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As Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival continues to be one of the most sought-after music events in the world, Do LaB, the creators of the original boutique festival experience Lightning in a Bottle, has announced its artist lineup for their 2023 installation at Coachella. Coachella will take place on April 14-16 and 21-23, and Do LaB promises to deliver a forward-thinking curation of celebrated musical talent, making it a core experiential aspect of the globally celebrated festival. Do LaB’s reputation precedes it, and with an ever-evolving interactive stage design, the brand continues to be at the forefront of festival experiences. The 2023 lineup features an eclectic mix of artists, ranging from veteran performers to emerging talents, ensuring that there is something for everyone. One of the most exciting aspects of the lineup is the return of electronic trio and longtime Do LaB stalwarts The Glitch Mob, who always deliver an electrifying performance. Additionally, Australian exports Flight Facilities will also be returning, bringing their unique blend of house and indie-dance to the stage. The brand new Dylan & Harry project of party starters Party Favor & Baauer is sure to set the stage alight with their high-energy beats. Other notable performers include Grammy-nominated artists A-Trak and Dave1 teaming up for The Brothers Macklovitch, live electronic and multi-instrumentalist singer-songwriter duo Giolì & Assia, and bass music powerhouse Whipped Cream. Each artist brings their sound to the stage, ensuring that festival-goers are treated to an unforgettable experience. The lineup also features some of the scene’s hottest names, including taste-making super producer Mr. Carmack, Hellbent Records boss Cloonee, UK progressive favourite Franky Wah, and crossover songstress ALUNA. Additionally, the likes of house and indie-dance duo Phantoms and organic bass producer Of The Trees round out the diverse lineup. Full lineup can be seen below: Another aspect that makes Do LaB’s stage at Coachella unique is the rare collaborations that take place. This year, festival-goers will be treated to back-to-back sets from HOLLY and Machinedrum, four-on-the-floor house hitmakers Disco Lines and Ship Wrek teaming up for their Disco Wrek project, and international talents Ali Farahani and Patrik Khach. Additionally, LA underground risers Carré and Samwise will be performing together. One of the most highly anticipated aspects of the Do LaB experience every year is the stage’s surprise special guests each night of both Coachella weekends. These surprise appearances have included some of the biggest names in music, such as Diplo, Skream, Subtronics, Dom Dolla, and John Summit. It’s always exciting to see who will take the stage next, and 2023 promises to deliver some incredible surprises. The Do LaB experience at Coachella is much more than just the music, however. The beloved stage is renowned for its interactive crowd environment and colourful structures that celebrate the brand’s ethos of human connection and art as a transformative experience. One of the most admirable features of the Do LaB experience is the way they incorporate art into their events. They are known for creating elaborate stage designs that incorporate various forms of art, such as sculpture, painting, and lighting. They also showcase live art performances, such as painting and other visual arts, during their events. This attention to detail and creativity sets the Do LaB apart from other installations, and it adds an extra layer of excitement and stimulation to the experience. The Do LaB experience is truly one-of-a-kind. The combination of music and art creates an immersive and engaging environment that is hard to replicate. Attending a Do LaB event is more than just a concert or festival experience; it’s a chance to connect with others, and explore new forms of art.. I highly recommend checking out the Do LaB stage if you are attending Coachella and experience the magic for yourself, you never know what will happen, or who you will see! Instagram @thedolab Facebook @thedolab Twitter @thedolab Website https://thedolab.com/

