Every Monday, we round up the most exciting music news happening in Toronto. In this edition, Grounders sign a record deal, Drizzy drops a new single, Thomas D’Arcy releases his first solo album and more.
Congrats to Grounders, arguably one of Toronto’s most underrated indie pop bands, for signing to Nevado Records. Think of them as Grizzly Bear meets Beach House meets Animal Collective. They’ll be re-releasing the Wreck of a Smile EP on Mar. 12, and teaming up with Zeus and Yukon Blonde for a Canadian tour early this spring.
Drake and Toronto have had a bit of a rocky relationship in the past, but the rapper’s latest single is all about his beginnings in this city. Though he was originally expected to drop the lead single at the Grammys, “Started From the Bottom” was leaked on his blog this weekend, almost a week early. “I feel sometimes that people don’t have enough information about my beginnings and therefore they make up a life story for me that isn’t consistent with actual events,” Drizzy says about the new track on his website. Listen to the real back story below.
The much-anticipated new record from former Small Sins frontman, Thomas D’Arcy will be released this week on Feb. 5. The 11 tracks on What We Want are the first from D’Arcy as a solo artist, and they’re hooky, smooth and exhibit his incredible range. On first listen, the record jumps around quite a bit – from mellow, ghostly tracks such as “I Can’t Wait” to the pop-driven, upbeat “I Wake Up Every Day.” We expect it will take a couple more records before D’Arcy finds his groove. But for now, we’re rediscovering the versatility of the Toronto singer-songwriter. The record release party at the Horseshoe on Feb. 9 will be his first time performing under the name Thomas D’Arcy.
The month of February comes with a slew of new music releases. First up is California-based Thao & The Get Down Stay Down, whose We The Common, is out on Feb. 5. Here’s why you won’t want to miss their set at Lee’s Palace on Mar. 27. Another Cali artist, Matt Costa will be releasing his fifth, self-titled album on Feb. 12 via Brushfire Records, and just announced a Mod Club show on Apr. 11. Until then, you can listen to “Good Times” here. Also on the docket is Martha Wainwright’s Trauma: Chansons de la Series Tele Saison #04 which is slated for release on Feb. 26 on Maple Music Recordings.
If you, like us, are in need of a banger to jolt you out of weekend hibernation and back into the real world, crank your speakers for this Hood Internet, Purity Ring and Frank Ocean mash-up. Dance break, anyone?