This Week in Music: Maestro Fresh Wes announces new LP, Luminato Festival unveils lineup, Trent Reznor returns to Toronto

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This Week in Music rounds up the latest news, releases and concerts coming to Toronto.

IN THE NEWS

Maestro Fresh Wes set to drop new album

It's been 13 years since his last LP and almost 25 years since he first told you to "Let Your Backbone Slide," and now, Toronto's Maestro Fresh Wes is getting ready to drop his seventh album, Orchestrated Noise. We reviewed his last effort, but this is a more, um, orchestrated affair. Wes describes the album as a "conceptual extension" to his 1989 album Symphony in Effect, and it will incorporate elements of hip-hop and orchestral instrumentation. It'll also be chock full of special guests, including Chuck D, k-os, Kardinal Offishall, Sam Roberts, the Trews, Kool G Rap, Lights, Classified, and more. The album drops on June 25.

Toronto's Luminato Festival lineup unveiled

The annual Luminato Festival, a ten-day celebration of the arts, is one of the summer's most anticipated events for art lovers. Last week, the event's organizers released the 2013 event's program, and music fans should find a lot to look forward to. Daily free concerts will take place at the festival's hub, which is located at David Pecaut Square. Performers will include k-os, Patrick Watson, Carolina Chocolate Drops, Laurie Anderson, Roseanne Cash, Amadou & Mariam, and Danny Michel. The festival will also host a two-night tribute to Joni Mitchell at Massey Hall, featuring Rufus Wainwright, Glen Hansard, and more. Full details can be found at the festival's official site.

THIS WEEK'S HOT TICKETS

WEDNESDAY APRIL 24 / KILLING JOKE / LEE'S PALACE / 529 BLOOR W / $29.50 / 19+

One of the most influential bands of their generation, Killing Joke will take the stage at Lee's Palace on Wednesday night. The quintet from Notting Hill got their start in 1978, and in the years since, their style has evolved to incorporate elements of alt rock, gothic rock, electronic, and industrial. While I can't attest to being a fan, I can at least respect the fact that these guys paved the way for quite a few of my favourite bands.

THURSDAY APRIL 25 / HOW TO DESTROY ANGELS / SOUND ACADEMY / 11 POLSON / $51.75 / ALL AGES

This is arguably one of the most anticipated shows of 2013. It's been almost four years since Trent Reznor last performed in Toronto, and when he did, it was as Nine Inch Nails. With that band on hiatus (but due to return later this year), he's been spending his time with How to Destroy Angels, alongside his wife, Mariqueen Maandig, and longtime collaborator Atticus Ross. While the band's sound is similar to NIN, this is a different beast entirely, so don't go into it expecting to hear any NIN tracks.

RECENTLY ANNOUNCED CONCERTS