Foster The People @ Lee's Palace

Foster the People @ Lee's Palace
Sunday, April 3, 2011
Opening groups: We Barbarians, Grouplove
Photo taken by Amanda Soriano (me!)

___Coming in from Long Beach California, We Barbarians began the night around 9PM. They had good energy, they moved around a lot, and they sorta sounded like Kings of Leon! They're not as catchy as KOL, but there was definitely some familiarity there. They seemed cool enough but truth be told, their music will probably not make my iTunes. It's just not for me.

___Now on to Grouplove - They were so much fun! They're from Los Angeles and have previously toured with Florence & The Machine. What I thought was cool about this band was the fact that each member looked like they belonged to another kind of group. We had the country guy, the punk guy, that preppy girl... and you get the point! The lead singer's voice kinda reminded me of a less punk Bert McCracken from The Used, and the music itself was just so summery and fun... but enough of that, go listen to them right now! Click here for their Myspace.



___Now it was time to see why Foster The People is slowly becoming one of the most talked about bands of 2011. First things first, lead vocalist Mark Foster is amazing! Within the first few songs, he got the crowd movin and cheerin! Not bad for a band playing their first show in Canada, huh? My favourite songs were "Helena Beat" and "Pumped up Kicks", which are both posted in this entry. If FTP passed through your city, I highly recommend you check them out! It will definitely be where all the other kids with the "Pumped up Kicks" will be.




Check out this video of them at Lee's taken from Molinski89



One last thing... If you are new to FTP, check out their track "Helena Beat"!



Great music guys!

Gold Panda @ The Drake Hotel

Gold Panda @
The Drake Hotel
Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Opening Group: Dam Mantle

Photos taken from Kaela Greenstein

___Opening for Gold Panda was this unknown DJ who filled-in for Dam Mantle. His music was similar in the sense that it was rather mystical, but it lacked the creativity I think Gold Panda has secured under his belt. During his set, people began filling the underground (space within the Drake Hotel) with drinks in hand and excited but cool and laid back expressions. The crowd was rather dynamic with the expected hipsters and odd shadow puppeteers (yes, I just said that). Good energy was definitely in the air, and everybody was looking for a good time.

___Before taking the stage, Derwin (Gold Panda) casually had his beer by the merch table. It was pretty cool watching him from afar amongst his unknowing fans. After losing sight of him, I realized he was already on stage. Jammin out with a hoodie and no panda hat, our ears begun swimming to the exotic beats of Gold Panda. His music is so dam cool... it's like a video game proclaiming last words of life... Super crazy and totally mind blowing. The only negative thing I can remark on was the pause between songs... I think there should have been more of a flow to the set... but seriously, it sounded good! The crowd especially enjoyed my favourites "You" and "Quitters Raga". It was a great show and I can see why there is so much hype surrounding Gold Panda's music. Check out my entry on Gold Panda for more info, click here.

Footage from the show.

5 of 50 with Gold Panda

What's your favourite record?
Derwin: Oh my god...Well it always changes because it depends on your mood...
LTT: OK, well then lets say within the first couple of months of 2011. What has been your go to album this year?
Derwin: I haven't really been listening to anything that's been released this year but the new Mogwai album is pretty good!
LTT: Favourite songs off that album?
Derwin: Rano Pano, it's the third track I believe... It's a great record but it's not my favourite... Best album would probably be "Bad" by Michael Jackson because the timing was right when I got into it.

What would be your dream 5 line up at a music festival?
Derwin: umm, Aphex Twin... umm do they all have to be alive?
LTT: You can have one dead.
Derwin: [laughter] Ok, The Beatles... because I don't see what all the fuss is about... um, there's this group called SND, who I can probably see very easily but yeah... I'd see myself because I don't know what that looks like [laughter]... OK and one more... David Bowie...

In the future, who's an artist you'd love to collaborate with?
Derwin: When I listen to music I never think I want to collaborate with somebody because it's always been something quite personal for me... and if I get someone to join, I would feel like I don't have complete control over everything, which is something I'm really particular about... so probably just friends...I have a friend who is making me do something for Charlie Alex March and this Japanese hip hip crew called Origami, I just did a remix for them.

What movie can you watch repeatedly?
Derwin: Akira the Japanese animated film... Robocop... Under Seige with Steven Seagal...Labyrinth


What do you like that you are most embarrassed of? Or at least should be embarrassed of?
Derwin: Wearing a panda hat...I really regret that... I don't know... Gold Panda is just a name and I wore that hat because I didn't know anybody was going to take it seriously... I didn't realize I would be doing these sold out shows...
LTT: Still bring the hat out?
Derwin: Oh no no, I'm 30 now. [laughter]

Last words to your fans:
Derwin: If you do music, don't name yourself with a colour and an animal... But do music!

