EP Beat: Alex Winston

Alex Winston - Sister Wife EP


Myspace


   Detroit native, Alex Winston is nothing if not clever, and as a musician of only 19 it's a skill that doesn't go unnoticed. Winston's debut mini LP, Sister Wife, introduces a natural beauty with really high soprano. A savvy lyricist, Winston's six tracks possess a magnetism, echoed by her signature vocals, an asset in defining Winston from her peers.

Hear It First: First Rate People

FIRST RATE PEOPLE ANNOUNCE SPRING TOUR & NEW SINGLE

   Kicking off 2011 First Rate People have released their latest single 'Funny Games' a juicy, genre bending single mixing alt-pop with 90s R&B beats together for one satisfying slice of ear candy. Available via the band's Bandcamp site, it's worth getting your hands on.

   In addition to their new single, the band has announced a spring tour with Born Ruffians throughout Ontario and Montreal. Kicking the tour off this March keep your eyes peel for more from First Rate People over the coming year.

3/23/11 – Peterborough, ON @ The Legendary Red Dog
3/24/11 – Waterloo, ON @ Starlight Social Club
3/25/11 – Kingston, ON @ The Grad Club
3/26/11 – Hamilton, ON @ The Casbah
3/27/11 – St. Catherines, ON @ L3 Nightclub
3/29/11 – London, ON @ Call The Office
3/30/11 – Barrie, ON @ TBD
3/31/11 – Ottawa, ON @ Ritual Nightclub
4/1/11 – Montreal, PQ @ La Sala Rossa

Record Review: Grouplove

Grouplove - Grouplove EP   4/5

Myspace

   LA-based Grouplove are red hot as the buzz surrounding the quintet's self-titled debut EP reaches a fever pitch with its release this week. Internet buzz has been growing, even being named 'Artists to Watch 2011' by Billboard.com. Grouplove's endlessly energetic blend of artsy folk-indie rock is simply irresistable.

Single Selections: Free Download Edition

Yelle - Safari Disco Club   4/5

French outfit Yelle give us a bouncy dance single in 'Safari Disco Club', their forthcoming album out March 21st. Even if it is sung in French what's not to love about this infectious little slice of electro-pop! Look for Yelle supporting Katy Perry on her tour in the UK this March. 

DOWNLOAD

Record Review: Ruby Coast

Ruby Coast - Whatever This Is   4/5

Myspace

Last September Aurora's Ruby Coast released their first single 'Creep Me Out' and announced their debut record would be released in early 2011, but with limited details, no one knew with what label and when. Well the boys of Ruby Coast have opted to offer their debut full-length album Whatever This Is for free download at Bandcamp.

Record Review: Rob Moir

Rob Moir - This Is The Lie EP   3/5

Myspace

   After five years fronting Toronto punk band, Dead Letter Dept., Rob Moir debuts his second act as a thoughtful singer-songwriter. For those familiar with Moir's indie-punk aesthetics, you may need a moment to adjust your headphones when first exposed to Moir's debut solo EP, This Is The Lie, a five track introduction to a more soulful dare we say kinder Moir.

10 Artists to Watch In 2011

   2010 was another great year in music and 2011 proves to be equally as exciting, and with so much music to look forward to, we've decided to look at ten artists worth watching in the new year. Whether they are new or familiar faces they all look to make 2011 a year worth remembering. 

10. First Rate People  Myspace

  First Rate People aren't exactly creating phenomenal buzz, but that's not to say they haven't already earned enough praise and proven themselves to earn a place as one of 2011's Artists to Watch. 

 The Toronto based outfit started 2010 with praise from Pitchfork, with their first single 'Girls' Night' a bouncy alt slice of '90s R&B, that's pure infatuation and highly addictive. 

 The band followed up their impressive first single with a self-release debut EP, It's Never Not Happening, and their second single, 'Gentlemen's Club' featuring Luke LaLonde of Born Ruffians on backing vocals. That was 2010, so why are they worth watching in 2011? 

   There's no word on what's next for the young Toronto band but if First Rate People manage to produce even one song like the aforementioned singles, full of optimism, relaxed beats and continue to channel a healthy dose of '90s R&B, alt rock and pop elements circa the Tom Tom Club it will be well worth the wait. 


   Gentlemen's Club (feat. Luke LaLonde & GenerationFK) by First Rate People by Shattered Vinyl

In Focus: Megan Bonnell

Catch Megan Bonnell's acoustic cover of the Great Lake Swimmer's 'Your Rocky Spine' played amongst the autumn leaves of a Toronto west-end Trinity-Bellwoods Park. Keep your eyes peeled for more on Megan and other exciting acts in the coming weeks.

Single Selections: Daley

Daley - Rainy Day   4/5

Myspace

Recently named to BBC's Sounds of 2011, and featured vocals on the Gorillaz's single 'Doncamatic', Daley is worth our attention. Offering his current single 'Rainy Day' as a free download on Myspace, his silky smooth vocals dripping with soul are something to marvel, you don't come across crooners like this too often. Keep your eyes peeled because there is more to come from this dynamic singer-songwriter.