Artist Spotlight

“Pumped Up Kicks” still running for Foster the People

“Pumped Up Kicks” still running for Foster the People | Toronto Star L.A. group’s momentum from deathless single takes them to Sound Academy.    Nick Krewen Special to the Star Published on Wed Sep 28 2011   With its bubbly melody, whistle-happy chorus and slightly funky dance beat, Foster The People’s Top 10 hit “Pumped Up Kicks” seemed the perfect candidate for 2011’s official breezy summer anthem. It wasn’t until…


Urban renewal, thanks to country

Urban renewal, thanks to country | Toronto Star Keith Urban’s prowess and that of his crack band coaxed fresh depth out of his songs at the Air Canada Centre. Nick Krewen Special to the Star Published on Sun Sep 11 2011 Many have talked the talk when it comes to promising something innovative in a country music concert format, but at the Air Canada Centre over the weekend, Keith Urban…


Maroon 5 outpaces Train

Entertainment / Music Adam Levine’s machine races through hits while other band on Molson Amphitheatre bill meanders. Nick Krewen  Special to the Star Published on Tue Aug 23 2011 It didn’t take long for the lead singers of last night’s Train/Maroon 5 doubleheader at the Molson Amphitheatre to reveal their diametric extremes: M5’s Adam Levine chose to channel his inner Jagger, while Train’s Pat Monahan decided to exhibit his inner…Rihanna? Yes, for…


Gary Clark Jr.’s taking quite the axe to us

Entertainment / Music The latest Texan blues-guitar hero comes Friday to the Rivoli.   Gary Clark Jr., the latest pride of Austin, Tex. Nick Krewen Special to the Star Published on Wed Aug 17 2011 You know you’ve got potential when Eric Clapton invites you as the only newcomer to perform at his occasional Crossroads Festival. Austin, Texas guitar slinger Gary Clark Jr. received the invitation to play in Chicago last year…


Patrick Stump grows on his own

Patrick Stump grows on his own | Toronto Star With Fall Out Boy on a break, singer had time to get inspired for music for solo ElMo show.        Nick Krewen  Special to the Star, Published on Fri Aug 05 2011 When platinum-selling Chicago emo-rock outfit Fall Out Boy announced an extended hiatus in late 2009, each member decided to indulge in a side project. Guitarist Joe Trohman…