Live Music Reviews and Photographs / NYC, Buffalo, Toronto, Pittsburgh
Minnesota born but London based indie pop singer/songwriter Ber (aka Berit Dybing) has never been shy about laying out her personal life in her music. Songs like "Bad for Me", "Better Man", and "You're Internet Sucks" put her dating life right there for everyone to see. Perhaps it's that personal connection that endears herself to …
Continue reading "Ber plays intimate show at the Drake Underground – Apr 23, 2026"
They say that timing is everything. Without hindsight, 2019 would have seemed like a great time to start a band and release a record. Oops. The five college friends from Salt Lake City, Utah couldn't have known. It wouldn't be until 2021 before the final lineup would be able to tour and put together their …
Continue reading "Krooked Kings rock the Horseshoe Tavern – Apr 14, 2026"
Another year, another chance to see Berlin-based South African indie folk pop artist Alice Phoebe Lou (aka Alice Matthew) as she tours North America. Last year, she toured as part of strongboi (her side project with her keyboardist Ziv Yamin), opening for Men I Trust, and 2024 saw her touring without her band, showing us …
When indie pop artist dodie (aka Dorothy Miranda Clark) announced her "Not For Lack of Trying Tour", I was excited since it's been over six years since she last performed in Toronto. I had first heard her music in the interim but her 2022 show in Toronto was cancelled so I've had to wait patiently …
Continue reading "Joy and devotion accompany dodie to Toronto – Mar 3, 2026"
It's been a bit of a slow concert year for me since, between travel, medical issues, and an increased challenge in obtaining photo passes, I've only made it to thirty-five shows as opposed to over one hundred in 2019! This makes doing a top ten a bit silly so I'll just do five. This doesn't …
It's been four years since Wet Leg seemingly exploded out of nowhere, filling our senses with catchy tunes and tongue in cheeks lyrics. It seemed like their debut hit single "Chaise Longue" was heard everywhere you went! The band from Isle of Wight, UK, at the time consisting of the extroverted Rhian Teasdale (lead vocals, …
Continue reading "Wet or moist, Wet Leg’s second Toronto appearance was a big hit – Sept 12, 2025"
With almost ten million subscribers on YouTube, it’s hard to believe that K-pop act Babymonster has been around for less than three years! But why not? They hit one million subscribers in just fifty two days and their debut video “Batter Up” had 22.59 million views in the first twenty four hours!! That’s crazy! Comprised …
The All Things Go Music Festival is returning to melt our music-loving brains once again this year. This is the 11th year of the genre-bending musical jubilee, and after starting this party outside of DC in 2014, they’ve been expanding our musical frontiers and making each weekend an epic party. The hometown fest is held …
Continue reading "Time to experience the All Things Go Music Festival"
If you were an 80s pop fan in Europe, Asia, South America, etc (basically any non-primarily English speaking country, you knew Modern Talking, with Thomas Anders on vocals and Dieter Bohlen writing, singing background, and playing guitar, as one of the biggest pop acts to come out of Germany. Whether you called it New Wave, …
Continue reading "Thomas Anders brings Modern Talking magic back to Toronto – Aug 8, 2025"
It seems we're seeing more multi-talented Gen Z artists nowadays; young men and women who make music, act, model, paint, etc. One such talent Charlotte Lawrence is currently on tour to support her debut studio album Somewhere, released on June 27th of this year. Coming from an artistic family (mom Christa Miller is an actress …
Continue reading "Charlotte Lawrence pours her heart out at the Drake Underground – Aug 4, 2025"
It's been ten years since British rock band The Struts released their debut studio album Everybody Wants on July 28, 2015. Since then, the band has collected a dedicated following across the globe with their 70s glam style rock and energetic, almost theatrical, live shows. In April, they announced that they would be embarking on …
The multi-talented Bibi (aka Kim Hyeong-seo) is a singer, a songwriter, an actress, a philanthropist, and, now, a touring musician! After taking second place in The Fan, she released her first single "Binu" in 2019 and has explored making pop, R&B, and hip hop music as her popularity grew. Here latest studio album Eve:Romance is …
