Vans Warped Tour: Toronto 2012 Picks

It's finally here! Vans Warped Tour is finally stopping in Toronto and tomorrow is the day!

Going on my third year of attendance (I started VERY late in the game, as I'm 26), I seem to be a little bit older than the average goer to this event. Overlooking that fact, I am very excited for tomorrow's extravaganza and so I have decided to post my top ten picks I hope to catch on stage at The Flats at The Molson Amphitheatre in Toronto! And just a reminder, the event venue has CHANGED. While it was held at The International Centre (The Flats also) in Mississauga over the past years, they have moved it to a much larger venue, the main stage actually being the Molson Amp.


Anyways, on to my Top Ten!


10. Four Year Strong - I listened to these guys the other day and I enjoyed their solid rock sound. I've heard of them before but I never really took the time to listen to their music. I am looking forward to hearing what they've got on stage!


9.  Sleeping with Sirens - As I was doing my pre-Warped preparation (I'm anal like that) I came across this band's new EP If Your Life was as Movie, This Would Be Your Soundtrack. I was instantly attracted to the vocals. I love how they put a theme to their EP and stuck with it. I went onto listen to their newest album release, Let's Cheers to This, and while this album isn't as "soft" as their new EP, it was catchy and interesting. I look forward to hearing them onstage! 


8. Ten Second Epic - I'm all for the support of Canadian bands and I haven't seen these guys play since 2008 (ish), and it was in a church in Milton Ontario. They have always been upbeat and I look forward to hearing what they have been up to over the past couple years!

7. Frankie Whyte and the Dead Idols - Another crazy good, female-fronted band who knows how to rock it out. A band who opened for Bon Jovi in Toronto, this band has a some hardcore experience when it comes to rocking out on stage. With solid lyrics and wicked guitar skills, I'm excited to finally see them live!

6. You Me At Six - I saw these guys two years ago when they played Warped 2010, so I'm looking forward to hearing some of their new stuff. Listening to "Stay with Me" as we speak, I like the pure rock vibe they have. They kind of remind me of Three Days Grace and Nickelback. Now I could be completely off, but I guess we'll truly find out tomorrow!

5. Taylor Thrash - Another random find when I was doing my "research", I found that he reminded me a little of Olly Murs. Now if anybody knows of Olly Murs, he was recently on tour with One Direction - which means he's got "young fans" written all over him. But if you're into pop music with light happy tunes, then I think you'll enjoy the sound of Taylor Thrash.

4. We Are The In Crowd - These guys have been on my radar (via twitter and Facebook) for quite some time now but I never really gave them a good listen. I took the time last night and they are yet another pop-rock band that has a fun vibe about them. I think they're an easy listen and their songs will stick in your head.


3. Mayday Parade - I have been a fan since 2007/2008 and I am always curious to hear how they have improved over the years. They are definitely no strangers to Warped and they always bring in a good crowd. Their lyrics, while still teen angst-y, are catchy and easy to remember. These guys are usually one of the bands who gets a lot of sing-along moments in the crowd - and I love that!

2. All Time Low - I caught these guys opening for Simple Plan in March and it'll be good seeing them in an up-close setting instead of from the stands. As much as I enjoyed seeing them in a big venue, ATL is not a band that I'd want to see from a far. They're catchy, upbeat and a bunch of cuties. Can't wait!

1. Taking Back Sunday - When I was in high school, the majority of my music had to do with either country artists or boy bands. While Taking Back Sunday was popular with many of my fellow classmates, I never really got into it because I didn't start liking indie/rock/pop bands/music until the tail end of my h.s. career. Taking a listen now though I find that they're extremely likable and I am looking forward to jumping on the bandwagon - even if it is almost 10 years too late.

There you have it! My top 10 for this year's Warped Tour in Toronto! There would have been a few more on there had they managed to get their butts to Canada (some legal issues I assume), but alas, I am disappointed! Maybe next time around we'll get to check out The Used, It Boys and Falling in Reverse!

If you want to keep updated on my shenanigans please follow me @TarynMcElheran! I'll be posting pictures and tweets throughout the day!


If you need any tips on beating the summer heat, head to the Vans Warped Tour website for some tricks on how to stay cool!