The Tranzac is the place to be this Friday night as it will play host to the CD release party for the new Friends In Bellwoods compilation. The double-disc set brings together some of the top up-and-comers and already-arriveds from around Toronto and Ontario, collecting new and rare tracks with all proceeds benefiting the Daily Bread Food Bank.

The project was organized by Casey Mecija of Ohbijou and named for her house which has become something of a creative hub for many of the artists in the city and on the compilation, which could serve as an excellent document of an exceptionally creative and exciting time in the Toronto music scene. Her band and the project rate the cover story in this week’s eye and she discusses the project with The Globe & Mail, The Waterloo Record and NOW.

Ohbijou will be performing at Friday’s show along with The D’Urbervilles, Sebastian Grainger (formerly of DFA1979), and Paramedics, featuring Bry Webb of The Constantines. Tickets are $10 at the door and the show starts at 9:30 sharp. Torontoist and blogTO also encourage your attendance. And for those rocking the 519, note that there’s CD release shows tonight and Saturday night February 10 in Guelph and Waterloo respectively – details on the Friends In Bellwoods website.

CMJ introduces their readers to Malajube. They’re heading out on a US tour through February and March that will swing through Austin for SxSW. Prefix has the dates.

Radio Free Canuckistan does his bit to keep people interested in the Arcade Fire by posting full transcripts of interviews with the band circa 2004 with Win and Regine and another with Tim and Richard. Neon Bible is out March 6. (note: edited to correct interview dates).

The Edmonton Journal talks to The Sadies about their hectic but memorable 2006 and gets an update on their next album, due out in September. The band also talks to a reporter from Kamloops This Week who admits right off that she doesn’t know the band at all.

More show announcements! Wolfmother return March 6 for a show at the Kool Haus, tickets on sale now for a stupefying $35.75. Wolfmother are a $40 band now? Seriously? Blonde Redhead will be at the Opera House on May 11 to promote their new album 23, out April 10 – Pitchfork has full album and tour details. Norway’s 120 Days will be on the bill with Shout Out Out Out Out at Lee’s Palace on March 3 and finally, les Apples In Stereo are at Lee’s Palace on February 20 (via For The Records).

Billboard reports that British label Rough Trade has once again got a foothold in North America thanks to a distribution deal with World’s Fair. The first “five marquee releases” to take advantage of this new deal will include Jarvis Cocker’s Jarvis and The Beatific Visions, the new one from BrakesBrakesBrakes (just Brakes in the UK) as well as the new British Sea Power album, whenever it comes out.

And while we’re talking record company news, congrats to Absolutely Kosher and Misra for proving that it’s not just the majors that can play the merger game. Though it’s technically a “strategic partnership” – the two stalwart indies will retain their own names and rosters – the pooling of resources should prove beneficial for both labels. Good luck!