What's Cool at M For Montreal 2023

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What better way to curb the effects of daylight savings than a weekend of music? The wide-ranging curation of the M For Montreal music festival returns from November 15th-18th, 2023. Offering exceptional programming from two distinctive lineups, the shows from the festival’s Official Selection are available exclusively to festival delegates and pro pass holders, while the Marathon bills are open to music fans alike. Discover Also Cool’s M For Montreal top picks in the highlight below, featuring never-before-seen artists for the mag to keep on your listening radar. Also Cool’s official M For Montreal playlist will be updated with more must-see acts in the week leading up to the festival.

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Cartel Madras via Bandcamp

Marathon

Calgary-raised, Chennai-born Cartel Madras promises to stir a fervent atmosphere. The Desi experimental hip hop duo, composed of sisters Eboshi and Contra, commands audiences with their explosive blend of trap, punk, house and South Indian aesthetics - a genre they’ve coined as “Goonda rap.” For bold flows and anthems of resistance, hit Sala Rossa for the Consequence showcase on Saturday, November 18th.

Cartel Madras at M For Montreal

Alix Fernz via Instagram

Marathon

Sainte-Thérèse expat Alix Fernz (AKA Blood Skin Atopic) is the latest mistfit darling of Montreal indie label Mothland. Thriving in the allure of mischievous freak-pop, Fernz’s debut single “Wax” intrigues with its tightroping of post-punk and synthwave. Fernz plays alongside Hippie Hourah, presented by Simone Records, at Ausgang Plaza on Saturday, November 18th.

Alix Fernz at M For Montreal

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Blesse by Gaëlle Leroyer

Official Selection

blesse is the sonic renaissance of former Zen Bamboo members Léo Leblanc, Charles-Antoine Olivier, and Xavier Touikan. Hot off the arrival of their debut album normal (Simone Records), the Montreal trio recently rocked Festival De Musique Émergente and Le Phoque Off with their distinctive garage-meets-hyperpop flare. See what all the fuss is about on Thursday, November 16th at Quai des Brumes.

blesse at M For Montreal

Heaven For Real by Beatrice Scharf-Pierzchala

Marathon* (available to pro and festival pass holders)

Quaint Toronto-via-Halifax art rock outfit Heaven For Real is the brain child of twins Mark and J. Scott Grundy. Between jangly rhythms and playful musings on every day life, the group has endeared audiences with their breezy, yet contemplative, songwriting for over a decade. Embrace the warm and fuzzies at their M gig, presented by The Current, at Café Cléopâtre on Saturday, November 18th.

Heaven For Real at M For Montreal

Poolblood by Kate Killet

Marathon* (available to pro and festival pass holders)

Polaris long-lister poolblood—the nom-de-plum of Toronto singer-songwriter Maryam Said—has made a splash with their full-length debut mole (Next Door records). Recorded entirely analog, poolblood’s mole is a tender, lush collection of bedroom-folk introspections. For a moment of poignant stillness, catch them alongside Heaven For Real at Café Cléopâtre on Saturday, November 18th.

poolblood at M For Montreal

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M For Montreal

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Gloin Releases New Album “We Found This”

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Gloin by Sara May

This year, Also Cool had the pleasure of meeting Gloin at FME in Abitibi-Temiscamengue. To say we were compelled was an understatement – their songs “Cha Cha” and “Shoot to Kill” were on repeat both directions of the nine-hour drive to the festival.

When we got to see them in the tiny and packed Cabaret de la Dernière Chance, our faces melted off (in the most consensual way). Gloin brings so much energy to the stage and we are absolutely stoked to get the opportunity to interview them in parallel to the release of their latest album, We Found This.

Gloin are knock-out performers, and you cannot help but bop as Vic shreds onstage. While their 2019 album Soft Monster was loaded with head-bangers, there are some more soothing rhythms on We Found This, always with some level of distortion and dark underbelly (a Gloin signature).

They also recently graced Montreal with their presence at M for Montreal, playing at the M for Mothland showcase alongside other Also Cool favourites like Grim Streaker.

In our excitement about their latest release and in Also Cool façon, we had to interview them – not only about We Found This and group dynamics, but also about some of their random thoughts, small favourites surrounding Toronto, and their band as a whole.

Holly Hilts for Also Cool Mag: So, first off, how have your last few months been, between Northern Quebec festival life and your album release – how are you feeling?

Vic: FME and the surrounding shows left me on a high. Since our release, I have been insanely eager to tour and promote the album. I am an impatient person and the process is killing me.

