Music and Arts


Kip James might just have a fighting chance

If you attended a concert at Budweiser Stage this summer or ventured outside the Rogers Centre after a Blue Jays game, chances are you’ve likely encountered the vibrant musical force that is James Flannagan, better known as Kip James. “Kip,” being the name he was almost given as a child, one he feels holds more star power.

Amplifier humming with live drum backing tracks boasting and his guitar and vocals soaring above it all, he’s hard to miss, and that’s exactly what he’s aiming for.

TMTC’s Something Rotten! is anything but rotten — CanCulture

Other honourable mentions go to Adam Rose as Shylock, the Jewish moneylender and theatre patron — and the butt of many damaging antisemitic jokes —, Cooper McCrory as Brother Jeremiah, the puritan leader, and Arina Behroozi as Bea, Nick’s wife. The three were equally committed to their roles and embodied their characters to the fullest. Although secondary characters, their memorable performances gave a spark to an already theatrically-illuminated show.

The ensemble was vocally strong and helped

On That Note to represent Canada at ICCA semi-finals

Toronto Metropolitan University’s (TMU) very own On That Note a cappella group, comprised of women and queer performers, will be competing in the International Championship Of Collegiate A Cappella (ICCA) semi-finals in Buffalo, N.Y. next week.

Following their win at the ICCA central quarter-finals in Waterloo, Ont., on Jan. 22, the group will represent Canada on the international stage on March 25, alongside the University of Toronto’s group Surround Sound, who placed second at the competition

Canadian love songs to add to your Valentine’s playlists — CanCulture

Nothing is more romantic than singing a love song to your partner. A carefully curated playlist, however, is the ideal alternative for those of us who lack musical talent. So whether you want to enhance your own Valentine's Day playlist or are looking for the perfect tune for that special someone, here are some ideal love songs from Canadian artists. Only The People That Love - Rufus Wainwright The two-time Juno Award winner and eight-time nominee is no stranger to themes of love, often writing

The art of going to the movies — CanCulture

Going to the movies is a unique experience unlike any other. With streaming services on the rise, some may feel the practice of going out to see a movie is dying, but I wholeheartedly believe it’s an experience that can’t be replicated.

An outing to the cinema is the perfect date, after-class activity, family outing or escape from reality. Films naturally bring people together, allowing an audience to relish in a communal experience of emotions. Whether you're dying of laughter while watching t

William Fitzsimmons brings intimacy and personality to the Drake Underground

The intimate Drake Underground got even more personal last Tuesday when William Fitzsimmons took to the stage. Through a subdued, mainly acoustic set of melancholic songs and personal anecdotes about his life. Fitzsimmons connected deeply with the small crowd and made a lasting impression.

Stuart Smith opened the set with slow country charisma. The long time friend of Fitzsimmons performed a short half hour opening set which perfectly crafted the mood for the night. Smith’s warm voice and sound

Toronto Concert Choir is finding its way back on campus

The Toronto Concert Choir (TCC) hopes to bring classical choral singing back to campus. The choir, which started in 2020, follows in the footsteps of the former Oakham House Choir, who were a part of Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) for over 35 years.

The choir previously received financial support from the Palin Foundation, a not-for-profit corporation that operates the TMU Student Campus Centre. After a severe funding cut as a result of the 2019 Student Choice Initiative, the choir had t

Why Live Music Matters

As COVID-19 restrictions ease and spring has sprung, concerts are back in full swing at the relief of many. Live music holds an important place in the lives of countless people––and for good reason. Nothing quite compares to the experience of live music, and now it’s back. Music connects, inspires, entertains and changes lives.

