IPO Toronto 2024
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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 his new rocking new full-length, prophetically titled International Smash, 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 him out!
Clockwise – Check out their most recent full-length album, This is now…and then, 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, to great reviews. Their sound is classic power pop all the way, and those in attendance at their IPO performance last year, which marked their first Toronto area show in over 2.5 decades, said “…you’d swear they were today’s latest new thing” (Dennis Pilon, PopRock Record)!
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 their IPO showcase will serve as the official release show for their sixth full-length and latest album, The Green Door! 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). 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.
Harkness – Mystically clad in visor and gown, Harkness sings, plays guitar, bass, piano and drums, and produces everything himself, wearing inspiration from musical titans such as Brian Wilson, Prince, and Todd Rundgren proudly on his sleeve. The sound is psychedelic, lush, evocative, with deeply human sonic scapes and a fresh modern pop aesthetic which calls to mind Soft Bulletin-era Flaming Lips. “Listening to Harkness I was completely blown away by his grasp of vocal harmony and arranging. His songwriting and production is some of the best I’ve heard in years” (Roger Joseph Manning Jr). Check out his 2021 opus, The Occasion, or any of his more recent singles, to hear what Mr. Manning means for yourself! Those who attend his IPO showcase are in for a visual and musical feast for the senses!
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.
Mark Malibu & The Wasagas – IPO does not typically book instrumental bands, but when they’re this much fun, we just can’t resist, and they’re back for their second straight IPO Toronto! 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 two albums and have had two #1 hits on the surf charts since reuniting and show no signs of slowing down, so come catch the wave!
Dante Matas – A singer, songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist from Toronto, who began writing music at a very young age before forming his first band at Etobicoke School of the Arts. Today, Dante combines his wide-ranging interests to make what could only be called cosmic folk pop. The songs on his latest EP, Thought Loops, bring to mind such greats as The Beatles, Todd Rundgren, and ELO. Take a listen for yourself and you’ll instantly understand why we’re very much looking forward to welcoming him to his first IPO!
Montgomery – A band formed by two Toronto kids playing music in a basement…and who’s recent Tell Me When You Die EP just happens to have some of the hookiest bouncy ‘90s-inflected radio-friendly pop around! Think Weezer meets Fountains of Wayne meets The Lemonheads…or better yet, come check them out live at their IPO showcase!
The Nines – The band who exemplify everything you love about sophisticated three-minute pop songs! Two of their previous CDs, Properties of Sound and Wonderworld of Colourful were both instant favorites, and have earned comparisons to The Beatles, Jellyfish, and ELO. The Nines have collaborated over the years with power pop artists Jason Falkner (Jellyfish, the Grays), Bleu (L.E.O), John Adams (John Cage, Neil Young), Andy Partridge (XTC), and more! Ever stretching and expanding, their latest self-titled release under the side project McKeon, is a new wave synth pop delight. We’ve been honoured to have them at IPOs in LA and New York, but are especially honoured to have them play IPO in their home town, once again!
Blair Packham – This singer/songwriter/producer/former long time vice president of the Songwriters Association of Canada may be best known to audiences as one of the guiding lights behind the late ‘80s/early ‘90s band The Jitters, but he’s a wonderful performer in his own right. His latest opus, The Impossible Dream, is being “slow released” on various streaming platforms…but don’t miss his live show; along with his very introspective tunes- he’s a great storyteller!
Sam Polley and The Old Tomorrows – Formed in downtown Toronto in 2017, Sam Polley and The Old Tomorrows draws its sound from ‘50s and ‘60s rockabilly licks, old country twang, and Motown swing, blending genres to create an upbeat boogie and groovy hooks, that make anyone listening get up and dance. Just one listen to their Time Forgot album is all it takes to become an instant fan! They’ve been sharing the music and love all over Ontario and beyond, and we can’t wait to see and hear them do their thing at IPO!
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.
SuperPsyched – Formed from the ashes of The Blue Lights, Lori, Margot, Sandy and Sue create some psychedelic fuzzy wuzzy dark and swirly loud hypnotic sounds. The name of the new project says it all! You can also see Sue in her other band, Standard Electric, who have played several IPOs over the years!
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 has a shot at being 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 and The Vixens – Van is a lifelong singer-songwriter, and active participant in Toronto’s “Beautiful Breakdowns” singer-songwriter series. Her recently released 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 earlier this year for IPO’s Liverpool and Copenhagen, and we can’t wait to see and hear her do her thing again back in her hometown!
Jaimie Vernon – Ubiquitous in Canadian pop music circles, Vernon is the leader of Mr. Mouray, with whom he played IPO Toronto last year, and many previous projects. He is also the founder of one of the best pop music labels in Canada, Bullseye Records, and one of the foremost authorities on all things Canadian music, having authored of The Canadian Pop Music Encyclopedia, a hefty two-volume treasure-trove of information about Canadian artists both well- and lesser-known. Perhaps most importantly to those who attend IPO, he’s a story-teller of Bardic proportions, and a pop-meister of the highest caliber (whether performing solo or with a band), so this is one show you will not want to miss!
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
Noelle Hannibal – An award-winning actress/singer who appeared in the film Star Trek: First Contact, she has the unique distinction of portraying the first female Vulcan on Earth. Although she is originally from LA, Noelle currently resides in Montreal where she runs her award-winning, independent theatre company, In the Wings Promotions. She also performs regularly in concerts, cabarets and musical theatre productions as well as travelling the world to appear as a guest at Comic Cons and Pop Culture events. Her latest EP, Ain’t a Tourist, produced by Grammy Award winner and past IPO performer, Scot Sax (Wanderlust, Bachelor Number One) was recorded in Nashville, TN earlier this year and is set for release in conjunction with her IPO showcase. Whether she’s doing power pop or something more R&B flavoured, one thing is certain: Noelle Hannibal’s songs will put a smile on your face!
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!!
Roscoe GT – Main man Laurence Roscoe (who played several IPOs in the early and mid-00’s as the leader of The Roscoe Project) is back, and we’re mighty glad to have him! His new power trio really rocks and helps to showcase what Roscoe does best: radio-friendly roots-rock-influenced power pop with glorious harmonies. It’s no wonder that many of their recent singles are being picked up by various stations across Canada as well as across the border in Detroit!