MICHAEL NATALE, WRITER SELECTS:
Beach House @ The Kool Haus - October 13, 2012
Dream pop darlings Beach House may have a recluse aura about them, but their attention grabbing stage presence will thrust you to another plane entirely. Touring newly released third album Bloom, the indie band’s October show at the Kool Haus delivered a transcendental experience any spiritually minded hipster could brag about. [Full Review]

Diamond Rings @ The Mod Club - November 29, 2012
Cutting it close to the end of the year, this show snuck its way onto the list. However, sneaking is not something Diamond Rings performer John O’Regan would likely do very well, given his glam-pop façade is anything but subtle. Playing hits from his 90s dance inspired new album Free Dimensional, this show brought the ecstatic enjoyment of one’s freedom of self through waves of camped-out fashion and performance. [Full Review]

MISHA KOTOK, WRITER SELECTS:
Sum 41 @ The Phoenix - November 8, 2012
Does this look infected 10th anniversary: Any and every Sum 41 fan that had the good fortune of getting a ticket for the relatively small scale show at the Phoenix Amphitheatre could not have been more pleased with both the bands set list as well as their energy and overall performance. [See Photos]

The Still Reckless Tour @ Sound Academy - April 1, 2012
The only lackluster part of this show was Asking Alexandria’s careless performance. However, everything leading up to them could not have been more perfect. With The Amity Affliction as the starters, the crowd was drawn in within seconds and their attention was not diverted due to unbelievable performances by I See Stars, Motionless in White, and Trivium. 

KATLYN FLEDDERUS, WRITER SELECTS:
Childish Gambino @ Echo Beach - July 31, 2012
To explain how epic and just how amazing Donald Glover is live, I will quote my red-headed roomate when she said  "for 21-years, I felt incomplete, but alas I have found my soul at Childish Gambino"

The Bright Light Social Hour @ Danforth Music Hall - October 24, 2012
This is a 4-piece rock band from Texas that look and sound like rockstars. What makes them stand out above the rest is the fact that they have three lead singers that harmonize like angels. Even more was the fact that they sound just like their album live, if not better, and AJ can hit notes that Adele would be jealous of. I was completely engulfed in their sound and I had chills for weeks as I was instantly turned into an uber-fan.

REBECKA CALDERWOOD, WRITER SELECTS:
The Black Keys & Arctic Monkeys @ Air Canada Centre - March 14, 2012
The Arctic Monkeys opening act was perfect. They played a diversity of songs from many albums and kept the energy high to introduce The Black Keys. There wasn't a low point in the whole show. The lighting was engaging and the performance was electrifying, ending with a spinning disco ball in the centre of the arena brightly lit to sparkle on the audience.

Ellie Goulding & Nightbox @ Sound Academy - October 14, 2012
Nightbox brought lots of energy to build the crowd up for Ellie. When she came on her emotion ran through the crowd. With her intensity at hitting the drum and drawn out voice going on for days, it was hard to stay in one spot. Then taking her top off nearing the end of the show was a crowd pleaser sending the audience in a rage. And, crying thanks to her Toronto fans was the bittersweet moment that made everyone in the room melt at her praises. [Full Review & Photos]

JOEY PORPIGLIA, MEDIA COORD. SELECTS:
The Gaslight Anthem @ Opera House - July 16, 2012
How could I ever forget the first time I saw my favourite band live, let alone at a venue as iconic as the Opera House. The New Jersey natives went through an amazing 26 song setlist at a fun and energetic pace filled with songs from back in the days of Sink Or Swim to even an amazing 'Baba O'Reiley' cover.  In my history of going to shows I had never seen a band having that much fun playing a show, I myself even joined in moshing and crowd surfing to my favourite songs. [Gaslight Anthem Photos]

A Day To Remember @ Air Canada Centre - May 10, 2012
The Ocala, Florida natives made it known very quickly that they were meant to play arenas.  Jeremy McKinnon & Co. put on one hell of a performance opening for Rise Against on their first Toronto arena show.  The band pulled out all the stops from beach balls & toilet paper tossing, a t-shirt cannon, and even a giant bubble in which frontman McKinnon ran around in on top of the crowd during 'Homesick'.  The band fully accomplished their job as an opener that night in hyping up the crowd for headliners Rise Against and with no disappointment continued to prove why the Pop punk & hardcore infused 5-some are one of the most talked about bands around.

