Canadian Music Week 2012
This past week was Canadian Music Week (CMW) in Toronto. And what does this mean? Well, over 900 bands, comedy shows and a film festival too. The hard part is seeing everything, but I managed to catch a couple shows and hang out with some cool bands. Here was my life, Wednesday to Saturday.
Wednesday, March 21
I attended a show at the Phoenix Concert Theatre to see a childhood favourite band of mine, Treble Charger. But it wasn’t a real childhood band favourite, I just like one of their songs, American Psycho.
So there I was, going to see this band. But I was pleasantly blown away by openers, Teenage Kicks. These guys put on a great show, they sound amazing, they are everything that is rock n roll. Their performance was also fun to watch because they were having fun and that rubbed off on the crowd. Teenage Kicks also finished with a mind blowing cover of Helter Skelter by The Beatles.
Treble Charger then came on after a nine year break up/break. And it was interesting. The main singer came on stage, probably in his early 40s, and attempted to act as he did in the 90s. I felt embarrassed and left after I heard a recognizable song.
Thursday, March 22
Wow! I was blown away with Teenage Kicks from the night before and was pumped to see them again. (I also made plans to hang out with the guys to write a feature on them, which will be coming soon). So there I was, hanging with Teenage Kicks in their white tour van before their gig at The Hideout. We did typical rockstar stuff like chill, drink tea and crack jokes.
But their show was fantastic. Their riffs were heavier than the previous night, the crowd was involved because the venue was smaller and the boys were wild. I hadn’t seen a good rock n roll band in a while and Teenage Kicks were at the very least, refreshing. It’s good to know that bands like them are still around and rocking out. This one is kick ass! I Get What You Give.
Friday, March 23
It was my friend’s birthday, so I didn’t attend any CMW stuff.
Saturday, March 24
This was a night full of adventure. It started late (11pm) and ended late too (4am).
First, I went to The Indies at the href=http://www.fairmont.com/royalyork rel=fairmont target=_blank>Fairmont Royal York hotel in Toronto. It’s a super cool, old victorian like hotel vibe and a bunch of bands were playing. Unfortunately I only made it to see Passion Pit play their last song, Sleepyhead.
After this, I ventured to the Bovine Sex Club to catch The Dirty Nil. They went on at 2am and it was like an absolute grunge and thrash orgy. Their melodies and hooks are still bouncing around in my head. Cinnamon, and Fucking Up Young, were the main jammers for me. They are a super young band from Hamilton and like the Teenage Kicks, it is cool to see great music coming from the Toronto area.
Sunday, March 25
I am going to see The Temper Trap at the Phoenix and then catch The Elwins at some mexican bar place. Check back soon to see how these concerts were. I have a feeling it’ll be another case of a a fun music adventure.
About the Author
Sam Rashid I am a freelance journalist trying to make his way in this wonderful world. By day, I am a Ryerson University journalist. And by night, I am a music loving journalist, hanging out in music bars or attending awesome concerts.
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