In some ways, it was a return to the old at this year’s Canadian Music Week Music Festival (CMW), which kicked off June 1st and ran until the 8th. Across Toronto, venues large and small played host to a variety of musicians and genres. Music, old and new, could be heard on any given night throughout the week, and the spirit of enjoying live music, across multiple venues, felt reminiscent of pre-pandemic times. Although the festival fell later than it usually does – lining up back-to-back with the International Indigenous Music Summit and NXNE, it launched what is always a hot month to check out live music across Toronto.
Here are some of Quip’s favourite artists from this year’s CMW:
Childlike
Toronto native, Childlike, a.k.a. Stella Lucia Enriquez-Azzopardi, offered up a whimsical performance that showcased both her music and charisma at The Cameron House’s cozy backspace. Backed by a three-piece band, (including her father on drums), Enriquez-Azzopardi brought serious energy to a highly personal performance underscored by impassioned songs about breakups – both platonic and romantic. She’s also a Pilates instructor, so she’s got energy to spare. Enriquez-Azzopardi invited the crowd in by sharing personal anecdotes about each song, and a bit about creating music during the pandemic. Enriquez-Azzopardi’s vocals are powerful but gentle with an emotive quality reminiscent of Tei Shi. While Childlike is just getting started, she’s one to keep an eye on as her music matures.
Nia Nadurata
Toronto’s Nia Nadurata, a singer-songwriter who took the stage solo – although noting she’s usually backed by a band – sparkled at Lee’s Palace’s CMW set. Nadurata has a serious stage presence and a crystal-clear voice that, in tandem with her guitar, captivated the crowd and seamlessly navigated technical issues that plagued each set throughout the night. Given Nadurata’s poise, it was surprising to hear that she released her first song only a year ago. Sharing tracks that included “I think I like your girlfriend” and “Boo Hoo”, we’ll be keeping our eyes on Nadurata’s next steps.
Laye
Montreal’s alt-pop Laye rounded out the night at Lee’s Palace following a solid line-up that drew a growing crowd. Sweet and melodic, with an energy akin to Lana Del Rey meets Fairuza Balk, Laye was backed by a three-person band, whom she also shouted out as top-notch Toronto producers. Her voice is sweet and rich, highlighted by songs including “I saw God” and a tearjerker about a past relationship framed around Toronto – the city that Laye explained is also synonymous with her ex-lover. A haunting, devastating ode to the past; an essence that Laye seems to weave its way through each of her songs.
Terminator X and Easy Mo Bee showcase
With two heavy hitters back to back El Mocambo was a major throwback for three solid hours of performances. Terminator X, probably best known for his tenure in Public Enemy, reminded us all how fun vinyl can be. Mixing and scratching old-school hip-hop, pop, and even some rock memorabilia X got the room warmed up for the headliner, Easy Mo Bee. Easy Mo Bee is a legendary music producer who worked with the likes of Big Daddy Kane and Miles Davis, and today brings all of those top-notch old-school hip-hop tracks back to life through DJ sets.
The Wilderness
An indie rock sextet from Kingston, Ontario, this group brought a high-energy set to the Cameron House. Tightly packed on this small stage they performed their hearts out, playing of off each other like brothers with that “boys will be boys” kind of energy. The Wilderness songs are lyrically heavy, loud, and catchy, and it is easy to see them go a distance in this musical world.
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