Artist Spotlight

Ethan Johns brings folk-flavoured solo work to Toronto

Best known as a producer for artists including Kings of Leon, Johns performs selections from his album If Not Now Then When? at the Drake on Aug. 3. By: Nick Krewen Music Published on Fri Aug 02 2013     Ethan Johns is finally experiencing life from the other side of the studio pane. Best known for his production skills — he’s overseen Laura Marling’s Once I Was an Eagle…


The Band Perry brings ‘spitfire attitude’ to Boots and Hearts festival

Siblings Kimberly, Reid and Neil Perry headline country music fest on Aug. 3 with Rascal Flatts By: Nick Krewen Music, Published on Fri Aug 02 2013 Heartbreak and attitude. While those two qualities don’t spell out the entire musical proclivity of The Band Perry, the sibling trio from Mobile, Alabama, that has been taking the country music world by storm, this is a group that enjoys flaunting its ornery side….


Guns N’ Roses is quantity over quality: Review

Never let it be said that California hard rockers Guns N’ Roses short shrift you on the music-for-money exchange. By: Nick Krewen Music, Published on Tue Jul 16 2013     Guns N’ Roses Sound Academy, July 15 2.5 stars Never let it be said that California hard rockers Guns N’ Roses short shrift you on the music-for-money exchange. If anyone felt slighted at forking over anywhere between $125 to…


One Direction proves they’re more than Tiger Beat power boys: Concert review

One Direction defies the stereotype in a two-hour, 22-song set at the ACC. Nick Krewen Music, Published on Tue Jul 09 2013 One Direction 3 stars Air Canada Centre, July 9 It is with a great sense of relief that I don’t have to deliver this concert review from the Air Canada Centre to you aurally, dear readers. Because if I did, you’d never hear a word over the hysterical…


Skylar Grey reinvented on Don’t Look Down: Review

Skylar Grey reinvented on Don’t Look Down: Review By: Nick Krewen Special to the Star, Published on Tue Jul 09 2013 POP 3.5 stars Skylar Grey, Don’t Look Down (KIDinaKORNER/Universal) Here’s another woman in search of a makeover, but in Skylar Grey’s case, it seems to be working. Formerly known professionally as Holly Brook, Grey is best known for co-writing the Grammy Award-nominated Eminem/Rihanna smash “Love The Way You Lie.”…