The 2012 festival season has arrived, and kicks off with the 12th year of Toronto’s landmark Wavelength Festival. As a weekly live music series showcasing some of Toronto’s best underground talent, Wavelength has introduced us to the likes of Broken Social Scene, Holy Fuck, Caribou, Crystal Castles and more. Needless to say, the name its name is synonymous with Toronto’s hottest up and comers, and as an increasing number of  industry eyes focus on Toronto’s eclectic music scene,  Wavelength’s influence is becoming even more powerful.

This year, Wavelength takes over the city for  four consecutive nights, lighting up the stages of various venues with some of the city’s best and brightest music.  Each night has been carefully curated to roll-out as they call “a thoughtfully compiled mixtape.” Check out our complete guide to Wavelength below and get your tix fast, because all four nights are bound to sell out. All-accesses passes are being sold for $36 and individual night tickets range from $10-$20.

NIGHT 1 @ PARTS & LABOUR - 9pm (1566 Queen St. W)
TOP PICK: Eucalyptus – Calypso vibes, tranzac style

Ethio-jazz/calypso jammers Eucalyptus, kick off this year’s fest. Their post-jazz Tranzac sound is led by saxophonist  Brodie West, who has played many a Wavelength stage. The band is well-known across the city for their all-star line up and captivating performances. Their most recent album, Eeeeeeeuuuucaaaaaallyyypppptus EP is out now on Blocks.

Catch them weekly at Hirut Fine Ethiopian Cuisine every Sunday in February

Durrty Goodz – Eucalyptus, Eeeeeuuucaaaaaaallyyypppptus Blocks 071 by Brodie West

Appearing with:
Metz - Heavy-hitting noise-rock power trio
Odonis Odonis – Post-punk surfgaze trio
Slim Twig – Synthentic, reductive funk
Man Made Hill – Drugged-up disco funk

NIGHT 2 @ STEAMWHISTLE BREWERY – 9pm (255 Brenmar Blvd)
TOP PICK: Fucked Up — Toronto’s finest psych-punk sextet

As one of Toronto’s finest success stories, Fucked Up headlines this year’s fest on the heels of their latest Chinese zodiac single, “Year of the Tiger”. Their live show never disapoints, with lead singer Damian Ambraham guaranteed to up the ante at this year’s performance. If you haven’t seen these guys yet, make sure you come out for what’s bound to be one of the best nights at Wavelength this Friday.

Appearing With:
Bonjay - Electric dancehall duo
Catl - Toronto’s blues-punk dance party
Silver Dapple - Buzzy, fuzzy pop quartet
Hut – Hooded Fang & Spiral Beach pop duo

NIGHT 3 @ THE GREAT HALL – 9pm (1087 Queen St. W.)
TOP PICK: Nat Baldwin — Dirty Projectors double-bassist’s solo project

Dirty Projectors being one of our favourites, we’re pretty stoked to see Nat Baldwin‘s solo project for the first time. With familiar DP sounds mixed into his avant chamber pop sound, his live show is bound to be an interesting one. Baldwin is one of the only U.S. acts appearing at this year’s fest.
Nat Baldwin – Lake Erie by wavelengthtoronto

Appearing With:
No Joy - MTL shoegazer punk
Sandro Perri - Prog-folk disco hero
Off the International Radar - Influential electronic drone collective
The Weather Station - Awe-inspiring banjo folk

NIGHT 4 @ THE GARRISON – 9pm (1197 Dundas St. W.)
TOP PICK: Most People — Minimalist electronica

Even though Toronto-based Most People only have a two-song demo up so far, we’re liking what we hear and are looking forward to seeing what their live show has to offer. Based around heavy guitar-bass and electronic foundation, we suspect there will be some looping and synth-style vocals.

Appearing With:
PS I Love You - Kingston-based indie noise guitar pop duo
Burning Love - Hardcore rock crew
Army Girls - Toronto lady pop
Motem - Electro-funk wild-card