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Ive heard that Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver all have very livley and happening music scenes. Which one is the best for a musician like myself to find a band and play shows etc. Which one is the strongest? Thanks.
Toronto has by far the largest music scene, but that's partially in relation to it being the largest city in Canada. It's also home to Canada's media headquarters, record companies, and publishing houses, so by default Toronto has a lot more of that kind of stuff going on. I don't know what it would be like to make a living there, but that's where I'd go if that was my goal.
And yet saying that, Montreal is the more attractive city out of the two (in my opinion) - its' the cheapest of all three cities to live in, it just feels very artsy/bohemian/sentimental, the architecture is beautiful, and the population in general strongly supports the arts. They also have some of the best music festivals in Canada (Montreal Jazz Fest, Pop Montreal, etc). So many people move to Montreal for its music scene because the atmosphere of the city inspires creativity.
Vancouver has a huge DIY music scene and all the touring bands that play Toronto also play Vancouver. Vancouver has the smallest scene, but it's close-knit and a lot of fun. I wouldn't come to Vancouver to make a living as a musician, unless you had a day job or were one of the few that got really successful. Vancouver's a lot of fun for other reasons however (hanging out at the beach, road trips to Seattle, being able to embrace the outdoors)... it's very, very laid back and about as far as corporate culture as you can get. It's a city that's constantly recreating and establishing its own identity, including the identity and direction of its music scene. There are no rules or limits.
Toronto is like an indie rock utopia - "Torontopia". Inner city Toronto is packed full of artsy bohemians who ride around town on old fixed gear bikes by day and play in bands by night.
Toronto seems to find lots of good artists, Skye Sweetnam, Avril Lavigne, Three Days Grace, the list goes on.
Oh and credit goes to Vancouver, MandoPop star Elva Hsiao is from there.
Although I hate Winnipeg with a passion, I would have to say we do have a really good music scene. Maybe not the best in Canada, but it's possible! Small local venues have great acts. Winnipeg is home to BTO, The Guess Who, Chantal Kreviazuk, Burton Cummings, and Neil Young to name a few!!
Actually, Fred Turner still lives here, Burton Cummings has a house here as well as ownership of Salisbury House Restaurants. But I know what you mean. Winnipeg isn't exactly one of those place you would like to call home anyways.
The music scene is really good. I am more into the blues type of stuff, so I guess it all depends on what you like. There are a pile of great venues in this city.
By the way, I've never heard of the Weakerthans.
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