CANDICE MCHUGH, MARKETING SELECTS:
Silversun Pickups @ Edgefest 2012 - July 14, 2012
Not only was Edgefest 2012 a packed music festival day filled with the beating sun and cold beer, it was a day to showcase some of the very talented artists we get to listen to on the daily! I have been a long time fan of the Silversun Pickups and was most looking forward to their set on the main stage. It was 100+ degrees when they finally hit the stage and I guess they figured beer consumption was really the only logical way to stay cool. I was impressed that despite the fact the band seemed to be half in the bag, they somehow managed to hold it all together, and got through their set. The sheer entertainment of this performance put this one on my best fests list!

A Silent Film @ The Rivoli - August 29, 2012
First and foremost this show was the most memorable for 2012 because it was the celebration of our 2 year anniversary here at livemusicTO!  Who better to celebrate the growing success of a live music venture then a group of talented upbeat piano-driven alt rock Brits! Although I’m still partial to their first album The City That Sleeps, since it was where I truly fell in love with the band, Sand and Snow follows close behind. Featuring songs from both albums, A Silent Film played an energized, intimate set with an impressive vocal performance from lead singer Robert Stevenson. With a packed house of amazing LMTO supporters, our anniversary show reinforced to all of us that we were in store for another phenomenal year here at livemusicTO!

CHELSEA MCCORMICK, WRITER SELECTS:
Theory of a Deadman & Big Wreck @ GM Centre - November 30, 2012
Canadian talent never fails to impress me. Especially when a band sounds almost identical live in comparison to the studio recorded and mastered versions. With TOAD playing their first single from 2002, to their most recent singles that still have such a catchy rhythm that gets the crowd going. Big Wreck was the most exciting part for me, personally. I’m a big fan of Thornley – especially Ian Thornley alone. His voice is so raw and perfectly imperfect. Probably one of the highlights of this year, without a doubt.

Glamour Kills Tour 2012 @ Annex Wreckroom - March 14, 2012
This show was so much fun. I was most excited to see Transit, though. Don’t get me wrong; the other bands were amazing to watch. Polar Bear Club got the crowd so pumped. Into It. Over It. played a nice acoustic set. Transit was perfection, and they have so much fun with what they do. I vaguely remember the guitarist pointing out that it was Joe’s birthday, as well. Correct me if I’m wrong. The Wonder Years was full of energy, and it’s probably the best part of a tour when they have the fans screaming lyrics back to them.

KATHLEEN MCGOURAN, WRITER SELECTS:
Tool @ Air Canada Centre - January 25, 2012
Even though they haven’t released an album in 10 years, they can still easily sell out an arena. Aside from being inarguably the most visually stunning and artful show of the year, the music was as spot on and amazing as it is on any of their albums with the added benefit of extended solos and sampling. It was a haunting and ethereal experience––and that’s without opiates.

Jack White @ Sony Centre - October 5, 2012
The White Stripes aren’t around anymore so, of course, Jack White solo is the next best thing. Or, possibly, better. White is a natural showman with his stage banter and hearing the tracks of his first solo album Blunderbuss played live is an absolute treat. Not to mention, of course, hearing the better part of the White Stripes catalogue performed with an interesting Nashville influence that White has adopted. Also, White’s aversion to setlists kept the audience––as well as his touring band (it was the girls that night)––constantly on their toes.

