On the Scene May 19: electro funk & acoustic folk fill Sydney’s clubs + TOTW from Royal Kush & Mista Mack

This Friday night’s head to head electronic shows are a reflection of how far the DJ/electronic scene has grown in recent years. What began as a grassroots movement, playing occasional club gigs mixed with underground shows around the area, has developed into a thriving scene with more than a dozen artists participating on a regular basis.

The major evidence of this is Friday, where both clubs that support original music will be hosting electronic based shows. At the Upstairs Club, local electronic pioneer Art Damage will be among the headlining performers as they host a “massacre-ade”. Attendees are encouraged to dress up for the night, which will also include DJs D-Tox, The Break Mechanic, and KRG, as well as industrial band Selekt Injekt.

Over at Governor’s Pub, Halifax based Scientists of Sound hit town. The duo, featuring Craig Mercer and Aaron Collier (both of recently defunct Jimmy Swift Band), bring the party atmosphere as they blend their own original music with recreations of songs by Daft Punk, MSTRKRFT, Chemical Brothers, and more. Also on the bill is DJ Brian Talbot (of Slowcoaster) and A.S.A, who lands perhaps his highest profile gig to date.

But that’s only one night of the weekend! Thursday night at Governor’s hosts Andrew Greig, Mike Fagan, Rob Miller, and myself doing a songwriter’s showcase. I have had a chance to play with Mike, Rob, and Andrew in the past and each brings their own twist to the singer-songwriter game. Look for a touch of folk and punk from Andrew and I, while Mike and Rob play a more modern style reminiscent of newer acts like Kings of Leon.

Saturday night sees Halifax’s The Belle Comedians come to town, accompanied by Breagh Potter and local blues duo Buck and Kinch. The alt country style band fits well with the new folk explosion happening in Sydney, with bands like The Yarnells and Heartwood Slacks leading the way.

Sunday night sees perhaps the busiest night of the weekend. To kick off the night, The Greenland (42 Amelia St in the North End) hosts a show with Toronto’s Kite Hill. An orchestral folk quintet, the band will be accompanied by tourmates THOMAS and Kat Burns. As usual, this house show is pay what you can and begins at 730pm.

Later in the evening, The Steel City gets into the DJ game with DJ Gary B and Klick driving the beats til close. Over at The Upstairs, it’ll be louder with Glace Bay thrash outfit Sons of Nebadon hosting a night with Ricochet and A.S.A. Ricochet, who will be closing the weekend after hitting Charlottetown and Halifax on Friday and Saturday, will be hitting the stage acoustic style for the evening.

TRACK OF THE WEEK: “The Show” by Royal Kush & Mista Mack feat. Mischif, and DJ Moves. The crew hit The Upstairs a few weeks ago to film a video for this track, a collaboration of all the major players in the local hip hop scene. The finished track, leaked to hype the upcoming video, is expertly produced by Mark Scott at Smashbox and is a smokin’ example of the quality coming from this thriving scene.

MR MACK & ROYAL KUSH – The Show (feat. Mischif and DJ MOVES) by MRMACK