After nine days the music, technology and film marathon that is SXSW 2023 has come to a close. Here are 20 moments at SXSW that brought us joy, insight, and inspiration. A high energy, high emotion duet by two of our must-see artists Japanese poetry-rapper Haru Nemuri and Australian rock musician Jaguar Jonze are two artists we wanted to see during the (sadly canceled) 2020 edition of SXSW. In celebration of their upcoming joint single “Angry Angry” (slated for release April 14), Jaguar Jonze joined Haru Nemuri onstage at Doc Martens Presents for the song’s debut performance. This was one of those rare moments where an artist connects to the audience on a core level, and you can’t help but feel that you’ve been witness to something special. A rock show worthy of Daisy Jones & The Six The miniseries based on Taylor Jenkins Reid’s 2019 novel premiered a week before SXSW. In celebration, Amazon Prime hosted An Evening to Celebrate Daisy Jones & The Six. Guests were treated to themed “merch” and cocktails, as well as performances from Joseph and Grouplove – all hosted by members of the cast. A roomful of incredible XR experiences The Fairmont’s Congressional Ballroom hosted this year’s XR selections, including AmazeVR’s virtual aespa concert, Consensus Gentium’s eye-tracking film, and Ferryman Collective’s adaptation of Korean studio GiiOii’s Find Wiilii. We especially enjoyed Polymorph’s Symbiosis, which made use of VR, full body suits, and scents to further immerse its audience in the experience. A double header of Korean artists One of the highlights of SXSW’s music programme is the opportunity to see a wide array of international artists who might not typically tour through North America. The Mystic Story / Mandoo Entertainment Showcase at Elysium brought two stellar Korean artists to SXSW. Though four-member boyband LUCY were subject to tech issues (a sadly common occurrence during SX showcases), their stripped down set was charming and showcased the group’s raw talent. Girl group Billlie closed the evening with their charismatic Kpop, polished dancing, and a crowd who camped out in front of stage for a chance to see it all live. A St Patty’s party to remember What better way to celebrate everyone’s favourite Irish saint than with the folks from Music From Ireland and their annual The Full Irish Breakfast day showcase? The event featured breakfast, irish coffee (a necessity during the 8th day of SXSW), and stellar sets from the likes of Aoife Nessa Francis, modernlove., Ailbhe Reddy, and one of our favourite finds of the festival – the Irish folk/metal mashup of The Scratch. A keynote conversation between Patagonia CEO, Ryan Gellert and Katie Couric “‘Woke capitalism’… is often thrown around as a way of saying ‘stay in your lane and don’t try to solve the world’s problems’… but we have created the world’s problems.” Patagonia CEO, Ryan Gellert’s conversation made us feel a little less guilty for purchasing a last minute Patagonia raincoat during the extreme thunderstorm warning later that week. Folks, PR works. A musical show of solidarity with Ukraine The SXSW Stands With Ukraine showcase featured the likes of KAZKA and Kalush Orchestra – whose tune “Stefania” took home the grand prize during Eurovision 2022. The crowd was filled with Ukrainian flags and audience members wearing the group’s signature pink bucket hats, all while the group flexed its breakdancing, rapping, and instrumental skills in an electrifying performance. A new(ish) British Music Embassy location, and a stellar lineup to match Last year, the British Music Embassy left its former roost at Latitude 30 to call Cedar Street Courtyard its new home. Though this is its sophomore year in the new space, it was our first time seeing it ourselves. As always, the BME had an excellent lineup, including standout performances by jazz/post-punk outfit Robocobra Quartet, the heartfelt musical ruminations of Tamzene, and an incredible audio-visual show by Max Cooper. An insight into the thought leadership driving Artificial Intelligence AI was topmost on everyone’s mind this year, and the Tech track’s session list fully showcased this fascination. Much of the conversation centred around striving for ethical, human-centric understanding of AI’s place in this world – from OpenAI President & Co-Founder Greg Brockman (“AI is not just a technology problem… it’s not just a math problem. Not a code problem. It’s a human problem”), to John Maeda (“The problem isn’t how to speak machine, it’s how to speak human”) to a meaty panel discussion on “How Purpose Can Guide Responsible Tech”. An Australia House that kept our stomachs and ears well fed The folks at Australia House always make the trek to Austin with a strong lineup of speakers, experiences, and artists in tow. This year’s opening reception featured a menu by acclaimed chef Nornie Bero which showcased Indigenous Australian ingredients. Standout performances throughout the Australia House’s programming included Yolŋu surf rock artists King Stingray and pop rock singer-songwriter Hope D. A celebratory Oscars viewing party Last year, a little indie film called Everything Everywhere All At Once had its world premiere at SXSW. This year, that same film cleaned up at the award circuit, including seven wins at the Oscars. The SXSW South Asian House played host to an Oscars viewing party, where the whole room erupted in cheers each and every time the SX-alum film was read off the