Miyagi: No relation to Pat Morita (RIP)

I AM ROBOT AND PROUD @ UPHILL CITY CD RELEASE
With Jeremy Strachan, Jim Guthrie, Samir Khan, Canaille. Thu, Nov 27. The Tranzac, 292 Brunswick. PWYC.

As I Am Robot And Proud, Toronto’s Shaw-Han Liem makes lovely, shimmering electronic delicacies. His is a world where ideas intersect: pop meets experimental; live instruments are seamlessly incorporated; and songs sway between bold and dainty. He’s a warm, clever composer who grows with each release. His latest, Uphill City (Darla Records), is a dense, playful examination of life lived in the city, complete with mandolin, chimes and tastefully employed distortion. Having toured Japan in October, I Am Robot and Proud perform as four-piece band, joined by openers Canaille.

MIYAGI (live) @ NU:SOUND FRIDAYS
With DJs D-Monic, Mez. Fri, Nov 28. Republik (Qube room), 261 Richmond W. $10.

Nomadic Torontonian Miyagi has built a solid reputation in international circles thanks to the 40-plus singles he’s released over the years. The man born Andrew Mavor has travelled the globe as a DJ and live performer, playing massive festivals and intimate stages, beaches and clubs alike. Now, at last, he’s released his debut album, 3 Years Of Sunrise, on Freddy Fresh’s Howlin’ label. UK dance-music bible DJ Magazine dubbed the album “an uplifting electronic masterpiece,” and it’s been compared to classic full-lengths by the likes of Underworld and Chemical Brothers. It’s easy to hear why, with Miyagi moving easily between breaks, electronic dub and hip-hop, progressive and electro.

Ten (or maybe 11, but who’s counting?) years back, five lads from various parts of T.O. and the UK came together as the Soul Clan and threw a series of soul-centric parties at venues including the Rivoli. Theirs was a sound rooted in England’s Northern Soul club movement, with an emphasis on lesser-known tracks released on ‘60s soul and R&B labels like Tamla, Stax, Hi and Goldwax. Here, four of the five original DJs bring the concept back, with Kev Cox even flying in from Britain for the occasion. Prepare thy ears and livers!

SO.PHISTICATED
With Violca, Barbi, Cozmic Cat, Right Klik. Sat, Nov 29. Augusta House, 152 Augusta. $5 after 11pm.

I don’t know if it’s intentional (I’m guessing it is), but the DMoney crew has turned Public Enemy’s “Sophisticated Bitch” on its ass by launching this new monthly dedicated to strong women DJs and performers. By all accounts, the first was a packed, sweaty and smiley affair, with people freaking to blends of classic and new house, Italo, techno and disco. It’s a smoother and, erm, more sophisticated sound than DMoney’s parties are known for — they’re promoting So.Phisticated as featuring “no power-tool music” — and it’s guaranteed that this month’s special guests, producer/DJs Violca (of Mansion) and Cozmic Cat will push the concept to the max.

DAVID MORALES
With DJ Cajjmere Wray. Sat, Nov 29. Fly Nightclub, 8 Gloucester. $35 advance tickets at Priape, Fly. More at door.

Brooklyn’s David Morales holds many titles: big-room DJ, producer, Grammy Award winner and entrepreneur, among others. He’s crafted countless remixes for the biggest names in pop and dance music, played most major clubs in the world and has owned a few himself, notably the ill-fated Sonic (Toronto) and the still-successful Stereo (Montreal). Whether he’s hosting a radio show, appearing in an ad campaign or running things at his Def Mix production company, Morales has always been a man with a plan. If you want to know why he continues to be revered, however, go hear Morales work his magic from a DJ booth.