Vapor Music

Vapor Showcase 2012 Roundup

admin — Tue, 01 May 2012 19:23:08 +0000

The dust has settled after the amazing night that was last week’s Vapor Independent Music Showcase 2012, brought to you in partnership with our friends at stealing time, and we’re excited to be able to share photos from the event taken by the talented Dana Bronsteter and Mai Ismail. These photos will be making their way over to our Facebook page shortly, so be sure to head on over and tag yourself!

We’re already excited to see what next year has to bring!

Vapor Showcase Artist: Nautiluss

admin — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 01:40:39 +0000

It’s finally the time we’ve all so patiently been waiting for – tomorrow evening at 7pm we kick off our 4th annual Vapor Independent Music Showcase, brought to you in partnership with our friends at stealing time! With four amazing acts already introduced to you over the past few weeks, we have one more to complete our stellar line up, and it’s none other than Montreal born, Nautiluss.

This critically acclaimed DJ gained popularity as Grahmzilla, formerly one half of the Canadian electronic duo Thunderheist, and has made it impossible for anyone to associate him with one particular genre as he draws from numerous sources to create his organic, intriguing sound. Nautiluss knew he wanted to steer clear of Thunderheist’s well known brash beats when starting his own solo project and has combined bits of pop, hip-hop, and UK bass, producing music that ‘can be enjoyed at home or in a dark dance club.’

His debut single, “Ultraviolet/Bleu Monday” which was released in September 2011, has earned him national airplay and kudos from radio station hosts around the world. Also, his remix of the track “Horizon” by Vancouver based group Humans (who performed at Vapor’s Showcase last year) was one of the top downloads on xlr8tr for the month of March.

Recently signing with Montreal- based Turbo Recordings, Nautiluss has a new EP, Alpha,coming out in just a few days, and we can’t wait to hear a sneak peak of it tomorrow night!

“‘Ultraviolet’ is as assured and brilliant as the names of its creators suggest. It is a glitchy, twitchy-snared dub-ballad with slow, elongated vocals that can’t quite dissipate the air of spooky threat; those Twilight Zone synths in the background are definitely up to something. B-side and Nautiluss instrumental ‘Bleu Monday’ is, happily, just as big on portent as the lead track. And as gleefully modern as a thing could be.”
- Drowned in Sound

To learn more about Nautiluss, you can check him out on Facebook, Tumblr and Twitter.

Vapor Showcase Artist: Young Empires

admin — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 14:31:22 +0000

It is the final countdown as we are now a week away from our Vapor Independent Music Showcase. To amp up the excitement even further, we want to share our fourth act of the night with you — a band that earned a place on NxNE’s “Bands to Watch” list of 2011, Young Empires.

This electronic/“haute rock” band came together in 2009 after being introduced through friends in the Toronto music scene. Within their first week of rehearsals they had landed their first gig. Music fans instantly fell in love with their infectious hooks and high energy sets, which led the boys to release their debut EP, Wake All My Youth, in January 2012.

The success and international acclaim the album has received has made them one of the “must see” performances at festivals such as SXSW, CMW, and NxNE. Their music has also been featured on NYLON TV’s viral videos and Season 2 of Rookie Blue.

Young Empires is known for being a band that has re-invented the electronica/indie sound, and we simply can’t wait to rock out to them next Wednesday night.

Download “White Doves (Radio Mix)”, from Young Empires’ debut album, for free here, exclusively for friends of Vapor!

“The mathmania of Battles, the gloss’n’grandeur of The Killers, and the calamitous quiver of Arcade Fire… Young Empires have consummately summated this generations’ achievements in Rock. Not they’re total retread merchants; no, they’re master weavers of our disparate indie threads, forging a fine tapestry of future disco…”
- NME Magazine

“The now four-piece band from Toronto has now delivered an EP on which every song has been layered and arranged with the utmost care, and delivered with the most devastating precision.”
- When the Gramophone Rings

Can’t wait to see you there!

Vapor Showcase Artist: Austra

admin — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 14:10:00 +0000

Now that our Vapor Independent Music Showcase is just around the corner (2 weeks away!) we are thrilled to introduce you to another one of our stellar acts that night, Austra; an electronic group that is guaranteed to make you want to dance the night away.

Austra, founded by members Katie Stelmanis (vocals and keys), Maya Postepski (drums) and Dorian Wolf (bassist), came together in 2009 to produce an electronic sound that, upon the release of their debut album Feel It Break in 2011, music listeners and crtitics instantly fell in love with. According to New York Magazine, we have Katie Stelmanis’s “shuddery, operatic voice” to thank for that.