inside of an Oscars award envelope. A day showcase celebrating Women That Rock Keeping true to its mission to “lift up badass grrrls making waves in the music world and to foster a community of womxn supporting one another through music,” Women That Rock hosted a stellar day showcase of awesome female artists including Ava Maybee, Overcoats, and Jaguar Jonze. A keynote from Priyanka Chopra Jonas In conversation with Jennifer Salke, Head of Amazon + MGM Studios, Indian actress and producer Priyanka Chopra Jonas spoke about her experiences navigating and breaking the glass ceiling, as well as her upcoming science fiction television drama, Citadel. “Diversity isn’t just about how you look. It’s also about how you sound, what language you’re speaking” A surprisingly rowdy crowd – especially by SX standards SXSW is well known for playing host to a more stoic type of crowd – after all, when your venues heavily overindex on music industry folk vs fans, you’re going to get your fair share of cross-armed contemplators haunting the back of the room. This is in part what made Been Stellar’s set at the Line of Best Fit showcase so special. The NYC-based rock band put on a great performance, and the crowd was clearly resonating with it – so much so that the stage-front barrier became rattled loose, allowing the very invested crowd to rush toward the band. If you can get a crowd going at an industry showcase like SXSW, you know you’re onto something. A high production night of music whose high spirits carried on despite a storm alert One of the joys of SXSW is witnessing how every bar, store, brewery, and nook and cranny in downtown Austin is able to host live music. There’s a certain charm to seeing an up and coming artist in a dimly lit room… but a well lit stage is a special treat for our camera. The Bose x NME C23 LIVE Showcase was audio and visual eye candy with high production value and a well curated lineup of artists. Singer-songwriter JVKE performed a moving golden hour set from a stage replicating the childhood bedroom where much of his music was first ideated. Ghanaian-Australian performer Genesis Owusu lit up the crowd with his high energy, genre-spanning performance. Despite an extreme thunderstorm warning that temporarily shut down Austin’s outdoor stages, the show continued with a set from Jockstrap later that evening. A television premiere that garnered applause whenever a few actors showed up on screen American Born Chinese, the Disney+ television adaptation of Gene Luen Yang’s lauded graphic novel, premiered at SXSW. Featured among the cast were Everything Everywhere All At Once’s Ke Huy Quan and Michelle Yeoh. While they were not present during the premier, both actors received loud cheers whenever they appeared on screen. The first episode of the show, a highschool coming-of-age story, is a nuanced, well paced addition to Asian-American representation in media. An all-Asian mini music festival – the first of its kind at SX The Tiger Den SXSW 2023 Showcase featured an entire day’s worth of artists from across Asia and the Asian diaspora. Headlining the event was South Korean musical collective, Balming Tiger, who also co-presented the day’s festivities alongside American entertainment company Jaded. Other standout performances included CIFIKA, and ena mori, whose Iron Bear showcase the night previous was a highlight of our SXSW. A groove-worthy set by South African trio, Beatenberg. A band so nice we watched them twice! Beatenberg blends indie pop, jazz, and South African mbaqanga music into rhythmic, atmospheric soundscapes that had us grooving along. The Cape Town trio performed two Official SXSW sets – at Esther’s Follies and the International Day Stage, and we loved them so much we caught both sets. A raucous applause for the humanitarian work of chef José Andrés As soon as José Andrés walked onstage, the room burst into applause. The chef, credited for bringing the small plates dining concept to America, is also the founder of World Central Kitchen, a non-profit NGO providing meals in the wake of natural disasters. “In the middle of chaos you never see Republicans and Democrats. You don’t see Christians and Jews. You don’t see black and white. There, you see people next to people. People helping people. Longer tables, no walls.” An audience whose singalongs persisted long after the final notes Liverpool rock band, Red Rum Club had the audience in the palm of their hand during their final SXSW 2023 performance at Shiner’s Saloon. The crowd danced and sang along all throughout – uncharacteristic for a SXSW audience. After high energy closing number “Would You Rather Be Lonely”, the audience chanted the chorus repeatedly, continuing on well after the final notes had been played. All photos captured and edited by Katrina Lat. Article written by Katrina Lat.