Thanks Derwin for your time! :D LTT LOVES YOU!

Ellie Goulding @ The Phoenix

Ellie Goulding @ The Phoenix

Sunday, March 27, 2011

Opening group: The Knocks

___Beginning the night's festivities were The Knocks. According to NME Magazine, this New York duo is one of the "20 hottest producers in music right now". After hearing their set, I wasn't as impressed as I thought I would be. It's been done before... I'm over it. They were like a reincarnated Chromeo without the guitar (huge element) and 10 years of knowing how to rock. Without completely trampling their set, they did get the crowd moving... Which as a headliner is all you could ask for, right? Well they did their job, I just think their music is best enjoyed via mp3.

___Now because this was an all ages event, it didn't take long for Ms. Ellie Goulding to appear on stage. Beginning her set with "Under The Sheets", fans who waited outside for more than 8 hours finally had nothing more to count down to. Her voice was stupendous, so delicate yet incredibly powerful. She also had a very sexy way of moving around, girl can really move her hips! Her cover of Elton John's "Your Song" was special, but my favourites included "The Writer" and "Lights" and "Starry Eyed". Oh, and did I mention her band was really good looking It was a fun show to watch, and I expect big things from this Brit's Critic Choice winner! I mean following acts like Florence Welch and Adele... you have to be some kind of talented, yes?

Footage of Ellie Goulding at the Phoenix taken from Madchesterstonerose.

Louder Than That asked Ellie, what is your all time favourite Record?

Ellie Goudling: Bon Iver - For Emma, Forever Ago

Thanks Ellie for your time and a great show! :D

Basia Bulat @ The Great Hall

Basia Bulat @ The Great Hall

Saturday, March 26, 2011

Opening groups: Kat Burns & New Country Rehab

___Arriving on stage wearing a cute red dress, Ms. Kat Burns began the night jammin with her acoustic guitar. Playing to a silent hall of Basia fans, her sweet voice took our ears on a relaxing journey. Although after the first few slow songs, I did find myself kind of yawning. The talent was there, but you can't play a full set list of slow songs to fans looking for a good time... there's no logic there. By the end of it, I was happy to cheer her off stage.

___Next up was New Country Rehab. I liked them because of the amount of energy they brought to the stage... but after falling asleep to Kat Burns, I don't think I responded well to this new found energy. I liked John's (lead singer's) work with the fiddle, but as for their music, I don't think it was really my cup of tea. I felt like it was country music for old people, no offense. Also, I thought it was kinda funny how the double bass didn't seem to be plugged in at first, especially because of how serious Ben was playing the thing... Definitely an entertaining set to say the least.

___Now it was finally time for Basia to hit the stage for the first time in Toronto since her nomination for Juno's New Artist of the Year. I was personally super excited for this because I've been in love with her music for the past 3 years. I'm that girl in front who knows all the songs and leaves with a t-shirt that she will probably wear for the next few days... Hay Hay! Well needless to say, it was just as fabulous as I thought it would be! She played her cover of Sam Cooke's "Hem of his Garment" which was incredibly charming. My favourites were "Snakes & Ladders", "I was a Daughter", and "Gold Rush". She is so talented and her music will forever mark my teenage years. This is somebody I will for sure see every single time she plays a show in Toronto. If you aren't familiar with her music, GET ON IT! :D Check out her Myspace, click here!

Check this video out of Basia Bulat singing "If only you".

Noah & The Whale @ The Mod Club

Noah & The Whale @ The Mod Club

Thursday, March 24, 2011

Opening group: The Bahamas

Photos taken from Stephen McGil & Nina Adler

After seeing The Bahamas play the Lissie show the first time, I was happy to hear they were scheduled to support Noah & The Whale. As mentioned in the previous concert review post, I was thoroughly impressed with their set the first time around... and things haven't changed since then! They were just as entertaining and charming as they were the first time. Except this time around I fellin love with Afie Jurvanen (lead vocals and guitar). Cool fact: Afie used to play with acts like Fiest, The Stills, Great Lake Swimmers, Amy Millan (of Stars) and Jason Collett. Now he seems to be on tour with his band The Bahamas in various parts of the States... Very cool! Excited for the day this band headlines. Check out their Myspace, click here!

After successfully putting everyone in a good mood, The Bahamas finished their set. Super girl fans began lining up the front of the stage with shiny eyes and done up hair... it was evident to me that it was going to be one of those shows... Either way, the band showed up and the venue filled with shrills... some of my own were of course in attendance! Beginning their set with "Blue Skies", the combination of the everything, especially the fiddle, was nothing less of dreamy. Lead vocalist Charlie is such a cutie pie with his blue eyes and curly hair, I had a hard time not jumping the stage to hug him! Although for the record, he isn't my type. My favourite song was definitely the performance of "The First day of Spring", it was just incredibly epic. Definitely making the list of best songs to hear live at the end of the year. All and all, Tom and his fiddle took the show home for me... it was just so pretty to hear him play amongst all the layers of music. I liked it, good show. Not to sure if I'd see them again, but I'm glad I made it out that night.

