Oh Drake
Beloved Toronto native Aubrey Graham, a.k.a. Drake, and his OVO Touring company are being sued by a concert promoter over a couple of Chicago concert dates that were cancelled. Status Entertainment has filed suit, according to Spin.com, after OVO allegedly cancelled two shows and tried to increase the fee after it was already set for the events. It is quite the sordid affair. But, on a more positive note, Drake has also been nominated for four Grammy Awards. Status Entertainment? Nothing. So there you go.
Oh lordy
New Zealand native and bona fide pop culture superstar Lorde has booked a major North American tour including a stop in Toronto on March 15 at the Sound Academy in support of her debut album Pure Heroine. Lorde has received four Grammy Award nominations this year, including Song of the Year for "Royals."
Animal rights
One of Toronto's loudest bands, Public Animal, had a successful release of their debut 7-inch single on a chilly Monday night in December at the venerable Bovine Sex Club. The band, fronted by Ian Blurton, put the record out on Yeah Right! records. The songs included are "Vault Doors" and "One Way Ticket," below.
Righteous residency
Local faves The Strumbellas, in support of their fine new album We Still Move On Dance Floors, are returning to the comfy confines of the Dakota Tavern for their second annual February residency. The band will set up shop on Feb. 5, 12, 19 and 26 and welcome a number of special guests such as Jerry Leger & The Situation and Wayne Petti. Check out the video below taken live at the Dakota a few years back.
Kardinal goes corporate
Toronto's hip hop luminary Kardinal Offishall has taken a corporate position as Creative Executive Director at Universal Music Canada. According to a press release, this is a new role wherein Offishall will "complement UMC's already vibrant A&R team in uncovering, developing and nurturing Canadian artists.""As someone whose patriotism was evident from my first major release, the opportunity to join forces with the most powerful team in the country was one I couldn't pass up,” commented Offishall. “I look forward to engaging the country and the world in new sounds, new artists, and new ways to build upon Canada’s very impressive legacy."
Maestro and Lights in Cronenberg-inspired video
Maestro Fresh Wes and synth-queen Lights teamed up for a new video for Maestro's tune "Desire" off his latest album Orchestrated Noise. The video was directed by Josh Warburton who looked to filmmaker David Cronenberg's unique brand of "body horror" for inspiration. Check the video out below.