Live music matters, whether it be rock concerts, orchestras, or fireside jam sessions. There’s nothing quite like hearing your favourite song fill an arena, or listening

Head Over Heels marks thrilling return to musical theatre at X University — CanCulture

The X Musical Theatre Company (XMTC) debuted their first musical theatre production since the beginning of the pandemic, with in-person showings of the musical Head over Heels from April 6 to 9. The show provided an evening of quality entertainment filled with laughs and surprises. A true showcase of student talent, Head Over Heels wove rock music and royalty together unlike anything I’ve ever seen. I was quite impressed with both the powerful singing and committed acting that created the outrag

Every Wes Anderson Movie Ranked

As a Wes Anderson fanatic, I’ve watched all of his films (most of them a few times) and own eight of the 10 on DVD. I’m here to give you the breakdown on where to begin, what to skip and why some of these movies are absolute gems. Most importantly, I’m ranking his films from best to worst.

The Royal Tenenbaums follows a family of child geniuses 20 years past their prime. The family is reunited after decades of disaster and are forced to come together under multiple unsatisfactory and outrageous

Mitski’s Laurel Hell; Why I’m Obsessed

The new album “Laurel Hell” by acclaimed singer-songwriter Mitski has become my soundtrack since it debuted earlier this month. Constantly playing over my speaker at home or through my headphones when I go out, Mitski is ever-present. It’s been four years since the release of her last record “Be the Cowboy,” which I have to admit I listened to obsessively at the time as well. This long awaited album has not disappointed. Laurel Hell is everything I could have hoped for. Mitski has redefined hers

Archaics - and i look to you?

The latest album and i look to you? by Edmonton based avant-rock band Archaics is their 3rd major release and first new record in 5 years, yet the group still struggles to find their sound. Despite strong tracks, the album is inconsistent and incoherent. While flow is not the intention, many of these songs sound as if they’re from different bands in a genre spanning way the group is far from mastering.

Strength lies in Archaic’s dreary vocals, accompanied by rhythmic driving drums and interject

How TikTok is Changing the Music Industry

As TikTok rises in popularity, so does its influence. Now the third-largest social network in the world, TikTok is playing a pivotal role in the social media landscape and has changed media consumption as a whole. The music industry has been transformed due to the fast-paced and attention-grabbing nature of TikTok. Trends have created new hit songs overnight with a noticeable effect on the music charts. The app has created a new gateway for small artists and has acted as a platform for the disco

The French Dispatch | Review

Wes Anderson’s most recent film details a collection of stories all brought to life through the means of the final issue of “The French Dispatch” magazine. The issue details a travel guide, three feature articles and an obituary following the editor’s death. Through the eyes of the journalists we are taken back in time and the stories are retold in a fanciful and delightful manner.

The French Dispatch of the Liberty, Kansas Evening Sun features a star studded and award winning cast including Be

Five Spooky Musicals to Watch this Halloween

If you’re searching for something to get you into the Halloween spirit, look no further

Based on the 1988 Tim Burton film of the same name, Beetlejuice is a Halloween classic. A new comedy-musical which came to Broadway in 2019 and gained popularity online, Beetlejuice tells the story of a recently deceased couple who become ghosts haunting their former home. They receive help from an unpleasant, deceitful poltergeist named Betelgeuse after a new family moves in. The show focuses on Lydia, the

Field Guide - Make Peace With That | Review

Make Peace With That provides an authentic insight into Toronto artist Field Guide‘s mind and relationships. The short but sweet album is a soothing honest narrative of love gone by. Released just before the start of autumn, the album combines warm bare vocals with gentle acoustic guitar and a variety of percussive elements which help to set the scene and create a nostalgic feel. Most of the songs on the album stay within three minutes and express brief warmhearted anecdotes of past relationship

4 Blockbusters Shot in Toronto and Around Campus

Where you can go to recreate your favourite movie moments in Toronto, some without even leaving campus!

If you’ve been on campus, you’ve likely seen the Rogers Communications Centre (RCC). And if you look closely in My Big Fat Greek Wedding, you may recognize that Harry S. Truman College was filmed there. The RCC acted as the location of the school which Toula attended during the film; the inside of Kerr Hall also makes an appearance as the set of Ian’s classroom.

Built in 1991, the Rogers Com