?

Not having to dream of Happiness.

2. Blonde or Brunette?

Blonde Dyed Brunette.

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

Honesty. A Warm Moustache.

4. What do you fear most?

Cops.

5. 808s or 909s?

808 Kick. 909 Snare.

6. What’s your biggest regret?

Not having enough time for Regrets.

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

Roxy Blu (RIP).

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

Music.

9. What are the 3 musicians dead or alive you’d like to see perform?
John Coltrane. Fela Anikulapo Kuti. Bernard Edwards.

10. What is your favorite decade in music?

The 1970′s.

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

12. How old is too old?

Dead.

13. Where do you see yourself in 15 years?

Dirty Old Man at the Discotheque.

14. Who’s your hero?

My Mother.

15. What’s your favourite colour?

Brown.

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

Stardust “The Music is Sounds Better With You”.

17. Metallica or Madonna?

Metallica: “Garage Days Revisited” EP.
Madonna: “S/T” and “Like a Virgin” LP’s.

18. What’s your most hated vice?

Gambling. Seriously. Fuck Gambling.

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?

Public Image Limited with Hasil Adkins, Masonic Temple, Toronto. Nirvana with The Melvins, Opera House, Toronto. James  Brown with his own Bad Self,
Lulu’s Roadhouse, Kitchener.

Exclaim! Rooftop Party W/ The Flatliners @ London Tap House, June 18th

After this year’s NXNE, I’ve decided that I want my life to only consist of going to fun parties and drinking and eating for free. Seriously. Do you know how awesome free beer is? Because, it’s awesome.

My photographer Steph and I headed over to London Tap House on Friday for an “exclusive” Exclaim! bbq. After waiting outside due to the venue already being at capacity (FYI–it opened at 3, was at capacity by 3:30pm) we headed up to the rooftop patio for a seriously wicked party. Upstairs, the party was packed with record executives, bands and socialites from Toronto’s music scene.

In addition to being hosted by the Jagerettes (imagine Suicide Girls if they were legitimately employed), the party featured a pig roast, live music, dunk tanks, and my new favourite: jager snow cones. Yum. Though the sun was totally blistering, they kept us cool with icy treats.

After trying to dunk the guy in the deer costume, and being “iced” by a record company guy, we proceeded to watch The Flatliners play an amazing acoustic set on the roof. I somehow missed the phase of my life where listening to them had been a ‘thing’ and had actually never heard anything by them before. I must say, they’ve got a new fan.

Needless to say, it was the perfect way to kick off our weekend of NXNE.

Diamond Rings & Katie Stelmanis @ Wrongbar, June 18th

Oh. Em. Eff. Gee. Actually. For those who know me, you know I love me The D’Urbs–they’re my boys and I love to support. Diamond Rings, lead singer of The D’Urbervilles’ John O’Reagan’s gender-bending side project, however, could be my new favourite thing to come out of Toronto.

Friday, he released his 12″ single for “Wait and See” at Wrongbar as part of NXNE. Diamond Rings has blown up. Last summer, his famous “All Yr Songs” Pitchfork-favourite blew people away, and from his show on Friday, it’s clear that nothing is going stop him from reaching the top. Ladies and gentleman, it could be Bowie re-incarnate.

After a mind-blowing opening from Katie Stelmanis and her army of talented Torontonians, John O’ took to the stage in his regular Diamond Rings fashion. Complete with some amazing gold leggings, blue glitter & infamous unicorn banner–the man commanded our attention when he put on a giant headress (which, you may recognize if you’ve seen the “Wait & See” video that came out last week).

The performance was absolutely beautiful to see. Diamond Rings conjures up emotions that make you want to dance, laugh, sing, and depending on if you saw his heartwrenching closer on Friday, cry. After dedicating his performance to his family for all their love and support in helping him release the 12″, he played a teary rendition of the song that started Diamond Rings before the glittery manifestation he is now.

If you haven’t had a chance to see Diamond Rings (or Katie Stelmanis for that matter, that woman has the voice of an angel!) you need to. They are two of Toronto’s rising talents, and they deserve our full attention.

The Raveonettes @ Yonge & Dundas Square June 19th

I have waited since I was 14 years old to see The Raveonettes. Don’t get me wrong, I love Iggy, but when I made my way down to Yonge and Dundas on Saturday, I had my heart set on The Raveonettes.

As you’ll have read from the other Iggy review, the crowd was just wild. Completely packed. We barely were able to lift our arms to get photos because it was so crowded. But hot damn, it was worth it.

The Raveonettes are potentially one of the best bands I’ve seen live. They’re such babes. They’re so European. They’re just so, so cool. Their sound echoed and reverberated across the packed square, throwing people off by the sound. You rarely encounter bands who use feedback like an instrument. And well, that’s kind of their signature move.

Seeing them play amidst their heavy duty fog machine, hearing their sultry voices–it’s modern day rockability chic at its finest. They were the perfect opener for Iggy Pop and The Stooges, and they played a full set which I was really pleased with.

Though they didn’t play some of the key tracks I was really hoping to hear, my heart was won over by finally getting to see those Euro-babes live.

NXNE is in town and not only does the festival promise hotshot bands from all over the world but it also mans extended serving hours! In honor of keeping the party going we’ve compiled the PinkMafia Best of 4am Guide for NXNE.

