Indie Week has been a staple of my concert going experience for the last six years. It provides a great chance to see bands that may be flying just below your radar. This festival aims to help artists by sharing knowledge and teaching them what bookers/promoters are looking for, what makes a great stage show, and more. Since the festivals inception in 2004 it has grown to showcasing more than 100 artists in this years Canadian portion as well as expanding to Ireland.
The launch night included a party at the Hideout and a showcase at the Horseshoe Tavern. Here are some of my notes from last nights acts:
Black Mother Pearl (Horseshoe): Great driving grooves that their crowd loved. With a sound that veered from early I Mother Earth to dare I say it, Creed. This is a band that knows what their crowd likes.
Darlings of Chelsea(Horseshoe): Good ol’ Sleazy Rock’n'Roll, these veterans of the canadian music scene have come together to form DOC, and this might just be the act to break. Great tunes, great energy. Although visibly frustrated by a lack of vocals in the monitors, they pulled off a great set including a couple of new tracks.
Bella Clava(Hideout): Great bluesy rock topped of with sultry vocals, a solid groove topped of with hammond organ and dirty guitars. This is a band that you need to see.
Cutaways(Hideout): Great energy behind a sound that fluctuates between dreamy and retro-pop. A highlight of the weekend for sure.
Sixteen Layers(Hideout): Frantic energy and a sweet groove combine to make one helluva show. Another band that you must see while they are here.