CAR COMPANY PUTS ON WEEK LONG FESTIVAL
Story by Ashley Lewis
Scion Sessions, the event dedicated to progressing Canadian music, takes place this coming week in Toronto, July 27 to August 4. Despite this being a big marketing blitz for a corporation, what festival isn’t a marketing blitz for a company?
These are some must-see Canadian and international artists:
Zed’s Dead – July 28, 2012 @ Yonge-Dundas Square
This Canadian duo consisting of DC and Hooks will never disappoint an electronic/dubstep fan. Since their formation in 2004 the group has consistently produced original work with each mix sounding better than the last. The music is magnetic with smooth transitions. The bass draws the listener in and always drops at a perfectly timed moment. They are a must see at this year’s Scion Sessions.
The Killabits – August 1, 2012 @ Wrongbar
The dubstep, drum and bass duo are yet again at the forefront of Scion Sessions Bassmentality event next week. With their growing success around the globe this Toronto-based bass sensation is creating newer and better music. Another consistently original group that produces quality tracks and remixes. The music is entrancing, in a hold-your-breath sort of way, while you wait to hear what will come next. Their latest remix “Wait” definitely has this effect.
Nosaj Thing – August 2, 2012 @ The Hoxton
First of all, this is a free event so why even hesitate not attending. Secondly, this LA artist with hip-hop influences has a different sound from a lot of the other acts this week. His ambience is tastefully dark and twisted. The nostalgia represented in many of his tracks including “Fog” and “Caves” is heavy and penetrates your soul. This is an experience you’re gonna want to have under your belt.
M83 – August 4, 2012 @ Fort York
This electronic/house band that originates from France has come a long way. Since they formed in 2001 the band has released 6 studio albums and 14 singles. However, their latest album Hurry Up, We’re Dreaming has gained the most attention. Their single “Midnight City” placed them number five on the US alternative charts (their highest rating ever). The song especially gained recognition through movies and television shows such as HBO’s How to Make It In America, and the epic party movie of this year Project X. Most recently it’s being used in advertisements for the London 2010 Olympic Games. With an MGMT sound they’re success is inevitable.
Austra – August 4, 2012 @ Fort York
Joining M83 this year will be Toronto-based electronic band Austra. The band’s front woman Katie Stelmanis was trained in opera and you can feel that power behind her voice. Austra’s music commands attention. The often melancholic beat can bring you down and yet the bass and drum is empowering. A nice collaboration of body and soul.
Charli XCX – August 4, 2012 @ Fort York
This UK born electro-pop artist just released her debut EP You’re the One on June 12. The corresponding single “You’re the One” has yet to peak any charts but has promise with a catchy sing-a-long chorus and a Fefe Dobson sound. If the official video is any indication, it’s possible that fellow British pop group, All Saints, helped influence her flow of music and the Spice Girls helped pick out her 1990s platform boots. Hear her this week before she becomes another club beat.
