Sticky Magazine - Toronto Concert Photography, Reviews, and News

The Foreign Films
Article by: Chad Hutchings

The singer-songwriter talks about the consuming pursuit of creating music.

Barr Brothers
Interview by: Natalia Buia

The Barr Brothers aren't just brothers. They're more like a close-knit family with an amalgamated vision of what modern folk should sound like. The recent buzz around the four-piece ensemble can be accredited to both amazing talent and sheer happenstance.

Young Rival
 Interview by: Chad Hutchings

Sticky Chats with Young Rival as they set off on a tour in front of the lens.

The Driftwood Singers

Interview by: Natalia Buia

Humbled to be in Toronto, the folk duo known as the Driftwood Singers enjoy a nice, cold beer at the Central before their NXNE show. Pearl Charles (autoharp, vocals) and Kris Hutson (guitar, mandolin, banjo, vocals) sit on the patio, reflecting on their band's journey thus far.

The Ascot Royals

Interview by: Natalia Buia

Brantford was once a quiet city in Southern Ontario but for the past few years it's been causing quite a ruckus thanks to the five gentlemen of The Ascot Royals.

Enjoy Your Pumas

Interview and Photos by: Natalia Buia

The 2011 NXNE Festival marked the first visit to Toronto for Winnipeg sweethearts Enjoy Your Pumas.

BABE

Interview by: Natalia Buia

BABE are like those delicious cinnamon buns you just took out of the oven: So fresh and hot, you have to give it time before fully indulging.

Men Without Hats

Interview by: Natalia Buia

It seems every year during the NxNE Festival, there's that one band that have risen above the ashes of the 80's to come rock the socks off of Toronto. This year, NxNE embraced both Devo and Men Without Hats with open arms.

Lindi Ortega

Interview by: Chad Hutchings

Sticky Magazine joins Lindi Ortega on the road, in a manner of speaking. 

Wildlife

Interview by: Natalia Buia

It's been more than five years since indie rock band Wildlife came out of the woodworks. Late last year the five piece ensemble – the majority hailing for Oshawa, Ontario – released their debut full-length album Strike Hard, Young Diamond to rave reviews.

Portugal. The Man

Interview by: Chad Hutchings

Portugal. The Man and discussions on new work, record deals, and 21st century fandom.

Mother Mother

Interview by: Natalia Buia

Having not released an album since September of 2008, loyal fans of Mother Mother spent the beginning of 2011 itching for new material. A lot of internet buzz surrounded the band prior to the March 15th release of Eureka – a collection of 12 off-beat, jubilant songs. Even our very own Katie Christensen raved about it in a review here. Come December when it's time for all to reflect on the year in music, Eureka is a sure contender for one of the top ten albums of 2011.

Rival Boys
Interview by: Natalia Buia

You may be reading this without knowing who Rival Boys are. Don't worry, you're not alone. Rival Boys aren't down for vapid tweeting or vain blogging to get hits on MySpace. They simple want to build a musical library, not an Internet persona.

Grouplove
Interview by: Colleen Hale-Hodgson

Everything about Grouplove sounds idyllic.

Jets Overhead
Interview by: Natalia Buia

Jets Overhead have sustained a perpetual marriage with music since 2003. The Victoria, B.C. quintet is currently engaged in writing their third studio album. In between, the band has released a few EPs of bonus material they weren't ready to part with completely. All the way on the opposite side of the country, Antonia Freybe-Smith (vocals, keys) apprises on the current shape of the band and what's to come for the meandering members.

Teenage Kicks
Interview by: Natalia Buia

When a band finally sets a release date for an album, usually what follows is a lot of waiting. Teenage Kicks aren't the kind of band to sit around and wait.

Hot Panda
Interview by: Amanda Macchia

It was a music festival that gave the indie-pop rockers of Hot Panda an unexpected but helpful push in their musical career, and as the four-piece plays Rancho Relaxo this Friday as part of a CMW showcase, there is no telling what may materialize.

The Rural Alberta Advantage
Interview by: Natalia Buia

With their sophomore release, Departing, The Rural Alberta Advantage trio has a few things to leave behind in the pursuit of new things.

Yellowbirds
Interview by: Lucas Samuels

The name Yellowbirds may not sound all that familiar to you. The name Sam Cohen may not ring a bell either. But what about Apollo Sunshine? I bet that one stirred something up.

Young Galaxy
Interview by: Natalia Buia

Although 2010 was a stellar year in music, 2011 is even looking brighter, thanks to many great Canadian bands. One band in particular, Young Galaxy, plan to make the earth move under our feet come February 8 with the release of their 3rd album, Shapeshifting.

Yukon Blonde
Interview by: Sara Harowitz

The three guys of Kelowna, BC’s Yukon Blonde are homeless.

The Mark Inside
Interview by: Natalia Buia

Sure, playing music with your best buds could bring anyone to a state of euphoria; however, bands like The Mark Inside prove that it’s not all fun and games. These four troopers have experienced the highs and lows of being in a band and recording music. Is the grass greener now that they’ve overcome major obstacles? Chris Levoir (guitar, vocals) spoke to me before the band’s set at Parts & Labour last week about the trials and tribulations of getting on the right path.

Royal Wood
Interview by: Natalia Buia

When a budding music journalist heads to a prestigious venue like the Queen Elizabeth Theatre to chat with the always dapper Royal Wood, one has to look the part. Unfortunately for this budding music journalist, I was looking like I should be auditioning for a role in Chucky upon meeting Royal, who continually looks like he’s fresh off a scene from Mad Men.

Arkells
Interview by: Sara Harowitz

It’s end of semester crunch time and the Arkells feel your pain. But really, they don’t just feel it; they want to help you make it go away.

Bedouin Soundclash
Feature by: Allyssia Alleyne

After a three-year break from recording, the boys from Bedouin Soundclash are back with a new album, a new sound and a new perspective.