It's finally here! 2014's Canadian Music Week kicks off today (May 6) and lasts until May 10. The festival, situated at various venues across Toronto's downtown core, features music, film, and comedy, as well as multiple conferences surrounding various topics.
For those of you who are lucky enough to be in Toronto this week, EARMILK has compiled a list of Canadian musical acts that you should definitely take the time to check out.
Born Ruffians
Promoting their most recent album titled Birthmarks, Toronto-based Born Ruffians definitely isn't a band to miss this week. Known for their undeniable stage presence and quirky energy, the foursome will be taking on the Kool Haus on May 10 at 9:25pm.
[soundcloud url="https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/141196640"]
CATL
Blues/rock group CATL, fresh off a busy year of touring US and Canadian soil, have also just dropped their album called This Shakin' House back on April 29. From infectious dance numbers to introspective lullabies, CATL plan to please CMW-ers by getting them off their feet in any which way possible. Catch CATL at The Garrison on May 8 at 11:00pm.
[soundcloud url="https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/138132016"]
Grounders
Alt-indie pop group Grounders will feel right at home playing in Toronto at CMW. Since the album release of Wreck of a Smile just over a year ago now, Grounders have really built quite the Canadian fanbase, which proves their show at the Silver Dollar on May 10 to be highly anticipated. Their set begins at 11pm.
[soundcloud url="https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/49303014"]
HIGHS
HIGHS is exactly what would come to mind when one thinks of an indie pop band. The foursome, hailing from Toronto, will be promoting their self-titled EP, which debuted back in July 2013. HIGHS describe their shows to be "tight and calculated while remaining true to the whimsical nature of the songs", which subsequently landed them three slots at CMW. The act will be playing at 10:00pm on May 7 at Hard Luck Bar, May 9 at Sneaky Dee's at 11pm, as well as May 10 at The Dakota Tavern at 11:00pm.
[soundcloud url="https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/95391449"]
Lake Forest
Indie rock project Lake Forest has seen a busy, busy 2013. Extensively touring Europe and releasing an acoustic EP titled The Silence of Sound, Lake Forest's Will Whitwham also juggles playing in Wilderness of Manitoba. Acting as his solo project that allows for full creativity and musical expression, Lake Forest is described by Whitwham as "slow, heavy, loud, and melodic", which will be reflected in his live performance at The Dakota Tavern on May 10 at 9:00pm.
LYON
After the unveiling of her debut EP back in February 2013, synth-pop outfit LYON has seen positive reception from fans, industry members, and influencers alike. Since, LYON has signed with Black Box Recordings and is currently in the midst of working on the release of a full length album. In the mean time, LYON will be playing Adelaide Hall on May 8 at 10:00pm.
[soundcloud url="https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/80309238"]
Secret Sun
Alt-pop duo Secret Sun who are based in Montreal will be hitting up CMW this year. Comprised of Simon Landry and Anne-Marie Campbell, 2014 is a big year for Secret Sun. With plans to drop a debut music video, headline some shows, and line up an album release party for their expected full-length record, the band will first stop by Sneaky Dee's on May 9. Catch them on stage at 9:00pm.
Wildlife
The five Ontario-based friends that are Wildlife have been making music ever since 2006, and are still going strong in 2014. The pop act describe their music to be "loud yet so heart-felt", where it manages to be "distinct for its punk-tinged ferocity and truly unique melodies". The CMW crowd definitely won't want to pass up seeing them at Adelaide Hall on May 10 at 12:00am.