The Wonder Years played HISTORY on March 20th. Carly Cosgrove, and Hot Mulligan opened up the evening. Check out the photo gallery captured by Josiah Botting below: The Wonder Years Setlist Doors I Painted Shut Wyatt’s Song (Your Name) Dismantling Summer Local Man Ruins Everything Cardinals Cardinals II You in January I Don’t Like Who I Was Then A Song for Ernest Hemingway Heaven’s Gate (Sad & Sober) Cigarettes & Saints Melrose Diner Sister Cities Songs About Death Low Tide Old Friends Like Lost Teeth Laura & the Beehive There, There Passing Through a Screen Door You’re the Reason I Don’t Want the World to End Hot Mulligan Carly Cosgrove

jxdn played the Danforth Music Hall on Saturday, March 18th. Good Problems and Beauty School Dropout opened up the show. Check out the photo gallery below captured by Josiah Botting: jxdn Setlist ANGELS & DEMONS It Must Suck to Know You DTA DEAD OR ALIVE LAST TIME BETTER OFF DEAD Comatose Yellow Pray TELL ME ABOUT TOMORROW ANGELS & DEMONS PT. 2 Bottoms Up THINK ABOUT ME Tastes Like Heaven SO WHAT! What The Hell BRAINDEAD Wreck Me FREAK WANNA BE Friends with Benefits Beauty School Dropout Good Problems

Toronto-based club promotion agency, Tribunal, recently celebrated their one-year anniversary with a bang. The party was held at NØMAD, a popular venue in Toronto’s Queen East neighbourhood, and featured a lineup of both local and international DJs. The event drew a diverse crowd of music lovers, all eager to dance the night away. The night kicked off with local DJ’s BIA, Astra, and Venn, whomst are all rising stars in Toronto’s electronic music scene. Their sets were filled with driving beats and techno hooks, getting the crowd warmed up and ready for the rest of the evening. Overall, these sets from locals were a highlight of the night, showcasing the ability to seamlessly blend genres and keep the energy high. As the night went on, the energy in the room continued to build. Wehbba, a Brazilian DJ and producer, took the stage next. His set was filled with driving techno beats, punctuated by moments of atmospheric melodies. Wehbba’s performance was a testament to the power of techno to create a transcendent experience on the dance floor. Finally, it was time for the headliner, Alex Stein. The German DJ and producer has been making waves in the techno scene for years, and his set did not disappoint. From the moment he took the stage, the crowd was captivated by his driving beats and hypnotic melodies. Stein’s set was the perfect culmination of a night filled with great music and good vibes. But the music wasn’t the only thing that made the night special. Tribunal is known for their stunning light shows, and the one-year anniversary party was no exception. The venue was transformed into a mesmerizing world of color and light, with lasers, and strobes creating an immersive experience for the crowd. The combination of music and visuals created a truly unforgettable night. While there are other club promotion agencies in Toronto that book both local and international DJs, Tribunal has gained a reputation for doing it exceptionally well. They have a knack for curating lineups that seamlessly blend local talent with established headliners, creating a dynamic and diverse atmosphere at their events. Tribunal’s approach to booking talent not only helps support the local music scene but also brings fresh perspectives to the clubbing experience. This approach also allows for up-and-coming local DJs to share the stage with some of the most well-known names in electronic music, providing them with a platform to showcase their skills and gain recognition. Overall, Tribunal’s ability to bring together a diverse group of artists and create a unique and inclusive atmosphere has helped them establish themselves as a major player in Toronto’s club scene. Throughout the evening, the crowd remained enthusiastic and engaged. People of all ages, backgrounds, and walks of life came together to celebrate a shared love of electronic music. The vibe in the room was one of positivity and inclusivity, with everyone united by their passion for the music. As the night drew to a close, the crowd slowly began to disperse, each person taking with them the memories of a great night. For those who attended the one-year anniversary party for Tribunal, it was a celebration of the power of music to bring people together and create a shared experience. With events like this, Toronto’s electronic music scene is in good hands.

