Canadian Music Week has officially taken over Toronto. Now in its 34th year, this festival brings hundreds of up-and-coming acts from around the world and sticks them into the city’s best-known concert venues.
Overwhelmed by the long, long list of talent being showcased this week? We’ve got your back. Check out the top picks from staff and where to catch them below!
Playing: Saturday, May 7 at Silver Dollar @ 3 a.m.
Can I get a Bom Bom? Rich Kidd is a great rapper, dope producer and amazing live show—whether it’s live television or at jam-packed concert venue in Toronto his shows are never short in excitement. A CMW must see! -Tyrone, Much
Playing: Tuesday, May 3 at the MOD Club @ 8:30 p.m.
Lapsley has an incredibly unique sound combining beautiful soft vocals with an interesting electronic track. “Falling Short” off her EP has been my go-to chill song over the past year. -Emma, MTV FORA
Playing: Friday, May 6 at Danforth Music Hall @ 10 p.m.
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Playing: Saturday, May 7 at Bovine Sex Club @ 12 a.m.
I should be picking Dilly Dally because they rip and they’re from Toronto, but that’s also allowed me to catch their local shows on several occasions—plus, they don’t exactly have a sprawling catalogue. So, consider them my runner up. I was big into Chicago trio Meat Wave’s breakneck 2015 full-length debut, Delusion Moon, so seeing them play to a sweatymidnight crowd at Bovine Sex Club is too good an opportunity to pass up. Bring earplugs. And body armour. -Neil, Space
Playing: Thursday, May 5 at Lee’s Palace @ 12 a.m.
Who’s at the TOP of my CMW must-see list? Montreal indie band TOPS. They’ve got a dreamy, chill vibe and put on an awesome live show. Also, the lead singer Jane used to beat up bullies in elementary school, so bonus points for street cred. -Hilary, MTV FORA
Playing: Wednesday, May 4 at Cherry Cola’s @ 1 a.m. /Thursday, May 5 at Horseshoe Tavern @ 9 p.m.
Fun and catchy rock’n’roll from Calgary. No need to wax poetic about The Dudes. They’ll put a smile on your face and a cell phone in your pocket. It’s hard to high-five a stranger with a cellphone in your hand. The Dudes will give you the urge to high-five a stranger. -Dan, Much
Playing: Saturday, May 7 at the Mod Club @ 12 a.m.
If indie-electronic jams are the sound you’re chasing, then consider checking out Canadian act, HUMANS. The tracks mixed and created by Robbie Slade and Peter Ricq are both chill and upbeat, making for an easy set to vibe to. Plus, having them on your must-see CMW list will definitely score you cool points if you’re out schmoozing this weekend. -Cherylann, MTV
Playing: Saturday May 7 at Lee’s Palace at 12 a.m.
Luckily for Neil, I did choose Dilly Dally as my must-see act. If you like frontwomen who kick ass, loud guitars and the possibility of hearing a Drake cover, then this is the act you can’t miss. Dilly Dally is what your angry high school garage band sounds like when it graduates. -Celina, Much
