Down the Lees are a Vancouver-born trio poised to leave their mark with a sound that’s as diverse as it is raw. Their latest offering, the aptly titled “Dirt” EP (although at almost half an hour long, it’s kind of an album), is a genre-bending exploration that delves into the darker corners of human experience with a potent mix of musical influences. Fronted by Laura Lee Schultz (whose musical pedigree includes stints in Queazy, Skinjobs, and New Years Resolution), Down the Lees began as a solo project. Schultz’s vision encompasses the atmospheric expanse of post-rock, the swirling textures o ..read more

Montreal singer-songwriter Kelly-Ann is gearing up to release her debut EP, “Breakup Songs Vol. 1,” on May 17th. The five-song collection explores the emotional rollercoaster of a breakup, taking listeners on a journey through anger, mourning, hope, and self-discovery. Each song on the EP acts as a chapter in this narrative, with distinct musical textures reflecting the shifting emotional landscape. “Let You Go,” the first single released in 2023, sets the tone with its powerful vocals and enveloping instrumentation. A departure from the rest of the EP, “Rebound” is a French-language track d ..read more

Enter Shikari, the British powerhouse of electronicore, have announced “Dancing On The Frontline,” a companion record set to drop on June 7 via SO Recordings. This album serves as a comprehensive collection featuring a blend of remixes, non-album singles, and electrifying live session tracks. “Dancing On The Frontline” arrives almost a year to the day since their chart-topping UK #1 album “A Kiss for the Whole World.” It showcases the band’s evolution and creativity over the past year, with collaborations featuring artists such as Wargasm, Cody Frost, AViVA, and Fever 333’s Jason Aalon Butler ..read more

Nicki Minaj had a concert scheduled in Montreal at the Bell Centre for April 17th, 2024, for her Pink Friday 2 World Tour. Evenko’s website stated that doors were at 7:00 PM, and the show was to start at 8:30 PM. Pretty regular scheduling for a concert. When DJ Boof started his set at 9:00 PM, I didn’t think much of it. Sometimes a show will start a little later than expected, that’s no big deal. Monica’s set followed immediately after, and ended at around 9:45 PM. I assumed that Nicki Minaj would take the stage at 10:00 or 10:15, but that was far from the truth. The Bell Centre was sold out s ..read more

Montreal singer-songwriter Geoffroy is back with his fourth studio album, titled “Good Boy,” due for release on June 14th. This follows his 2022 release, “Live Slow Die Wise,” which explored themes of nostalgia and introspection. “Good Boy” marks a shift in direction for Geoffroy. “Live Slow Die Wise had a slower pace,” he explains, “and I was eager to step away from the nostalgia and melancholy. I did what felt natural: a feel-good album (I think) that shed the weight of the other ones. I feel I’m getting closer to the sound I’m looking for, though I might be chasing something that’s faster ..read more

Montreal Oi! Fest returns at the end of April with an impressive lineup full of energy and punk rock spirit. Kicking things off on Friday, April 26th, get ready to groove to the infectious beats of Bishops Green, bringing their West Coast charm all the way from Vancouver to kick off the festivities in style. Joining them are the legendary Partisans, who’ll be delivering their punk rock prowess straight from the UK and Sweden. And that’s just the beginning – brace yourselves for the sonic assault of MESS from Mexico, the raw energy of Fuerza Bruta from the USA, and the unstoppable force of Emp ..read more

At a nicely packed Beanfield Theatre on Wednesday evening, the lights dimmed, and the crowd warmly welcomed the opening act: Noah Gundersen. Armed with nothing but his acoustic guitar and a heart full of soul, Gundersen took the audience on a heartfelt journey through his repertoire. From introspective tunes to fan favourites like “Robin Williams” and “Lose You,” he held the crowd in rapt attention. It was clear there were many fans in the audience but it was the raw emotion of tracks like “First Defeat” and “Sleepless In Seattle” that truly struck a chord, showcasing Gundersen’s ability to ..read more

Noah Kahan and Jensen McRae brought the house down at the Bell Centre with a concert that was nothing short of electrifying! The energy was palpable From start to finish, and the music was infectious. Kahan has such a strong fan base that from the moment I walked into the photo pit, I was greeted with nothing but the warmest welcome and deeply infectious energy and excitement. Jensen McRae kicked off the night with a performance that set the bar high for the evening. Her soulful voice and heartfelt lyrics resonated with the audience, drawing them in and setting the stage for an unforgettable ..read more

The Struts rolled into Place Bell with excellent response and ride quality. Smelling of leather, textiles, aluminium and carbon fibre. Once acceleration hit 126 bpm they never looked back.  Like a slightly more serious “The Darkness”. This band makes you remember a classic rock sound that was gone 30 years ago but will have its glorious days in the spotlight again, reminding you to feel joy and pump your fists and shake your hips. Luke Spiller “Roth’ed” and “Mercury’ed” and “Jagger’ed” and “Rose’ed” and “Joe Elliott’ed” and even “Brian Johnson’ed” all over the stage. His vocals are opera ..read more

In a poignant portrayal of resilience and devotion, acclaimed director Irene Taylor brings forth “I AM: CELINE DION,” a documentary that delves deep into the life of Québécois powerhouse Celine Dion. Set to premiere globally on June 25th, exclusively on Prime Video, the film offers an intimate narrative of the singer’s battle with stiff person’s syndrome, a condition that has shadowed her since late 2022. Far from a glossy showcase of fame and fortune, “I AM: CELINE DION” unfolds as a candid exploration of adversity and triumph. Taylor’s lens captures Dion’s journey with unflinching honesty ..read more