SXSW is the ultimate exercise in tradeoffs. Do you sleep in after a night of venue-hopping or wake up early to catch a mid-morning set? Do you queue for the A-List popstar playing an intimate venue or venture out in search of the industry’s next big thing? Do you take the time to listen to the entire SXSW lineup in preparation, or wing it in the hopes of serendipitously stumbling into greatness? Fortunately for you, we’ve already taken care of that last item on your list. After painstakingly listening through the entire SXSW lineup (roughly 1300 artists at time of this writing), here are 50 artists we’re excited to see at SXSW 2023. SXSW 2023 will run from March 10 – March 19 in Austin, TX. AJ Smith Pop / Rock | Nashville, TN | Listen to: We’re All Gonna Die Feel good pop anthems by a former NYU student of The Eagles’ Glenn Frey. Albertine Sarges Pop / Alternative | Berlin, GERMANY | Listen to: The Girls Spoken-word post-punk musings on feminist theory, bisexuality, gender stereotypes, depression, and mental health. Algiers Rock / Avant / Experimental | Atlanta, GA | Listen to: Irreversible Damage “Dystopian soul” exploring the intersection of rock, electronic, and hip-hop. Annabel Lee Rock / Alternative | Los Angeles, CA | Listen to: UP Former hardcore performer known for “unhinged stage presence and high octane vocals.” ​​ Augustine Pop / Alternative | Stockholm, SWEDEN | Listen to: Sweet Love Rising Swedish multi-instrumentalist known for playful soundscapes, a soulful falsetto and a sound “born out of a love of 70s melodies and contemporary chillwave.” Ava Maybee Pop / Indie Pop | Los Angeles, CA | Listen to: Colors Former American Idol contestant performing spirited, soulful pop; daughter of Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer, Chad Smith. Baby Rose R & B / Alternative | Atlanta, GA | Listen to: I Won’t Tell Grammy nominated chanteuse whose deep, sultry voice crafts “healing music for the aimless and heartbroken.” Balming Tiger Pop / K-Pop | Seoul, SOUTH KOREA | Listen to: Armadillo South Korean art collective and “multi-national alternative K-pop group”; teaming up with entertainment company Jaded to create the “Tiger Den” showcase at SXSW, featuring Asian artists from around the world. Bartees Strange Rock / Indie Rock | Washington, DC | Listen to: Wretched Distinctive, yet familiar, songwriting drawing on everything from a past life in post-harcore group ‘Stay Inside’ to formal music training with his opera singer mother. Beatenberg Pop / Alternative | Cape Town, SOUTH AFRICA | Listen to: Ithaca Calm, atmospheric, soundscapes that blend indie pop, jazz, and South African mbaqanga music; frontman M Field is performing solo sets at SXSW as well. Been Stellar Rock / Indie Rock | Brooklyn, NY | Listen to: Kids 1995 Melodic shoegaze and indie rock that feels simultaneously nostalgic and new. Billlie Dance / Lo-Fi | Seoul, SOUTH KOREA | Listen to: RING ma Bell (what a wonderful world) Buzzzy, genre-bending Japanese-Korean girl group. Blondshell Singer-Songwriter / Indie Rock | Los Angeles, CA | Listen to: Cartoon Earthquake Wistful and confessional “loud-quiet excavations.” Brekky Boy Jazz / Electronic | Sydney, AUSTRALIA | Listen to: Setsuko Their bio says it best – “blends instrumental electronic jazz to evoke the emotions felt when watching a Studio Ghibli Film.” Cafuné Rock / Alternative | Brooklyn, NY | Listen to: Tek It Dreamy indie pop duo whose breakout single “Tek It” went viral on TikTok. CHAMELEON LIME WHOOPIEPIE Pop / Dance | Tokyo, JAPAN | Listen to: Whoopie is a Punkrocker Quirky genre-bending trio consisting of frontwoman Chi- and anonymous bandmates Whoopies 1 and 2. Cheekface Rock / Indie Rock | Los Angeles, CA | Listen to: Dry Heat/Nice Town Lyric-driven talk/singing outfit exploring anxiety and sociopolitical unease with characteristic wit and dry humor. Crawlers Punk / Pop Punk | Liverpool, UK-ENGLAND | Listen to: Come Over Again Alt-rock quartet whose emotion-strewn anthems have built up a loyal fanbase, in part through their efforts on TikTok. Dead Pony Rock / Alternative | Glasgow, UK-SCOTLAND | Listen to: 23, Never Me Glaswegian rock trio crafting “battle ready choruses.” EKKSTACY Rock / Alternative | Vancouver, CANADA | Listen to: i walk this earth all by myself Introspective and cathartic tunes channeling a love of Soundcloud rap and moody indie rock through a lens of PTSD and anxiety. ena mori Pop / Electronic | Parañque, PHILIPPINES | Listen to: VIVID Japanese-Filipino singer-songwriter creating bright, bold tunes “in vigorous defense of pop musicmaking.” Genesis Owusu Hip-Hop / Rap / Alternative | Canberra, AUSTRALIA | Listen to: Get Inspired Genre-bending Ghanaian-Australian combining hip-hop, pop and indie rock with a decidedly punk swagger. Girl Scout Rock / Indie Pop | Stockholm, SWEDEN | Listen to: Do You Remember Sally Moore Yearning, confessional indie pop quartet who met while studying Jazz at the Royal College of Music in Stockholm. Girl Ultra R & B / Alternative | Mexico City, MEXICO | Listen