Continue reading "Bibi hits Toronto with First World Tour [EVE] – June 5, 2025"
It's been interesting to watch Samia (aka Samia Najimy Finnerty) evolve as a performer, a singer, and a songwriter. The first time we saw her was when she opened for Sunflower Bean at Warsaw in Brooklyn on December 7, 2018 and she left an impression: young and talented but a bit raw but perhaps still …
Continue reading "Samia brings “Bloodless” to Toronto – May 24, 2025"
You’ve probably never heard of them and, yes, their name is a bit of a tongue-twister but Australian rock band Teen Jesus and the Jean Twisters (I’ll refer them as Teen Jesus from here on) are starting to make waves abroad. Formed in 2015 when the original members met in high school, after releasing a …
Have your heard of the UK punk band Lambrini Girls? If not, it won’t be for much longer. They’ve already started to become well known not only for their kick ass performances but also for their extremely vocal stance on many of today’s political and social issues. With their one EP You’re Welcome, released in …
There was a time when Upstairs at Eric's stayed at repeat in my household. Ah, those high school days when New Wave was dominant and electronic bands like Yaz (Yazoo for those not in North America) permeated the airwaves. Fast forward to 2025 and vocalist Alison Moyet (aka Geneviève Alison Jane Ballard aka Alf) is …
Continue reading "80s star Alison Moyet sounds as good as ever – May 5, 2025"
If dream pop is your jam, here's your next favorite band: Sunday (1994). Yes, there are a bunch of movies such as Sunday (1997) and Sunday (2002) but no actual movie called "Sunday" came out in 1994 so they're safe. Our main protagonists, Paige Turner and Lee Newell, did meet on a Sunday in 2020 …
Continue reading "Even on a Saturday, Sunday (1994) wows Toronto – May 3, 2025"
We last caught the Linda Lindas when they made a surprise stop in Buffalo to do a solo show in the midst of touring with Green Day. It has been wonderful watching these young performers grow up (so to speak) as the oldest, guitarist/vocalist Bela Salazar, is only twenty and the youngest, drummer Mila de …
Continue reading "Amazing to watch the Linda Lindas grow up in front of our eyes – Apr 26, 2025"
When Finnish symphonic metal band Apocalyptica released "Plays Metallica by Four Cellos" twenty eight years ago, they were a revelation and, even though orchestral arrangements has historically been a part of metal, there were questions about whether this band would be a flash in the pan and quickly forgotten. Fast forward to last year's "Plays …
Continue reading "Apocalyptica sets Toronto on fire at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre – Feb 13, 2024"
We got a preview of Soccer Mommy’s (aka Sophia Regina Allison) fourth studio album “Evergreen” during her “Lost Shows” mini-tour last May. The album, released in October, once again solidifies her as one of the best young songwriters. The lyrics on this record feel even more melancholy, if possible, than ever and while “Color Theory” …
Continue reading "Soccer Mommy fills the Concert Hall in Toronto – Feb 4, 2025"
It’s been a busy year for French disco band L’Impératrice. They released their third studio album “Pulsar” last June, toured all over North America and Europe, lost their long time lead vocalist Flore Benguigui, and signed a new vocalist Maud "Louve" Ferron. The band had to postpone a number of their 2024 shows due to …
Continue reading "It was disco night at Rebel with L’Impératrice – Jan 23, 2025"
The last time we saw Katie Gavin, she was blowing the roof off at History with her band MUNA. That persona was a bundle of non-stop energy bounding around the stage. On her first solo album “What a Relief”, released on October 25th, Gavin goes full singer/songwriter, putting out an album of mostly folk songs …
Continue reading "Katie Gavin gets close and personal at Opera House – Dec 16, 2024"
Having covered Aurora (aka Aurora Aksnes) since she was 18, the prolific singer/songwriter/activist from Norway continues to amaze us as she evolves and transforms with every record. Her latest studio album, "What Happened to the Heart?" is no different, asking the world why caring and empathy have become anathema to so many and selfishness and …
Continue reading "Toronto gets emotional with Aurora at History – Dec 2, 2024"
It’s been a magical run for the Warning since the world re-opened after the pandemic. Since they first gained a measure of fame when their cover to Metallica’s “Enter Sandman” went viral when sisters Daniel, Paulina, and Alejandra Villarreal were just 14, 11, and 9 respectively. They had released their second album and were gaining …
