Since 2000, Wavelength has provided an evolving platform for local artists to showcase and share their music. In the past, the series has helped Torontonians discover bands such as Broken Social Scene, the Constantines, Holy Fuck, Feist, Peaches, Caribou, and Fucked Up. The tradition continues in 2012 as the Wavelength 12th Anniversary Festival kicks off tonight.

Full festival passes have already sold out, but, not to fret, advance tickets to the individual shows are still available at Soundscapes, Rotate This, and the Arts and Crafts website. Moreover, some tickets will be available at the door, though they come at an increased cost. The doors open at 9 p.m. for all concerts. Here's a look at the 2012 lineup.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16 — Metz, Odonis Odonis, Slim Twig, Man Made Hill, Eucalyptus at Parts and Labour (1566 Queen Street West). Tickets: $10 in advance and $12 at the door.
Wavelength kicks off with one of Toronto's loudest bands, Metz, playing in the basement of Parts and Labour. Joining them at the Shop is a number of other local outfits, including Odonis Odonis, Toronto's one and only surfgaze trio. Those who frequent the Tranzac Club will be familiar with Eucalyptus, a band lead by saxophonist Brodie West.

Then there's Slim Twig, the stage and film persona of Max Turnbull. And finally, Man Made Hill, a disco funk group.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 17 — Fucked Up, Bonjay, Catl, Silver Dapple, Hut at The Steam Whistle Brewery (255 Bremner Boulevard). Tickets: $17 in advance and $20 at the door.
Since most are already familiar with Fucked Up and Bonjay, let's focus on Friday night's less known bands. What makes Wavelength's second night intriguing is the strength of its supporting acts. First, we have Hut, a group that features members from both Hooded Fang and the dearly departed Spiral Beach, a union that, when it works, takes the best from both bands.

Catl, one of the festival's least conventional bands, plays an infectious blend of dancey blues punk. Last but not least, there's Silver Dapple, a band that has been playing their brand of pop punk since 1993. All told, Friday night brings together one of Wavelength Twelve's strongest and most diverse lineups.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 18 — No Joy, Sandro Perri, Nat Baldwin, Off the International Radar, The Weather Station at The Great Hall (1087 Queen Street West). Tickets: $12 in advance and $15 at the door.
The obvious highlight on Saturday night is Sandro Perri, who released the critically acclaimed Impossible Spaces in 2011. Like Friday night, however, Wavelength's third night features talented artists throughout. Nat Baldwin, for example, is a name that most have probably never heard of, though are familiar with his music. Baldwin is the bassist for Dirty Projectors. On Saturday night he brings his chamber pop solo project to Toronto. Beyond Baldwin, there's the talented Tamara Lindleman (Bruce Peninsula) with her solo folk project, The Weather Station.

Those partial to electronic music will enjoy Off the International Radar, an electronic drone collective that's collaborated with Holy Fuck in the past. Finally, there's headliner No Joy. Hailing from Montreal, No Joy is an all-girl shoegaze band.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 19 — PS I Love You, Burning Love, Army Girls, Motëm, Most People at The Garrison (1197 Dundas Street West). Tickets: $10 in advance and $12 at the door.
As is now Wavelength tradition, the festival closes out on a Sunday night at the Garrison. The night is headlined by Kingston noise-pop duo, PS I Love You, a group that likely needs no introduction. In addition, there's Burning Love, a band fronted by Chris Colohan, a former member of Fucked Up and veteran of Toronto's hardcore scene.

Those worried that Wavelength Twelve's last outing will be hard-edged affair need not fret, as the festival's final night also includes a diverse assortment of bands. Both Most People and Motëm bring their own brands of evocative electronic music to the mix. And theres's also Army Girls, the collaborative project between Carmen Elle (Austra) and Andy Smith (Doldrums and Heartbeat Hotel).

Photo of Fucked Up by Frank Yang from the blogTO Flickr Pool.