Call & Response: VLSONN

Posted by Gary
Filed in Music
November 6, 2009
vlsonn dj photoRepresenting East York, VLSONN is an electro DJ/producer who's on the path to success. Although he's still flying under most people's radars, this guy has some great-sounding analog grooves rockin' on his Myspace page.

He's caught the attention of Craig Hill, head honcho of local label YYZ Records (home to great Toronto acts like TMDP and Madrid). VLSONN headline's Craig's Rollin' & Scratchin' party tonight at Supermarket.

I spoke with VLSONN about his productions, his dream remix project and the simple things in life.

Call & Response: Olenka & the Autumn Lovers

Posted by Gary
Filed in Music
October 29, 2009
olenka & the autumn loversI first saw Olenka & the Autumn Lovers open for Megan Hamilton earlier this year at the Rivoli. They were great - a cheery collective playing an eclectic mix of folk, alt country and waltzes.

Olenka Krakus and her band of merry musicians released a couple EPs and their self-titled debut full-length in 2008. They're wrapping up an Eastern Canadian tour this week and play The Garrison tonight with Toronto favourites The Wilderness of Manitoba.

I spoke with Olenka about loving autumn on tour, the eclectic nature of her music, and writing lots and lots (and lots) of songs.

Call & Response: Todor Kobakov

Posted by Gary
Filed in Music
October 22, 2009
Todor KobakovTodor Kobakov is a talented Bulgarian-born, Toronto-bred pianist, keyboardist, composer and arranger who graduated from the University of Toronto's music program at the age of 20. Aside from performing with and arranging for several high profile bands, he also submitted a fantastic string quartet remix for Radiohead's "Nude" remix contest.

Similar to Solo Piano by Gonzales, Todor's debut album Pop Music (out now on new TO label 88 Calibre) is mostly classical piano pieces played using traditional pop song structures. He gets vocal help on two songs from Emily Haines and Tunde from TV On The Radio. Those celeb guest spots might initially attract folks to this album, but the beautiful piano playing should seduce them to stick with it.

I'm looking forward to seeing Todor perform his new songs at an intimate venue on Shaw Street this weekend. I spoke with him about his musical childhood, his new album and the unique nature of his upcoming shows.

Call & Response: Shout Out Out Out Out

Posted by Gary
Filed in Music
October 15, 2009
shout out out out outI think Shout Out Out Out Out are one of the best Canadian rock/dance hybrid bands ever. When I see them play live I can't decide whether I want to dance or just jump up and down. I'm not alone. Last time I saw them play Lee's Palace, the crowd at the front looked more like a mosh pit than a dance floor.

Their latest album Reintegration Time is full of analog synth goodness, guest vocals by the likes of Cadence Weapon and production that almost makes you feel like you're at one of their shows.

But it's all about seeing them live. I can't wait to catch them this weekend at Wrongbar w/ local electronic duo TMDP. I spoke with bandleader Nik 7 about how four bass players and two drummers came together, making bad choices, and being on fire. There's also a contest!

Call & Response: Barletta

Posted by Gary
Filed in Music
October 9, 2009
BarlettaSince I last spoke with Barletta, he has become one of the most profilic producer/remixers out of Toronto in this half of the "aughts". With over 120 tracks/remixes/edits to his name, I can't think of anyone who's been busier.

Barletta's work has caught the ear of Tremendous Records - the fresh, new Montreal-based "future pop" label founded by Grandtheft (one half of the amazing Team Canada DJs duo) and backed by local indie jaugernaut Last Gang.

Tremendous is releasing Barletta's kickin' new single "Whisper" in style tomorrow night at Wrongbar. I spoke with Barletta about the new sound of his new single, sexy stuff and moving out of Scarborough. There's also free guestlist spots!

Call & Response: The William Blakes

Posted by Gary
Filed in Music
October 1, 2009
20091001_williamblakes.jpgThe William Blakes are from Copenhagan and they're Denmark's crown princes of quirky indie pop. Their catchy and well-produced songs have made them a household name over there. It also helps that two of the members are already Danish celebrities in their own right. Lead singer/songwriter Kristian Leth is a TV personality, while trumpet/keyboard player Bo Rande (also a member of Blue Foundation and who has played with Mew) is a popular music producer who apparently has worked on "almost anything worthwhile that ever came out of Denmark".

Their album is called Wayne Coyne. Yes - that Wayne Coyne. I spoke to them about this, how they made the album in only a week, and some strange Toronto museum they're hoping to visit while they're here for a show this weekend.