Continue reading "The Warning put on an epic show in Toronto to close out tour – Oct 30, 2024"
Palestinian/Chilean pop star Elyanna (aka Elian Marjieh) is starting to take the world by storm. At just 22 yrs of age, she has released two EPs, released her debut album "WOLEDTO" this April, and has been dubbed by some as the Beyonce of the Arab world!! Her blend of dance, pop, and Arabic music have …
Continue reading "Elyanna dazzles at Rebel in Toronto – Oct 28, 2024"
Hinds, the indie band from Madrid, has gone through a lot of change over the last few years. It's not surprising since their third studio album "The Prettiest Curse" was due to be released in April 2020, followed by an extensive tour. The record release was delayed until the summer and even thought they toured …
The last several years have seen the rise of female Asian American artists (perhaps not in mainstream pop music except for Olivia Rodrigo) in the indie pop and rock scene. This often overlooked demographic has found its voice, previously with the likes of Karen O of the Yeah Yeah Yeah's and Kazu Makino of Blonde Redhead, …
Continue reading "Indie pop sensation Sarah Kinsley thrills Toronto – Oct 9, 2024"
Nilüfer Yanya, the Turkish/Irish singer/songwriter from London, is not to be pigeonholed into a specific musical genre. She can be anywhere from indie rock to jazz to bossanova to soul. Whatever you want to call it, it's music that I could listen to anytime and anywhere, something that I can't say about most artists. For …
Continue reading "Nilüfer Yanya brings chill vibes to Phoenix Concert Theatre – Oct 5, 2024"
In 2017, Ukrainian metalcore band Jinjer was just another act trying to make it after complete lineup changes and had just released their second studio album “King of Everything” in 2016, a make it or break it moment for the band. Then they uploaded a “live” performance of “Pisces” that went viral and everything changed. …
Continue reading "Jinjer headlines a great night of metalcore in Toronto – Sept 23, 2024"
Over the last ten years, we’ve seen a resurgence of New Wave/synthpop bands from the 80s coming out of retirement to tour, discovering that their fans from forty years ago were nostalgic for the music of their youth and now had disposable income!! Besides bands like Depeche Mode, Duran Duran, and the Cure who never …
Many Americans are not yet familiar with Claire Pommet (aka Pomme), a French folk singer/songwriter/actress who has already released four studio albums and won the award for 2021's Female Artist of the Year at the Victoires de la Musique (French Grammy Awards). Her 2022 duet with Aurora, "Everything Matters", brought her a new army of …
Continue reading "Pomme brings all “Saisons” to Toronto – June 10, 2024"
NOTE: All photographs are copyright Howard Shiau Photography 2024. Apologies to drummers Colanthony Humphrey and Jon Kereliuk who I somehow missed College students meet and decide to form a band, start playing some gigs, and through hard work and gigging non-stop, they make a name for themselves and get popular. In this day and age, …
Continue reading "Geeks of Toronto unite! Good Kid is in town – May 10, 2024"
The Driver Era has been around for around six years but the brother duo of Rocky and Ross Lynch have been making music together since 2010, back when their band R5 included Riker and Rydel Lynch. They haven't released a record since 2022's "Summer Mixtape" but that's not a reason not to tour, which they've …
Continue reading "The Driver Era closes out tour with a party in Toronto – May 8, 2024"
Icelandic phenom Laufey (aka Laufey Lín Bing Jónsdóttir) played the first of two nights in Toronto as part of her completely sold out North American tour. If anyone had jazz singer releasing her first EP in 2021, a debut LP in 2022, a Grammy winning sophomore album in 2023 and going from playing the NYC’s …
Continue reading "Laufey plays first of two sold out shows at Massey Hall – Apr 30, 2024"
Exactly one month after she released her debut studio album “All I Ever Want is Everything”, Blu DeTiger stopped at the Velvet Underground in Toronto as part of the tour to support new new record. This amazing performer, named one of the "30 under 30: Music" people to watch in 2022, she has spread her …
Continue reading "Blu DeTiger gets all she ever wanted in Toronto – Apr 29, 2024"
