Over the past few weeks, while talking with friends about 2015, I realized that I saw a bunch of shows, like into the hundreds of artists, from festivals to small club shows.  To do a list of shows, it would be cheating to put a full festival down and say “Everyone was amazing!!” So, on that note, here are my five favourite live acts of 2015, in no particular order.

Also, all pictures I am using are my own from the mentioned performances.

Father John Misty

I got to finally see Father John at Field trip in June and was fully blown away by his performance.  Even by just walking out on stage, he had full control over the audience and captivated everyone with his heartfelt performance.  Josh Tillman delivered on point renditions of songs from both Fear Fun and I Love You, Honeybear, making this one of the best shows and him one of my favourite acts of 2015

Pierce Brothers

A highlight of Canadian Music Week in May was not even Canadian; Melbourne’s Pierce Brothers were fantastic with their energetic folk performance.  They have honed the art of busking in their native Australia and are able to bring it on stage, such as at the Rivoli during the Aussie BBQ.  An act that I can’t wait to come back to Toronto.

SATE

A local songstress who brings a rawness rarely seen these days, SATE blows up every stage and every room she graces.  I’m not sure the exact number of times I saw her this year since April, but everytime I am always thoroughly entertained.  SATE’s voice is powerful and gritty, reflecting her idols Betty Davis (the funk singer) and Fishbone.  Look for her debut record coming out in 2016.

Ghost

Having not been to many doom metal or heavy metal shows before, I didn’t have any idea what a show by Ghost would be like.  I was enthralled by the way that Papa Emeritus III had the audience completely under his control, and never let them go until the end of the show.  The performance was flawless and highly entertaining.

Peaches

I had heard about how crazy Peaches’ shows can be, but nothing prepared me for her performance in October.  Through multiple costume changes, Peaches kept up the music, which she solely controlled, and belted out hits from all of her albums.  A very minimal stage was compensated by her accompanying dancers who were very sexual and entertaining.  By far, a show I won’t soon forget.