Welcome to the first music tip sheet of 2016! What a fantastic year for music 2015 was and this year looks to be even better (assuming all those presumed albums by Kanye, Radiohead, Frank Ocean, Animal Collective and more all come out!). You may notice that Sarah Rix is not the poster of this article.
I am very proud to announce that I am the brand new Music Editor at Live in Limbo. I was formerly just the floating Associate Editor, the jack of all trades author and photographer covering music, film, theatre and sports and while I still will be around the different sections of the site, I hope to impart some of my music knowledge to help curate the site along with all of our other great writers and photographers. I am sad to have to take this prestigious position by virtue of Sarah no longer being with us, as she left very big shoes to fill, but excited by the possibilities that this role offers. For now, I will be continuing her tried and true formula of letting you know what bands are coming to town. Let me know what shows you are excited for by sending me some tweets @Dgapa!
Jeff Martin @ The Horseshoe Tavern
Thursday, January 7, 2016
$25.00 | 19+
The former Tea Party frontman, plays a solo gig and while normally The Tea Party is loud and brash, Martin’s solo shows are acoustic and intimate. Expect mostly an older crowd that grew up on TTP music wanting to see their hero in a more intimate setting.
ILoveMakonnen @ The Hoxton
Thursday, January 14, 2016
$25.00 | 19+
The Drake approved Atlanta rapper comes back up to Toronto where he blends his version of hip-hop and club music at a very appropriate venue (The Hoxton). If only this show was on a Tuesday and not on a Thursday.
Majical Cloudz @ The Garrison
Friday, January 15, 2016
$16.00 | 19+
Toronto duo Majical Cloudz have been getting more and more popular with each new release. They got a major bump last year by opening for Lorde on her North American tour. Their latest release Are You Alone? has gotten rave reviews so expect the very tiny and very sold out Garrison to play like you are sitting in a dark closet with Devon Walsh as you both cry together.
Madeon @ The Hoxton
Friday, January 15, 2016
$25.00 | 19+
The young French producer has been turning heads on both sides of the Atlantic and looks to blow up to the mainstream very soon. If you are able to get tickets for this show, you can claim to like him before he goes too mainstream.
Muse with X Ambassadors @ Air Canada Centre
Saturday, January 16, 2016
$45.00-$85.00 | 19+
Last LiL Coverage of X Ambassadors
The kings of arena bombast return to Toronto in support of the Drones album. Having previously seen them 3 times, expect nothing less than eardrum bursting, head exploding insanity as they always have a few hidden tricks up their sleeves. Opening for them is X Ambassadors, a band I have also seen in increasingly larger venues as they have firmly made their ascent into stardom.
Jeff Beadle and Justin Nozuka @ Burdock Music Hall
Saturday, January 16, 2016
$12 in advance/$15 at the door| All Ages
Last LiL Coverage of Justin Nozuka
There are two shows, a 6:30 and 9 PM from the two performers at this microbrewery meets intimate music venue. Justin Nozuka is a friend of the Contra Zoom podcast and he just released a brand new EP Chestnut Spoke to Maple and looks to play new songs from that project.
Alessia Cara @ The Danforth Music Hall
Saturday, January 16, 2016 and Sunday, January 17, 2016
$23.50-$35.00 | All Ages
The Brampton Ontario teen (she’s 19 at the moment) has been making major waves in the US and has two sold out shows at The Danforth Music Hall, a feat to make sure you take her seriously. I’m sure by now you have heard her song Here a million times, but why not see it live?
Vance Joy with Reuben and the Dark @ Massey Hall
Tuesday, January 26, 2016 and Wednesday, January 27, 2016
$38.00-$42.50 | All Ages
Speaking of selling out two shows in town, Vance Joy is the act that keeps on selling tickets. I can’t count how many times the Aussie singer has come to town (I’ve seen him three times in support of the same debut album) yet there are enough people either craving more or still have yet to see him that both shows are sold out at the massive Massey Hall.
Matt Corby @ Phoenix Concert Theatre
Friday, January 29, 2016
$25.00 | All Ages
Speaking of Aussie singers popular in Toronto, Corby has also sold out his show in Toronto making people hope he is the next Vance Joy with his smooth, sexy vocals.
Smiling Buddha 1.5 Year Anniversary
Friday, January 29, 2016 and Saturday, January 30, 2016
$11.20-$21.80 | All Ages
The dingy, long and cramped DIY venue on College is celebrating its 1.5-year anniversary since being under new management with a two-night party to celebrate its existence. On Day 1 you have Odonis Odonis, New Fries and Mimico while on Day 2 you have Greys, Chastity and PONY. It’s only $11.20 for one night and $21.80 for both, so why not check out some great local acts and start a mosh pit.
Neon Indian @ Lee’s Palace
Saturday, January 30, 2016
$20.00 | 19+
Every indie heads favourite dance group comes to town in support of their crazy good album Vega Intl. Night School. Lee’s may not be as dance friendly as their upstairs counterpart Dance Cave, but it will feel the same way for these guys.