In the early mornings, when I'm staring out of the window with a coffee cup in hand, the silky voice and chill vibe of English singer/songwriter Arlo Parks (aka Anaïs Oluwatoyin Estelle Marinho) is the perfect soundtrack to those mornings. She was well on her way to success with her first single "Cola" in 2018, …
Seventeen years ago, Silversun Pickups released “Lazy Eye”, the first single off their first full studio album “Carnavas”. The success of the single and video, plays on a number of TV shows/movies, and inclusion in the hot Rock Band and Guitar Hero:World Tour video games brought the band immediate success. I’ve seen them perform ten …
Continue reading "Silversun Pickups rock Toronto – Mar 5, 2024"
Talented artist Mitski (aka Mitsuki Miyawaki aka Mitsuki Laycock) retired back in 2019 due to frustrations with the music business and a desired disconnect between her personal life and her public persona. We're all happy that she changed her mind and returned to music, releasing "Laurel Hell" in 2022 and "The Land is Inhospitable and So …
Continue reading "Mitski sold out three nights at Massey Hall – Feb 12, 2024"
Indie rocker Briston Maroney is just twenty-six but it feels like he’s been around forever. Maybe it’s because he’s been touring non-stop. Besides the pandemic year of 2020 (which disappeared for everyone), he’s been prolific in putting out new music year after year. His latest, “Ultrapure”, released in September of 2023, was well received and …
Continue reading "Briston Maroney brings heat to a cold night in Toronto – Feb 6, 2024"
This year wasn’t quite as productive as last year but I was fortunate to attend and photograph some major events, including Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour. That being said, it was also disappointing to be denied for some of my favorite bands like Depeche Mode (twice!!) and the Cure. A nice surprise towards the end of …
The last time Nation of Language visited Toronto, they played to a packed Lee's Palace in April of last year. Just One More Concert was there to cover that show and it was a raucous affair. In March 2023, the band released "Sole Obsession", the first single off what would be their third studio album …
Continue reading "Nation of Language wrap up their 2023 tour in Toronto – Dec 2, 2023"
Gayle (aka Taylor Gayle Rutherfurd) is having quite a year. The Nashville based nineteen year old pop rocker released her fourth EP, toured with Taylor Swift and Pink, and had a Grammy nomination for her viral TikTok hit "ABCEDFU". So why not wrap up this amazing year with a solo tour! Added to the tour …
Bully’s (aka Alicia Bognanno) music may technically be classified as alternative rock but it’s not the alternative rock of the 2020s. Rather it’s a throwback to the alt rock of the 90s, a bit harder hitting, fuzzy guitars, and an in-your-face punk style that makes you want to mosh. The Nashville-based Bully’s fourth studio record …
Continue reading "Bully blows the roof off Lee’s Palace – Sept 19, 2023"
Electronic pop band Cannons can be a bit of an enigma musically. On the one hand, it's wonderful to listen to them poolside, letting Michelle Joy's soothing voice put you into a relaxed mood. On the other hand, while you're relaxed, somehow your feet start bouncing and you want to dance, your body not quite …
Continue reading "Cannons partied with Toronto at the Danforth Music Hall – Sept 6, 2023"
On the heels of her sophomore studio album "The Good Witch" debuting at number one on the UK charts, Maisie Peters embarked on a two month tour of North America. A week after the kickoff in Minneapolis, she played History in Toronto on Aug 14th. With just two albums under her belt, she is already …
Continue reading "Maisie Peters enchants Toronto – Aug 14, 2023"
What an incredible couple of years it’s been for British/Japanese pop star Rina Sawayama. After her critically acclaimed debut album “ Sawayama” in 2020, she’s not only released her second hit album “Hold the Girl” last September but also started in the lates John Wick movie opposite Keanu Reeves! Could her star get any brighter? …
Continue reading "Rina Sawayama ignites Hold the Girl Tour in Toronto – Aug 9, 2023"
As conservative movements globally try to turn back to a time when women had fewer rights (eg. The US Supreme Court invalidating Roe vs Wade), and the music industry continues to struggle with misogyny and regular sexual assault allegations, riot grrrl music pioneer Kathleen Hanna has brought her messages back, first with Bikini Kill touring …
Continue reading "Le Tigre brings the riot grrrl message back to Toronto – July 21, 2023"
