Following on from my overview of Toronto’s CMW for 2014, a review of Broods and a bunch of interviews, photo galleries and tour diaries, it’s finally time to get to more of the Australian music at the event. But honestly, I saw too much great Australian music in too little time. Out of the 26 Australian artists in attendance, I managed to catch 15 of them… sometimes only briefly. So, I’m delivering some bite-size reviews! So, alphabetically, here are my thoughts for the next five, from Lili Kendall to Mia Dyson!
L is for Lili Kendall
Where? Beat Pie at Czehoskis (678 Queen St. W)
When? 9th May 2014.
Poppy and radio friendly, accompanied by a two piece on the cajon and the guitar, Lili Kendall is a 16 year old with incredible vocal talent beyond her years. You would have never guessed her age, and honestly I was shocked when I was told. “Move” was a highlight of a set that showcased a star in the making.
L is for Lyon Apprentice
Where? Sound Gallery at Marriott Lounge (535 Bay St.)
When? 8th May 2014.
This three piece – a side project of sorts for the brothers from Fairchild – bring forth intimate, yet anthemic tunes. Quite layered, too, considering it’s just keys, guitars and drums. They switch up positions throughout the set as they churned through tracks such as the stunning “Be Careful” and the rockin’ “Castles in the Sky”. A keyboard death caused a bit of difficulties for the group at the end of the set, but they powered through and impressed the crowd. “I Will Find You” closed out the show.
M is for Ma Petite (PICTURED)
Where? Sound Gallery at Marriott Lounge (535 Bay St.)
When? 8th May 2014.
It was just a girl and her guitar against a tough crowd by this stage in a room that was essentially a bar, but Indiana Avent – stage name Ma Petite – nonetheless impressed with tracks from her debut record The Road that Led Me to Fall. Highlights included “Lonesome”, “Winter Wind” and “I Like That You Like Books”. That said, I look forward to the time I can see her in a quieter setting – her music is worth the attention. If you’d like to give it some (and you should) you can listen to it and buy the music HERE.
M is for Marta Pacek
Where? Sound Gallery at Marriott Lounge (535 Bay St.)
When? 8th May 2014.
It was a similar story for Marta as it was for Ma Petite – but with a bit more of a high energy country vibe to her tunes, she was able to drown out the background noise a little more successfully. Opening with “The Hunted”, she was stunning on her guitar, and the sensibility of her music reminded me of some of the best moments of Laura Marling. A wonderful set, and top marks for the inclusion of the harmonica.
M is for Mia Dyson
Where? The Aussie BBQ at Horseshoe Tavern
When? 10th May 2014.
Ah, Mia Dyson. As Tim Rogers would go on to call her later in the night at the Aussie BBQ – “She is Greatness! She is the Last Gunslinger in Town!”. I liked that, and I’m sure she did too. But she rocked it, and the praise was well deserved, as she packed out the venue with her three piece band. “When We’re Older” was an easy highlight. What a solid, well polished song. The track comes off her fifth full length record, which is released in Australia next Friday (June 6th)! And judging by the tracks we heard in Toronto, we’re all in for a treat with Idyllwild…
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Want more? Part one of this series is HERE. Stay tuned for part three!
