Canadian Music Week Day 1: Tuesday, March 19th

Tuesday, March 19. It’s the official kick off day at Canadian Music Week here in Toronto so I thought I’d better start the week off right by heading to a couple of the hotspots in the city. With this being my first Canadian Music Week, I wasn’t really sure what to expect. Hell, I’m only 4 hours in… I still don’t know what to expect.

I get off the streetcar virtually on the front steps of The Rivoli, flash my badge, and walk in to a near full room of music industry and fans alike. It’s just before 10:00 and I grab a beer. Toronto band LYON is about to hit the stage, and although I’ve hear about some of their hype, this was my first time taking it in. A 5-some on stage, singer Lauren Malyon’s voice filled the room. It’s a soothing indie-electro-pop sound that consists of melodic guitar riffs, gnarly synth chords, and occasionally a violin. I was impressed.

Next up, Indecent. Making the trip up from New York, this is a band you’d expect to find in a dive I’m Brooklyn at around 3 AM. It’s a grungy sound, one that most haven’t heard since the 90′s. the ironic thing is, the bad doesn’t look like either member has passed 20 years old. With the guitarist wearing a sweatshirt 3X his size, the band seemed confused with which genre they were trying to pull off. And who knows, they may be trying to do their own thing - and if so, kudos for that. One note worth mentioning is the bands drummer, as that man deserved to be in a bigger stage. Making use of every drum and cymbal on his kit available, the kid knew how to rock. About 15 minutes into the set, and I knew it was about time I moved onto the next venue.

I work my way up Bathurst and find myself in a venue just off Bloor called The Annex Live. Hitting the stage at midnight is Atlantic Canada band, The Danger Bees. I’ve been fortunate enough to catch them twice before, and I’m not sure if I should blame the venue, but this wasn’t their best sounding show I’ve seen. Don’t get me wrong though, still a great set, and one filled with energy (enough to form a crowd of dancers up front), just I know they’re capable if more.

4 hours later, 3 sets in and I’d like to believe I’m off to a good start to my Canadian Music Fest. Keep updated daily withy CMW coverage here.