Austra

After sold out shows in Los Angeles and New York City, plenty of love from music blogs and websites (including “Beat and the Pulse” being named “Best New Music” by Pitchfork), Austra returned home for one of Canadian Music Week’s most buzzed-about sets. Technical problems kept the band from hitting the stage on-time, but if that bothered the near-capacity crowd at Wrongbar,  they certainly weren’t showing it. Austra is the new electronic project of singer-songwriter Katie Stelmanis, a name that should be familiar to many Toronto music fans. She has previously released solo music through Blocks Recording Club, worked with the likes of  Fucked Up and Owen Pallett, and dedicated Austra’s most recent EP in memory of Toronto queer rights activist Will Munro.

The quartet was rounded out with the addition of raven-haired twin sisters Romy and Sari Lightman (also known as Tasseomancy), who provided back-up harmonies and danced around in shiny, belly dancer tops. For the most part though, all eyes were fixed on Stelmanis, who with her long blonde hair, green dress, and haunting vocals, looked and sounded completely in charge. She didn’t so much sing to the crowd as she sung through the crowd, cutting through the band’s icy synths, keyboards, and pulsating drum beats.

The band played a selection of songs from their EP and their upcoming debut album Feel It Break (due out May 17 on Paper Bag Records). Predictably, they saved the six-minute “Beat and the Pulse” until the end of their set, and it was every bit as anthemic live as it is on record. If this performance was any indication, we’ll be hearing a lot more from Stelmanis & Co. in the near future.

Photos of Metz opening HERE!

More photos of Austra HERE!

IGGY!

It’s the day we’ve been all waiting for – the official announcement of the NXNE line up! NXNE, a seven-day marathon this year, will feature Les Savy Fav, Surfer Blood, De La Soul, Mudhoney, Japandroids…oh, and Iggy and the Stooges. No big deal. Oh, and they’re playing for free at Dundas Square on June 19th. Again, no big deal. I just squealed like a little girl when I saw it; that’s all.

Here’s a list of everyone’s who have been confirmed so far:

Germans

Looking for a place to hibernate for this week? I know it’s a tad far for most but may I suggest the new, hot venue in town – the Garrison? Yes, I must admit I wasn’t the fondest of the Garrison when it first opened month ago but honestly, this venue just continues to improve and get better every time I go – which is often because everything’s there now, it seems! Here’s a quick run-down of why you must (yes, your hibernation at the venue is a necessity now) go to the Garrison for the next four nights.

Thursday: Lullabye Arkestra, Tropics and special guests. ($10.00, doors @ 8:30PM)

If punk/metal/noise is your area of expertise or just interest, this is the show to be at tonight. I’m not even the biggest noise-punk enthusiast and I know that Lullabye Arkestra has had a hell of a year, even garnering love from Pitchfork. And if that doesn’t sell you, then trust me when I say you won’t want to miss out on the ‘special guests’ of the night. These are two guests that you will wake up in the morning thinking, “Why the fuck didn’t I go!!” if you don’t go. Trust. Me.

Friday: We Are Busy Bodies’ 5^th Anniversary Show feat. DD/MM/YYYY, Metz, Mayor McCa, Germans. ($10.00, $5.00 with five canned food donations, show @ 9:00PM)

You have to admit, DD/MM/YYYY has become an essential band to see in Toronto. Whether you like them or not, these guys put on a heck of a show worth checking out. And backed by a bill that’s equally as talented, you really shouldn’t be anywhere else in Toronto tomorrow night. Plus – it’s We Are Busy Bodies’ 5^th anniversary! You don’t say no to Eric Warner; that’s just a rule in life (kind of)! Apparently the first 50 people to show up tomorrow night will also receive a free swag bag of albums and whatnot. See, you don’t say no!

Saturday: Spiral Beach, Boys Who Say No, Romo Roto, Heartbeat Hotel ($12.00 in advance, $15.00 at door, doors @ 9:00PM)

This will be Spiral Beach’s last show of the year and who doesn’t want to end the year with a bang, right? Usually, these guys put on an energetic, fun show so just imagine that…times ten. Plus, Boys Who Say No, Romo Roto and Heartbeat Hotel just add to the fun and excitement. This bill just looks better every time I look at it, really.

Sunday: Wavelength 494 feat. Germans, P.S. I Love You, Murder Ford Monument (PWYC, $5-10 suggested, doors @ 9:00PM)

There are two reasons why you need to go to this week’s Wavelength. One: great line-up. If you didn’t get enough of Germans from Friday night, or for some godforsaken reason you missed Friday, this is the perfect opportunity to catch them (again). But the important reason you cannot miss this show is: the announcement of the bands playing the big WAVELENGTH 500 shows!! I know we’ve all been waiting for this moment for a while now and are literally watching to weeks go by like a death clock is staring right at you but this Sunday, the beloved Doc Pickles will finally announce the very special guests playing WL500 which will take place February 10-14! MARK YOUR CALENDARS NOW. Cancel all Valentine’s Day plans or move them over so you can come and celebrate. If you work, take four sick days. Do whatever you can. See you there!