MATT KLOPOT, PHOTOGRAPHER SELECTS:
North by Northeast 2012
The 5 day festival that stretches the length of Toronto each year was something of a blur for me, but was still one of the greatest weeks of my life. I didnt sleep much, I ate a lot of fast food, and was basically fueled by RedBull, but I had an absolute blast! I ran around the city every night until the wee hours of the morning ducking in and out of venues, then I would come home, edit until the sun came up, and catch a few Z's until it was time to do it all over again. I shot a total of 15 bands at 10 different venues in 5 days. [See Photosets]

Warped Tour 2012
The day started late, I scrambled to get to the venue, ran around trying to find a schedule, and then began shooting. Just as my 2nd band of the day hit the stage, the skies opened up and it started to pour. As the crowd scattered, a roadie I had befriended between sets grabbed me and another photographer and pulled us into a trailer where all of the roadies, a few bands, and some more media were camping out. We hung out, laughed, drank, and enjoyed ourselves while we waited out the water. When the weather finally started to subside, we all went back to work, and I had the opportunity to shoot some of my favourite bands, including Taking Back Sunday, New Found Glory and Pierce The Veil. [See Photos]

JUSTIN KWAN, TALENT COORD. SELECTS:
Billy Talent @ Horseshoe Tavern - October 30, 2012 (Secret Show) 
There is nothing like seeing a band that usually plays in an arena do their thing in a venue that fits 300 people. Nothing says Toronto like a sweaty club show from one of Canada's biggest bands in the last 10 years.

Neverending White Lights @ El Mocambo - November 21, 2012
Daniel and Co. brought the goods to a sold out livemusicTO Holiday Kick-Off Party. We partied hard, got drunk and we can't help be a little bias.

MATT VARDY, EDITOR SELECTS:
Coldplay @ Air Canada Centre - July 23, 2012
Coldplay took Toronto by storm in the way only such a supergroup can, on the first of a two-night scheduled appearance here in the city. Smearing the ACC with their trademark sing-along dance-along heart-felt songs, fluorescent Xylo Myloto-inspired confetti and wristbands -- they totally brought the stadium and loyal crowd to life -- and we were fortunately there to capture it all! [See Photos]

The Flaming Lips @ Dundas Square - June 16, 2012
The crowd at Yonge & Dundas grew exponentially throughout the day during NXNE when word spread of the Radiohead show cancellation due to a deadly stage collapse. As a result, The Flaming Lips had downtown Toronto in the palm of their hand -- thousands of people flocked to the area to see the band play on this warm summer night, the anticipation was so thick in the air you could cut it with a knife. I've never seen our streets packed so full of people all out of love for great music, and despite the crowds there didn't seem to be a single act of violence. People were literally everywhere, climbing lamp posts and retail store signs to get a better view of the band. It was truly a sight to see, and their performance was top notch.

Mississauga native Robyn Dell’Unto first took the stage in Hamilton, ON supporting Canadian beauties like Basia Bulat, Jill Barber and Melissa McClelland in between psychology classes at McMaster University. By 2009, she had inked a deal with Orange Lounge/inDiscover in Toronto and took to crafting her debut LP. Produced by Adam King (Cider Sky), Daryn Barry (Hayden) and Bob Doidge (Ani DiFranco), ‘I’m Hear Every Night’ flaunts the depth, breadth and playful sparkle of a newcomer with undeniable lasting potential.

In the months to follow, Dell’Unto’s songs were featured on MuchMusic’s Degrassi, CBC’s Being Erica, Disney’s Harriet The Spy and CMT’s Unstable and ER Vets as well as Canadian film fest favourites Unrivaled (dir. Warren P. Sonoda) and An Insignificant Harvey. She “crashed” the 2010 Junos in St. John’s, Newfoundland as a correspondent for Bell Sympatico and was interviewed over the course of one year as the subject of The Robyn Dell’Unto Story, a hilarious and touching “making of” subsequently featured on indiscover.net. The singer struts through downtown Toronto in a giant yellow bird suit in her debut music video for single “Just A Bird,” holding several months rotation on MuchMusic/MuchMoreMusic.

‘I’m Here Every Night’ continues to garner praise from fans and critics alike, securing airtime on CBC Radio, Sirius Satellite Radio, U.S. college radio and public radio across the globe, including 30 weeks in South Africa’s Algoa FM top 10. Her haunting single ‘Ghost’ napped an OurStage Grand Prize in May 2011 and her striking live performance earned her top prize at Ottawa Bluesfest’s ‘She’s The One’ competition sponsored by EZ Rock 99.7. Dell’Unto is currently in the studio working on her second full-length currently penned for a February 2013 release. 

