Big news for Toronto: Topshop is opening a shop-in-shop at Jonathan + Olivia June 19th. They’re testing the market before committing, which was the same method used with Opening Ceremony before they opened in NYC.
Jonathan + Olivia will be expanding their location for the shop-in-shop in order to accommodate Topshop’s main line collection, its designer collaboration label and eventually its footwear, makeup and menswear products.
After seeing them live last week, we were happy to see an LCD Soundsystem track as the instrumental for Cudi’s new song. The song comes to tie all the fans over who are waiting on Man On The Moon 2. Features include Chip Tha Ripper as well as an intro sound clip from Christian Bale – possibly the Mr. Rager Cudi talks about?
Also enjoy Can I Say from earlier this year, which is another Cudi + LCD Soundsystem combo.
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DOWNLOAD: Kid Cudi – All Talk feat. Chip Tha Ripper
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DOWNLOAD: Kid CuDi – Can I Be
Here’s a little comment Kid Cudi made on his blog:
thanx for all the love on the new joint yall. i really appreciate it sincerely.
this was a idea i had that me and Chip decided to do for fun. as of right now its not on anything, we just recorded it and put it out just for the fuck of it. itll be awhile til MOTM2 (still gunnin’ for Aug release or Sept), so i might keep releasing some fun joints here and there. ill keep you all posted faaashow
I owe French producer Anoraak a great deal. A few years ago when my housemates had all finished exams and graduated from University, I still had one left to complete my degree. I was forced to leave my own study because drinking commenced as soon as I awoke, and instead of going postal on the entire house, I found solace in Anoraak’s romantic electro compositions.
Recently, he signed to a label to work on his first LP. To tide us over until the August 30th release he has offered up his single “Above Your Head”. It’s more gorgeous synth-pop dripping with nostalgia and warmth.
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DOWNLOAD: Anoraak – Above Your Head
BONUS: Below is the song that single-handedly got me through senior exams. Maybe it can help some other poor soul out there too.
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DOWNLOAD: College – Teenage Color (Anoraak Remix)
We have been waiting for a long time to hear more from any members of Sweden’s The Tough Alliance. Their fresh blend of 80s synth-pop, early 90s club beats, new age, and swedish pop has always been a go to favourite when we’re not quite sure what to listen to. Unfortunately, we don’t have new Tough Alliance songs but we do have the next best thing… Eric Berglund (1/2 of TA) has released a single for his new side project CEO.
The sound is very similar to Tough Alliance and is a strong first effort. We’re excited to hear more when the full album “White Magic” comes out June 29th.
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DOWNLOAD: CEO – Come With Me
Arcade Fire have released full versions of The Suburbs and Month of May. Both are tracks from their upcoming album The Suburbs, which is going to be released August 3rd. Month of May is a song especially close to our hearts. It’s about that feeling in Canada when the weather transitions out of a super cold winter and in May there’s happiness in the air as if all were experiencing warm weather for the first time.
The full-length album is also available for pre-order. Grab it as a digital download, CD or a $44.99 package that includes double 12″ vinyl, a digital version, and a signed, limited edition poster.
DOWNLOAD: Arcade Fire – The Suburbs
DOWNLOAD: Arcade Fire – Month of May
Archival Clothing‘s latest release is the Rucksack. The classic looking pack is the result of an evolution in quality that the brand has gone through over different releases. The upgrade in quality and function comes at no sacrifice on a simple, timeless looks.
Leading up to the release Archival Clothing also review some of the issues with existing rucksack’s and how theirs would provide a better option. You can also check out the specs of the piece in great detail.
Ordering info, alternate colourway and detailed picture ahead.
LCD Soundsystem played The Kool Haus in Toronto last night. The venue has been a temporary home to many of Handsome’s favourite bands, but LCD Soundsystem were the first band who seemed to redecorate the venue. Spot lights aimed at a massive disco ball were reminiscent of a homemade La Maitress De La Tour Eiffel. A disco ball never seemed so functional, casting rays of light over an enthusiastic crowd.
James Murphy and the band played a super extended set that lasted just under two hours. Highlight songs included Yr City’s a Sucker, All My Friends and Someone Great. The best part of the show was the closing ballad – New York, I Love You mashed with Jay-Z’s Empire State of Mind for an extra long and much appreciated exit.
Two extra special moments of the show came in-between songs, during Murphy’s bashful banter and thank-yous. The first was when Murphy had to “bring up something small”. His mini-speech was something along the lines of “I understand people want to take videos on their cell phones. I don’t have any issue with the video and if you want to put it up on YouTube or Facebook. Maybe people want a memento from the show? But what about being at the show? Actually enjoying being here…But then again, I’m kind of old.”
The second piece of advice came close to the encore. Murphy took a moment to address the issue of aggressive dancing at LCD Soundsystem shows. “This comes totally from a place of positivity. Enjoy the show, but every once in a while take a look at the people around you and see if they’re enjoying you enjoying the show. If there’s no girls around you this may be a sign.” Murphy then gave his point a little more thought. “…unless you came here with a crew of ten gay guys.”
I figured I’d start your day off right (and possibly beat Christian to the punch) with the latest release from Major Lazer in a collaboration with English electropop / synthpop duo La Roux. VIA La Roux’s PR:
“Major Lazer [Diplo and Switch] has partnered with La Roux to create Lazerproof, a super special mixtape that’s available free from today on the Mad Decent blog. Created during a recent trip to Jamaica, the tape includes guest appearances from Gucci Mane, Drake, Gyptian, Rusko and Amanda Blank.”
Find it HERE and enjoy.
Enterprise Toronto‘s Lessons From The Trenches event was a great success and we were happy to be a part of it. It was excellent to see so many young entrepreneurs come out and take part. We enjoyed participating on the panel with Steve Stunt and such admirable Toronto-based entrepreneurs as well as getting a chance to meet all the people who came out.
Best of luck with everybody starting a new business and those with existing ones. Stay on your dreams.
More pictures ahead.
Waitressing by night to finance her own store by day, Alya B. Kazakevich, handcrafts leather shoes, bags and belts. The twenty-eight year old entrepreneur hand tans leather with vegetable dye and assembles each piece herself with diligence and attention to detail. Custom ordered and hand-made, each piece takes two weeks to make. The final products are simple and timeless with a raw leather finish in a variety of shades.
More information and pieces ahead.
