The Weeknd has been one of the most buzzed about Toronto musicians of 2011. The 21 year-old, Abel Tesfaye, self-released a triptych of albums over the year, making them available for free via his website. These prolific, progressive or post R&B tracks have rapidly garnered the attention of big players – however, the future of The Weeknd remains as illusive as the artist himself.

If staying out of the spotlight is the secret to getting hype – then The Weeknd is doing everything right. He avoids interviews, refused his invitation for the Polaris awards ceremony, and hasn’t toured much despite his fame. Tesfaye’s most recent career move has been forming an alliance with Drake called OVO XO and his inclusion on several tracks off Drake’s new album.

Tesfaye’s sound is nocturnal, smooth, dark and spaced out, next level production with self-reflexive, haunting vocals that comment on the artists hard partying lifestyle – drugs, infidelity, women, fame. These topics are nothing new, however, the way in which The Weeknd delivers conveys a melancholic, sincere and even disturbing perspective (in a David Lynch kinda way).

Lyrics commenting on the trials of fame seem to be an increasing trend in top-40 urban music, perhaps trying to shake the pretense that often goes hand in hand with the genre.  And yet, The Weeknd appears to be right up on that with an authenticity and uniqueness, offering up a fix of dreamy, narcissistic malaise that have hooked even the indie audiences.

Time will tell what is in store for this young artist, while he keeps a low profile and is groomed for the big leagues by Drake, I wonder what kind of identity and inspiration will emerge.  For now, this is the track that I can’t get out of my head – so good :

And the end of this is soooo….

I have been rapidly watching the British TV series, Misfits – it’s weirdness is addictive. A bunch of young offenders get super powers in a freak electrical storm and become unlikely heroes. But it doesn’t stop there – things get super bizarre when it turns out that they aren’t the only ones.

The characters are young 20 somethings that struggle with the stigma that is attached to them as they complete their community service, their relationships with one another, their new found powers and ultimately their identity. The protagonists are somewhat stereotypical in their representation – yet, I really have grown to like them all, even Nathan, the ‘immortal’ prick and alienated ‘invisible’ Simon. My favorite would have to be Kelly, the hard knock chav who can hear peoples thoughts.

Even though the combination of characters is somewhat predicable, the show itself is anything but – it gets increasingly strange and seemingly random. As the episodes evolve, it becomes clear that everything is connected. Science fiction motifs of time, destiny, and human nature begin to play out with these young hapless souls. The stylized shooting, good soundtrack and explicit content completes the package for an edgy and exciting series. I am hooked and anxiously awaiting the third season.

I dislike carrying a ton of cards around, so despite the promise of free things I don’t bother with bonus cards.  Punchd by Google is an app that solves that problem.

Businesses that sign up with Punchd have a specialized QR scan code and when their customers download the free app, getting your card punched is as easy as pulling out your phone.  In Toronto there are only a couple establishments that are using Punchd, Thor Espresso Bar and Burger Bar are testing the waters.  However, the key to making it worthwhile will require several establishments taking this new technology on.  In accordance with my dislike for carrying around a stack of cards, I also hate useless apps junking up my phone so I likely wouldn’t download it unless I could use it often.

A low risk incentive for businesses considering the service is that Punchd offers the service for free if you have under 50 customers using it, and goes up to $99/month for unlimited customers.  Integrated features such as social media functions, messaging and analytics are under development and promises merchants access to beneficial customer data.  As for the patron, you might get more free stuff out the deal, not such a bad idea – I hope it catches on.

The electronic music scene in Toronto goes back in time to the 80′s and a notable club called Twilight Zone, followed by a strong rave scene through the 90′s but post rave apathy came upon the early 00′s and generally indie music has dominated the local music scene ever since. However, I find the more I talk to people about house music, they confess that they too love dancing into the wee hours. Perhaps there is something brewing here?

Toronto has a few venues that regularly host electronic acts like The Government, Wrong Bar, Sound Academy, and assorted smaller venues but they all close after last call (2am) and then…? There is usually an after hours to be found, but you can pretty much guarantee a $20 cover and who knows what the music will be like or if it will be good vibes or sketchy. The Comfort Zone and Sunday afternoons at Cherry Beach are the closest this city comes to providing somewhat legal party spaces in the electronic scene.

But that hasn’t stopped Toronto from turning out some great producers, even if, arguably they play outside of the city most of time. Long time veteran, Kenny Glasgow along with John White make up Art Department – live vocals by Glasgow set to moody, dark, spaced out beats. Egyptrixx is reluctant to assign a genre to what he does but creates ‘experimental club music,’ pushing boundaries and carving new niches in the electronic world. Locally, the duo Nacho Lovers certainly know how to get some sweaty dancing going both in the studio and the club. Not to mention all the other new talent waiting in the wings of what is possibly the beginning of a renaissance. The party people are out there and if you play it, they will come.

As part of the Artscape Wychwood Barns, Singh is among many artists residing in the colony of live-work spaces there. However, none are quite like Unit 31, where you can stand on stage under a spotlight or sleep on the Murphy bed tucked out of sight. A collaboration with Berlin set designer Hendrik Scheel, Canada’s Smallest Theatre has a unique design that makes the space adaptable and functional as both a home and professional theater.

The theatre was inaugurated recently as part of Nuit Blanche, Toronto’s city wide, all-night art extravaganza. The event, “Tell YOUR Story,” invited members of the public to share the stage and amaze the audience along with other narrators including programed works of shadow puppetry, opera and live web casts. One might not guess that after the crowds have gone, Singh brushes her teeth and gets ready for bed. Singh and Scheel have transformed the reality of this humble abode into something special, fluid, and purposeful. There is more to come from this tiny magical space – you can be sure.