See Mary Stewart perform live on January 4, 2012 @ The Rivoli alongside Gavin Slate! Tickets on sale now!

lmTO: When did you first get into music and why?
I first started singing when I was a child taking voice and piano lessons. It wasnt until my early teens, that I became active in it. I grew up in a church where I was very involved musically. It was from there I began writing my own music and realized that was what I wanted to do with my life.

lmTO: What inspires your song writing process?
I'm inspired by people, circumstances and different life situations. I can only write what is truly on my heart.  When I'm moved, whether it be in a heartbreaking way or a happy way - I write.

lmTO: What have been some of your biggest accomplishments so far?
I wrote a Christmas single 2 yrs. ago that made it to radio across Canada. I was asked to come and sing the song entitled "It's Christmas" on Breakfast televsion shortly after. Both were a great experience for me.  

lmTO: What is your favourite song to perform live, and why?
I am releasing a single called "Breaking Down" Jan. 15th. When I wrote this song, I was in a very broken place.  When I perform it, I seem to get lost in the emotion of it. Brings me to another place - which isn't nessicarly a great place, but it's a place where I can just be me, and let my heart show.

lmTO: How would you describe your fans? Any favourite fan moments to date?
My fans are unbelievable. They're faithful and encouraging. When I see my fans faithfully showing up to my shows, it keeps me wanting to put my best efforts forth - for them. 

lmTO: What are you most looking forward to in 2013?
Lots!  I have a new single being released on Itunes and some radio stations Jan. 15th this coming year. Following that I have a video being mapped out ...then of course the release of my album in March. I havent put out new music that represents me in close to 4 years (Other than some fun Christmas Music) So I'm stoked to show the world what I'm made of and what I can do. It's definitely going to be a year to remember.

lmTO: What is your favourite venue to play or see a band play in Toronto?
I loved playing the Drake hotel. It's got a cool vibe. 

lmTO: Where is your favourite spot in the city to hangout as a musician?
I wouldnt say I have a favorite, I'm always finding new spots in the city where I can catch some live music or try some new food.

lmTO: If there's one band in the world you'd love to share the stage with, who would it be and why?  
The Fray. They're my absolute favorite band- the way they write, play and perform just blows me away. They're melodies, hook lines and sound is certainly something I look up to as a musician.

lmTO: When can people see you play next? And for people seeing you play live for the first what can they expect?
I'm playing next at the Hard Luck Bar on December 29th [Tickets and info HERE]. Then in the new year at Statlers bar on Church st. Dec. 6th. They can expect lots of heart and an amazing performance. I promise I won't disappoint. 

“Channel Orange” by Frank Ocean

Channel Orange is an album that should be on everyone’s 2012 list for its start-to-finish appeal. Ocean has an uncanny knack for soulful storytelling that traverses issues of status, drugs, and sexuality, all while sampling popular cultural motifs. Plus- his voice ain’t terrible neither. [Full Review]

“Kiss” by Carly Rae Jepsen

Ms. Jepsen’s Justin Beiber / Marianah’s Trench connections aside, all the stops were pulled out on her sophomore (say, what?!) album, Kiss. Developing her own audience and appeal is understandable given the massively addicting content of the disc that is sure to propel her from one-hit-wonder status to Canada’s pop sweetheart. [Full Review]

"The Secrets to Life" by At The Skylines

Easily the most vocally perfect example of post-hardcore in an extremely long time, At The Skylines first album exceeded fan expectations. Though vocals were the corner stone of the album, the overall flow, lyrics, and instrumentals make this a masterpiece that can constantly be revisited as an example of what bands in the scene should be striving for.

"Chapters" by Adestria

With influences from bands such as In Fear and Faith and Casino Madrid, Adestria pulled through and pushed everything they had into this album. With a wide range of tracks – causing listeners emotions to vary from an empathetically sadness to anger with the industry, this is undoubtedly a top choice for 2012. 

"Celebration Rock" by Japandroids

This was just one of those albums you can't stop listening too because you can't believe how good it is. I also love it for the fact that they put this album out for their friends because they were going to hang up the sticks and unplug the cord, and then it turned out to be a HUGE hit. Going from 'meh' to 'ahyeah!' puts a smile on my face.

