Canada’s highly anticipated music week is here with its best line up yet. The 36th annual Canadian Music Week (CMW) will turn the city into a creative and artistic hub for the next week. This festival is a chance for musicians from all over the world to collide with their fans and industry representatives here in Toronto. The events run from Monday May 7th – Sunday May. 13th with over 30 live music venues, guest speakers and over 100 shows to attend throughout the day or night.
Fans can expect a variety of music ranging from rock to hip hop to classical artists while making their way through the different shows in the city. We’ve rounded up some highlights for what you can expect at this year’s festival.
Artists to Look Out for at CMW 2018
Lolo Zouaï
This French-American artist has been succeeding against all odds. From her first attempt to get started in the music industry in L.A that quickly turned dark, she relocated to NYC and continued to make a mix of classical and alternative music. Lolo’s first single “High Highs and Low Lows” which released in 2017 received half a million plays on Spotify. Her newest track ‘Brooklyn Love” encompasses her original sound and style.
Date: Monday May 7th
Venue: Drake Underground
Location: 1150 Queen St. West
Eden Warsaw
This alternative Toronto band has established a strong reputation amongst the Canadian music scene and beyond. Eden Warsaw mixes rock and the bands multicultural background to make music that has landed them radio and magazine features. Their latest single “Somebody Tell Me” is climbing the rock and pop charts.
Date: Saturday May 12th
Venue: Hard Luck Bar
Location: 772A Dundas St W
Chippy Nonstop
This is not your usual DJ. Chippy has an edgy and chopped sound that is has been taking over the underground Toronto scene. After being deported from America, the artist has been claiming her way back into the music scene by collaborating with various artists and creating a unique sound.
Date: Thursday May 10th
Venue: Mod Club
Location: 722 College St
Click here for the full line up of shows at CMW 2018
CMW 2018 Highlights
This festival is not only limited to music. Industries ranging from tech to media will be present to cover and encourage innovation throughout the week. The conference events kick off on Wednesday morning with a AR/VR digital media conference titled Magnify World aiming to show fans a whole different music experience while exposing them to marketing and alternative brands. This is a great way for people to explore how social media trends will influence music and how they can get involved in the creation.
This will be followed by the Live Music Industry Awards on Friday hosted by Paul Shaffer. Various artists including Arcade Fire and Billy Talent will be receiving their awards. There is also the highly anticipated free show in the city’s center at Young and Dundas Square featuring the Canadian indie-rock band Sloan. This performance will highlight their legendary music and help support their 12th album release.
The music summit has organized a renowned panel to include interviews and workshops lead by Laura Pearce, head of consumer marketing at Twitter Canada, Jason Flom, President of Lava Records and legendary producer Nile Rodgers to name a few. The fans will be given the opportunity to ask questions and participate in leading discussions. It will be a hub of people who will share and introduce ideas will speaking on the current landscape of Canada’s music industry.
The Radio Interactive event also holds its own panel. These experts which include Caroline Beasley, Chief Executive Officer of Beasley Media Group and Nashville radio host Bobby Bones, who will weigh in on how broadcasting continues to play a vital role to the music industry. This will be followed by the Canadian Radio Music Awards on Wednesday and will highlight the best broadcasters, personalities as well as first-time charting artists awards.
The IHeartRadio Fanfest held at Rebel Nightclub starts on Friday at 7:00 p.m. and includes the following line-up:
DVBBS
French Montana
Marianas Trench
Belly
Shawn Hook
Rai Mae
Tyler Shaw
Allie X
Alx Veliz
Elijah Wood x Jamie Fine
2 Chainz
Murda Beats
CMDWN
For a full list of the artists, click here.
The Toronto Venues
The week is spread all over the city. Not only do you get to interact with musicians but you also get to see a different side of Toronto. The venues which will be featured most include The Drake Underground, Supermarket, Rebel, Opera House, The Mod Club and The Velvet Underground.
To check out the full Canadian Music Week schedule, click here.
