Photos courtesy of Jim Harris [Danger Canadian Content] 2016.
Soundtrack of the City is a local festival curated by Music City North that is now in its fourth year with over 50 artists performing in venues across Queen West- all within walking distance of one another. The festival, helmed by Jeannie Reid, ran from July 7th – 10th and boasted a long list of talented local artists performing at The Paddock, The Cameron House and The Hideout among other local hot-spots.
Saturday night at The Horseshoe Tavern may have been the jewel in this festival’s crown. With a stacked line-up featuring performances by Common Deer, Simcoe, The Savilles and Big Otter Creek- there is no better place to be on a warm summer evening.
SIMCOE
Indie-rock outfit Simcoe have been making waves in the Toronto scene lately. The release of their first self-titled 3-track EP in June of 2015 is magic; and their follow up single “London” released this last month is no different. This band keeps delivering song after song of danceable indie-rock anthems, sure to catapult them onto the world stage in no time.
THE SAVILLES
If you’re hurting for a beautifully unique voice and some tasty hooks- look no further. Toronto’s The Savilles are just the band for you. Singer, Meagan Brittanie’s onstage charisma is a breath of fresh air. I could listen to this woman sing all day- her vocal chops are unparalleled and the band is tight. The Savilles have no much fun onstage together and their music offers so much personality and spirit that it is impossible not to want to be a part of. This is a live show not to be missed.
COMMON DEER
This band is fire! With their debut EP on the horizon and a new sound a ’brewing- Common Deer is creating something special both onstage and off. Described as “orchestral indie” the music presented onstage by Common Deer is dynamic and buzzing with energy. A major highlight of the evening was the band’s take on the trending hit “Genghis Khan” by Miike Snow, a refreshing cover of a tune that’s been busting up the airwaves lately. As the white checkered dancefloor starts to fill with sweaty bodies dancing against one another and singing along, I look back to see a crowd all grinning like fools, beaming up at the stage and singing along. One guy has opened up a clear umbrella and is spinning it above the crowd. The music swells, and the chorus builds- “Never Gonna Settle Down” is sung first by the band, and then by the audience. Leaving the venue later on that night, nobody can get that line out of their heads- which makes their upcoming release all the more anticipated.
BIG OTTER CREEK
Closing out the evening was Big Otter Creek- keeping the party going with a full set of alt-country tunes that pair perfectly with a nice cold glass of beer. With a strong rhythm section, smooth vocals, and solid harmonies, Big Otter Creek was a great choice to round out the evening of music. Catch them next on July 30th in Port Perry, ON.