"2nd Law" by Muse

I've been a fan of Muse for quite some time and honestly, they're plain and simply musical geniuses. They continue to put out good music as well as put on ridiculously amazing live shows. Muse goes places no one seems to be able to go - that and Matthew Bellamy's voice can soothe any crying baby instantly.

"Babel" by Mumford & Sons

I waited for this one and it was so worth it. They're even more vibrant and established as a group in their second album, Babel. Lurking in your mind is Mumford and Sons' high-pitched cry and fierce plucking strings. To complete this intricacy, they finish with a cover of "The Boxer," featuring Jerry Douglas and Paul Simon. There isn't any other way to describe the soul heard here; bliss.

"Halcyon" by Ellie Goulding

She took a big jump from her first album and really tried a new approach to cater to herself, as an artist, and to her fans, as the listener. All aspects are covered in Halcyon, from the passion in "I Know You Care" to the vitality in "Anything Could Happen." Her voice, agh, it's so infecting you don't hear it, you feel it. [Full Review]

"Handwritten" by The Gaslight Anthem

Handwritten will be seen as the album that brought this band to the top of the rock world.  Every song on the album seems to have come from deep inside Brian Fallon’s heart and who can complain about a sound comparable to ‘The Boss’ (Bruce Springsteen) with a more punk edge.

"A Flash Flood of Colour" by Enter Shikari

The British foursome came out swinging in 2012 with their much-anticipated Hopeless Records debut and made one of the most original albums in recent years.  I dare you to find a band on this planet that mix’s Metal, Hardcore, Electronica, & Dubstep with political and human rights lyrics and makes it sound this good.

"The Karma Album" by Futures

These dapper yet slightly disheveled British boys received critical acclaim and built a massive fan base, while remaining unsigned for the release debut album The Holiday in 2010. Unfortunately while trying to avoid succumbing to the creative oppression of the big label music industry, the band announced in October they were breaking up. Although the fan girl in me is sad to see the talented Brits part ways, their second and final record was well worth the wait. Boasting an upbeat and alternative anthem sound, all while retaining their creative integrity, has me praising this release as The Good Karma Album.

"Diluvia" by Freelance Whales

Freelance Whales continue to stay true to their Queen’s based roots on their latest release, Diluvia. Taking on the persona of the mature big brother to their debut album Weathervanes, their sophomore album showcases the bands ability to develop and grow as artists. The image and signature musical style of so many artists is often abandoned or manipulated through the persuasion of a label, yet Freelance Whales somehow, has retained the fun yet organic orchestral sound which has now become their moniker.

"The Strange Case Of…" by Halestorm

Lzzy Hale’s voice has evolved a little bit, but she still has such powerful vocals and it’s always amazing to see such a strong woman leading a band. Her vocals sound kind of like Joan Jett and Amy Lee tied together. The songs are so catchy, and I can’t get enough of this record or this band in general.

"Push and Shove" by No Doubt

It’s like I’m living in the 90’s all over again. After 11 years, it was nice to see No Doubt produce yet another record that still held the same sound, and same essence that all the previous records had. Even with them being parents, husbands (and wife in Gwen’s case), it’s comforting to know that just because your life settled down (no pun intended), doesn’t mean dreams are impossible!

"The Lumineers" by The Lumineers

These Denver neo-folkeys released this album with impeccable timing just before the surge of the alternative folk movement came to a crescendo in the mainstream. The adorable self-titled debut is a woefully cheerful collection of songs that can be enjoyed in virtually any mood.

"Blunderbuss" by Jack White

The savant supreme of White Stripes fame tried his hand at solo work and succeeded sum cum laude. Blunderbuss is a little weird, a little experimental, and a lot amazing. You can listen to it 40 times and discover something new each time. While still remaining true to what brought him fame, with Blunderbuss, White has entered an entirely new realm of musical consciousness.

"Metz" by Metz

If Nirvana's first album "Bleach" is on your all time favourites list, you will absolutely have an eargasm with Metz. A pivotal album for the Noise Rock movement and a return to basics and ol' fashion angst for a music genre that desperately needs it. Go Sub-Pop!

