Lioness

Lioness are an art-dance/rock trio fronted by the alluringly mysterious Vanessa Fischer (vocals and synths) and backed by the thunderous rhythms created by Ronnie Morris (bass and synths) and Jeff Scheven (drums and machines).  Their sound is a mix of dark electro dance and sinister rock that has been causing hips to sway and heads to turn. “What You Do Will Come Back To You” is a karmic warning we all should heed…

In our electronic age when DIY is the order of the day for new band, Lioness take it one step further by encapsulating their sound and imagery into one aesthetic. They produce the sound as well as craft and direct the costumes, videos, photos and stage sets. They are a post-modernist trio of artists: a director,  a costume designer and a scholar. Scheven and Fischer have worked closely as director and designer for the likes of TV on the Radio, Dragonette and Death From Above 1979 as well as on the Lioness videos.

The Holiday Crowd

“anybody could tell, they didn’t belong – belong to the early summer sun, the cool Whit sun wind off the sea, the holiday crowd.” Graham Greene- 1938 Brighton Rock - Toronto, and then the world, is about to take a holiday. Canada’s cultural centre form from the ashes of the city’s nightclub-mainstays and their offshoot hangers-on. With their style, wit and musical eclecticism, The Holiday Crowd give proper nods to the once hallowed rock’n’roll ideals of cool, substance and jingle-jangle melody. Lead singer Imran Haniff, first met of the band’s guitarist-of-many-powers Colin Bowers in high school. Haniff was impressed with The Stone Roses T-shirt Bowers was wearing and that very day they developed a strong bonding friendship and songwriting partnership. With the addition of long time friend David Barnes on drums and newcomer Alex Roberts on bass guitar, the band was completed. It’s taken some friendly shuffling. Barnes was initially brought in to try his hand at singing, but when the live-long moment came, the more soothing and wistful vocals of chief Holidayer Haniff couldn’t be ignored. Self described as minimal and stripped-down, The Holiday Crowd’s sound/lyrics arise from all manner of experience- summer afternoon camaraderie’s, introspective reveries and a few shapely ‘inspirations’ along the way. Smear the lipstick! From their haircuts to their shoes and with a nonchalant, but forceful attitude, the band truly ‘send’ the listener. This year, the group are embarking on their first live dates spreading joy into your hearts and injecting a skip into your step, it’s The Holiday Crowd! - MJS (The Muscle)