The Commerce Times

The Next Big Thing

Haven’t made any plans for Reading Week?  While most of your friends are soaking up the sun or are heading back home, you can still make your week eventful and memorable.

Take the opportunity to check out many up-and-coming music acts, all the while not breaking the bank.  Toronto is a mecca for indie music, and you just never know if you might discover the next K’naan, Melanie Fiona or Broken Social Scene.

Some artists worth checking out:

Maiko Watson

If the name might sound familiar, Maiko Watson came to fame in 2001 when she won Popstars and gained two top-ten hits with the girl-group Sugar Jones.

Her pop-music styling has been replaced by her true passion for soulful R&B and funk.

Her recently released album “Sweet Vibration” has been critically well received and is available for download on iTunes.  Her mid-tempo single “Some Kinda Love” is definitely worth checking out.

http://www.myspace.com/maikowatsonmusic

The Jayce

Coming together from all corners of the Golden Horseshoe, The Jayce consists of Nathan Harrop, Cory deVilliers, Paul Chumak and TRSM’s own Anthony Paladino.

In the process of recording their first album, they have established a fan base playing popular venues such as the El Mocambo.

The Jayce is a refreshing voice on Canada’s rock-pop scene and are reminiscent of other rock-pop bands such as Motion City Soundtrack, The Academy Is…, and Taking Back Sunday.  Interestingly, Nathan Harrop’s voice is very similar to that of William Beckett, the lead singer of The Academy Is…

Check out their MySpace for future show dates, demos and videos.

http://www.myspace.com/THEJAYCE

Grand Analog

Brothers Ofield & Odario Williams formed Grand Analog in 2006.  Originally from Winnipeg and now calling Toronto home, this collective of over eight artists mash several eclectic styles (jazz, funk, electro, reggae, hip-hop) bringing a distinctive voice to the Canadian hip-hop scene.

Currently on tour for their latest album, Metropolis Is Burning, Grand Analog has shows outside the GTA during reading week.  Check their MySpace for dates.

http://www.myspace.com/grandanalog

Dan Mangan

Hailing from Vancouver, Verge Awards 2009 winner for “Artist of the Year” and now affiliated with famed indie collective Arts & Crafts, Mangan is definitely an artist to watch out for in 2010.

Canada’s own Damien Rice has been a critical darling for his latest LP “Nice, Nice, Very Nice”.  His soothing folk-pop is just one single away from blowing up not only on the Canadian music scene, but worldwide.

http://www.myspace.com/danmangan

Zeus

A perfect blend of Phoenix and Spoon, another band affiliated with Arts & Crafts, Toronto’s own Zeus is preparing to release their latest album “Say Us,” Feb 23.  Another indie favourite, expect them to blow up in 2010.

Zeus (along with Jason Collett and Bahamas) will hit Toronto for a show at Lee’s Palace on March 1.  Their current single “How Does It Feel” is available on iTunes.

http://www.myspace.com/themusicofzeus