I suppose Jimmy now has a monopoly on amazing musical guest performances. Bradford Cox was something special before but this new weridness is even more wonderful than usual. Monomonomania indeed. Monomania is due out May 5th on 4AD.
music video(s) of the day: "Elusive" & "Gone" by Lianne La Havas
Because her show last night at the Opera House was lovely lovely lovely.
Review and photos to come, but for now enjoy her two part music video/films.
Elusive & Gone.
Remix: Rudimental Skremix
Friday chuuuuuuuuuuneeeee! Have had this one on repeat for a while now. Can't get enough.
music video of the day: "Letter Of Intent" by Ducktails
The solo project of Real Estate’s Matt Mondanile. His fourth album The Flower Lane was released this past January. Slow smooth jams you can groove to. Taking over The Garrison tonight. If anyone has a spare ticket you should totally holler at me...
music video of the day: “Now Is Not The Time” by Chvrches
There was a good chuck on elementary school in which the roller-rink was THE bday party spot. This video totally makes me nostalgic for all those childhood skates around to S Club 7 jams. Can we bring em back? Is that a thing?
I was lucky enough to catch Chvrches when they stopped by Toronto for Canadian Music Week. In short? They lived up to the hype. That and they covered Prince for their encore. All around good job.
Prince's "I Would Die 4 U" covered by @chvrches ft disco ball and bubbles. #cmw vine.co/v/bpEtevMuZjv
— kate killet (@katekillet) March 21, 2013
music video of the day: "Wishes" by Beach House
Because Eric Wareheim (of Tim & Eric) directed it. Because yes, that's Ray Wise of Twin Peaks. Because his face. Because wishes are great.
Live Music: Alt-J at Sound Academy in Toronto
Wednesday night we shuffled over to the Sound Academy to check out just how “alt” an Alt-J live show is. Here are our findings from the evening…
1. Mercury Prize winners of late have been rather chill. Last year it was The XX, and Alt-J prove to continue this new trend. Keeping the live show low key, more energy could be felt coming off the crowd. Perhaps it was the big box club setting getting in the way, but we could envision enjoying much more in an outside afternoon vibe.
2. They play a short set. Clocking in just under an hour Alt-J’s set wrapped up well before 11pm. While short and sweet, one could also hear many an audience member craving for more as the show let out. “I wouldn’t mind if they played the same song over again! I just wanted them to keep playing!”
3. They fill venues. The last time Alt-J journeyed over from the UK was September 2012 when they sold out Wrongbar. Wednesday’s show was originally set to be at the Phoenix but due to demand was bumped up to the Sound Academy. And yeah, they sold that out too. Their next Toronto show is this coming September at Echo Beach. Get your tickets now!
For photos and more check out my post at Sidewalk Hustle.
music video of the day: "A Tooth For An Eye" by The Knife
Because the girl power dance leader is my spirit animal for the night.
Also, can someone braid my hair like that? Please?
Is winter coming yet?
I'm so excited for Game Of Thrones you guys. Look what I made!
You can totally make your own too.
Good Friday: Andrés at Foundry
Also in attendance: Bruce Trail and Colin Bergh
Read: About how Foundry has been
Where: BLK BOX (1087 Queen St. W)
How: Hit up my contact or tweet me for guestlist
music video of the day: "Tessellate" by alt-J
∆ ∆ ∆ ∆ ∆ ∆
So many triangels. All of the hipness.
Catch them tonight at Toronto's Sound Academy.
SXSW catch up: Street Style
The last of my SXSW catch up! Here's some street style photos I nabbed. So many babes.
music video of the day: “Sacrilege" by Yeah Yeah Yeahs
Creepy. Careful. A tad NSFW. And oh when the choir comes in. Chills.
Counting down the days until Mosquito comes out.
Vacationer
SXSW catch up: Day 5
Day 5 and our SXSW adventure comes to a close. Needless to say, we’re still recovering. Here’s how we finished up the festival…
As it was a sunny Saturday afternoon, we simply had to find a rooftop party to partake in. After some searching around we settled upon the WEDIDIT showcase, only to discover upon arrival that XXYYXX and Shlohmo were the special guests spinning. The young talents provided the soundtrack as we found a corner amongst the day party chaos to settle into. Who says you can’t bring your laptop to the bar?
