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.

Toronto concert picks for WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 18th through TUESDAY NOVEMBER 24th, 2009.

WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 18 / PEACHES / PHOENIX / 410 SHERBOURNE ST / $24.50 / 19+
Toronto's own Merrill Nisker has been releasing unabashedly eclectic albums under the name PEACHES for almost a decade now, coupling her electroclash music with a fearless stage persona and plenty of vulgarity and spontaneity. Her most recent effort I Feel Cream features production help from some huge names in electronic music including SIMIAN MOBILE DISCO, SOULWAX and DIGITALISM. Philly native and frequent SPANK ROCK collaborator AMANDA BLANK will open, touring in support of her debut album I Love You, which features additional production from DIPLO and DAVE SITEK of TV ON THE RADIO.
peachesrocks.com
myspace.com/amandablank

THURSDAY NOVEMBER 19 / ANDRE WILLIAMS & THE SADIES / HORSESHOE TAVERN / 368 QUEEN ST W / $15 / 19+
THE SADIES have released a dozen albums in the past decade, often branching out on their own but just as frequently playing as the backing band for an array of artists including NEKO CASE, JOHN DOE and Alabama blues legend ANDRE WILLIAMS. It's been ten years since the release of the WILLIAMS/SADIES Red Dirt LP, but the pairing will reunite at the Shoe on Thursday for what's sure to be a night of soulful country and blues. Montreal's BLOODSHOT BILL and local blues rockers CATL will open.
thesadies.net
bloodshotrecords.com/andre-williams
bloodshotbill.com
myspace.com/catlmusic

In this edition: Paper Bag Records give away a free digital covers compilation, Zeus announce debut album details, Feist collaborates with Beck and Wilco, details about Bookie's free Arts & Crafts special tonight at the Shoe, the Meligrove Band catch the swine flu, Constantines add a third date at Lee's, the partial line-up for the 3rd annual Hillside Inside is announced, and info on a slew of upcoming vinyl releases from Fucked Up.

Plus: free downloads from Justin Rutledge, the Most Serene Republic and Mike Duguay, as well as a mixture of new music videos and recent live footage from k-os, Pick a Piper, Blue Rodeo, the Diableros, Born Ruffians (new song), and the Wilderness of Manitoba.

Besides being a mouthful of a name, Michael Bernard Fitzgerald (MBF) has been steadily growing as a Canadian commodity in the west for the past few years.

The Calgarian has become a staple in his hometown, playing the last two Virgin Festivals in his hometown, and selling out a 1800-person capacity hall for the release of the Love LP back in June.

But he's left Calgary, and as of two weeks ago he now lives in Toronto. I figured there were at least two good reasons to give him a call.
1) He is playing a one month residency at Supermarket starting November 18th.
2) With no long distance fees to deal with, it's a totally affordable call.

Friday night's all local show at Lee's featured a handful of mellow tracks from Brian Borcherdt, the debut of Fields of Fur, an uplifting performance from Hooded Fang and a headline set from The Wooden Sky featuring a slew of guest musicians from around the city. The show served as a long overdue release party for their sophomore effort If I Don't Come Home You'll Know I'm Gone, released a few months back through Black Box.

The night started with Holy Fuck's Brian Borcherdt strumming and singing into the microphone from a distance. His laid back brand of electric folk is quiet and unassuming, and he managed to silence the crowd for the better part of his set. Julie Fader made an appearance, lending her voice to a pair of songs.

Live music picks for WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 11 through TUESDAY NOVEMBER 17, 2009.

WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 11 / PETER, BJORN & JOHN / PHOENIX / 410 SHERBOURNE ST / $20 / 19+
Swedish breakout act PETER BJORN AND JOHN bring their melodic brand of indie-pop to the Phoenix in support of their latest full length Living Things. In the last year, they've been sampled by Kanye, collaborated with Toronto's own Drake and released a remix album featuring the likes of Wale, GZA and 88 Keys. Joining them is fellow Swede Sarah Assbring, who has been releasing lo-fi indie-pop records under the moniker EL PERRO DEL MAR since late 2003.
peterbjornandjohn.com
myspace.com/elperrodelmar

WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 11 / J. TILLMAN / HORSESHOE / 368 QUEEN ST W / $13.50 / 19+
Seattle-based folk singer/songwriter JOSHUA TILLMAN steps aside from his day job as a member of FLEET FOXES to embark on a solo tour in support of his most recent album, Year in the Kingdom. Joining Josh is his brother ZACH TILLMAN with his indie-folk band PEARLY GATE MUSIC.
myspace.com/jtillman
myspace.com/pearlygatemusic