20 Must See Artists At NXNE

Toronto's annual NXNE (North By Northeast) is in full swing and Shattered Vinyl has the lowdown on 20 Artists worth checking out at NXNE 2011. We've got you covered on where to be and when, to get the best music Canada's premiere festival has to offer. 

A Horse And His Boy

LONDON, ON

Friday, June 17th 11pm @ Hard Luck Bar

Saturday, June 18th 3am @ Rancho Relaxo

Genre: Alternative

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

Record Reviews: The Balconies

The Balconies - The Balconies 3.5/5

Myspace

The post-punk indie rock trio, from Toronto by way of Ottawa, have slowly been gaining a reputation for their live shows, energetic and dance-friendly. Two descriptors that apply equally to the band's self-titled debut LP. Jacquie Neville's impressive vocals steal the spotlight through the record, though boyfriend/drummer Liam Jaeger, and sibling Stephen Neville, a formidable bassist, find their moments on a well-rounded record.

Teeming with energy, catchy guitar riffs, and pop hooks, songs like "Smells Like Secrets" are hard to resist. Stand-out tracks like, "Elephant Lamp," "Battle Royale," and "Serious Bedtime" demonstrate the vast potential and immediate talent of the trio, and what's to come from the relative newcomers. But don't be fooled by their fresh faces and catchy tunes, with each listen The Balconies reveals surprising complexity, and a reason to dance.

Singles Selection: The Balconies

The Balconies - Serious Bedtime  3.5/5

Myspace

The Toronto-based trio will keep you moving with a leading bass line, simple hook and the dynamic vocals of siblings Jackie and Steve Neville. The Balconies undeniable groove will put a little swagger in your step and leave you wanting more.

M.I.A. - XXXO   4.5/5

Myspace

Art over commercial appeal has always been M.I.A.'s formula, "XXXO" is an aggressive, in your face, techno-dance track with her middle finger waiving high. "Tweetin' me like tweety bird on ya iPhone," M.I.A. spits fire with every word. It's a deliciously rebellious single, and only too welcome to have one of the most interesting artists around back at the forefront of genre-bending music.

Natasha Bedingfield - Touch   3.5/5

iTunes

The beloved Brit-pop/girl power singer, returns to form with the surprisingly refreshing single "Touch." Unlike most of her female counterparts bump 'n grind tracks, Bedingfield's dance-pop single tells a story about the chain reaction of events that lead to 'that' moment. The echoing boom of Bedingfield's vocals and the climatic urgency make it a suitable summer single.

Robyn - Dancing On My Own   4/5

Leaked

Inspired by "sad, gay dance anthems," according to Robyn, it's an addictive electro-pop single that falls in the same vein as "With Every Heartbeat." Robyn lurks in the shadows of a dance club, heart breaking as her ex-beau kisses his new girl, all the while she's invisible to him. It's an emotionally powered number, with thumping beat and lyrics like "stilettos and broken bottles/I'm spinning around in circles,".... yup it's a gay anthem all right!