Next Level Syndicate is Toronto’s first Math Rock label, and next month’s equation is the first ever Math Rock festival. Thirteen bands from across the...
Next Level Syndicate is Toronto’s first Math Rock label, and next month’s equation is the first ever Math Rock festival. Thirteen bands from across the continent will travel to Toronto on November 15th to mark the first annual Syndicatefest. Although the venue is still unannounced, it is rumored to be in a secret pop-up venue in downtown Toronto.
What is math rock you may ask? It’s not song about multiplication and addition, but rather a complex and high intensity spin-off of classic rock. With its roots in the late 80’s, the genre has seen a large revival in the past few years. The “math” comes from the music’s complicated ‘time signatures’ – 11/8 or 13/8 for example instead of the more usual 3/4 or 4/4 rhythm. Other key characteristics include guitar tapping and a trancelike quality- watch the accompanying video to learn more. The music is “continuously complicated, constantly confusing, but beautiful” says Robert Voy, founder of NLS.
Syndicate Fest will be the biggest collection of math rock bands the city has ever seen. Including Gnarwhal and Ryan Power, traveling from Nashville and Vermont. The headlining acts will be Oshwa from Chicago, and Toronto locals, Sleep for the Nightlife.
Syndicatefest will also be making their way to Montreal on November 14th, and ending the tour in Windsor on the 15th.
Next Level Syndicate formed as a math rock label in 2012. Since first forming, they have put on countless shows both in the city, as well as across the continent. They have helped over 10 bands release albums, and are constantly accepting new bands into the NLS family. A NLS music and poetry blog is also in the makings and will be due for release next month.
For full information on Syndicatefest, click here.