Ever since the original members of Veruca Salt got back together, released a new record “Ghost Notes”, and toured North America. We’ve been eagerly awaiting more news from this incredible band and, while we don’t have a new Veruca Salt record, vocalist/guitarist Louise Post has released her first solo LP “Sleepwalker” and is touring North …
Continue reading "Louise Post brought 90s memories back to Toronto – July 18, 2023"
Indie singer/songwriter Blondshell (aka Sabrina Teitelbaum) last played in Toronto in January opening for Suki Waterhouse at the Axis Club. Since then, she has released her self-titled debut album, been featured in Rolling Stone magazine, Billboard and many others, and performed on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon! Not too shabby! At the end of …
Continue reading "Blondshell crushes her first headlining show in Toronto – July 14, 2023"
NOTE: All photos are copyright of JYP Entertainment What do you think Canadian reactions were when K-pop girl group TWICE (consisting of Nayeon, Jeongyeon, Momo, Sana, Jihyo, Mina, Dahyun, Chaeyoung, and Tzuyu) announced a stop in Toronto as part of their "Ready to Be" tour? Their fan club, called ONCE, and their fans ONCEs have …
Continue reading "TWICE are “Ready to Be” dominant in Toronto for two nights – July 2, 2023"
A week after Tears for Fears kicked off part two of The Tipping Point Tour, the iconic band from the 80s landed in Toronto to play at the Budweiser Stage. I was lucky enough to also catch Roland Orzabal (guitar/vocals), Curt Smith (bass/vocals), and crew in Cleveland for the first leg of the tour (see …
It’s been a busy couple of years for Tegan & Sara (Tegan and Sara Quin) , the twin musicians from Calgary. They signed with Mom and Pop records, released their latest studio album “Crybaby”, debuted “High School”, a TV show based on their memoir, toured North America supporting “Crybaby”, and recently released a graphic novel …
Continue reading "Tegan & Sara play make-up show at Danforth Music Hall – June 15, 2023"
This past Sunday saw the first Lavender Wild Festival, focused on the 2SLGBTQ+ community, comprised of a pure 2SLGBTQ+ lineup, and provided a safe space for queers and friends. I was privileged to attend and photograph the festival on a beautiful afternoon at Echo Beach in Toronto. While there were two stages, I primarily focused …
When Seal's self-titled debut album came out in 1991, it took the world by storm! With his incredible vocals that dare you not to listen and hit singles "Crazy", "Killer", and "Future Love Paradise", he was on his way. That album garnished Seal awards left and right. When he released his sophomore album and also …
Continue reading "Seal brings it on at Massey Hall – May 15, 2023"
It’s been quite a busy year so far for LA indie pop band MUNA. They started off with some shows in Australia before taking a two week break, played Coachella, then embarked immediately on their North American tour. This is their second tour supporting their third studio album, the self-titled MUNA, released in June 2022. …
Continue reading "MUNA celebrates with Toronto at History – May 14, 2023"
Indie pop singer/songwriter quinnie from New Jersey exploded onto our collective consciousness via her viral hit "Touch Tank" on TikTok, like many young artists these days. Yes, she had previously released music when she was just a teenager but it was that snippet of a song that finally made her known to a larger audience. …
Continue reading "Feeling all kinds of emotions with quinnie at the Drake Underground – May 6, 2023"
After kicking off their North American "Take Back Your Life" tour in Montreal a few nights ago, heavy metal stalwarts Disturbed stopped by ScotiaBank Arena in Toronto to start the month of May in proper fashion. The band had released their eighth studio album "Divisive" on November 18th of last year, with both the record …
Continue reading "Disturbed had ScotiaBank Arena shaking – May 1, 2023"
Last night, pop star Jake Wesley Roger’s stopped by the Opera House in Toronto as his “Peace Love and Pluto” tour hits the Northeast. I say “pop star” even though he’s still a young man, having released just four EP’s, the latest “LOVE” last year. However, his dynamic personality already flags him as a star …
Continue reading "Exuberant joy followed Jake Wesley Rogers to the Opera House – Mar 30, 2023"