With the help of Postepski, Wolf and rounded out by Sari Lightman, Romy Lightman and Ryan Wonsiak, the band has managed to produce a unique sound that has most recently earned them a Shortlist Nomination for the 2011 Polaris Music Prize as well as a 2012 Juno nomination for “Electronic Album of the Year.”

As one of Canada’s “It” bands, we can’t wait for you to hear them on April 25^th.

Download “Lose It”, from Austra’s debut album, for free here, exclusively for friends of Vapor!

“The debut record from Austra is one long, Gothic frisson from start to finish, the chilly perfection of its pulsing electronic nightscapes exceeded only by the operatic grandeur of the vocals. An outright stunner and maybe the best thing Paper Bag Records has ever released.”
- Toronto Star

“Stelmanis, bassist Dorian Wolf and drummer Maya Postepski have created something that plays as a carefully balanced, organic whole, like an inadvertent concept album. That’s more a testament to the skill with which it’s been put together than because it lacks standout moments; in fact, half the songs here could be released as singles, as Austra are as melodic as they are melodramatic.”
- BBC Music

Can’t wait to see you there!

Vapor Showcase Artist: Royal Wood

admin — Wed, 04 Apr 2012 17:22:22 +0000

Only being a short three weeks away till our Vapor Independent Music Showcase, we are excited to announce one of our favourite musicians taking the stage that night, Royal Wood.

Born and raised in the outskirts of Toronto, this singer-songwriter/producer spent his days perfecting his natural craft of balladry and pop music. In 2002, he released his first EP, The Milkweed, which received critical acclaim for his infectious vocal style. Since then, Wood has released three full length albums and two EPs; in 2010 his studio album called The Waiting, earned him a Juno nomination for Songwriter Of The Year as well as the distinction of iTunes Songwriter of the Year. He will be releasing his latest full-length album in June.

Wood has played numerous venues across the U.S, Canada, and Europe, and has been featured in various films and television shows, including Season 1 of Rookie Blue and an upcoming placement in the show’s third season (set to air this summer).

Having a reputation for stealing the hearts of music listeners everywhere, Royal Wood is one artist you don’t want to miss.

You can listen to a brand new track from Royal Wood, straight from his upcoming album, here.

“Like a sober and spiffily cleaned-up Tom Waits, Toronto singer songwriter Royal Wood writes lovely, memorable romantic songs that grab the heart like a gospel singer praising the Lord. “Tonight, I Will Be Your Guide”, “Paradise”, “Lady In White”. Beautiful, spare songs. I received his new album “The Waiting” today at noon and by 5 p.m., had listened to the whole album compulsively four more times. It’s been ages since that happened.”
– Ottawa Sun

“In a music scene full of questionable talent and electronically distorted vocal tracks, thank God musicians like singer/songwriter Royal Wood still exist. With his classic good looks combined with vintage suits that makes him look like he walked out of an episode of Mad Men, Toronto based Royal Wood is the type of musician that the world needs more of – talented, intense, intelligent and real.”
– Pop Culture Addict

Can’t wait to see you there!

Vapor Showcase Artist: Cuff The Duke

admin — Wed, 28 Mar 2012 18:28:26 +0000

We at Vapor couldn’t be more excited about the fantastic lineup of musicians for our fourth annual Vapor Independent Music Showcase, brought to you in partnership with our friends at stealing time. Leading up to the big day, we’re thrilled to introduce you to the five artists that will grace the stage at Revival Bar on April 25th.

First, we have Cuff The Duke, Toronto roots rockers raised on John Wayne and Bruce Springsteen. Their fifth album, Morning Comes, is nominated for a 2012 Juno Award for Adult Alternative Album of the Year, and was produced by Greg Keelor of Blue Rodeo, recording in his farmhouse studio. The level of authenticity behind the record and the band is immediately apparent, and the relationship with Keelor is a perfect match.

The band has almost ten years together to its credit, and their skillful way of of mixing bits of pop and roots is sure to make you tap your toes to their live show.

“Cuff the Duke are one of those unbelievably talented bands that can jump genres like a game of hopscotch — to the point where their music is almost undefinable.. they have a definite Canadian roots rock basis and a taste for the epic in their song structures. ”
– Allmusic

To get you ready for their performance, the kind folks at Paper Bag Records have given us permission to share a free MP3 of Cuff The Duke’s “Count On Me” with you. Click here to download!

Can’t wait to see you there!