to: Punk Pop-tinged R&B drawing from late 90’s nostalgia and modern day musical sensibilities. GIRLI Pop / Alternative | London, UK-ENGLAND | Listen to: More Than a Friend Electronic, bubblegum pop, punk, and rap folded together in a high-energy exploration of feminism, sexuality, queer culture, and mental health. Hans Pucket Rock / Indie Rock | Wellington, NEW ZEALAND | Listen to: No Drama “Nervy but effortlessly danceable rock songs about feeling bad” created by twin brothers Oliver and Callum Devlin. HARU NEMURI Singer-Songwriter / Alternative | Yokohama, JAPAN | Listen to: narashite Frenetic and impassioned “poetry rap” oscillating between sweetness and intensity. Hope D Rock / Pop | Brisbane, AUSTRALIA | Listen to: Second Confessional coming-of-age anthems that have come a long way since Hope Defteros’ started posting YouTube songs from her childhood bedroom. Jaguar Jonze Rock / Indie Pop | Brisbane, AUSTRALIA | Listen to: Kill Me With Your Love “Portishead meets Last Shadow Puppets”; empowered anthems from an artist sparking very real social change within the Australian music industry. Jockstrap Avant / Experimental / Pop | London, UK-ENGLAND | Listen to: Glasgow String flourishes and effortlessly sweet vocals paired with dissonant electronic production for an intriguing, genre agnostic sound; side project of Georgia Ellery (Black Country, New Road). JVKE Pop / Pop | Providence, RI | Listen to: golden hour Soaring and introspective ballads which found a solid audience (including Charlie Puth) on TikTok during lockdown. Kalush Orchestra Hip-Hop / Rap / Folk | Kyiv, UKRAINE | Listen to: Stefania Eurovision 2022 winners combining elements of traditional Ukrainian folk with modern hip-hop and rap. LUCY Rock / Indie Rock | Seoul, SOUTH KOREA | Listen to: Flowering Big K-Pop anthems with violin flourishes; this group was formed on the talent show television program JTBC SuperBand. Naïka Pop / None | Miami, FL | Listen to: Sauce Modern pop with an international swagger courtesy of a childhood spent in Europe, Africa, and the Caribbean. Olive Klug Singer-Songwriter / Folk | Portland, OR | Listen to: Raining in June Deeply introspective and confessional storytelling-centric songwriting. Oracle Sisters Folk / Indie Rock | Paris, FRANCE | Listen to: Asc. Scorpio Quirky in the best way, with “larger than life ballads, intimate folk songs, table thumping rousers and a vision of the world suspended in a timeless place.” Peach Luffe Pop / Indie Pop | Toronto, CANADA | Listen to: Sunflower Sweet, airy, and effortless dream pop named in honour of the happy-go-lucky protagonist of One Piece. Red Rum Club Americana / Rock | Liverpool, UK-ENGLAND | Listen to: Eleanor Indie sextet crafting “catchy songs with western-inspired undertones.” Rett Madison Americana / Progressive | Los Angeles, CA | Listen to: God is a Woman Emotionally raw, confessional indie-folk from a former backing vocalist for Lorde and Kate Nash. Ric Wilson Funk / Hip-Hop / Rap | Chicago, IL | Listen to: Move Like This “Electrified motivational funka hop pop poet” crafted by a graduate of Young Chicago Authors, which counts Change the Rapper, Vic Mensa, and Jamila Woods among its alumni. Robocobra Quartet Rock / Jazz | Belfast, UK-N. IRELAND | Listen to: Wellness Jazz informed post-punk or post-punk informed jazz, this (despite their name) sextet has found an audience in both worlds. SIPHO. R & B / Alternative | Birmingham, UK-ENGLAND | Listen to: BEADY EYES Confessional, soulful tunes exploring themes of hyper-masculinity and Black male identity. Softcult Punk / Alternative | Toronto, CANADA | Listen to: Take It Off Grungey indie dreampop tunes “for mall goths” from twin sisters Mercedes and Pheonix Arn-Horn (you may recognize their previous rock outfit, Courage My Love) TALK Rock / Alternative | Ottawa, CANADA | Listen to: Run Away to Mars Soulful vocals and vulnerable songwriting culminating in “a mass of positive energy, colour and enthusiasm.” Tamzene Singer-Songwriter / Neo Soul | Cromarty, UK-ENGLAND | Listen to: Called You out Emotive songwriting and performance influenced by a childhood love of Ella Fitzgerald and Aretha Franklin. Tommy Lefroy Rock / Indie Rock | Los Angeles, CA | Listen to: Worst Case Kid Self-produced duo crafting cinematic and brooding musical dreamscapes; recently nominated for the 2023 Juno Breakout Group of the Year. Venbee Pop / UK Garage | Chatham, UK-ENGLAND | Listen to: messy in heaven Drum & bass tinged introspective pop tunes. Victoria Canal Singer-Songwriter / Folk | London, UK-ENGLAND | Listen to: Second Quietly contemplative songwriting that counts Coldplay’s Chris Martin among its fans. Vox Rea Folk / Dream Pop | Vancouver, CANADA | Listen to: Damn (Unstuck) Lush noir pop soundscapes that encapsulate “both the intoxicating night roaming and the guilty morning after.” Warmduscher Rock / Alternative | London, UK-ENGLAND | Listen to: Midnight Dipper Post-punk meets garage rock meets electronic brimming with personality and swagger. Written by Katrina Lat.