Four years is much too long to not see Muse on tour. Granted, we had a little hiccup with the pandemic but it's wonderful to have Muse hit North America on the fourth leg of their "Will of the People" tour. Even better, American rock band Evanescence was tagged as a support act. I can't …
If there was a band that exemplifies lo-fi dream pop, Afternoon Bike Ride would be that band. Their soothing sounds are perfect for coffee in the morning while looking out the window, a quiet evening by the fireplace, or perhaps a nice afternoon bike ride!! While their songs are not all chill, there do seem …
Continue reading "Afternoon Bike Ride is also great in the evening – Mar 7, 2023"
VÉRITÉ (aka Kelsey Regina Byrne) stopped by Longboat Hall in Toronto on Friday as the opening night of her Love You Forever Tour. The record of the same name was released just a week ago and I’ve been playing it on repeat ever since. Her lush music and honest lyrics always spoke to me, although …
Continue reading "VÉRITÉ, Love You Forever! Signed, Toronto – Mar 3, 2023"
As a fan of Alvvays, Phoebe Bridgers, and indie rock in general, it was a no brainer to cover The Beths at Toronto’s Phoenix Concert Theatre as they continued to tour in support of their third studio album “Expert in a Dying Field”. If you haven’t heard the songs and have been following popular music …
Continue reading "The Phoenix Concert Theatre welcomes The Beths – Feb 26, 2023"
It's been three years since Swedish pop star Tove Lo (aka Ebba Tove Elsa Nilsson) graced Toronto with her presence. Still in the early days of the tour supporting her latest studio album "Dirt Femme", released in October 2022, she arrived at History to a sold out venue. Walking around the before Tove Lo came …
Continue reading "Tove Lo returns to Toronto with a bang – Feb 16, 2023"
A model and/or actor wanting to become a musician has become a cliche. That’s not to say they can’t be incredibly successful but it’s often times an immediate strike with critics. Suki Waterhouse has been an exception to this rule, with her 2022 debut LP “I Can’t Let Go” garnishing relatively positive reviews. On the …
Continue reading "Suki Waterhouse packs the house at the Axis Club – Jan 24, 2023"
It's been quite a year for Just One More Concert. It was the first full year of live music post-pandemic although much has changed since 2019 (the last full year). Bands are still having to cancel shows/tours because someone in the band or crew tests positive for Covid, more acts have opted for having their …
It's been quite a hectic three months for Alvvays even though there was a period of time where I wasn't sure if they would be back. But after a long hiatus and, on the heels of their well received latest studio album "Blue Rev" on October 7th, the band hit the road for twenty three …
Continue reading "Alvvays close out 2022 with two hometown shows – Dec 15, 2022"
It's been quite a year for beabadoobee (aka Beatrice Kristi Ilejay Laus). She has been touring non-stop since April with stops globally, during which she also released her sophomore studio album "Beatopia". On Thursday, she stopped at History in Toronto just prior to wrapping up her tour tonight in Boston. After a well deserved rest, …
Continue reading "beabadoobee and her Beatopia tour play a full house at History – Dec 1, 2022"
The multi-talented twenty four year old bassist Blu DeTiger hit Toronto on Saturday just in time to bring her party beats to the Axis Club. I first noticed her when she was playing bass and her brother playing drums for alternative band Kitten, as well as other NYC acts. She's gained a huge following as …
Continue reading "Blu DeTiger parties with Toronto at the Axis Club – Nov 5, 2022"
LA rockers Starcrawler stopped in Toronto this week in support of their third studio album “She Said”. Known for their high energy outrageous shows, they make every performance a must see, making you wonder what's going to happen next! Their latest record is a bit more polished than their previous two, although the rawness of …
Continue reading "Starcrawler rock Adelaide Hall – Nov 4, 2022"
An hour before doors opened at HISTORY Toronto on Monday, October 24th, the line for entry had already wrapped all the way around the block. This didn't even include the 250 or so fans on the separate VIP line! Taylor Swift? Maybe Harry Styles? Nope. Korean band, the Rose, had hit Toronto as part of …
Continue reading "The Rose had their fans swooning at History Toronto – Oct 24, 2022"
