Young Doctors in Love (handout).
The splashy shows at this year's North by Northeast festival are what generate buzz - we're talking about the big, free concerts at Yonge-Dundas Square, including Iggy and the Stooges on Saturday - but the club shows are where the nitty and the gritty happen. The bright, promising Young Doctors in Love hope to get themselves in front of the right eyes in order to keep its career momentum continuing. "For all of us, this is our first successful band," says guitarist-songwriter Clay Puddester. "A lot of people might think it's unfashionable to sign with a label, but I don't see how we could do it on our own, financially.
The Toronto guy-girl group, which came together through the magic of Craig's List, this spring released its debut 5 Golden Greats, an EP of effervescent, well-crafted pop. The members are all trained musicians, and Puddester favours what he calls "fancy chords," but there's also an emphasis on entertainment. "The name of band comes from a film comedy from 1982," explains Puddester. "It's a constant reminder to use to keep it fun."
Fun, clever pop music? Just what the doctor ordered.
Young Doctors in Love play NXNE on Friday, 1 a.m., Dakota Tavern, 249 Ossington Ave.
Brad Wheeler