Music

When five middle-aged schmucks get the band back together after years away from the spotlight, it’s usually the kind of nostalgic feel-good ride saved for a Hollywood sequel, not an excuse to spew bile on their audience being led astray. After all, it’s not like the Eagles, America’s patron saints of bridge and tunnel rock, were ever known for pushing any sort of political agenda beyond venerating SoCal hedonism and the male ego, both of which contributed squarely to their demise in 1980.

Danish producer Trentemøller is back with a new EP entitled 'Fixion' and I couldn't be happier about it. His productions are deep, haunting and evoke emotions that are at times both melancholic and beautiful. Andres has been around for a long time but he always manages to stay relevant by reinventing his sound while never failing to affect. 

Throughout his career, Bonobo has consistently delivered some of the best contemporary electronic music, drawing from a deep well of styles and inspiration in a state of constant evolution. His 2010 release Black Sar1ds is a triumph of electronic music and The North Borders which followed felt like a natural progression from its predecessor. His latest single "Kerala" reminds us why Bonobo deserves our attention.

Summer might be over, but who can forget those hot Okanagan nights? Thanks to Train, listeners can enjoy the carefree joy of a budding summer romance any time of year. I really don’t know much about Train, other than the fact that they dress like denim-clad dads kicking back after a beer league softball game. “Drive By”, the debut single from 2012’s California 37, starts this party off right by comparing the casual nature of a one night stand to a gangland shooting. Is it in poor taste?

In a move perfectly timed with the arrival of this season’s dreary weather, Toronto based former Vancouverites, MARY have just released their new Analyze Paralyze EP.  With production from Vancouver’s Jason Corbett at Jacknife Sound, the duo of Kuba Rygal and Michael Peterson have crafted a beautifully textured and quite dramatic statement.

After being based out of Berlin for many years, singer-songwriter, artist and actor Joel Gibb has returned to Canada and is set release the seventh Hidden Cameras album, Home On Native Land, this Friday via Outside Music. Gibb return to his native country has resulted in the creation of a record that not only marks his physical return but also a philosophical return to his Canadian roots. Formerly touted as a “gay church folk” act this new cycle of Hidden Cameras songs are an astute look at living north of the 49.

Vancouver is absolutely overflowing with exciting new music these days and the debut single “Missing Scene” from 1990s inspired alt provocateurs Leathers is no exception. A super group of sorts, Leathers is the combined effort of producer Jason Corbett and keyboardist Shannon Hemmett, of ACTORS, and Jahmeel Russell and Robbie Zgaljic, the rhythm section and brain trust of Red Vienna.

It's a pretty miserable day today in Montreal, but don't let it stop you from getting down to Ville-Émard to check out Red Bull Music Academy's 'Québec Électrique : Montréal Discoville' happening tonight at 9PM at Théâtre Paradoxe. The night is notably featuring disco legend Robert Ouimet -- the Montreal disco DJ of the '70s, a title earned as house DJ at the famed Rue Stanely spot Lime Light (now Chez Parée strip club). In 1977, he won Billboard Magazine's 'Best Canadian DJ' award.

If you are not familiar with Red Bull Music Academy, now is the perfect time to check it out. The Red Bull Music Academy is a month long incubator for music, art, and culture, where established musicians collaborate and create with up and coming musicians, and then the creations that stem from these collaborations are shared with the public via video or live performances. There are also various talks and presentations by musicians and creators from around the world.