Hey Everyone,

Just wanted to send you a reminder that there are only 9 days left to apply for the Home and Native Sound Series. The deadline is March 30th @ 5PM, 2011. Applicants will be competing in 3 categories: HNSS – Acoustic, HNSS – Electric, HNSS – Urban for a $15,000 prize package (each category) and a performance slot at the upcoming Toronto Independent Music Awards at the Phoenix Concert Theater in Toronto, Ontario. You are guaranteed am opportunity to showcase.

Click HERE for the application information.

UPCOMING HNSS SHOWCASE:
Wed. March 23rd, 2011 – *Mixed Genre Showcase, Pop/Alt Rock/Instrumental
@ The Central, Performances start at 8PM, feat:
Crystal Journey
Stephanie Braganza
Dirty Maria
Hello Bella

Thanks!

-TIMA/HNSS TEAM

Tonight is IT! It’s the last night of Canadian Music Fest. Did you let CMF win? Well, if it didn’t and you’re still up for another great show, here are Exec. Producer Daniela Oliva’s top venue picks for tonight!

VENUE PICK 1 – The Horseshoe
It’s the CMF Closing Party at the ‘shoe featuring The Dirty 9s from Ireland, Rival Boys, The Pack A.D. from Vancouver off Mint Records, The Schomberg Fair, RatTails. I would say the closing party is a good opportunity to get in your last chance to network and catch some awesome sets!

VENUE PICK 2 – Sneaky Dees
So you’ve had your acoustic/pop/indie rock fun, make the last day of CMF epic with some serious punk rock at Sneaks. Sorry, but Toronto’s punk scene is dead with the exception of occasional 77′ punk gig at Cadillac Lounge or Fucked Up… yeah, that’s pretty much it BUT you won’t be sorry if you catch Brutal Youth, Skullians, Machine Gun Dolly, Dead City Citizens and The Rebel Spell.

in other news – don’t forget, Janet Jackson also playing tonight!

That’s it, Canadian Music Week and Canadian Music Fest is over, time for SXSW!

Hey Everyone,

I couldn’t put together a video blog for you today because I’m losing my voice! However, as promised I’ve put together my top venue picks for:

SATURDAY MARCH 12, 2011

VENUE 1 – Canadian Room, Royal York Hotel: The Indie Awards featuring: Desperate Union, Hannah Georgas, Bombay Bicycle Club, Hollerado, Shad, Janelle Monae. WHY?: The Indie Awards are pretty cool. You get to root for your favorite artists AND in the past, each band has performed 2 songs, that means you get a great preview of up-and-coming artists. If you didn’t get a chance to catch Bombay Bicycle Club last night they are a MUST! and if didn’t see Janelle Monae perform on the Grammys, now is your chance. Plus Shad, Hannah, Hollerado – badass.

VENUE 2 – Drake Underground: If you want to stay at one venue, the Paquin Agency has the most solid and cohesive line up tonight with Del Barber, excellent singer/songwriter, the legendary Fred Penner, remember The Cat Came Back?, Wool on Wolves – my favorite band on the bill, Carmen Townsend +MORE.

HOWEVER, honourable mentions to:
2+2 Management Showcase at El Mocambo, first up is Alcoholic Faith Mission from Denmark, if you didn’t get a chance to catch them earlier in the week, DOO IT! Trust us. Piper Davis is a serious stand-out and then the electro-dance party starts with MADRID and the Kidstreet.

Previous TIMA winners performing tonight:
Rehan Dalal, TIMA 09/10 winner of “Best Adult Contemporary” performing at Bread and Circus 9PM as part of the Factor Breakthrough Series.

Marshall Dane, TIMA 2008 winner of “BEST LIVE – Electric” performing at Cadillac Lounge 12AM as part of KX96 Country FM

The MacHams, TIMA 09/10 winners of “BEST LIVE – Electric” performing at The Piston 9PM, CMF Showcase

….don’t forget, Janet Jackson, Pap Roach, Buckcherry, Die Mannequin, Down with Webster all performing tonight!!

-Daniela Oliva

It’s Friday night! Day 3 of Canadian Music Fest. You have some tough gig choices. Exec. Producer, Daniela Oliva helps you narrow your schedule down!

Had a great time last night at CMF? Exec. Producer Daniela Oliva gives you her top venue picks for Day 2 of Canadian Music Fest!