Holy moly, I’m actually doing Tip Sheets in back to back months! The last time that happened was back in March and April this spring. Outdoor shows are finally over, so now we just have to start thinking about coat check and what to wear outside while inside the venues are still just as hot. There are some big shows this month that I won’t even cover like Roger Waters, Glass Animals, The Lone Bellow, Harry Styles and Kid Cudi, which just goes to show what a great month this is for shows. Here are eleven shows that are worth checking out, and make sure to send me your Halloween costumes on twitter!
Songhoy Blues @ Mod Club
October 3rd, 2017
$20.00 | 19+
These Mali Blues Rockers are a ton of fun live with lead singer Aliou Touré having one of most bombastic personalities I’ve ever seen. The band just released their second album, Résistance, that actually features a guest appearance from Iggy Pop. While you might not understand the lyrics, the music is universal.
Blue Hawaii @ Longboat Hall
October 7th, 2017
$15.00 | 19+
Raphaelle Standell-Preston’s main band BRAIDS finally got the recognition it deserves when it’s album Deep in the Iris was nominated for the Polaris Prize and they were getting booked at big festivals. Her side project the deep house electronic music of Blue Hawaii is also due for a big breakout. They made ethereal music that is easy to dance to and they are finally releasing new music again.
Kesha @ Rebel
October 16th, 2017
Sold Out| All Ages
The return of Kesha has been something spectacular to witness. Formerly just a whisky soaked trashy pop star, she has been embroiled in a lawsuit against her record label and former producer who sexually assaulted her. She finally was legally able to release new music years after her last album and she reinvented herself as one of the most honest songwriters in pop music in the process. It has been fun cheering for her throughout all this, and her return to the stage will be a huge love fest.
MisterWives @ The Phoenix
October 18th, 2017
$27.50 | All Ages
Combine mid career No Doubt with Walk the Moon and you have MisterWives. Their bubble gum pop tinged with ska is unabashedly fun to rock out to and frontwoman Mandy Lee is utterly adorable. Their new album is surprisingly even poppier and the music video for the single Machine is just like Mad Max: Fury Road, with a whole lot more colour bombs.
The Darcys and RALPH @ Mod Club
October 21st, 2017
$20.00 | 19+
Last LiL Coverage of The Darcys
Toronto band The Darcys finally made it to the big times when they dropped half their band members and switched to full on synth pop. They are sharing top billing with another Toronto artist RALPH, who is slowly making a name for herself winning over fans with her 80’s brand of synth pop, but way better. She is a fantastic interviewee too.
Algiers @ The Baby G
October 21st, 2017
$15.00 | 19+
The Afro-punk/soul band from Atlanta, may have released one of the best yet underrated records of the year in the stunning, The Underside of Power. You can tell it went unnoticed by how small of a venue they are playing despite having an average score of 83% from critics. This just means you can catch them at a super intimate venue before they graduate to bigger venues.
The War on Drugs @ Massey Hall
October 21st, 2017
$39.50-$59.50 | All Ages
An album that certainly isn’t going under the radar is the return of The War on Drugs. Their newest album, A Deeper Understanding, goes even further with the Springsteen inspirations and hits even harder than their last record. Playing Massey Hall might make their show a bit more low key, but they will sound fantastic as an extra-added bonus.
King Krule @ Danforth Music Hall
October 29th, 2017
$22.50-$25.00 | 19+
Archy Marshall has been an Internet darling for years now and he just turned 23 this summer. His latest album The Ooz comes out on the 13th this month, so show should feature lots of new tracks. His codeine-inflicted singing with slow spacey guitars isn’t for everyone, but those that get it are transported through another dimension.
Courtney Barnett and Kurt Vile @ Massey Hall
October 31st, 2017
$39.00-$52.50 | All Ages
Last LiL Coverage of Courtney Barnett
Last LiL Coverage of Kurt Vile
Who has the better hair? Or better lyrics? Or better guitar licks? Honestly this is a duo made in heaven with Barnett’s uber literal lyrics and Vile’s poetic storytelling. I can’t wait to hear this album and this show will be interesting. Are they only going to play their songs they made together or will they cover each other’s solo tracks too? So many options!
Parov Stelar @ Rebel
October 31st, 2017
$46.50-$64.50 | 19+
Parov Stelar is both a solo act and a band, although this show will be a solo DJ one. The Austrian DJ basically invented the genre swingstep, and while it sounds cheesy is so much fun to listen to. I’m utterly gutted that I have to miss this show as he NEVER comes to North America and unless I go to Europe I probably won’t ever get to see him. Shout out to my brother Adam for turning me on to Parov Stelar in the first place!