Less Than Kind Roundup

admin — Mon, 26 Mar 2012 18:41:56 +0000

While we’re sad to see Season 3 of Less Than Kind come to an end, looking at the list below of amazing music that made it into the show makes us excited for the possibility of a Season 4! If you’re like us and just can’t get enough of the show, take another listen to the tunes below from each episode.

Episode 301:
“Sexy Silk” performed by Jessie J
“Shine” performed by Hannah Georgas

Episode 302:
“French Toast” performed by Jonas Bonnetta
“I Will Love You” performed by David Myles

Episode 303:
“Kenny G Non Stop” performed by Radio Radio
“Boom! Boom! Boom!” performed by The Everyday Visuals
“Anything and All” performed by Jim Bryson & The Weakerthans

Episode 304:
“Dangerous” performed by Peter Katz
“Everything” performed by Noughts and Exes

Episode 305:
”Dancing With Your Ghost” performed by Tanika Charles
”God Damn That Bottle” performed by The Divorcees
”Calm Before The Storm” performed by Imaginary Cities
“Twisted” performed by The 5 o’clock Thursdays

Episode 306:
“Ride” performed by Pushin’ Daisies ft. Bubba B
“Her Daddy (Don’t Like Me)” performed by Grand Analog
“Shake” performed by Tin Bangs

Episode 307:
“The Madness I Make” performed by Noughts and Exes

Episode 308:
“So Charming” performed by The Good Lovelies
“Dents” performed by The Acorn

Episode 309:
“Rio Riviera Allegro” performed by Danny Burke & Brian Casey

Episode 310:
“I’m On” performed by Chancellor Warhol ft. Drupy
“Emma Frost” performed by Chancellor Warhol ft. Boss of Nova & Robin Raynelle
“Bleeding Hearts” performed by Chancellor Warhol ft. Mikky Ekko
“The Last Hoorah” performed by Chancellor Warhol
“New Sky” performed by Chancellor Warhol ft. Robin Raynelle
“Reckless” performed by Chancellor Warhol ft. Rio
“Bonus Lvl/Fly Away” performed by Chancellor Warhol ft. Future
“Element” performed by Matthew Mayfield
“Clean” performed by Kyla Coopman
“Made For Each Other” performed by Emilie Mover

Episode 311:
No licensed music

Episode 312:
“The Last Hoorah” performed by Chancellor Warhol
“Sweet Sixteen” performed by Think About Life

Episode 313:
“Paper Chains” performed by Christopher Smith
“Let Go Lightly” performed by Donovan Woods
“Drift” performed by Postdata
“Tonight” performed by Zoe Sky Jordan

Artist of the Week: Postdata

admin — Fri, 23 Mar 2012 19:53:22 +0000

This week’s Artist of the Week is bittersweet for us here at Vapor – despite how much we adore the music of Postdata, it’s our last Less Than Kind Artist of the Week feature for Season 3, and we’re sad to see the season come to an end. Be sure to catch the season finale this Sunday evening on HBO Canada — we’ll certainly be watching!

The season ends in an episode with four fantastic songs – it was difficult to feature just one artist to feature! However, Postdata – the side project of Wintersleep’s Paul Murphy and his brother Mike – simply can’t be ignored. Check out Postdata performing “Coroner” below, and catch “Drift” on Sunday in Less Than Kind. Be sure to check in on Monday for a complete roundup of all songs featured this season.

About:
“Since the beginning of Wintersleep’s career, Paul has made a name for himself as an exceptional singer, guitarist, and most of all… songwriter. Postdata’s lo-fi atmosphere showcases his songwriting in the most primal form witnessed yet. Originally recorded as a present for their mother whom was going through a tough year, the Murphy brothers realized they had something special, and knew the album must be shared with the masses. The music is incredibly personal, with a reoccurring focus on family and haunted dreams. Recorded on a laptop with some simple microphones, Postdata is the raw product of the unapologetically honest words of Paul Murphy. Don’t let the band name fool you; Postdata are not your typical electronic loving affair, but rather an acoustic heavy offering with the barest of human emotion fueling Murphy’s memorable vocal melodies and lyrics. Simply perfect. 5/5″
– Music.is-amazing.com

“Postdata’s self-titled debut is sparse, heartfelt genius. Every song on the album seems to be full of real, heartfelt emotion, to the point that listening would feel voyeuristic if it wasn’t all so well put together.”
– I Heart Music

“The depth of their sound was subtle but intense. Pauls vocals were extremely intimate and delicate at times. The emotion in every word was extremely personal, and built a strong connection with every heartbeat in that crowd. Tim hunched over his keyboard and let the music take him over. His stealthy fingers ripped around the keys and brought a perfect tone to every song.”
– Concert Addicts

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Leah’s best of CMW

admin — Wed, 21 Mar 2012 18:43:49 +0000

Canadian Music Week has commenced and the weather could not be more beautiful for the festivities!

