MR. WILL-W.'S SONGS OF SUMMER 2012

Karmin

Summers for me always have been defined by Songs. The trigger of hearing a Track instantaneously can prompt a chain reaction of memories and place me in a mood, even if momentarily. Although we’re only into late May, our iPods and Airwaves already have been infiltrated by a bevy a solid Summer Tunes and here are my Top Five!

1. Karmin – Brokenhearted

Although it took me several listens to enjoy, this Los Angeles-based Real Life Couple have me clicking repeat with this infectious number which received a major profile boost with their appearance on Saturday Night Live earlier this year. Their signature rap-singing, Electropop takes an edgy concept and spreads it to a mass audience.

2. Nicki Minaj – Starships

Thanks to Lady Gaga, RedOne has been placed internationally on-the-map as a Game Changer in Pop Music and to this day he remains a force to be dealt with as the Pop Elite clamour to collaborate with him. Anyone who listens to Starships needs little explanation why this rightfully is "The Song of Summer 2012". It has a widely international sound and Minaj is improving leaps and bounds as a Vocalist - at least on-recording. A starship quite literally has risen.

JUSTIN BIEBER, ADELE, DRAGONETTE, DRAKE & THE SHEEPDOGS AMONG WINNERS AT 2012 JUNO AWARDS

Justin Bieber in Toronto - December 2011

Congratulations to Justin Bieber for being voted 2012 JUNO Fan Choice Award Winner!  Taking place in Ottawa this year at Scotiabank Theatre and hosted by William Shatner, there was an eclectic mix of Winners this year especially.  The Sheepdogs lead the tally with three wins including Single of the Year (I Don't Know), New Group of the Year and Rock Album of the Year (Leave & Burn). 

Other big Winners tonight included Martin Solveig & Dragonette (Dance Recording of the Year - Hello), Drake (Rap Recording of the Year - Take Care), Hedley (Pop Album of the Year - Storms), Arkells (Group of the Year), Adele (International Album of the Year - 21), Michael Bublé (Album of the Year - Christmas) and more.  

Click here for a complete list of Winners.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will-W.)

DRAKE LEADS JUNO NOMINEES

Sir Richard Branson & Drake - June 2010

In addition to hosting this year's Juno Awards, Toronto's Pride and Joy Drake, gets an impressive six nominations, as announced earlier this morning at the Royal York Hotel.

Drake scored nods in major categories such as Artist of the Year, Single of the Year, Songwriter of the Year and Artist of the Year. Teen sensation Justin Bieber who is in town today promoting his 3-D Documentary Never Say Never, scored two important nods for Artist of the Year and Pop Album of the Year. Arcade Fire is also up for multiple categories including Album of the Year and Group of the Year.

In a category we'll be watching closely, friends of Mr. Will-W.:Pop Maven, Dragonette, are up for Dance Recording of the Year with Fixin' to Thrill. The Toronto-based Trio are up against Mia Martina & Edward Maya's heavily-played Stereo Love; other Artists in the race include Chromeo, Keshia Chante and Deadmau5.

The Junos will air on CTV, March 27, 2011 at 8:00 PM EST.  Click here for a full list of Nominees.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will-W.)

DRAGONETTE PERFORMS AT TORONTO PRIDE 2010 (PICS & VIDEO) | AUTOGRAPH GIVEAWAY

Canada's most under-rated band Dragonette took to the stage at Queen's Park as part of Toronto's Pride festivities, the first time ever the venue has hosted celebrations.  As usual, the band delivered a solid performance, mixing material from their debut Galore and follow-up Fixin' To Thrill.  The band performed unreleased tracks Our Summer of Sex and Get Your Titties Off My Things, showcasing their brazen wit.  All eyes feasted on lead singer Martina Sorbara's quirky outfit - a white bodysuit, covered by a black mesh-cape and of course the Big Sunglasses she loves so much that she wrote a song about.

The crowd, many who were waiting for the evening's headliner Cyndi Lauper to follow, were enthusiastic about the set from the Trio (formerly a Quartet).  And on the track Fire, Sorbara had forgotten some lyrics, mumbling along and giggling, then asking the crowd, "Is this thing even on?!?" before mumbling her way back into the song.  Smooth.  *wink*  She also revealed that Dragonette will be releasing another disc soon, Our Summer Volcano (EP) and that the new tracks performed today will be featured on it.  As their set approached a wrap, Lauper came over to enjoy the track with her Entourage.  Sorbara mentioned what a wonderful honour it was to share the stage with the icon herself.

REVIEW: DRAGONETTE - FIXIN TO THRILL

Toronto electro-pop outfit Dragonette made a bit of a splash on the blogs two years ago to this day with their stunning debut Galore. Unfortunately, Campaign Dragonette had run out of steam by the time it would count most on that album's release day. A series of premature online leaks of the full album months prior and some internal label politics had hindered its commercial success.

The online community is still very much in love with Dragonette and the band has been reciprocating in offering a series of videos as well as their first single as a free download via blogs. The band's sophomore effort Fixin To Thrill however, doesn't quite live up to the promise shown on their first album. This is not to say that there isn't a noticeable maturity in songcrafting because this can be heard loud and clear. Galore had a concept. It was consistently fearless, glamorous and shocking. Frontwoman Martina Sorbara was a bad girl, yet we rooted for her and felt sad for her in her heartbroken journey. This album is '80s-obsessed, edgier and much more introspective. The collection of songs showcases the band as being about more than just sex and sass, but perhaps this a sign of them still searching for a voice.