Regina Spektor played Massey Hall in Toronto on Friday, March 2nd. Check out the photo gallery and setlist below. All photos captured and edited by Lourdes Lasala: Setlist: Ain’t No Cover Folding Chair Becoming All Alone Loveology What Might Have Been Baby Jesus On the Radio Silly Eye-Color Generalization Poor Little Rich Boy Ballad of a Politician Après moi Eet Raindrops Two Birds That Time Bobbing for Apples Spacetime Fairytale Grand Hotel Music Box Fidelity

In recent years, vinyl records have made a comeback, and they have become a popular format for music lovers who appreciate the tactile and nostalgic experience of playing records. Urban Outfitters, the popular retail chain (that you probably know about,) has become a major player in the vinyl business, catering to the growing demand for vinyl records among its customers. It’s no secret that the fashion and lifestyle retailer caters to a younger demographic, with a focus on fashion, music, and home decor however, in recent years, the company has expanded its vinyl selection, and it has become one of the biggest vinyl retailers in the North America. Urban Outfitters has also opened up a record store in New York City, called Urban Outfitters Music, which features an extensive vinyl selection, live music events, and in-store performances. One reason why Urban Outfitters has seen great success in the vinyl business is because of its strong brand image that appeals to its target demographic. The company has a unique and distinctive aesthetic that is heavily associated with alternative and indie culture, and its customers are drawn to the company’s curated selection of products, including vinyl records. The company’s vinyl selection features a variety of genres, including indie, rock, hip-hop, and electronic music, and it also offers exclusive releases and limited-edition pressings. Another reason why Urban Outfitters has been successful in the vinyl business is because of their email marketing strategies. Urban Outfitters has a strong social media presence in itself, and it often promotes its vinyl selection on its social media platforms, such as Instagram and Twitter. They heavily rely on email marketing to promote new vinyl releases and exclusive offers to their customers. In addition, Urban Outfitters has partnered with artists and labels to release exclusive vinyl editions, which helps to create a sense of exclusivity and appeal to vinyl collectors. Urban Outfitters has also made an effort to make the vinyl-buying experience more accessible and convenient for its customers. The company offers online ordering, and it has a vinyl subscription service called Vinyl Me, Please, which delivers a curated vinyl selection to subscribers each month. Urban Outfitters has also invested in record players and turntables, which are available for purchase in-store and online, and the company offers a variety of vinyl accessories, such as cleaning kits and storage options. Despite the success of Urban Outfitters in the vinyl business, there have been criticisms of the company’s vinyl selection and pricing. Some critics have argued that the company’s vinyl selection is too focused on mainstream and popular releases, and that it lacks depth and variety. Others have argued that the company’s vinyl pricing is too high, and that it takes advantage of the growing demand for vinyl records among consumers. In response to these criticisms, Urban Outfitters has made efforts to improve its vinyl selection and pricing. The company has expanded its selection to include more indie and underground releases, and it has also lowered its vinyl pricing to be more competitive with other retailers. Urban Outfitters has also taken steps to address issues of sustainability in the vinyl industry, such as by using recycled vinyl in its exclusive releases. Although UO has had their downsides in the vinyl department, they have contributed to the resurgence of vinyl records among music lovers. The company’s strong brand image, marketing strategies, and efforts to make the vinyl-buying experience more accessible and convenient have been key factors in its success. However, criticisms of the company’s vinyl selection and pricing have highlighted the challenges that retailers face in meeting the growing demand for vinyl records. As the vinyl industry continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how companies like Urban Outfitters adapt to these changes and continue to innovate and improve the vinyl-buying experience for their customers. The vinyl business at Urban Outfitters is a reflection of the growing popularity of vinyl records among music lovers, as well as the company’s strong brand image, marketing strategies, and efforts to make the vinyl-buying experience more accessible and convenient. While there have been criticisms of the company’s vinyl selection and pricing, Urban Outfitters has taken steps to address these issues and improve its vinyl offerings. As the vinyl industry continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how Urban Outfitters and other retailers adapt to changing consumer trends and preferences, and continue to provide high-quality vinyl records to music lovers around the world. Written by Gemma Mastroianni

