by Tiana Feng

For those looking for some classic style rock n’ roll, Toronto’s Glass Ampp play the Velvet Underground tonight at 11pm. Stream their new EP Half Empty below.

by Tiana Feng

I recognized Mac DeMarco immediately as the dude from Makeout Videotape, a band I had seen play last year’s NXNE hipster party on a roof. Not sure what warranted the name change, perhaps a lineup change, but they played songs that were both new and part of his previous project. The frontman embodied the same kind of hillbilly ridiculousness I remembered and had fun on stage with his mates. Even though the bassist forgot how to play some songs, it somehow seemed part of the act. There were solos from every member (even the drummer) and their set was so much fun, I didn’t mind if I would see them later again at the boat party. Their sound is glam rock without the glam (almost the opposite even). It’s not what you would expect if you saw their crossdresser looking Bandcamp page.

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By Sweet Sound of Sunrise

Thursday nights are a good time to be at the Orbit Room – specifically, the last Thursday of every month. Live music regularly draws a crowd to this upstairs bar, which would almost be hidden from passersby if it weren’t for the sign out on the sidewalk. In fact, I almost walked past it two nights ago when I went to see what has easily been my favourite musical discovery of the year.

Meet Pretzel Logic, a collection of career musicians – all of them impressive in their own right – who come together every few weeks to play some Steely Dan songs in what their website calls their “labour of love.” And the audience, mostly (and inevitably) comprised of the middle-aged, loves every minute of it. Continue Reading

by Tiana Feng

From Vancouver BC, No Island is a something little different for your Friday. Their music is a smooth jazz rock that is ornamented with saxophones. Check out the track Sign of Times off their latest EP of the same name.
No Island- Sign of the Times
Website

by Tiana Feng

Sun Wizard will be releasing their debut album on March 29, 2011. They’re a group that is very heavily influenced by classic rock. If you love some Tom Petty, you’d probably dig this track. The group will be making two appearances at Canadian Music Week. Click here for dates and tickets.
Sun Wizard- World’s Got a Handle

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MYSPACE

by Tiana Feng

From Texas Gary Clark Jr. graces us with his classic rock sound wrapped with blues guitar riffs and soulful warm vocals. Bright Lights comes off his self-titled EP of last year. Since then he has performed with Eric Clapton, was featured and on Sheryl Crow’s 100 Miles from Memphis and just signed with Warner Brothers.
Gary Clark Jr.- Brights Lights
MYSPACE|WEBSITE

by Tiana Feng
Welcome to this week’s MUSIC FROM COMMERCIALS! Didn’t get too many requests this week because I assume you’re all still recovering from New Years. Submit your requests for next week at tiana.feng@ridethetempo.com or promote your own music in a commercial.
Bing
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dx9Cmp6qQzY]
Chris Montez- Let’s Dance

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Ralph Lauren
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s4SMAJtns4k]
One Republic- Secrets

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Adidas
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NrV8qW4SUR0]
Donnis- Gone

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