This Week in Music rounds up the latest news, releases and concerts coming to Toronto.
IN THE NEWS
NXNE releases third block of artists
The 2013 edition of NXNE is fast approaching, and this year's lineup, which was already pretty stacked, has gotten even more robust. Last week, festival organizers announced a slew of new artists that have been added to the bill. Dan Deacon, Wintersleep, Blue Hawaii, Gold & Youth, Ryan Hemsworth, and No Joy were just a handful of the artists announced. Seeing as the festival, which runs from June 10-16, will also see performances from The National, Social Distortion, Big Boi, Millencolin, and a ton more, this year's edition is shaping up to be one for the ages. Head on over to the festival's website for a full listing of artists and events, as well as ticket info.
THIS WEEK'S HOT TICKETS
WEDNESDAY MAY 22 / THE SHINS / SOUND ACADEMY / 11 POLSON / $46 - $55 / ALL AGES
Arguably one of the most popular bands of this generation, The Shins, led by frontman James Mercer, will hit the stage at the Sound Academy. Mercer is the last remaining original member of the group, was has undergone a major makeover in the last couple of years. They released the band's fourth album, Port of Morrow, in 2012, and have been touring extensively in support of it. Their last appearance in Toronto was opening for the Black Keys last summer - this time around, they're headlining, with Ra Ra Riot offering support.
FRIDAY MAY 24 / FALL OUT BOY / SOUND ACADEMY / 11 POLSON / $46.50 / ALL AGES
I can't attest to being a big fan of Fall Out Boy, but I'm well aware that they have a pretty large following of fans. Thus, this show, their first in Toronto since going on hiatus in 2009, will probably be one of the more anticipated shows of the week. The band released their fifth album, Save Rock and Roll, in April, so it's safe to say that you'll be hearing a lot of newer material in addition to their older hits.
RECENTLY ANNOUNCED CONCERTS
- SWINGIN' UTTERS / HORSESHOE TAVERN / JUNE 7 / 10PM
- WE ARE THE CITY / THE RIVOLI / JUNE 14 / 8PM
- CHAINS OF LOVE / DANFORTH MUSIC HALL / JUNE 15 / 6PM
- GOGOL BORDELLO / DANFORTH MUSIC HALL / AUGUST 19 / 8PM
WHAT WE GOT UP TO LAST WEEK
- Killers' drummer Ronnie Vannucci Jr. steals the show
- Electric Island turns on for Victoria Day techno party
- Noise legends Oxbow say if you don't like it, stay home
- Japan's Hikashu admit to being wizards at The Garrison
- Drake will drop OVO Fest when Drake wants (i.e. now)
- New in Toronto Music: Decades, Veronica Domingues, Meredith Shaw, The Breaks, DIANA
- 12 summer music festivals in Toronto for 2013
- Lights beams some, um, light into my life
Photo of The Shins courtesy of nooccar on Flickr.