After getting some work done/soaking up the tunes and sun, we made our way over to Hype Hotel once again because free drinks are free drinks. Also because Vacationer were playing. The self proclaimed chill out band who aim to de-stress and relax, did just that. Our Vacationer trip left us feeling fully rejuvenated and worry free.
Feeling fantastic we hopped over to the VEVO TV Control Room to keep the good times going with Laura Mvula. The Brit soul singer proved that she’s stunning enough as is, taking the stage in heels and an oversized Austin tourist T. Backed by a trio of strings, a harpist, a horn and more, Mvula and her ensemble preformed a short but sweet set. Showcasing “Sing To The Moon” her recently released debut album her set made our cheeks hurt from smiling. We encourage everyone to check out her single “Green Garden” and we dare you not to tap your feet.
As 1am rolled around we knew we had to finish SXSW up properly, so we grabbed a pedicab over to catch the end of Skream at Boiler Room’s warehouse party. It was fun while it lasted but alas his set was cut short just as we were getting into it. Skream wasn’t too pleased either and ended up throwing one of his CDJs into the crowd. Best gig souvenir ever. Here’s hoping the lucky fan goes on to use that free equipment for good and not evil.
Tonight in Toronto: Martyn + Kevin McPhee b2b Nautiluss at Foundry
Where: BLK BOX (1087 Queen St. W)
How: Click for guestlist
ps. There will be lasers
music video of the day: "See" by Animalia
Love it? Want more? Download her track for free and play it on repeat.
SXSW catch up: Day 4
Somehow we’re still alive and still at it. Here’s how we spent our Friday in Austin…
We returned one again to Hype Hotel, this time to check out rap Tumblr princess Kitty Pryde at the Stereogum showcase. The former Claire’s employee had her adorable white girl game on point, despite the crowd’s hesitation. With a bill print bandana tied around her hair, she sang about how she wants to be a millionaire and gave shutouts to herself when the crowd wouldn’t. Power to ya girl.
As cute as Kitty Pryde was, we were ready for something a little more hard hitting, so we bounced over to Cedar Street for HAIM. Holy long hair middle parts. Holy bad ass babes. Holy hell. These three LA sisters go hard.
While they may be rock glam chic in their music videos, they kept things basic this round taking the stage in tattered tees and shredded jackets. The courtyard venue was packed, but whatever little space was left HAIM filled with energy. Pharrell Williams was even spotted side stage, air guitaring along. Yep. Totally. They were just that good. We’re counting down the days until their first LP is released.
As day turned to night we popped over to Republic Live to catch some Mykki Blanco. The illuminati prince/cess was hitting it hard. Such a shame that the more bro oriented audience just didn’t get it.
We closed up our Friday at the Brooklyn Vegan showcase with IRL Barbie rapper/stripper Brooke Candy. You know that chick in Grimes’s “Genesis” music video with the crazy nails? That’s her. Girl knows how to go wild. Mesh white fishnet shirt with nothing underneath? Check. Gritty tracks with titles like “I Wanna F*ck Right now”? Check. Good times? Check check and check.
music video of the day: "Islands" by We Were Lovers
Nothing like a sunny tune from Saskatoon. After returning home to Toronto after my SXSW Austin adventure all I want to do these days is run away, preferably to somewhere steamy. It's Canadian Music Week and We Were Lovers have two shows...
- TONIGHT Wednesday March 20th 1am at Rancho Relaxo
- Friday March 22nd 10pm at the Gladstone Hotel
I'm gonna try and hit up tonight's late set. I encourage you to come dance with me.
SXSW IS SO BUSY...
... and my AirBnB is so faaaarrr and my laptop is so heaavvyy so I apologize for the lack of updates here. Will be catching y'all up soon. In the meantime, check out the ish I've been writing for Sidewalk Hustle. Been taking a million pictures too. Hope you enjoy.
Beach Fossils
music video of the day: "Need U (100%)" by Duke Dumont ft. A*M*E
It's too bad this boomboxed stomach dude doesn't get down with this track like everyone else does. It's so slick! I myself can't help but groove. May or may not have been singing this on the streets of Austin last night, walking from party to party...