"Battle Born" by The Killers

The Killers finally make a return to a more guitar-driven sound with their 2012 release, Battle Born. But it's always a safe bet to put one of the most definitive bands of the millenium on any "best of" list.

"Sand and Snow" by A Silent Film

Hailing from Oxford but curiously spending a lot of time in North America, this is a band that's worthy of stadium-status and with their sophomore release Sand And Snow they've solidified their place in line to be one of alt rock's greatest. The album is front-to-back full of alt rock anthems and masterful use of piano, guitars, even strings. Energizing melodies that anyone can sing along to, but the album also shares extremely creative lyrics, making for mindful listening. As a listener you're really taken on a journey, the album is like a series of mini stories A Silent Film is narrating, and the clever metaphors keep you feeling like an integral part of the inside story.

"Synthetica" by Metric

“I’m just as fucked up as they say,” Emily Haines laments as Synthetica’s opening line. Yet for all its initial despair, Metric’s 5th album turns out to be not entirely dark. By the end of the album, her sentiments have changed to the slightest hint of hope: “I got nothing but time, so the future is mine.” More than anything else, Synthetica is a journey. From regretful desolation to hesitant optimism, Metric’s latest proves that the Canadian fourpiece isn’t afraid to change—and they’re really, really good at it.

Beyonce, Selena Gomez, Will Ferrell and Chris Rock are just a few of the stars who have lend their faces and voices to the ever present gun control issue in the United States.

The public service announcement comes after the horrific shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Connecticut last Friday (December 14th).

A total of 55 celebrities mention the cities and towns in the United States where mass shootings have occurred recently.

The PSA is sponsored by the organization Mayors Against Illegal Guns, and they ask “How many more colleges? How many more classrooms? How many more move theaters? How many more house of faith? How many more shopping malls? How many more street corners? Enough. Demand a plan right now.”

The shooting may not have happened in our backyard but I think it’s still an important video to watch. Check it out below. http://www.demandaplan.org/

lmTO: How did you all come to know each other, and is there any meaning behind your name?
Steve and Viktoria and Mike had all known each other from back in the day. Steve happened upon a video of Viktoria covering a Gillian Welch song for Mike's wedding and was pretty impressed. When Viktoria got back to Toronto from England, her and Steve got together and talked about getting some songs together. They both had some skeletons of sorts and began to make them dance, put them to music, and then brought Mike and myself (Harley) into the picture. It took us a bit to find a bass player but Viktoria had known Eric from her days at Rancho and he fit right in.

Everything just fell into place after that and the name soon followed, we played with a few options, but Meanwood stuck. Meanwood is a small town in Leeds where Viktoria first starting writing 'Sister Sin.'

lmTO: How long have you been playing together?
Our first show was in July of 2011 so it's been about a year and a half since it all started.

lmTO: What have been some of your biggest accomplishments so far?
Getting our EP together was a pretty big achievement for us. We did everything completely in house and put together something we are still really proud of that doesn't sound like anything else in this city. That sound has a lot to do with all of the great work that our friend Theodore 'Rudy' Fles at Reguladora Studios put in on everything.

Our EP release party was a great night for us as well. We released it on January 26th at the Dakota Tavern and even though the weather was pretty terrible we still packed the place tight. It was lined up down the street! Aside from that we played a ton of great shows during NXNE and CMW; had a great debut at the Horseshoe Tavern that was packed; have played alongside some great acts including Bloodshot Bill, July Talk, The Schomberg Fair and more; have played some great out of town shows to new audiences; and are working hard on some great stuff for our full length in the new year.

lmTO: What is your favourite song to perform live, and why?
That probably varies for everyone a lot of the time but the single from our EP, 'Sister Sin,' is always a ton of fun to play. Our audience knows it and loves it and the reaction every time is great, it gets people moving. Our new song, 'Sibyl,' is right up there as well. It's just a straight-up fast rock 'n' roll song that is hard to not get wild to. 'Half Blood Blues' is another new one that's a ton of fun for us and the audience.

lmTO: How would you describe your fans? Any favourite fan moments to date?
We're really thankful to have a lot of great people who constantly support us and come out to all of the shows to dance and sing and have fun with us. Some of the girls have a signature dance for Queen Mab that they always throw down in the front row, it's a riot to watch.

