The fourth edition of Recording Arts Canada‘s Concert Showcase series took place last Tuesday, February 18 at La Sala Rossa. Local bands King Karoshi, Tofu Stravinsky, Brittany Kwasnik and Be Astronaut performed in front of a panel of judges–including record label representatives, sound engineers and recording studio owners–for the chance to win free studio time in the RAC studios.

The purpose of the RAC showcase is to give emerging artists a chance to perform in front of industry professionals with the goal of advancing their musical careers. The event is also a chance for current RAC students to gain experience doing the sound and lighting in a live setting.

The grand prize went to B.C. natives Tofu Stravinsky, who wowed the crowd with their upbeat, jazzy brand of pop.

Photos by Nadia Zheng.

King Karoshi:

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Tofu Stravinsky:

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Brittany Kwasnik:

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A big “fuck you” to Valentine’s Day and album launches galore for shows this week.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 14

Karneef + Vesuvio Solo + Joji @ Cabaret Playhouse

Tonight, Montreal’s own Karneef will be officially launching his debut album, Love Between Us, released this past November via Club Roll. Karneef recently spoke to FTB, you can read about it here.

Doors open at 9 p.m., $5 before 11 p.m. or $7 after.

Fuck Valentine’s Day: Riot Porn + Stigmachine + Jesus Horse @ Deathouse

There’s no better way to spend the most vile of all holidays than sweating it out in the pit to some of the best punk and hardcore from our own backyard. The 2014 Fuck Valentine’s Day series spans two nights (see below for Saturday’s lineup). Also, free samosas.

Show starts at 10 p.m.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 15

Kids Eat Crayons @ Casa del Popolo

The seven-member, self-described jazz-metal-freakout band is launching their second (and long-awaited) album Dogs at Play Among the Ruins. They’ve developed a sound that is truly all their own and it needs to be seen to be believed–their music is bizarre, contains elements that seemingly don’t go together but the result is quite pleasant and really fun.

Doors open at 8:30 p.m., $8.

PyPy + Crosss + Maica Mia @ TRH-Bar

Members of Duchess Says, CPC Gangbangs and Red Mass came together to form supergroup PyPy. They’re launching their debut album, Pagan Day, this week at what is sure to be the most psych-punk-thrashtastic live show of the next little while.

Show starts at 9 p.m., tickets cost $10 and can be bought in advance at Phonopolis, L’Oblique and Aux 33 Tours.

Pulses @ Divan Orange

A multi-sensory experience awaits Saturday night as Montreal electronic music duo Pulses launch their first full-length album, Pulsations. Presented as part of MEG’s Audio/Visual Showcase series, the event also features work by TiND, Orbital Mechanics, Ewerx, Sipherdee, Phil Fiction and Vj Albireo.

Show starts at 10 p.m., $9 at the door or here.

Fuck Valentine’s Day: Mutank + Muffler Crunch + Alcohol Fueled + The Lovely Haze @ Deathouse

Show starts at 10 p.m.

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 17

together PANGEA + Mozes and the Firstborn + Phèdre @ Casa del Popolo

Doors open at 8 p.m., $10 at the door or via blueskiesturnblack.com.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 18

RAC Showcase: King Karoshi + Be Astronaut + Tofu Stravinsky + Brittany Kwasnik @ La Sala Rossa

Recording Arts Canada‘s Concert Showcase series features up-and-comers in the Montreal music scene. The event is meant to give emerging artists exposure to professionals in the industry and help advance their musical careers. The participating artists receive feedback on their performance and a chance to win free studio time in the RAC studios. It can be a good opportunity for some very deserving artists to gain recognition and for audience members to discover some new local talent.

Show starts at 7 p.m., free.