Video Footage of Noah & The Whale at The Mod Club performing First Day of Spring taken from Misserina72

Cold War Kids @ The Phoenix

Cold War Kids @ The Phoenix
Friday, March 18, 2011
Opening group: The Balconies
Picture taken from Amanda Fotes

Ottawa's act The Balconies opened the show with infectious energy which had the crowd moving from the very beginning. Vocalist Jacquie's name echoed amongst the crowd as she stole the hearts of a great majority of Torontonian Cold War Kids fans. I didn't have much of a chance to hear their entire set, but from the crowd's feedback, it was a good show. Definitely a need to look out for this year in Canadian music! Check out The Balconies on their Myspace, click here!

Showing up around 11PM, Cold War Kids started their set with "Royal Blue". Fans crowded the stage with gleaming faces and cheers. It was such a great song to start off with, so lively and dance worthy. Nathan was absolutely brilliant. His voice is just so god damn sexy. I also really enjoyed his hand gestures (see photo). Best songs were definitely "Cold Toes on Cold Floors", "Hospital Beds", "Mexican Dogs", and "Hang me up to Dry". Truthfully, the set list was pretty solid and I enjoyed every song! The best part of the night was the atmosphere. It almost didn't matter what they decided to play, the crowd was digging everything! They were amazing, and I would 100% see them again!

Video Footage taken from TheTheFisherKing



5 of 50 with Nathan of Cold War Kids
#19- Name a song that reminds you of your teenage years.
Nathan: We just went to go get Sushi down the street and they were playing the craziest mix of just Guns and Roses... Sweet child of mine was playing and I think that reminds me of being 13 and like riding bikes

#33- What has been your greatest musical find on tour?
Nathan: We've toured a bunch with umm... lets see there are so many... Elvis Perkins in Deer Land and they have a couple albums out and we've toured with them a bunch and they're fabulous I really like them . (Check out their Myspace, click here)

#37- What would you consider the best album of 2010?
Nathan: It's always so hard when you don't have the iPod handy... i love the Kanye West album... I like the Arcade fire album a lot... The National album... I don't know those are very typical one but I love all those a lot

#45- What's the one song that if it were to go on you would go crazy and dance around?
Nathan: You know the Jay Z album that was like his black album but it was remastered into the Grey album ... He mixed the Jay Z album with the Beatles White album and it was the Grey album? It always makes me go crazy.

#39- What's the most played song on your iPod?
Nathan: I'd have to guess... let me think about it... What is a song I listen to a lot... It always changes... Um this is so hard... lets say Tom Waits - Innocent when you dream

Last words to your fans: I don't know that much about Toronto, I wish we could go around and see more...and explore music.

Thank you Nathan for your time, and keep up the good work! :D

Polock talks to LTT VIA SKYPE!

Polock
[Twitter /Facebook /Myspace /Website]
[Sebas (bass), Papu (Vocals/Guitar), Pablo (Guitar), Alberto (Keyboards), Marc (Drums)]

-An Indie band from Valencia, Spain
-Signed to Mushroom Pillow
-Played SXSW
-Have a feature in Nylon Magazine. (Read more about it, click here.)
-Describes their band as being The Strokes had they written under the Spanish sun and a giant disco ball.

Songs to listen to: Fireworks (posted below), High on Life

Conclusion: If you're a Phoenix fan, then you will definitely like these Spanish hipsters. It's the perfect summer play list for morning bike rides and sundaes. I like it, it's fun. Their debut album "Getting Down from the Trees" hits the market March 28, 2011! So check it out! They're currently touring the states, so look out for these Latinos because they're living the dream.

5 of 50 With Alberto of Polock

#7- If you could take credit for writing any song, which would it be?
Alberto: God only knows, by Brian Wilson. Ive heard this song about one million times but there is always something else to discover in it.

#23- If you only had one more song to perform live, which would it be?
Alberto: I suppose Fireworks would be the choice if we hadn't played it before in the show. It really gets people moving.

#24- What would be the most recommended place to visit from your home town?
Alberto: It's a real privilege to see the sunset from La Albufera very near my town. It's some kind of sweet sea, where they planted rice in the old times. It's really beautiful.

#27- What would have to happen to your band to say they have made it big time?
Alberto: Knowing we are going to tour the US! This was incredible news for us, and a sign that things are working.

#49- What's your favourite publication/magazine?
Alberto: I'd say NME

Thank you Alberto and Rocio of Digital Girl for making this happen!