One hilarious fan moment was at our EP release party when someone was crowd surfing to one of the slow songs in the set. The night was just that much fun.

lmTO: What are you most looking forward to in 2013?
Getting our full length together and out to the world is definitely the biggest thing. We're aiming to have it done to release in the spring. Aside from that were looking forward to playing to new audiences in new cities and more shows in general.

lmTO: What is your favourite venue to play or see a band play in Toronto?
Any time we've played at The Horseshoe Tavern it's been a great show. We all really feel comfortable on that stage and it definitely translates into our performance. It's a great place to see shows as well, obviously. The Silver Dollar is great, too. We've played a ton of great shows there thanks to Dan Burke and end up there a lot of the time to catch some good nights. 

lmTO: Where is your favourite spot in the city to hangout as a band?
We end up hanging out the most at each other's places. Our jam space is in Eric's basement so we spend a lot of time there hanging out and having drinks on his front porch. Ted's Collision is a favourite in the band as well.

lmTO: If there's one band in the world you'd love to share the stage with, who would it be and why?
A lot of our favourite bands or artists have long since passed away so we'd need to get ourselves a time machine to make it happen!

Viktoria - Dead Moon and The White Stripes. I love genuine, simple and brilliant rock and roll. I hope Meanwood can be a simple, genuine and fun rock and roll band for a long time.

lmTO: When and where are you playing next? And for people seeing you play live for the first time, what can they expect?
Our next show is coming up quick actually. We're hosting and playing a big New Year's Eve party at The Silver Dollar [INFO] with Bloodshot Bill, Nicholas Doubleyou & The B-Squad and the Legato Vipers. It's gonna be a throwback rock 'n' roll dance party all night long!

For people seeing us for the first time they can expect a pretty raucous show. Our live performances can get pretty crazy, we all feed off the crowd a lot so the more they give, the more we give back. We hope that everyone leaves one of our shows real sweaty, with a smile on their face and with sore feet from dancing!

Eleven Past One is a Pop band from the small town of Bowmanville, ON forty minutes east of Toronto. Made up of two brothers and three friends, they have a long heritage together. Daniel and Stephen Richter are the brothers in Eleven Past One. They come from a very musical family of eight, and have been playing music since early childhood. Starting out classically, they have accomplished so much and are trained on a wide variety of instruments. 

Eleven Past One started to form in early 2007 as Stephen and Steve began jamming and writing songs after meeting through a high school fire alarm outside the school parking lot. At that time, Daniel had also been writing songs as a solo artist. Daniel got together with Stephen and Steve and they threw their first few songs together in a short period of time. The three of them have been the main writers of the band, collaborating to create their catchy sound. At this point, the band formed but still needed a bass player. 

In late 2007, Eleven Past One was invited to play in Los Angeles. Not caring that they didn’t have a bass player, they packed their bags and flew down. After playing several of their first shows in Los Angeles, Eleven Past One realized this is what they wanted to do for the rest of their lives. They came back to Canada pumped and began seriously writing. 

In February of 2009 they hit the open road in pursuit of their dreams for just about six months. Touring the United States in a 30 foot camper, they went through a lot of low points but always stayed positive. They never gave up and it paid off. Sticking it out on the road, they met the right people. In 2009, with the help of their friend and investor they met in Florida along the way, they spent three months in North Hollywood recording their debut, eleven track album with producer Dean Dichoso. The album is called “The Ultimate Catch”. 

In the past little while, Eleven Past One has been through some changes adding Kyle Bykiv on guitar and Dan Beattie on bass. Along the way, they have and still are capturing the attention of industry professionals. The guys went to write, produce and record their brand new single with music hit-maker Brian Howes in California, its called ‘The World Is Ours’ and already getting rotation on top radio stations. Check it out below!

Eleven Past One will be headlining livemusicTO's showcase on December 29, 2012! Tickets on sale now!
Get "The World Is Ours" on iTunes.