Eastern Hoe-down

I missed opener The Pick Brothers Band at Yonge-Dundas Square for Indie Friday because I was scarfing down some BBQ. However, I arrived in time for head-liner Ria Mae. This Halifax native (though currently residing Montreal) has recently changed her sound from its indie vibe to more of a pop sound. As an out queer artist, she had a good following of young queer kids cheering her in the front row.

The sound was worse than usual at this venue. Tonight, it was mostly an indifferent tech crew who seemed to ignore what was going on on stage. Several times, Mae had to wave to get their attention. When she switched to her guitar for some older tunes from her indie days, its contribution was barely audible. Mae reminded me of Tegan and Sara, queer artists who have embraced more pop. Which is to say, without their instruments, they are all quite awkward dancers with diffident stage presence. She can write catchy tunes though from Clothes Off to Bend. At the end of the show, I noticed several curious bros who were impressed enough with her dance numbers to search for her name on the advertising billboard.