Indie Week, the five day music festival and competition for strictly independent bands, gets started in Toronto tonight. Founded by Darryl Hurs, the festival's been showcasing up and coming talent for eight years now. Judged by a panel of industry professionals, Indie Week offers crucial exposure and feedback for (generally) young bands and, for the winners, a chance to perform at their 2012 showcase in Dublin and Belfast. Spread out over 15 venues, a $25 wristband gets you access to the whole shebang. Alternatively, if you don't think you'll make too many shows, you can pay cover as you go. Also noteworthy is that a bunch of the participating venues have extended last call until 4:00am (e.g. The Hideout, Hard Luck, Bovine Sex Club and Cherry Colas).

Here are some bands to check out at Indie Week 2011

These Electric Lives (Toronto)
Last year's winners will kick off the 2011 fest with their infectiously catchy electro pop. If you can't make it tonight, they'll also be playing on Friday (same venue, 1am). The festival openers hit the stage tonight @ The Hideout, 11pm Cover $10.

Poor Young Things (Toronto)
For fans of a big rock'n roll sound. Think Bruce Springsteen and the E-Street Band. 10pm Thursday @ Velvet Underground, Cover $8.

The Breaking Lakes (Orangeville)
This band has a bigger sound than the four members it boasts. Reminiscent of Broken Social Scene, but with less name recognition. Thursday @ Cherry Colas 10:15pm, Cover $8.

Oh No! Yoko (Vancouver)
The best indie psyched out pop you're going to find played by 17-year-olds. The young prodigies play at 11pm Thursday @ The Underground Garage, Cover $10.

Peter Jackson (Toronto)
Peter Jackson is an authentic hip hop act with local roots. Check out his take on life in the 905 on Thursday @ The Annex Wreckroom 12:40am, Cover $10.

Andy Brown (Fredericton)
Coyly described as folk-rock with a dash of pop, Andy Brown has a powerful presence and an endearing east coast vibe that stands out amongst the Toronto-heavy line-up. Thursday @ The Hideout 1am, Cover $10.

Magneta Lane (Toronto)
These ladies spin some beautiful pop noir and can captivate any audience. Think Best Coast meets the Pretenders. Saturday @ The Horseshoe Tavern 12pm, Cover $10.

Wristbands are available at ticketscene or participating venues.

Photo of These Electric Lives by Urban.Hermit on Flickr