KRISTIN’S PLAYLIST - February 2012

Here we go… kicking off the first edition of the Playlist! A mix of local artists and beyond, we’ll be posting what we’re listening to on our Tour.

The Balconies - “Kill Count” [Listen]
This video is right up our alley - from the sequins, confetti, glitter, to the infectious “Wooooo…” it’s the perfect track to get me pumped up to hit the town. Plus, Jacquie is one of the most energetic (and best dressed) frontwomen we’ve seen, and we knew their show at Casbah this month would make for an amazingly festive celebration for Carly’s birthday party.

Jessie J - “Domino” [Listen]
Rock my world into the sunlight / Make this dream the best I’ve ever known
One of my current feel-good songs to dance around to - I will always bust a move when I hear it. I love a lot of Brit female pop stars and Jessie is one of my favourites.

Canadian Winter - “Get The Show On The Road” [Listen]
Nothing left to do but get the show on the road
When I saw the title of this song, I knew right away that it would make the playlist. When we started the Tour, I declared, “Let’s hit the road!” Avi and I got to meet and hang out with the Hamilton band this month and had a blast at their show. Making the track even more special, it was produced at Boxcar Sound by my friend Matt Montour. Update: Avi and I also got to be extras in the video for this track. Stay tuned for that!

Walk Off The Earth - “Somebody That I Used to Know” (Gotye cover) [Listen]
But I don’t wanna live that way / Reading into every word you say
The Gotye song hit me immediately when I heard it and thankfully introduced me to more of his music, but I’m going with the cover by local band WOTE. They’ve had unbelievable success with their video for it, which spawned video spoofs, a trip to visit Ellen, and a record deal. Not too shabby.

Arkells - “Michigan Left” [Listen]
What a year these hometown boys (and our fellow Mac alumni) are having! I was lucky enough to catch a solo acoustic performance by lead singer Max Kerman late last year. This whole album is great, but as the title track and current single, “Michigan Left” is making the cut.

Young Rival - “Authentic” [Listen]
Well I’ve seen the sun go down in towns that I don’t even know the names of
Another Hamilton band Avi and I got to see play and chat with this month. I love their sound; these guys are so much fun and put on an incredibly energetic live show. This track is one of my favourites of theirs and is perfectly suited to our soundtrack of road trippin’ and travelling around the city.

Gavin Slate - “Life As A Salesman” [Listen]
But I just can’t wait for all these left hand turns
I was introduced to Gavin’s music last year through the boys at Boxcar Sound. I was so impressed with his tunes right away and immediately passed them along to Avi, as I knew she would be too. His EP is already on regular rotation here, and we look forward to hearing more from him!

BOY - “Little Numbers” [Listen]
All the pretty things that we could be / I feel you in every heartbeat
I just discovered this German girl duo thanks to my new favourite website, You Me & Charlie. This track is the ultimate toe-tapper, hand-clapper, head-bobber; I can’t get enough. Seriously. Annnnd repeat.

Robyn Dell’Unto - “Astronaut” [Listen]
You’re so small, you’re just a polka dot
I first heard this song when it appeared on a local compilation, Everybody Dance Now, Vol. 6. I completely fell in love with it and have since delved into more of Robyn’s music. Lovely voice, lovely lyrics. I hope to see her play live sometime.

San Sebastian - “Say I’m Alright” [Listen]
Say I’m alright, say I’m staying
They just released a video for the third single off the Hamilton band’s much anticipated debut album. I’m so proud of these guys, I always gush every time I talk about them and their success.

Glee Cast - “We Found Love” (Rihanna cover) [Listen]
It’s the way I’m feeling, I just can’t deny / But I’ve gotta let it go
If you know me, you know I’m an unapologetic Gleek. On a recent tour stop, this song was stuck in my head all. day. long. That may be in part because I listened to a bunch of different cover versions all in a row. But I just can’t help myself. Such a catchy tune.

- Kristin