Hey there,

We just set up our new photo gallery, so look forward to tons of pictures from previous years! If you want to make any photo contributions, please email: daniela @ torontoima.com!

Thanks,
-TIMA Staff

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Four years ago marked the end of The Distillers. Their last album, “Coral Fang” released on Sire/Warner, had significant commercial success, but many were not aware that The Distiller’s performance at Holiday Havoc on Nov. 14th, 2004 was going to be their last show. Seemingly due to artistic differences, The Distillers dissolved and managed to drop Sire/Warner. Four years later, a new relationship to Queens of the Stone Age front-man Josh Homme, one little red-headed baby girl, Camille, and we now have Spinnerette; a 10-peice conglomeration consisting of a recording band and touring band, fronted by Brody Dalle. Spinnerette have recently released a 4-song EP “Ghetto Love” independently, with the help of Toronto-based SRO Management.

Now here is the Canadian kicker- It has just been announced that Spinnerette has signed to Canadian indie label Anthem Records. If you haven’t heard of Anthem, the record label was created around the legendary Canadian prog-rock recording artist Rush. Why Anthem? Turns out they couldn’t find a label to sign them in the US, go figure.

It was announced that Spinnerette would be performing their first three shows in the Los Angeles area. Not wanting to miss their first couple shows, I went with friends to go check them out at Spaceland in Los Angeles on Oct 30th. The venue reminded me of the Bovine but bigger with a giant smoking lounge. The first few bands on stage were respectable, and there was a DJ spinning tunes in the back room. As the room began to fill-up, it became apparent that this wasn’t just a regular gig. Brody’s seat across the bar was taken up by Kat Von D, I passed Julian from the Strokes on the stairs and literally bumped in to Josh Homme on the way to the bathroom, where I proceeded to shit myself. This was a real NME pretend-not-to-notice-who-is-around-you-and-try-not-to-crap-your-pants-gig.

When Spinnerette hit the stage, Brody was visibly nervous, apologized to the crowd, humbly claiming that gig was “just practice”, but as soon as they kicked into the first couple songs, it became apparent that this wasn’t just a practice gig. One Chord Wonder punk melodies have been translated to sexy bass lines, interjected by 70s psychedelic-esque guitar parts performed by Tony Bevilacqua and guitarist Bryan Tulao. Lyrical stunners like “Valium Knights” explores the ostensible relationship between JFK/Marilyn Monroe. Cool songs like rhythm-heavy “Bury My Heart” are undeniably catchy. “Distorting A Code” is probably the most audibly interesting on the EP, infiltrated by wispy vocals and hauntingly distorted guitar. New bassist Nicole Fiorentino, formerly Veruca Salt, is spectre-like on stage, and an absolute sweetheart off… and don’t worry Distillers fans, Brody still has enough grit in her voice to rip your face off, while smiling (I.e. “Sex Bomb“).

Sex Bomb from their first show in Santa Barbara:

Here is some video footage of “Valium Knights” we took for you to enjoy:

It’s looking like a whole new indie scene for Toronto in 2009. With bands like Fucked Up and Spinnerette looking like they are going to blow-up Canada and re-assemble the little pieces left over, maybe the damn high-hat jingle beat that perpetuates popular Canadian indie music is finally dead.

Look out for the new Spinnerette CD this coming February (tentative). Spinnerette are currently touring in the UK, check out their website for details.

Ellen Drake founder of The Big Schmooze, close friend of the TIMAs, has put together a fantastic new website for her company and has an upcoming seminar for musicians. Check out:

DOWNLOAD THIS…A thought provoking and Illuminating discussion on the rapidly Shifting Paradigm in Today’s Music Climate

Topics include:

• Is there actually more opportunity for musicians even though few are being developed and signed by Major Labels?

• Has internet radio/You Tube/My Space levelled the playing field for indie artists and songwriters?

• Is paying for music a thing of the past?

• Is playing live & touring still a great option for growing your audience?

• Is there a market for your music outside the country while remaining reletively unknown inside Canada?

Panel:

John Capek - Hit Songwriter for Rod Stewart, Diana Ross, Joe Cocker, Cher,Toto, Chicago, Olivia Newton-John, Little River Band, Heart, Patti Austin and Mannhaten Transfer.

Richard Flohil - Renowned publicist/promoter k.d. Lang, Serena Ryder, B.B. King, Loreena McKennitt and many more

David Click Cox – A&R Universal Music, President of CLK Creative Works

Bob Segarini - Legendary Broadcaster AKA The Ice Man, Q107 and Serious Satellite Radio, now producer of inernet radio station Radio That Doesnt Suck!

Date: Friday January 23rd 2009

Time: 7pm sharp

Where: 925 Bloor St. West, Long & McQuade Music Store (upstairs in big seminar room)

How Much? $10.00 or Free with Schmooze Membership

Why? Schmooze your face off, have a blast, learn about the music industry!

NEW WEBSITE: http://www.bigschmooze.ca

We would like to welcome  you to our kick-ass new website. This new website allows us to easily upload cool photos, press clips, videos and keep you updated on TIMA 2009 announcements.

The TIMA staff are working hard to put together sponsorship for 2009, as well as some of our raddest opportunities and prizes yet for applicants. To mark our five year achievement, we will also be launching a new award ceremony platform and “Best Live” showcase series.

So many of you send us your CDs and newsletter updates, that the TIMA staff has decided to also make the front page of our website a music based blog, which will be covering announcements and shows from your favorite past TIMA winners/ nominees and also music news that we feel is relevant.

Thanks for visiting and check back often for updates!

-Daniela Oliva

Producer and Founder