Live music picks for TUESDAY JANUARY 15 through SATURDAY JANUARY 19, 2013.

TUESDAY JANUARY 15 / WILLY MASON / THE RIVOLI / 332-334 QUEEN W / $12 / ALL AGES

28-year-old folk singer/songwriter Willy Mason has accomplished quite a bit since he burst onto the scene in 2005. He's released three albums, including Carry On, which came out just over a month ago. And perhaps most impressive, he's toured with such artists as Mumford & Sons, Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros, Death Cab for Cutie, and Radiohead. That's a hell of a resume, right there.

WEDNESDAY JANUARY 16 / NIKI & THE DOVE / WRONGBAR / 1279 QUEEN W / $15 / 19+

This electro-pop/indietronica trio from Sweden was recently honoured with a European Border Breakers Award, which draws attention to Europe's best new music acts. And it's not difficult to see why - their 2012 debut, Instinct, was arguably one of the genre's best albums of the year. In two short years, Niki & the Dove has proven that they have what it takes to make a lasting impact. You can expect big things from them.

THURSDAY JANUARY 17 / FREELANCE WHALES / THE MOD CLUB / 722 COLLEGE / $16 / 19+

The music of the Freelance Whales is indie rock/pop at its finest. The band is currently touring in support of their sophomore album, Diluvia, which was released to much acclaim back in October. They've had their songs featured in several TV shows, including Chuck, Grey's Anatomy, and One Tree Hill. If, you know, that sort of thing is important to you. Hundred Waters will offer support.

FRIDAY JANUARY 18 / YAMANTAKA // SONIC TITAN / THE GARRISON / 1197 DUNDAS W / $10 / 19+

It's pretty safe to say that you've never seen an act like Yamantaka // Sonic Titan. It's an experimental performance art collective that was originally formed in Montreal, and is now based out of Toronto. The music and performance style is a fusion of many different influences, including J-pop, Asian heavy metal and industrial music, and Kabuki theatre. For that low price, this is a show that you'll definitely want to check out.

SATURDAY JANUARY 19 / CATL / HORSESHOE TAVERN / 368 QUEEN W / $12 / 19+

Talk about ending the week on a high note. Local rockers Catl - self-described as "dirty, stripped-down, juke-joint blues" - will be hitting the Horseshoe with support from The Royal Crowns. If this kind of music is your thing (and if it's not, it really should be), you probably already know what this band is capable of. And if you're not familiar with them, I can't recommend their stuff highly enough. And this show - especially for that low price - is a no-brainer.

For more music listings, check out our events calendar.

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Photo of Willy Mason courtesy of Janet Dancer on Flickr.