Jason Collett is a Toronto institution by now, isn't he? Not only a member of Broken Social Scene, he's also a scene maker. I remember Radio Mondays (the amazing acoustic jam session he hosted) and he's now one show into his third annual residency at The Dakota Tavern.

For those that don't know -- it's a variety show hosted (and headlined) by Jason that features a rotating cast of our city's best roots rock talent. There's a relaxed vibe in the room all night, and you never know who's going to take the stage.

Not only is Jason a great host and singer/songwriter, he's also responsible for shining the spotlight on two backing bands: the seemingly defunct Paso Mino and Zeus, his current backing band who have their own album coming out soon on Arts & Crafts. Jason, it would seem, does it all. I spoke to him about his year, his residency, and fatherhood.

DJ/producer Sharam is one half of Deep Dish, (arguably) the most high profile American underground dance duo of all time. When I was big into the rave scene 10 years ago, Deep Dish were the superstars -- the ones who played the biggest parties and released the biggest mix CD compilations.

After 15 years at the top of the scene (which included a Grammy award), Sharam Tayebi and his partner Ali Shirazinia went their separate ways. Ali returned to the underground and became Dubfire -- one of the top techno DJ/producers right now, while Sharam turned to more mainstream club music. His new album Get Wild fuses pop and dance together in some intriguing ways. His new single "She Came Along" features Kid Cudi on the mic and a Patsy Cline sample.

I really like the western-themed video for that single, which features a young cowboy and a dangerous young lady (catch it after the jump). I spoke to Sharam about Toronto, his new single, using new DJ technology and the Guvernment, where he's DJing tomorrow night.

Nitin is a Toronto-based house/techno DJ/producer who has been moving up the international ranks thanks to his new Silent Scales EP on local underground label No. 19. Renowned producer Osunlade lends his popular touch to Nitin's new track which has been played by some of the biggest names in electronic music.

Nitin is part of an amazing underground tech house movement going on in the city right now. Quality events are being put on by people dedicated to making every night count - and top international talent are pouring into this scene.

Nitin is DJing three big events this week alongside M.A.N.D.Y. (last night), Audion (aka Matthew Dear from Detroit), and Cassy (from Berlin). I spoke to Nitin about these big gigs, his influences, and his neighbourhood.

Montreal four-piece Young Galaxy first got my attention a couple years ago when I heard their song "Outside The City". Singer/keyboardist Catherine McCandless' haunting vocals and lyrics really got to me, as did the unique groove. The band seemed destined for the kind of indie stardom Arts&Crafts specializes in when the Toronto label released their self-titled debut.

I was surprised to hear recently that their second album Invisible Republic was self-released (with help from distributor Fontana North). Even without A&C backing, Young Galaxy will surely turn heads once again with a wider variety of sounds and moods on the new set of songs.

Their cross-Canada tour ends Friday with a show at the Horseshoe. I spoke with singer/guitarist Stephen Ramsay about their new album, the break from A&C, and I get his opinion on the Montreal vs Toronto thing. There's also a contest!

Representing 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.

I 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.