NXNE 2017: John River at Portlands - Concert Photos

John River gets compared to Drake, and I guess every Toronto rapper must, but he's so much better in my humble, and certainly not expert, opinion.

Previous to this appearance on the Portlands NXNE 2017 stage, I saw John perform on the smallest stage at Riverfest Elora. My shots from that show are here. At that point, I wrote, "He's poised to change the world with his positive message and music" and I stand by that opinion.

His songs are laden with heavy messages that long to be listened to, thought about, discussed, taken to heart and turned into positive action. John River is a rapper who's trying to change the world, not posing for a lifestyle. The term poet definitely applies to John River.

Listen. Really listen:

"The Storm"

"Hope City II"

NXNE 2017: K.I.D at Portlands - Concert Photos

Mississauga Ontario garage pop band K.I.D played cool tunes with gigantic choruses, instantly addictive hooks and heavy guitars that walk a line between pop and rock from the main stage at NXNE 2017 Portlands.

"Boy"

"Taker"

"Errors"

NXNE 2017: Blajk at Portlands - Concert Photos

Toronto's Blajk was another of the bands appearing at Portlands for NXNE 2017 who I had seen before. I first saw them at Bestival in 2016. Click through for those photos.

This time, unfortunately, their singer had messed up his ankle and was confined to a chair for the show. He certainly tried his best to chair-dance but you could tell it wasn't the same. The music still had all of its groovy bounce with liberally applied hooks.

Give their tunes a listen:

"Gunshot"

"Hamptons"

"Lethal"

"French Class"

NXNE 2017: Caveboy at Portlands - Concert Photos

Caveboy came from beautiful Montreal to play at Portlands for NXNE 2017. They told us that they were playing some new tunes and some older. They were all new to me and I soaked up the great energy, catchy melodies and propulsive beats. They were one of the acts I was looking forward to at NXNE 2017 and I came away a big fan. They even regailed us with a cover of Justin Timberlake's "What Goes Around...Comes Around".

Until I get to see this great band again, I have the music. And so do you. Give them a listen:

"Superbia"

"Monochrome"

"Color War"

"Something Like Summer"

"Home Is Where"

NXNE 2017: Heartstreets at Portlands - Concert Photos

Montreal's Heartstreets were one act from NXNE 2017 Portlands day two that was not entirely new to me. I had caught their show at Field Trip 2016. Check out my thoughts on that show and my photos here.

This time we got a sneak peek - the premiere of a brand new song that Heartstreets had put together with Kaytranada - as well as a number of other tunes. I enjoy the band's emotional tunes to spark the heart and intellect while moving your body.

Check them out:

"Nonchalant"

"Under My Skin"

"Cruising with You"