Alex Winston

Alex Winston 
Twitter | Facebook | Soundcloud | Myspace
-Originally from Bloomfield Hills, Michigan
-Started singing at the age of 10.
-Her family used to push her to sing at every family function and paid for her opera lessons.
-Chuck Berry is her all time favourite artist. She had the opportunity to open for him at one of his shows.
-She moved to New York City in 2010 to work with production duo The Knocks.
-Has played SXSW 2011
-Fan of the Strokes
-Toured with Freelance Whales, Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros, The Naked & Famous, Ted Nugent & Chuck Berry/
-Frequent collaborations with Charlie Hugall (who produced Florence + the Machine‘s stunning cover of “You Got the Love”)

Songs to listen to: Sister Wife, Velvet Elvis, Choice Notes

Conclusion: I really like Alex Winston and I'm so happy that she stuck through her passion for music to bring herself to the beginning of my 2012 music playlist. I briefly began listening to her in 2011, but only now am I really obsessing... she's great and definitely worth your time. If you love Marina and the Diamonds and Ellie Goulding... then let me introduce to you my 2012 beginning fix of the year. Obviously they're not identical, but you can't deny the unique voice similarities. Either way, she can't come to Toronto fast enough. Enjoy!

Florence & the Machine - Last Christmas (BBC Radio)

Florence & the Machine - Last Christmas

I know christmas is not for another while, but it's Florence! So, enjoy!

Also, PLEASE WATCH THIS! So funny!

Florence & the Machine @ The Sound Academy

Florence & the Machine @ The Sound Academy November 3, 2010

It was amazzinnnggg! I wasn't in my regular spot up by the barricade, but only because I had the honour of getting to meet her(refer to the pictures on the right). This was all thanks to my amazing friend Jordan. She was unbelievable in person, such a great sweet energy. I had major butterflies just being in front of her. She signed all our tickets with our names and went off to put on another amazing set. If you ever have a chance to see her, her vocals are mind shattering. Amazing.

Check out this Cover of Mario's I Don't Want to Know if you haven't already! :D CLICK HERE!

Also here's an interesting Cover done by The XX of Florence & the Machine's You've got the Love. CLICK HERE!

Here's footage from her show the other night. Enjoy!

Smith Westerns

Smith Western

[Left to right : Collin Omori (front man), Colby, Max Kakacek(guitarist), Cameron Omori]

-Chicago, Illinois

-Toured with Big Pink, Girls, and are currently with Florence and the Machine

-Playing November 3, 2010 @ Sound Academy, Toronto

-"Chicago's Smith Westerns are yet another band singing urgent,

ramshackle garage songs about teenage frustrations and longings"

-Pitchfork

-Their Album Cover for their 2009 EP is Nirvana's Nevermind Album flipped upside down chopped up with a picture of a painting of the Virgin mary holding a baby. Once they do press their Vinyl they are probably going to change the cover to avoid legal trouble.

Click here to Download this Album!

Free Downloadable MP3 of Girl in Love, CLICK HERE!

Songs to listen to: Girl in Love, Tonight, & Be My Girl.

Conclusion: They seem like such a great synthetic grunge sound that will be good for looking out the window on the bus music. Currently downloading their album and am super excited to see them live tomorrow with Florence. I can definitely hear the Nirvana influence and if your a fan of new music with hints of typical garage band sound then check this out. They're awesome!