Owen Pallett aka Final Fantasy

Toronto native, Owen Pallett, released his new album Heartland this month. It’s the first album released under his own name (Owen was formerly known as Final Fantasy – a name change was in order after much legal wrangling with the 80s game makers).

But no matter what he goes by, the local boy has made yet another original and creative album this time incorporating a full orchestra of strings and brass instruments into his usual vocals and sampled violin sounds. His last show as Final Fantasy was a sell out when he played earlier this year at Toronto’s Mod Club and I’m looking forward to seeing Owen play his “coming out as Owen Pallett” show in April at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre.

Toronto’s up-and-coming, Diamond Rings opened for Final Fantasy at his Mod Club show and provided a good kick off to the evening. The group are definitely a name to follow if midi keyboards and melodramatic lyrics are your thing. Check out John O’s video.

Another up-and-coming Toronto group to listen for are Bonjay. The duo (Producer Pho and vocalist Alana Stuart) have taken over dance floors with their soul, hip-hop and dance hall sound.