Drake Drops
What could be more Drake-ian than dropping a surprise mixtape the day before Valentine’s Day? Toronto’s biggest rapper did just that with his 17-track If You’re Reading This It’s Too Late. Then again, it was also Friday the 13th. Regardless of the meaning behind the release date, the album whipped the internet into a frenzy, especially the song 6PM In New York, in which he chides Tyga for dating the super-young Kylie Jenner. Check out our 4N review.
Converse Pop-Up Studio
Musicians and Converse sneakers have always gone hand in hand, so Converse’s expansion into the music game through its Rubber Tracks initiative is kind of a no-brainer. This week in Toronto, the sneaker company got its Rubber Tracks pop-up recording studio under way, with five up-and-coming acts recording at the Noble Street space for free from February 16 to 20.
The lucky bands are Weaves, Dead Messenger, School Damage, Danger Dean and the Laser Beams and Weight. Converse is also behind the BADBADNOTGOOD & Ghostface Killah Opera House show on Thursday (February 19), featuring opener MC Raz Fresco, who recorded at a previous Rubber Tracks studio session. converse.com/rubbertracks.
The Elwins Get Stamped
Genius merchandise like Chixdiggit nail clippers and Supersuckers foam hands can keep making an impact long after a band has dissolved. Here’s hoping Toronto’s Elwins stick around for a good long time, and to help achieve posterity they’re putting themselves (or the artwork for their new Play For Keeps record at least) on a Canada Post stamp . The stamp coincides with a 3.5-month tour that takes them through North America, Europe and Asia. Order online at theelwins.com, and read our review of Play For Keeps here.
What’s One More Festival?
It’s beginning to look like Torontonians will have a different music festival opportunity every weekend throughout the summer. Adding to the list: Bestival, which comes by way of Britain. The two-day event happens June 12 and 13, one week before NXNE, on the Toronto Islands. No acts have been announced, but the Isle of Wight version has a mix of big-name electronic dance acts, rap and indie rock – much like every other fest. What sets it apart? In an Arcade Fire-esque move, Bestival encourages attendees to wear “fancy dress” to increase its “theatricality” and set it apart from the average stage/bar/food-tent affair. bestival.ca.