If you are interested in viewing you can email info@theatrelocal.ca

The word is out, Arrested Development is back! Creator Mitchell Hurwitz has confirmed that they will make 10 new episodes which will lead up to a feature film. Yessssss!

As a huge fan of the Bluth Family, I own all three seasons of Arrested Development and regularly re-watch the episodes – still so hilarious. The show won Emmy awards and developed a large cult following and yet, lasted only three seasons. I have been known to bemoan the fact that AD got such a short run – was it too crafty for it’s time? Apparently it didn’t go over very well in the ratings.

Its demise was a combination of poor time slots, high competition, and perhaps an unpalatable story line as the economy headed into a recession. Not everyone sees the humour in the struggles of the once-wealthy, dysfunctional family. Nor do they catch the subtle, or not so subtle commentaries that are woven into the story.

I for one, appreciate the witty writing, the intertexuality, the reflexive plot development and the doc-style edits (paving the way for The Office…?). It is these things make AD innovative and irreplaceable – thank goodness I’m not the only one who misses it. Usually, I am not that excited for a TV series come feature length film. It’s like the never ending episode, often the jokes fail to be funny when they get dragged out. However, I think that AD has the cult status to make an epic comeback – or are they chicken?

Socks and sandals are: a) a fashion abhorrence b) G as a mothaf*cka c) a continuing trend for women this fall?  Trade tube socks for contrasting ankle socks and Velcro straps for Italian leather and you have d) all of the above.

Socks and sandals are on all the store mannequins flaunting fall fashions.  However, in a northern climate this style seems somewhat improbable.  In the hot, humid summer when bare legs are comfortable I don’t want to wear sweaty socks when I could show off my colourful toe nails; fall weather is full of rain and cool winds making it hard for bare skin to be exposed; winter is wet, cold and all about boots; spring…forget it.  There is a very small window where one might be able to properly rock this ‘chic’ sock and sandal look.

I think it’s cute if done right – like those dressed up plastic dolls with the frilly socks sticking out of their mary janes.  But waiting for the perfect night to venture out in high heeled sandals and socks might just not come my way. I suppose that gangsters and the fashion-challenged don’t share the same problem.

I love a good cocktail. A nice, sipping drink with interesting flavors suits me well. You won’t have to twist my arm to check out Cocktail Bar on Dundas.

Previously this space was home to Hoof Cafe – known for its many incarnations of suckling pig and it’s fantastic house infused spirits and libations. This time around Cocktail Bar has the intention of letting the drinks take center stage.

Owner Jen Agg appreciates flavours and subtleties in her mixes. I recall having a basil infused drink long ago (at the Hoof Cafe) on a hot summer evening and it was pure perfection. Her signature Manhattan with house made bitters is well rounded and damn delicious. The menu is divided into brown and white cocktails, and offers up classics as well as contemporary in-house creations.

The new space has not changed drastically from Hoof Cafe but it has a different feel. From the outside it looks unassuming, The semi-opaque windows offer mystery and intimacy and a small red neon sign reading Cocktail Bar signals the right place. Inside is an apothecary of infusions – lavender gin, vanilla tequila and other ambitious concoctions. Just don’t try to order a vodka soda – you might get a look of pity.

This is very different from Toronto and I could make all kinds of contrasts and comparisons but that’s perhaps a bit trite. It’s refreshing and even liberating on some levels, that one’s measure of ‘coolness’ does not stem from following the masses. From what I know, Berliners have a history of creative anarchy, if you will – infamous for the sub-cultural energy that flows through the city. And if you give any thought to the nature of trends, as soon as it’s hot – it’s over. Perhaps Berliners know better? I can’t really say for sure.

Yet, the one thing they do love, trend or not, are canvas tote bags. Sure, they are definitely utilitarian but I’m not convinced that’s why every kid from Neukolln to Prenzlaurberg has one slung over their shoulder. Perhaps it goes with well with a Club Mate in your hand? Willkommen in Berlin!

Before the headliner, the crowd was hyped up for German rapper Retrogott – who might have even had more fans in the house then Kool Keith. He had good flow, and nice melodic production with soul. I lamented that I didn’t know what he was saying because it was well delivered and the crowd knew a lot of the lyrics. Even without comprehension the beats and vibe kept my head bobbing. I would say that my exposure to German hip hop before this was close to nothing but I was certainly impressed.

KutMasta Kurt took the stage with a classic “Funky Redneck” set to warm up the crowd for the sparkly head-wrapped Kool Keith. I was surprised that the crowd was somewhat reserved, happy to dance to the beats then get super hyped for the legend. Not what I am used to from hip hop shows in Toronto. Tracks from Dr. Octagon seemed to be the most widely known and appreciated – as well as ‘Freaks get Naked’, where I really hoped someone would throw some underwear on stage.

I couldn’t help but wonder about what gets lost in translation? Kool Keith is cryptic at the best of times – you could tell the anglophones because they got the details – and in my mind, Kool Keith is all about the fine detailed mastery of offbeat rhymes. Could it be that a lot of this was going over the heads of the audience? I barely understood a word Retrogott said, but I still enjoyed it – surely in a different way then his German fans. Despite the amazing trans lingual abilities of many Germans – I wondered if some of the finesse was lacking?

Kool Keith finished the show by practically begging women to come up on stage (strange, aren’t people usually clamouring to stand next to famous people?) and the spotlight was stolen by a random girl who really just wanted to crowd surf. A totally unexpected finale to the evening and unlike any hip hop show I have ever been to. Proust to Berlin!