IPO Toronto 2025

 
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Artists From Toronto

 
Andy Butler & The Diplomats – Butler is known to many as the main man of IPO veterans, The 905s. He’s back with a new backing band and another recently released rocking full-length album, un-apologetically titled Men of Genius, and we can hardly wait to see and hear him do his thing again. If you love classic punk-edged rock n’ roll in the vein of Buddy Holly, Elvis Costello, and Dave Rave (see below), you will LOVE Andy Butler & The Diplomats!
 
James Clark Institute – The musical outlet of singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist James Clark, their latest full-length release, Under The Lampshade, like their previous one, was produced by iconic Canadian musician/producer Moe Berg (The Pursuit Of Happiness), and has had several singles in the top 100 all over the worldwide internet radio charts. “James Clark is one of Canada’s songwriting treasures. His songs have a timeless quality born of a writer who studied the best and refuses to bow to the wind and rain of any current day. His lyrics never underestimate the audience’s intelligence and his melodies will stay with you long after the record has finished playing” (Moe Berg). Fans of intelligent quirky introspective pop artists, such as John Lennon, Neil Finn, and Elvis Costello, who are not already fans will want to check out his IPO showcase and his sparkling new holiday singles, set for release on November 28!
 
Clockwise – Check out their most recent EP, Blow Your Soul Bright , or any of their equally awesome earlier releases, and you’ll be instantly hooked! Their sound is influenced by Elvis Costello, The Kinks, Joe Jackson and Squeeze, tempered with more contemporary artists like Crowded House and The Beautiful South, and they efficiently crank out three-and-a-half minute pop songs with hooks that will stick with you long after that initial investment in time has been spent. Their classic Toronto power pop style fit right in at The World Famous Cavern Club in Liverpool, where they joined us for IPO four years in a row, and we’re very glad they did! Those who attend their IPO Toronto showcase are in for a treat!
 
Cool Blue Halo – An integral part of the ‘90s Halifax power pop scene, Cool Blue Halo released an independent cassette before being signed to No Records and releasing their landmark full length, Kangaroo PopRock Record)! They’ve indicated that IPO will be their only show this year, so you do NOT want to miss it!!
 
The Discarded – It’s been quite the evolution for the band from when a 13-year-old drummer, Caden, and his 17-year-old bassist brother, Jared, started out with their Cramps/Ramones influenced debut in 2016 along with their seasoned punk rock dad, JP, on guitar and vocals. They’ve recently added Ben Keestra on guitar to fill out their sound, and released their sixth full-length and latest album, The Green Door at IPO last year! The lead-off single from the album, “Testify!”, “…delivers a blast of roaring ’60s garage rock with a southern preacher twist…” (Loren, Scene Point Blank). They’re already working on the next one, which we can hardly wait to hear! Those who attend their IPO showcase can expect a juggernaut of hard-hitting rock ‘n roll that still never strays too far from their punk rock roots.
 
The Drywall Heels – An indie power pop outfit consisting of Mike Ciani (vocals, rhythm guitar), Jesse Mirsky (bass), Matthew Goldman (lead guitar, keys), and Shane Weir (drums). Inspired by an array of genres including ‘60s rock, ‘60s pop, new wave, punk, and post-punk, these lads like to keep things jangly with a heavy focus on hook and harmony. Some warm sunny sounds to chase away the chill of November!
 
Flash Bangs – Do you like glam, punk, new wave, and rock n’ roll? Well so do Flash Bangs, and it shows! This trio of seasoned Toronto area musicians will have you jumping and dancing like it’s 1981 all over again!
 
Just Jillian – One of Toronto’s most gifted singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalists, Jillian is the former lead guitar player for ADHD the band, and has played keys for Remote Wonder and bass for alternative synth pop band, All Dressed. Her debut solo album, What Day Is It?, makes subtle use of catchy pop choruses and pop-rock guitar riffs to put a lighthearted spin on thought-provoking lyrics. Her brand-new Story of Mine album is set for release just in time for IPO!
 
Nicky Koro – A Toronto musician and visual artist who combines everything he loves in his music: Inspired by ‘90s-era Weezer, Cheap Trick, and Tom Petty, you’ll hear a juxtaposition of jangle, melody, and harmony, with angst, energy, and a DIY spirit. We look forward to seeing and hearing him do his thing live at IPO!
 
Mark Malibu & The Wasagas – IPO does not typically book instrumental bands, but when they’re this much fun, we just can’t resist! Canada’s original surf-punk instrumentalists, Wasagas had their original heyday from 1979 to 1982 when they played with many new-wave and punk bands, confusing audiences everywhere. They’ve released several albums and have had two #1 hits on the surf charts since reuniting and show no signs of slowing down. They’re back for their third straight IPO Toronto after being one of the big fan favorites at IPO Liverpool last Spring! Come catch the wave!
 
