Todor 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.

I 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!

Since 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!

The 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.

Gonzales, the talented Canadian pianist/songwriter/producer, had to move to Europe to become famous. But nowadays he's slowly becoming well-known in North America for his creative piano-based pop, and his amazing work with Feist. In a world where someone like Rufus Wainwright can be really successful, I think Gonzales should be a household name. In addition to making his own quirky music, Gonzales also collaborates with a diverse group of artists. He will seemingly try anything - like breaking the Guinness World Record for longest concert by a solo artist (pictured above).

Back in 2004, Gonzales released a beautiful album in Europe called Solo Piano. It's still one of my favourite chillout albums. Arts&Crafts is re-releasing the album here as a deluxe re-issue with a bonus DVD containing performances and some odd bits like a crazy press conference in Berlin.

Gonzales plays the Mod Club on September 30. I spoke with him about the making of Solo Piano, working with Feist, and the pains that come with breaking a world record. There is also a contest!

Julie Fader is a talented singer/songwriter, musician, and visual artist. I recently found out that I've seen and heard her more times than I thought. She's a member of Great Lake Swimmers and also supports Sarah Harmer and Chad VanGaalen.

When she finds time, Julie's creates her own beautiful ambient folk-rock. Her debut solo album OUTSIDE IN (Hand-Drawn Dracula) was produced and recorded by her boyfriend Graham Walsh (of Holy Fuck) and features lots of well-known indie musicians - including the big names she supports.

Julie and her band play the Hand-Drawn Dracula TIFF Showcase tonight, alongside Brian Borcherdt, Megasoid and many others. I talked to Julie about her album, her art, and writing backwards.