É«É«À²

Aysanabee with Sebastian Gaskin

March 21 @ Axis Club

Equipped with a deep, thick and soulful voice, Oji-Cree singer-songwriter Aysanabee first burst onto the Canadian music scene in 2022 with the release of his debut album “Watin,” which was inspired by conversations he had with his late grandfather. Two-and-half years and a couple of Juno Awards later, Aysanabee has embarked on his first ever headlining tour of Canada.

For his stop at the Axis Club in É«É«À², Aysanabee will be joined by his Ishkodé Records label mate Sebastian Gaskin, the rising pop fusion artist from Tataskweyak Cree Nation who released his debut album in February. 

The Magnetic Fields

March 26 and 27 @ Queen Elizabeth Theatre

It’s been a quarter-century since the Magnetic Fields released “69 Love Songs,” a sprawling and experimental concept album that remains a high point in the world of indie pop. To mark the occasion, the band is on the road performing the beloved album in full over two nights in each city. If you want to get hyped for the shows,

FKA twigs

Postponed

FKA twigs — whose most recent album “Eusexua” was a thrilling avant-pop album brimming with weird and wild songs that were custom-made for a club setting — was supposed to perform two nights at History on March 30 and March 31, but was forced to postpone both shows because she was unable to get a visa to enter the U.S. News dates have not yet been announced.

Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds

April 23 @ Meridian Hall

Speak to any fan of Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds and they will tell you that seeing the band live is less of a concert than a spiritual experience. Cave, now 67, in particular remains a remarkably charismatic and physical performer, one who engages with his rapturous audience as if each show will be his last. The Bad Seeds are currently on tour in support of their 18th studio album, “Wild God,” which features some of the most joyous music Cave and the Bad Seeds have made in years. 

Lucy Dacus

April 25 and 26 @ Massey Hall

Singer-songwriter Lucy Dacus and her Boygenius bandmates have kept a relatively low profile since the indie supergroup took over the world with their debut album just over two years ago. On March 28, Dacus will re-emerge with “Forever Is a Feeling,” her first solo record in four years, and a North American tour in support of the project. The highly anticipated project will feature an impressive roster of indie royalty, including Phoebe Bridgers, Julien Baker, Hozier, Blake Mills, Bartees Strange, Jay Som and more.

Allie X

May 2 @ The Opera House

Writing in the Star’s roundup of overlooked pop culture from 2024, music writer Emilie Hanskamp described Allie X’s “Girl With No Face” as an “addictive, 43-minute descent into synth-fuelled horror pop with hooks so catchy you’ll pull a muscle from excessive hair-flipping.” If you’re a fan of big-swing, experimental pop music but don’t want to break the bank, check out the Oakville native’s upcoming show at the Opera House (before she blows up).

Japanese Breakfast

May 5 and 6 @ Massey Hall

Japanese Breakfast, an indie pop band fronted by singer () Michelle Zauner, is set to release their first studio album in over three years on March 21, titled “For Melancholy Brunettes (and Sad Women).” In February, Zauner where she performed her new sang “Orlando in Love” backed by a small orchestra.

MJ Lenderman & the Wind

May 8 and 9 @ Danforth Music Hall

The last time MJ Lenderman came to town, the show sold out in 16 minutes. The line at the merch table nearly stretched past the bar, the Star’s Ben Mussett noted in a review of the show, which he described as a spirited and joyful singalong. Fortunately for those fans who weren’t lucky enough to snag a ticket, the rapidly rising alt-country star and his rollicking band are returning for two shows at the Danforth. 

Alessia Cara

May 15 @ Roy Thomson Hall

Brampton’s own Alessia Cara returned this winter with “Love & Hyperbole,” an introspective and soulful new record that Star contributor Vernon Ayiku described as “a new artistic chapter, one that balances the weight of being a pessimist and hopeless romantic with the excitement of new-found joy.” The 28-year-old singer will get to celebrate this new chapter with her fans in the plush seats of É«É«À²’s Roy Thomson Hall.

MIKE

May 28 @ The Opera House

Looking for your hip-hop fix? A prolific and experimental rapper and producer from New York City, MIKE is to return to É«É«À² as part of his massive 2025 worldwide tour. His latest album, “Showbiz!” arrived in January. 

Paul Simon

May 27, 29 and 30 @ Massey Hall

Legendary folk singer Paul Simon was planning to retire just a few years ago but seems to have found his groove following the release of his 2023 album “Seven Psalms.” In February, after at the 50th anniversary special for “Saturday Night Live,” the 83-year-old announced a string of shows at smaller venues, including Massey Hall in É«É«À². 

Perfume Genius

June 14 @ The Concert Hall

Beloved indie artist and critical darling Mike Hadreas, a.k.a. Perfume Genius, is hitting the road to promote his latest album, “Glory,” which was produced by in-demand guitarist Blake Mills. He released