Berlin-based DJ duo M.A.N.D.Y. are leading the pack right now in the melodic techno/tech house genre. They have massive cross-over appeal as DJs because their minimal sets are filled with crisp beats and bass, but the tracks they like (and produce themselves) usually contain simple melodies that creep into ears from out of nowhere. That's what sets them apart for me, and I can't wait to see them at Randomland this Friday.

Thursday night I made my way (in a steamy streetcar) to catch Berlin-based electro house DJ Jesse Rose at The Social. He really lit it up last time the A.D/D. crew brought him there last winter so I had to check him out again.

Last week I received an email from DjZedVantz, a local hip hop DJ/producer who just completed a unique mix called Turntable Jazz. I was curious when he mentioned that the mix was attracting some attention in Europe while no one here in Toronto seemed to know about it.

We like to fight the good fight here at blogTO so I downloaded the mix and instantly loved it. Inspired by Cut Chemist and Numark's classic track "Swing Set" (which appeared on Jurassic 5's album Quality Control in 2000), ZedVantz mixed old jazz records with old school hip hop grooves. It's a great summer BBQ soundtrack and my friends thoroughly enjoyed listening to it up at the cottage last weekend.

DjZedVantz is spinning at a cool 80's throwback party tonight at the Concord Cafe. But why Zedvantz? What's he all about and what does his sound have to do with your grandmother?

Keep reading for the complete interview.

Scarborough in the house! DJ Barletta is the latest local DJ/producer to make a splash on the new electro scene. His rap-influenced productions and remixes have been blogged about to no end, and they've attracted the attention of big name DJs like Italy's Crookers.

In addition to remixing international acts like The Beastie Boys and Rihanna as well as local talent like Kardinal Offishall and Syntonics, Barletta also has a growing collection of solid original material. When he's not producing popular club tracks, he also writes his own music blog called The Factory Press.

DJ Barletta headlines this week's edition of REMIX THIS! alongside resident/host DJ Medley. Why Barletta? What does he use to make his tracks? Who's spinning them?

Keep reading for the complete interview.

For well over a decade, Montreal-based musician Mike Feuerstack has released solo material as snailhouse. I remember always liking his lo-fi acoustic songs whenever they were played on the Indie Hour, but it was always kind of a mystery because I rarely heard about the band anywhere else.

Turns out that Mike was busy with his main band Wooden Stars. They released four acclaimed albums and after an eight-year hiatus they reformed in 2007 and won a Juno award for their collaboration with Julie Doiron. Mike also plays in The Acorn, who I loved at Canadian Music Week.

Luckily for us, Mike has found the time to record and release a very sweet new snailhouse album called Lies On The Prize (Unfamiliar Records). Mike's voice is soulful and his lyrics are very thoughtful. The instrumentation is top notch and the album takes a few interesting turns as it goes along.

But why is he called snailhouse? What does he think about Toronto? What's up with his CD release show this Thursday at the Drake? I asked Mike these questions and many more.

Keep reading for the complete interview.

With a heavy heart I type this edition of my Q&A series. This is the first one where I'm speaking to a band who are about to play their last shows. Foreign territory for me, as I tend to focus on "up- and-comers" who I encourage our beloved readers to check out.

A Northern Chorus is an ambient rock band that every fan of moody, atmospheric, heart-felt music would like. But sadly, after eight years and four full-length records (released by Sonic Unyon Records), they are packing it in before graduating past their "up-and-comer" status.

A Northern Chorus play their final Toronto show tonight at the Horseshoe. Singer/guitarist Pete Hall shared some memories with me about how the band started, the difficult road they travelled and why there is still lots to look forward to.

Keep reading for the complete interview.