With a heavy heart I type this edition of my Q&A series. This is the first one where I'm speaking to a band who are about to play their last shows. Foreign territory for me, as I tend to focus on "up- and-comers" who I encourage our beloved readers to check out.

A Northern Chorus is an ambient rock band that every fan of moody, atmospheric, heart-felt music would like. But sadly, after eight years and four full-length records (released by Sonic Unyon Records), they are packing it in before graduating past their "up-and-comer" status.

A Northern Chorus play their final Toronto show tonight at the Horseshoe. Singer/guitarist Pete Hall shared some memories with me about how the band started, the difficult road they travelled and why there is still lots to look forward to.

Keep reading for the complete interview.

North America has really embraced the new electro house movement with open arms, and it boasts a lot of popular DJs and producers in the scene. While European countries like Italy might still prefer the more traditional club sounds, Italian duo Crookers are representing their homeland in a very big way these days with rap-inspired electro house sets and killer remixes for big names like Kid Cudi, Armand Van Helden and Chromeo.

Yes, this is the right picture. These guys are young. Four of five members in the Aurora-based indie band Ruby Coast are recent high school graduates, and the fifth member is currently writing OAC Grade 12 exams!

Not even two years into existence and Ruby Coast have already started to build a buzz thanks to their enthusiastic live shows and their self-titled EP. Rumour has it there NXNE showcase was impressive and their set at this Sunday's edition of Wavelength promises to be the same. I spoke with Justice (guitar, vocals) about shotguns, huge fireworks, and Young Jeezy.

Keep reading for the complete interview.

Toronto-based electronic artist/DJ/producer extraordinaire Bryce Kushnier (aka vitaminsforyou) has already had a busy year. His three-piece band (which includes Madrid bassist Duncan Christie and Junior Boys drummer David Foster) has already opened for French electro princess Yelle, retro pioneers Blue Peter and ghetto-house fav's Thunderheist.

I had a lot of fun at NXNE this year. I started my Thursday night at the Horseshoe and caught an early set by The Coast. I hadn't seen them live since they released their debut full length Expatriate in April. I liked the new songs live but a few sound issues affected the overall impact of their set. Not the band's fault and unfortunately a very common issue at festivals like NXNE. Most people in the crowd (especially those up front) didn't seem to mind though and the 'Shoe was mostly full for their strong set closer "The Lines Are Cut".

Sultry, folk-rock singer/songwriter Shelby Lamb could be Toronto's next Joni Mitchell. That's what I've heard people say about her at shows. Her velvety voice can create a soothing atmosphere in any bar, club, car or living room.

Shelby is originally from Collingwood and is part of the Toronto-based Familiar Music collective. Last year she released a lovely EP entitled Suburban Cowboy, and tonight she plays the Savannah Room as part of NXNE. I spoke with Shelby about her life in Toronto, her plans for the future, and the dream of playing with an upright bass player.

Keep reading for the complete interview.