Samia played a beautiful and heart wrenching show at The Opera House in Toronto earlier last month. Check out the photo gallery below. All photos captured and edited by Gemma Mastroianni. Setlist: Kill Her Freak Out Fit N Full Charm You Big Wheel Pink Balloon To Me It Was Pool Sea Lions Mad at me Stellate As You Are Triptych Breathing Song Honey Minnesota Amelia Is There Something in the Movies? Dream Song

On Friday February 24th, alternative rock band Bedouin Soundclash performed a a sold out show at the Danforth Music Hall. They performed songs off of their 2022 album “We Will Meet In A Hurricane” along with songs from their older projects like “When the Night Feels My Song” . They were accompanied by MIINA, a folk rock group consisting of Lo Waight, Laura Mina Mitic and Pat Ferguson of Victoria-based band Carmanah. Following their set, alternative rock duo The Darcys took the stage with tracks from their 2020 project “Fear & Loneliness” and more. All photos by John Mendoza or @iblibs on Instagram.

With Yung Gravy’s Australian and New Zealand leg currently underway, the Minnesota native brought his charm, energy and suave personality to the Astor Theatre in Perth, Western Australia. With Australian rapper CHISEKO kicking off the show, it was clear that it was going to be a good night with the crowd cheering for the up-and-coming artist and setting the bar high for the rest of the night. Arguably a must at an Australian show, CHISEKO amped the crowd up further after being convinced to do a shoey midway through his set. The young rapper impressed fans with his quick bars and rhythmic verses, and he also went the extra mile by meeting the crowd outside the venue after the show. DJ Tiiiiiiiiiip followed the opening act, acting as both an MC and a DJ, spinning old 2000s throwbacks and even presenting a personalized slideshow made just for Perth. As seen during the North American leg of this tour, DJ Tiiiiiiiiiip kept the tradition going by offering snacks to the crowd and throwing items into the pit for lucky fans to catch. Although the show was delayed, the extra 10 minutes the crowd spent with Tiiiiiiiiiip’s charismatic personality made the wait an easy one, the DJ eventually making his way offstage and downstairs to bring Yung Gravy to take the main stage. The American rapper kept fans jumping the entire night, playing shorter versions of his many hits including, “Mr. Clean”, “oops”, “C’est La Vie” and “Betty (Get Money)”. With the Astor Theatre’s capacity sitting just under 1000 attendees including both the mezzanine and the main floor, this was one of the smaller venues on this tour which created a more intimate setting for attendees. Yung Gravy was entertaining to watch, constantly moving from each end of the stage and throwing his used towels into the crowd of screaming fans. From interacting with young fans and their mothers to Gravy fans bringing in inflatable toys paired with the colourful visuals played on screen, this atmosphere was high energy from start to finish. Towards the end of the show, Yung Gravy goes on to mention that this was his first time in Perth, proceeding to take off his shirt, which increased the volume of the screaming crowd tenfold, to then put on a Perth Glory FC jersey. Closing off the night with his hit track “You’ll Never Find”, Yung Gravy left his mark in Western Australia, with fans leaving with ear-to-ear grins on their faces as they exited the venue. If you have yet to see Yung Gravy live, you will not regret adding his show to your bucket list. With his recognizably deeper registry paired with his take on many older hits and sampling tracks from the 80s and 90s, there is something to like for both the older and younger generations of live music fans. Yung Gravy has a few more stops on this tour, where he will close out his tour in Dunedin, New Zealand on the 25th of February. Photos and Article written by Kianna Sumitani.

Viagra Boys played a sold-out show at The Phoenix Concert Theatre in Toronto on February 21st. Check out the photo gallery below captured by Katrina Lat: