Skyscanner is partnering with Exceptional Alien to bring you music guides in Toronto, Los Angeles, Manchester, New York, and Berlin. Here, alternative indie band Valley pull back the curtain on Toronto’s most exciting music spaces
Valley’s Toronto: concerts, intimate clubs, hidden gems
It’s no secret that Canada’s largest city is responsible for generating some of the most successful musical talent of the last two centuries. Toronto either produced or helped establish the likes of Justin Bieber, Shawn Mendes, Drake, and Joni Mitchell (to name but a few).
The Canadian city’s diverse culture has helped create a melting pot of musical influences that blend everything from jazz and R&B to metal and pop. The city is home to numerous stand-out live music venues that regularly host some of the biggest names in the business – and which are increasingly attracting crowds from abroad. More than ever before, music fans are traveling abroad to see their favorite acts in concert, adding to the rise of the “gig tripping” travel trend. Should Toronto be next on your travel bucket list? Native indie band Valley certainly thinks so.
And while music is a major part of Toronto's thriving culture, this diverse city has so much more to offer. Before you read our music guide, discover other hidden gems and well-loved spots, all in the Skyscanner x Exceptional Alien guide below.
Who is Valley?
Valley is an indie pop group formed in Toronto in 2014. Known for their intriguing alternative sound, they’re also renowned for having gotten together after being double-booked at a recording studio. Members Rob Laska, Alex Dimauro, and Karah James have never looked back.
The group has released three albums, been nominated for multiple Juno awards, and are touring North America this year promoting their album Water the Flowers, Pray for a Garden. Future concert schedules include Europe and Asia, as well as a custom coffee bean… Curious? Us too.
How does Toronto inspire them to create music?
A city whose multiculturalism has made it a core of creativity in North America, Toronto is bursting with talent across all musical genres. “Toronto is one of the most multicultural cities on earth,” Valley explains. “We export some of the most influential artists of our generation by blending American and UK soul, pop, hip-hop, country, folk, etc.” Some such influential artists include the likes of Metric, Drake, The Weeknd, and Our Lady Peace, as well as those of particular influence to the group: Broken Social Scene, Feist, Daniel Caesar, and Charlotte Day Wilson.
Toronto’s creative pulse earns its comparisons with the United States’ most famous metropole: New York – even earning it the moniker "Lazy New York" among the band members. “[It] gives off very New York vibes, just a little less fast-paced,” Valley says. “New York is like chaos, but in the best way. That's why it's so creative, beautiful, and iconic. Toronto has that same energy, just a little more laid-back.”
Valley’s favorite Toronto music venues
Toronto’s reputation for producing eclectic musicians and bands means there are live music venues in every corner of the city. For the best Toronto concerts, start with these recommendations from those in the know.
Massey Hall
Various musical and cultural events
Built in 1894, Massey Hall is one of the oldest performance halls in Canada. “This is just such an iconic room with so much history; we consider it Toronto’s ‘Radio City Music Hall,’” Valley says. “You name an artist and they’ve probably played it. There’s no other venue in the world that feels like Massey Hall.” Indeed, famous faces from industries beyond the musical have graced the event space over time, including Winston Churchill and the Dalai Lama.
Bud Stage
Various
Sitting pretty on the shores of Lake Ontario, the vast Budweiser Stage can host around 16,000 people. Valley loves it because “there’s a show happening there every single night during the summer and you can always grab some lawn seats with friends last-minute.” Opened in 1995, this Toronto concert venue, which has hosted Taylor Swift and Radiohead, holds a certain amount of nostalgia for the band too. “Growing up, we all had some really special nights taking the train in from our hometowns and walking over to see Green Day, Paramore, and so many more influential bands for us.”
HISTORY
Intimate gigs
The result of a collaboration between Canadian rapper Drake and Live Nation, this live music venue in Toronto has become popular for its midsize occupancy. Valley members are fans. “HISTORY sounds amazing and has this almost ‘in the round’ feeling to the room, which makes it feel really intimate.” Its handy location also allows for a double dose of entertainment in one night: “[It’s] in a quieter neighborhood but near a movie theater, so maybe catch an early movie before the show?”
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