Wednesday June 16

If your weekend warrior status starts on a Wednesday, the Bovine Sex Cub is starting off the after hour splendor at 2AM on Wednesday with performances by Victim Party, The Decay, The Cavaliers and DIY it up. We can’t make any promises but there’s a good chance that Eagles of Death Metal are going to make an appearance after they hit Cherry Cola’s of course.

Thursday June 17

For a big night of electro-disco fun check out Junior Boys at The Social, “In the Morning” was the blitzed to the point of swaying  summer song for ’09 so be ready to hear even more body bashing beats (FYI, they are supposed to go on at 12:30AM, so this is technically NOT a 2-4 but still pretty dope). Toronto’s own TAPEDECKBROS will bet at El Mocambo. Let the ass shaking commence.

Friday June 18

Friday night is big jam night so should plan on hitting as many spots as you can. Duo Torro Torro are hitting up Gladstone Hotel Ballroom (3AM).

Dakota Tavern is featuring a “special guest” which in my books usually means something rad and too big too announce because it’ll screw up their much bigger show wink wink.  HUORATRON  will be at Wrongbar late night for the Last Gang showcase. Choosing your venue is just a matter of personal taste.

If there’s one piece of news that has blown my mind it’s ED effing LOVER at The Drake along with DJ Fase and 84.85. If you’re unfamiliar with Ed Lover, he is the king of 90′s hip hop (he hosted Yo! MTV Raps) and scroll down for his recent Youtube fame.

Wherever you end up going throughout the night, a good bet is to do last call at the Bovine, the guest hasn’t been listed as of yet but every year they have the best mix of well-mannered city (read: not morons from out of town or the dreaded suburbs) and local as well as bigger out of town artists co-existing/mingling in boozy bliss.

Saturday June 19

For final wrap up we’re giving you two pieces of advice: One: Don’t start too early, this is an endurance sport not a relay. Two: check out one of these two for guaranteed satisfaction.  Classixx (LA) + Hatchmatik at the Drake.

Bassilicious PARTY LIKE US RECORDS are throwing AC Slater, B. Rich, and Udachi all under one roof at The Social. It’s sure to be one of the biggest events of NXNE

If you make it til Tuesday without a 3 day hangover. Gold star.

Click on the image below for the downloadable version:

At SxSW in 2009, The Golden Filter were the one’s one watch (or so said people like Pitchfork and other music snob-authorities). We just loved shaking our asses to “Solid Gold” the only song that played on repeat from their website. Now they’ve got a full-length album, Voulspa, out and a show this Saturday (June 12th) at Wrongbar. They were also nice enough to take the 20 Qs for us leading up to it.

1. What is your dream of happiness?

Creating

2. Blonde or Brunette?

Ginger

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

Madness

4. What do you fear most?

Fear

5. 808s or 909s?

Univox

6. What’s your biggest regret?

Indecision

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

Iceberg

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

Death

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

Hendrix

10. What is your favorite decade in music?

1310s

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

Mute

12. How old is too old?

Millennium

13. Where do you see yourself in 15 years?

Mirror

14. Who’s your hero?

Kurosawa

15. What’s your favourite colour?

Eggplant

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

Telephone

17. Metallica or Madonna?

Madonna

18. What’s your most hated vice?

Money

19. Who is the most tragic figure in history?

Dorian Gray

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

Magic

Safariing through Pennsylvanian tunnels and a New York City hangover, Two Door Cinema Club‘s fair-haired and seemingly arcane front man, Alex Trimble has PinkMafia curiously drawn to the forecast at Wrongbar for today’s SOLD OUT show.

Curt through and through, here’s a glimpse beyond this Irish tiger’s eye:

PinkMafia: You formed your band not too long ago, in 2007. If you hadn’t started a band, what do you think you’d be doing now?

Alex Trimble: When I left school I was going to go study music production. I would probably still be doing that if we weren’t touring.

PM: What inspired you three to start this project in the first place?

AT: We met in high school when we were 16. We just started to get on because we realized we were listening to the same kinds of music and were different then all the other kids in our school.

PM: After your myspace success and your album release in 2009, you were on the list of bands to look out for in 2010 according to the Metro UK. Did you think you would gain such success so soon? How is it affecting you?

AT: I think we were kind of ready for a bit more attention. We’ve worked very hard and done a lot of touring so we were in a position where things were ready to go. I think in a way we kind of wanted it. Not that we were necessarily expecting it, but we were ready for it and because of that we’re doing pretty ok.

PM: For your first time in North America, how are you finding people are receiving your music here?

AT: It’s been good. We started off touring with Phoenix. Playing support shows to someone else’s crowds we were getting really good reactions and some kids at the shows even knew our songs. It was incredible to see people singing along.

PM: What do you want people to take away from your music?

AT: We write music because we enjoy it not because we want other people to enjoy it. When people hear our record, we want them to feel good. The album is really positive and it’s supposed to be uplifting. In terms of our live show its upbeat and we just want people to have fun.

Fresh add to Kitsuné (Phoenix, La Roux) in 2010, the grammar school chums named after the mispronunciation of a local movie theatre have been buzzing around the European Blog loop and pleasing critics everywhere. Fired up on a summer of tumultuous festival appearances and an international tour, the NME band to watch break the laws of traditional arrangement. With 50 + shows scheduled around the world between now and November, Two Door Cinema Club and their guitar ramped dance party meet Canada tonight at Wrongbar. Get blasted and dance your little hearts out! We’ll leave you with the video for “Undercover Martyn” our favourite so far.

Words Katherine Alicia Snack