As always, us Vaporites are enthused to share our recommended ‘must sees’ and weigh in on what shows and venues we think are going to rock it.

I can barely contain my excitement, my fingers dancing across the keyboard as I sit here condensing my list for your consideration! To boot, a few days ago a dear friend and fellow music junkie surprised our group with wristbands, so I will most certainly be getting my fill this time around.

Tonight my wristband and I will be walking ourselves over to the Official CMW Opening Gala at the CN Tower to see bespectacled, floppy haired, bird’s nest bearded Ben Caplan. Every quality about Ben and his music speaks to me. In a similar vein to Tom Waits, his purposeful throatiness is downright enchanting. There is something very smoky and almost romantic about his lumberjack blues. I know I am not alone is saying that his voice makes me want to sit in a dark bar drinking Woodford Reserve on the rocks, whilst chain smoking cigarettes. If you don’t have a wristband, at the very least try to catch him next time he comes to town, you won’t regret it.

Wednesday March 21^st at the CN Tower

Last year I was introduced to the raspy and heartfelt goodness that is Dan Magnan, and I have been itching to see him live every since. Originally from Vancouver, in 2010 his album Nice, Nice, Very Nice joined the impressive and growing roster at Toronto based record label Arts & Crafts, giving a big boost to Magnan’s already growing success. If you enjoy the likes of Mumford and Sons, Magnan will be a win. Seize the opportunity to see him in a smallish venue too, because I have a sense that his sound translates very well in an intimate setting. To my delight he will be playing with a pretty stellar line up, so many birds will be struck with one stone:

8:00: The Pack A.D.
8:20: Young Empires (a great pre-cursor to their upcoming performance at Vapor’s Annual Showcase)
8:40: Treble Charger
9:05: Dan Magnan
9:45: The Sheep Dogs
10:25: Rich Aucoin (squeal!!)
11:15: Passion Pit

Saturday March 24^th in The Canadian Room at the Royal York Hotel
Doors open at 7 PM, All Ages

Artist of the Week: Think About Life

admin — Wed, 14 Mar 2012 20:00:59 +0000

Montreal synth-rap group Think About Life bring their unique style of upbeat dance tunes to this week’s episode of Less Than Kind. Founded by drummer Matt Shane and keyboardist Graham Van Pelt (from the Polaris-nominated Miracle Fortress), the band has toured with artists such as Franz Ferdinand, Wolf Parade, Land of Talk, You Say Party!, Hot Panda, and many others, having played festivals such as South by Southwest and Pop Montreal.

Their song “Sweet Sixteen” (video below!) is such a perfect fit for Less Than Kind – take a listen, and then check it out on Sunday night on HBO Canada!

About:
“On Family, Think About Life’s second disc, the Montreal synth rap trio dish out hit after hit, at times pairing pretty indie rock guitars with club beats, or adding punk bass to soulful samples. Weirdo production courtesy of main man Graham Van Pelt and inspired MCing by Martin Cesar put this energetic offering on art pop’s top shelf. Cuts from this wall-to-wall winner should have indie dance floors hopping all summer.”
– NOW Magazine

“The band’s outlook and overall aesthetic are unmistakably vibrant, messy, enthusiastic, and riotously colorful… The grooves are typically on point, Martin Cesar’s throaty vocals — split between impassioned midrange warbles and a Princely falsetto with strong shades of TV on the Radio’s Tunde Adebimpe — are pleasantly distinctive, and the whole album feels comfortably crammed with ear-catching trinkets and inventive arranging ideas, ”
– All Music

“Johanna” kicks off with an incongruously groovy flute sample before giving into the rhythmic horns and funky guitars that could be a bed for a Kanye single; “Havin’ My Baby” is built on a sped-up sugar-rush hook repeated so insistently that we dare you to get it out of your head; and “Sweet Sixteen” builds a sexy, deadpan groove worthy of James Murphy out of videogame bleeps and a steady, sparse beat. The juxtaposition of the band’s most synthetic impulses (the skittering, interrupted dance beat, the glossy, almost Italo disco synths, the chirpy vocal sample) against Martin Cesar’s most world-weary, emotive vocals on “Nueva Nueva” is disarmingly tender …frenetic, juice-dripping soul running through… proves they have more here than just an ear for beats–doubt I’ll hear a more joyous piece of music [this year].”
– Pitchfork

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