5 Acts You Didn’t Know You Knew, Playing Sound Of Music 2015!

Do you know of anyone playing Burlington’s 2015 Sound of Music Festival? If you answered “no,” I don’t believe you. I suspect you know these Canadian artists – but you don’t know that you know! Reading what I wrote is optional, you could just click the links. P.S., this is an educational post for people who aren't initiated into Canada's music scene.

Hollerado

YouTube / Via youtube.com

You probably heard Juliette on the radio and, inappropriately, in a Hershey’s ad (listen to the lyrics, advertisers!) And you might have seen their first music video for Amercinarama, starring Dave Foley dancing in his (or someone’s) underwear. Fans of The Kids in the Hall will be delighted by Hollerado’s newer music video, Desire 126 – it features Foley coping with the side effects of his new favourite medication (and less Male Gaze than in his and Hollerado’s first team-up!)

iLLScarlett

YouTube / Via youtube.com

If their name inspires reminiscences of previous summers, festivals and/or those friends who were/are really into them, that’s Nothing Special. I’m not belittling those memories but it’s a fairly common experience. Next weekend, you can make new memories when they play on a day when the festival isn’t collecting yours or My Money. I’m expecting it will be pretty fun, ‘cause they’re Down for Whatever!

Young Empires

YouTube / Via youtube.com

A good portion their music has been featured in TV shows and commercials, as well as on alternative radio. White Doves was in CTV’s wrap up of the 2012 Olympics, Teen Wolf and this interactive music video! Do you remember that creepy music video/ad for Coors, the one with all the (literally) white people? If so, you might be one of the folks who couldn’t escape the remix of So Cruel which played before most of the YouTube videos you tried to watch.

Shad

YouTube / Via youtube.com

The current host of CBC Radio’s Q has been prominently on the Canadian music scene since 2007. Even if hip-hop isn’t your usual cup of tea, explore Shad’s catalogue and you’ll probably find works of his you already knew – and you’ll discover new music! A couple of songs to start with are Rose Garden or this eerie (and strobe lighty) collaboration with Lights! (Heads up: Shad can be great but, like plenty of artists, does sometimes use language that I find disheartening.)

Loverboy

YouTube / Via loverboyband.com

Formed in Calgary in 1979, Loverboy is the classic ‘80s Canadian rock group who were proponents of the theory that everybody is Working for the Weekend! They had several hits throughout the decade, including Heaven in Your Eyes (which was on the soundtrack for Top Gun) and Turn Me Loose.

P.S., I’m not the only one who remembers the episode of Aqua Teen Hunger Force where the Mooninites and Carl argued about Loverboy, am I?

Was I right?

@soundofmusicfest / Via Instagram: @soundofmusicfest

Did you recognize any of this music or did I introduce you to these artists? I don’t know every act at this year’s Sound of Music either. But that’s what’s great about free music festivals – they’re an opportunity to discover new artists!