Moroccan born Canadian singer/songwriter Faouzia (aka Faouzia Ouihya) took her Citizens Tour to a rainy Toronto evening at a sold out Opera House on Wednesday, October 19th. Fans had been waiting in the rain for hours before doors, eagerly awaiting the show. While the name Faouzia may still be considered an up-and-comer, over two million …
Continue reading "Faouzia has Opera House Toronto bursting at the seams – Oct 19, 2022"
Take a look at music over the last forty years and it’s hard to even count the number of bands that were either influenced by Roxy Music or were influenced by a band that was influenced by them! One major act that we covered recently, Duran Duran, drew heavily on from Roxy and the New …
Forty one years after the release of their self-titled debut album, Duran Duran is still going strong. Besides their well deserved election to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, they released their fifteen studio album “Future Past”, released last October. The record sounds very retro, reminding me of past records from the 80s and …
Continue reading "Duran Duran celebrate Future Past at Budweiser Stage in Toronto – Aug 22, 2022"
As the “it” band of the last year, Wet Leg has been selling out venues faster than you can say “Isle of Wight”! Toronto was no exception as they stopped by the Phoenix Concert Theatre on Tuesday, even though there were at least four other amazing shows that same evening: Glass Animals, Cage the Elephant, …
Continue reading "Wet Leg sells out Phoenix Concert Theatre in Toronto – Aug 2, 2022"
It's been six years since Warpaint headlined the Danforth Music Hall in Toronto. Returning to a full house at the Opera House, the band saw eager fans packed into the beautiful venue. Personally, I saw the quartet of Emily Kokal (guitar/vocals), Theresa Wayman (guitar/vocals), Jenny Lee Lindberg (bass/vocals), and Stella Mozgawa (drums) at the Music …
Continue reading "Warpaint makes triumphant return to Toronto – July 27, 2022"
Indie pop sensation Clairo (aka Claire Elizabeth Cottrill) has been making music since she was 13 and it only took five years to introduce herself to the world when one of her songs “Pretty Girl” went viral. With her hit debut record “Diary 00” and successful tours in 2018 and 2019 (who jumps all the …
Continue reading "Every teenage girl in Toronto came to History to see Clairo – July 26, 2022"
What more can I say about the ethereal being we call AURORA that I haven't previously said? I've been covering her shows for several years now and the last one at Terminal 5 in NYC back in November was one of her best! Since then, she has released her latest album "The Gods We Can …
Continue reading "Otherworldly AURORA takes over Toronto – May 29, 2022"
Back in 2017, when Lo Moon was signed to a major label and was touring extensively, it seemed like the band was ready to explode. It didn’t happen, with differences in marketing strategy between the label and the band. Matt Lowell, formed the band, is the lead vocalist and multi-instrumentalist, and wrote much of the …
Continue reading "Lo Moon lays down some serious mood at Drake Underground – May 28, 2022"
It was the afternoon of November 19, 2019 when I peeked out the door at the Paste Studio in NYC to see if the next band had arrived yet and I saw two kids sitting on the floor in the hallway like they were in high school. It turns out those “kids” were Lili Trifilio …
Continue reading "Beach Bunny wraps up tour with triumphant return to Toronto – May 27, 2022"
It was Pretty in Pink and 80s high school proms all over again last night at History in Toronto. If you were music aware in the 80s, there’s no way you could avoid not knowing Orchestral Manouevres in the Dark and their brand of electronic dance music. While they were not the first pioneers (like …
Continue reading "OMD brings back the 80s in a big way at HISTORY – May 3, 2022"
Nation of Language is one of those bands that seems to have come from nowhere and exploded onto the music scene. That being said, they did form back in 2016 with Ian Richard Devaney on guitars and lead vocals, Aidan Noell on synthesizers, and Michael Sue-Poi on bass. Supposedly Devaney took inspiration from OMD's "Electricity" …
Continue reading "Dancing the night away with Nation of Language at Lee’s Palace – April 7, 2022"
Tokyo Police Club frontman Dave Monks has been a busy man. After recording TPC with the band in 2017, he was already taking those first steps towards his second solo record "On A Wave" which was released on October 18th. Monks stopped by Paste Studio to play some songs and talk about the new record. …
Continue reading "Dave Monks goes solo at Paste – Nov 12, 2019"