The New Deal
WITH TMDP. THU, DEC 17. THE MOD CLUB, 722 COLLEGE. $20 ADVANCE FROM PLAY DE RECORD, SOUNDSCAPES, TICKETWEB.CA.
Since 1998, Toronto trio The New Deal has played more than 700 live shows, recorded nine full-lengths and won a huge, devoted following that spans many continents. Drummer Darren Shearer, keyboardist Jamie Shields and bassist Dan Kurtz (also of Dragonette) are incredibly tight, improvising and weaving their way through a unique amalgam of jazz, reggae, breakbeats and house. Here, fresh from a gig in Jamaica, the guys hit their hometown to celebrate the release of a new live CD recorded here earlier this year.
Claude VonStroke @ Arcade Fridays WITH BRANDON SEK, SIMON JAIN, TALAL & ZOI, ANDREW ROSS. FRI, DEC 18. THE MOD CLUB, 722 COLLEGE. $15 ADVANCE TICKETS AT PLAY DE RECORD, SOUNDSCAPES, ROTATE THIS,
WANTICKETS.COM.
Without question, Claude VonStroke is one of the most inspiring DJ/producers of this decade. Born Barclay Crenshaw, the Detroit native moved to San Fran, started the Dirtybird and Mothership labels and turned heads in 2006 with his early singles “Who’s Afraid Of Detroit?” and “The Whistler.” Making music that is equally bass- and personality driven, VonStroke appeals both to underground heads and party crowds; his recent sophomore album,
Birdbrain, proves his genius. VonStroke understands drums, dynamics and the power of fun. This one’s not to be missed.
Krust & Die @ Projek: Destiny WITH DJS MARCUS VISIONARY, MUTT, MCS JD, TRAJADY. FRI, DEC 18. THE DRINK, 132 QUEENS QUAY E. $15 ADVANCE TICKETS AT PLAY DE RECORD, UNICUS,
WANTICKETS.COM, CLUBZONE.COM.
Destiny and Torontojungle.com present an eve of drum ’n’ bass royalty as Bristol’s Krust and Die step into the ring. Both are best known as co-founders of the groundbreaking Full Cycle label, along with Roni Size and DJ Suv, and both were part of Size’s Reprazent collective. Krust has been DJing since the mid-’80s and his interest in hip-hop, jungle, punk and techno shone through in his solo singles as well as his more recent band project, The Rules. Die has stuck to his D&B roots, also releasing solo work and launching his ClearSkyz Recordings label in 2007. Expect to be schooled.
Deko-ze @ The DJs Who Stole Christmas... Again! WITH DJS KENNY GLASGOW, PARANOID JACK, TIM PATRICK, CHRIS INK. FRI, DEC 18. FOOTWORK, 425 ADELAIDE W. $20.
No one could ever accuse local DJ/producer Deko-ze of being a grinch. The busy, charismatic man with a perpetual grin produces an annual Xmas bash for his fans and friends. Here, Deko-ze is joined by a group of locals who’ve helped develop and define the Toronto house scene. Aside from rising newcomer Chris Ink, all of them have been key players in warehouses, raves and clubs who’ve remained active: Kenny Glasgow released his debut artist album,
Taste For The Low Life, earlier this year; Stickman Records’ artist Paranoid Jack has had many an underground smash; and versatile tech house DJ Tim Patrick returns from his current digs in Croatia.
Classixx @ Wrongbar Two-Year Anniversary WITH DJS NASTY NAV, VANESKA, PARALLELS. SAT, DEC 19. WRONGBAR, 1279 QUEEN W. $10 ADVANCE TICKETS AT ROTATE THIS, SOUNDSCAPES,
WANTICKETS.COM.
Though you may not know it, you’ve been hearing a lot of Los Angeles duo Classixx this year. They’re still young in terms of both age and production experience, but Michael David and Tyler Blake are accomplished makers of dreamy disco, soul and synth-drenched sounds that go down like the best of summer days. They’re also in-demand remix artists with credits on releases by acts including Phoenix, The Ting Tings, Major Lazer, Holy Ghost! and YACHT, whose “Psychic City” David and Blake reworked to perfection. Classixx’s single on Kitsune, “I’ll Get You,” also made waves, so anticipation for this gig — which will also mark two years of Nasty Nav’s beloved venue, Wrongbar — is running high.