Mr! Mouray – A man of impeccable 1950s style and taste, Mr Mouray has been reborn as a band a half-century later through modern words and music, and make their return to IPO with their debut full-length album, What’s The Stouray, in hand. One of the many musical projects featuring the ubiquitous Jaimie Vernon, founder of one of the best pop music labels in Canada, Bullseye Records, and one of the foremost authorities on all things Canadian music. Vernon is the author of The Canadian Pop Music Encyclopedia, a hefty two-volume treasure-trove of information about Canadian artists both well- and lesser-known, a story-teller of Bardic proportions, and a pop-meister of the highest caliber, so this is one show you will not want to miss!
 
Mark Ripp & The Joyful Hope – Ripp describes himself as a taller Canadian version of artists such as Tom Petty, Bruce Springsteen and John Hiatt all rolled into one. He writes, sings and plays thoughtful melodic roots rock, and his performances typically include a variety of original songs and a few selections from his wide repertoire of covers. The name of his latest project, The Joyful Hope, perfectly sums up the feeling of his recent songs.
 
The Swinging Pussycats – A groovy time is sure to be had by all as these hep cats bring their own brand of ‘60s inspired rock n’ roll, complete with reverb-drenched surf guitar, garage rock, and girl group pop, to IPO! Check out their 2022 album, Going Out With The Swinging Pussycats, or their recent singles and you’ll understand why we can’t wait to see them do these songs live!
 
Telejet – If you love classic Beatle-esque and harmony pop, orchestral pop, or prog pop, and a bit of everything in between (and let’s face it, who reading this doesn’t?), then you will LOVE Telejet! Check out their latest album, Spiritual Age, (which was my number 1 of 2024!) and their IPO showcase! This is a band that pop fans all over the world NEED to know about!
 
Tara Van – Van is a lifelong singer-songwriter, and active participant in Toronto’s “Beautiful Breakdowns” singer-songwriter series. Her debut album, Rise, showcases her catchy upbeat brand of soulful indie folk pop. Her vocal and stylistic range and sunny disposition earned her friends and fans when she joined us in 2024 for IPO’s Liverpool and Copenhagen, and we can’t wait to see and hear her do her thing again back in her hometown!
 
Violette and The Flames – Led by Violette Craig Innes, a multidisciplinary artist, producer, podcaster, and miniature art gallery curator, their music is eclectically electrifying. Think glam meets garage rock, blues, and alt country with a dash of punk on the side…or better yet, just come to their IPO showcase to see and hear for yourself!
 
Erika Werry – With five albums already to her credit, Erika Werry brings deeply personal, uncompromising and new perspectives to the age-old themes of life and love. The songs are short and fun, often with tongue-in-cheek lyrical humour, and sometimes with devastatingly poignant lyrics on relationships. “An observant poet, a cliche distorter, a fearless traveler, a band leader – Miss Werry is all of the above…” (Mary Beth Carty, Penguin Eggs). Her faster songs are also incredibly catchy, so don’t be surprised if you find yourself dancing!
 
 

Canadian Artists From Outside of Toronto

 
Dave Rave – The venerable Mr. Dave Rave began popping very powerfully indeed a near quarter century ago as part of the legendary Canadian bands Teenage Head and The Shakers, has often been referred to as “The Canadian Nick Lowe,” and is now an inductee in the Canadian Indie Music Hall of Fame!! (Congratulations, Dave!!) A recent CD, Live With What You Know was nominated for a Grammy, as was one of its songs, “Anne Marie.” His latest album, the appropriately titled Seven, is his sixth release with his Minnesota-based backing band, The Governors, and showcases him at his in-your-face twangy garage pop best! From 2010 to 2014 he played 50 IPO festivals in a row (yes, you read that right), and he still plays many of them…and we look forward to many more. Thank you, Dave!!
 
Linebeck – Once described as a “dreamy version of Linkin Park”, Hamilton Ontario’s Linebeck aims to find the push-and-pull between happy vivacity & nostalgic melancholy. Sonically, Linebeck draws inspiration from shoegaze, dream-pop, and post-punk bands; yet melodically and structurally leans heavily on pop-driven motifs. Heavily influenced by songwriting geniuses Lennon-McCartney and pop powerhouse Max Martin, Linebeck’s songwriting is full of intention but not lacking in honesty. Check out any of their recent singles and their IPO showcase to hear their genre and generation defying pop sounds for yourself!
 
 

International Artists

 
Steve Moss – Game Developer by day, musician by night: Albany, NY’s Steve Moss creates an immersive exploration of lived experiences brought to life through music. Pulling inspiration from Paul McCartney, Emitt Rhodes, and the Elephant 6 Collective in his methods, Steve takes a do-it-all approach to the retro stylings of his rock albums, and his latest release, Another Go, is no exception. We look forward to welcoming him to his first IPO!