TOPS
Somewhere between breezy AM radio jams and dreamily modern bedroom pop lies TOPS, longtime sweethearts of Canada’s indie music scene.
Formed in 2011 by Edmonton-to-Montreal transplants Jane Penny and David Carriere, TOPS quickly found themselves at home on Arbutus Records, the label that helped introduce the world to Grimes and Blue Hawaii. Recorded at La Brique — the loft studio space where they all met — and adding Riley Fleck on drums, their ‘12 debut album Tender Opposites showcased a band dedicated to lo-fi disco grooves and artsy indie noise. As the BBC put it, “There’s something about these songs that will tempt you back time and time again.
”Their follow-up album Picture You Staring added a shimmer of vintage soft rock sheen to an already-eclectic sound. It earned accolades from Pitchfork, and was listed by Stereogum as one of the best albums of 2014. The band put some serious miles in as well, touring and playing around 100 shows by the end of 2015.
After temporarily relocating to Los Angeles, TOPS released their third album Sugar at the Gate in 2017. Marta Cikojevic joined as keyboardist that same year, adding a crucial element of sonic etherealness to the now-quartet’s complex sound. I Feel Alive came three years later, delivering Harry Nilsson-style arrangements accompanied by Jay Som-esque production and complete with Penny’s warm vibrato (and flute skills!). This one was released on their own label, Musique TOPS.
The 2022 EP Empty Seats represents a further evolution, fusing yacht rock and synthed-out new wave with a bittersweet touch. They’ve toured the world and explored many sonic highways, and now Sled Island brings TOPS back to the prairies from whence they came.
Aladean Kheroufi
Equal parts balladeer, crooner, and pop star, Aladean Kheroufi is a multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, arranger, producer, and DJ. A Canadian by way of Algeria, he writes songs that are idiosyncratic, soulful, and devastating, with optimism that turns heartbreak into melancholic party anthems. Check out his 2024 release Studies In A Dying Love for a taste of his pop-forward sensibilities.
Babe Corner
Pulling from the nostalgic melodies of The Carpenters and Mazzy Star, Babe Corner is your new favourite West Coast power pop band. Gritty guitar licks and tempo changes enmesh themselves with soothing vocals and synth you can just taste on ‘23 debut album Crybaby. This five-piece is Vancouver’s best-kept secret, and guess what? You’re in on it.
Bad Bodies
This five-piece indie pop band from Mohkinstsis arrives like a summer breeze. Bad Bodies relies on the mellow soundscapes of lush guitar licks, buttery baselines and dreamy rhythms to deliver a healthy dose of tension and release. Start with last year’s BB01 EP (recorded by Chris Dadge) for a taste of their confessionally irresistible songwriting.
The Painters
Montreal-based indie rock four-piece The Painters are a synergistic creative force. Their self-produced tracks playfully refract a multitude of colourful influences — from hippie folk to synth pop to microtonal improvisations. Within the walls of their shared apartment-turned-DIY studio, they immerse themselves in practice, recording, and exploration.
Clea Anaïs
Raised by a dancer and painter, Clea Anaïs is a multifaceted artist with emotional intelligence as sharp as a crystal. Her artful brand of indie rock has taken her across Canada with Reuben and the Dark, appearances at the Calgary Folk Festival, and more. Clea creates sonic art that evokes memories while still feeling brand new.
Thomas Thomas
Calgary indie ensemble Thomas Thomas is the result of the creative collision of sincere singer-songwriter Shannon Thomas and curious indie rocker Thomas Englund (Bell Tower, BETABOYS), ultimately forming a nostalgic five-piece worthy of even the swankiest high school proms. Their musical idiosyncrasy has drawn comparisons to Born Ruffians, Wallows, and Camera Obscura.
About Sled Island:
Sled Island is an annual five-day independent music and arts festival in Calgary, Alberta that brings together a community of music, comedy and art with nearly 30,000 attendees in multiple venues across the city. For more information, visit SledIsland.com.
Upon entering a festival venue, the passholder agrees to being photographed, filmed or recorded in that venue, and agrees to the publication, reproduction, distribution and broadcast of all photographs, video or other recordings of the passholder's voice or likeness without further notice or compensation in any publicity, advertisement or other publication carried-out by, or on behalf of, Sled Island and in perpetuity in any manner and media whatsoever, including print, broadcast or internet.
Everyone has the right to feel safe and included at Sled Island. All festival attendees must abide by Sled Island's safer spaces and inclusion policy and agree to the code of conduct, which can be found at SledIsland.com/SaferSpaces.
Sled Island acknowledges Calgary as the traditional territory of the Blackfoot and the people of the Treaty 7 region in Southern Alberta, which includes the Siksika, the Piikani, the Kainai, the Tsuut’ina and the Ĩyãħé Nakoda First Nations, including the Chiniki, Bearspaw and Goodstoney First Nations. Calgary is also home to the Métis Nation of Alberta (Districts 5 and 6).
You may also like the following events from Sled Island:
- This month, 17th June, 05:00 pm, Sled Island Opening Party + Poster Show Launch in Calgary
- This month, 18th June, 12:00 pm, Sled Island 2025 in Calgary
- This month, 18th June, 05:30 pm, Sled Island presents: Mary Lattimore, SANAM and Hermitess in Calgary
Also check out other
Music events in Calgary,
Entertainment events in Calgary,
Festivals in Calgary.