John: FME was a lot of fun, and since then we have released our full-length album. I feel similar to Vic – excited to translate the record to a live setting. It’s always a lot of fun and the songs often sound better.

Richard: The excitement of playing FME was only succeeded by the release of our new record. It’s been exciting to see the positive feedback of something we’ve worked so hard to put out.

Simon: Feeling excited that the record is finally out, and eager to play these songs live.

Also Cool: Listening to the album, I get some really stark imagery – like on “FZero”, I really picture digitized, glitchy marching robotic humans to the beat. Do you have any really clear images that jump out at you while you are playing any of the songs?

R: Skeletons having a luau during “Dark Moto”.

J: “Winter Abroad” is an old song I wrote years ago. It was written specifically to depict looking out a window during a snowy, quiet Toronto morning.

V: “Work Patrol” is less of an image and more of a filter that distorts reality into a chaotic and extremely stressful experience during every single fucking thing you do. Also known as anxiety I guess (laughs).

S: “FZero” is named after the video game, and when we play it I just see them racing.

AC: What is your favourite intersection in Toronto?

J: I don’t have any that I like but I have a lot that I hate. Dundas and Lansdowne, Queen and Spadina, Front and Spadina, Bloor and St. Clair. These are all based on traffic and road work.

R: I don't have a favorite intersection but I have a favorite street, Palmerston between College and Bloor. Also 401 and Major Mack.

V: I’ve got a soft spot for Front and Sherbourne because I had a first kiss with someone very important at the Rabba on the corner where I lived when I first moved to Toronto.

S: Dovercourt and Mackenzie Crescent. Walk up Mackenzie ‘til you get to Lisgar.

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Gloin, by Alex Carre

AC: What have you had to learn to accept about each other over the years?

V: I’ve always found it difficult to spend a lot of time with men. So that’s been pretty much the main thing. But to be honest, these guys are pretty chill. Mostly. It does feel like family in a certain way and when one person is not there the rhythm is off.

J: When you spend such a large amount of time with one another, you realize that being friends with people that you don’t see every waking moment is extremely different than spending every waking moment with them. You gain a much deeper understanding of each individual person, you see the good and the bad and you learn to accept everyone's strengths and weaknesses. Not without its setbacks as friends, we have discovered how we all operate and have grown as friends as well as creative partners because of it. Being in a band is not as easy as everyone may think it is, and it takes a lot of work.

R: Everyone works at their own pace. It's good we find time to get shit done together.

S: Learn to call people out when they are slacking and accept it when it happens to you. We all have our own ways of dealing with issues and trusting that process no matter how long it takes.

AC: Your latest album is titled We Found This – what did you find?

Gloin: If you buy the vinyl, there is a handwritten note inside that will explain everything! 

AC: How did you figure out your overall sound and how would you describe your growth since Soft Monster?

Gloin: With Soft Monster we did not have a clear direction, and we pulled what liked and expanded on those specifics. We liked the driving energetic vibe, the aggression, and the pop element. We tried to avoid overdone repetitive droning psych elements in order to keep things exciting.

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Gloin, by Nikki Dicunto

AC: Favourite lyric on the album, please!

V: I love to yell “RUSH” in “Pitchfork”.

R: I like it when Simon says “Avec des gants de sécurité” from “Brique Chaude”.

J: “Weak mind, be kind” from “FZero”.

S: When Vic yells “HEY BUDDY” from “Work Patrol”.

AC: How do you dream your audience members feel after a show of yours?

R: Exhausted.

V: Relieved, energized, powerful!

J: That we are their new favourite band and they can’t wait to see us again.

S: Confused but happy.

AC: And any last thoughts you would like to share with Also Coolers?

Gloin: If we were cast in The Hangover, John would be Stu, Richard would be Alan, Vic would be Phil and Simon would be Doug.

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Gloin - We Found This

Gloin

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Also Cool's M For Montreal Top Picks: Round Two

Priors by Lynn Poulin

The 17th edition of M for Montreal begins tomorrow, November 16th, and the city’s music scene is positively buzzing with anticipation. With emerging and established artists from coast-to-coast (and then some!) expected to set the night on fire, it’s hard to resist a taste for what’s to come. Luckily, you don’t have to – Also Cool is here to help, with our second round of selections from this year’s M for Montreal lineup. Be sure to check out our first round, too, and then get busy with your own scheduling… accompanied by our festival playlist, of course.

Priors 

Montreal mainstay punk quintet Priors nose-dived into this past spring with their latest EP NEWNEWNEW. Complete with signature lassoed thrashing and low-fi grit, the band’s punchy ardour remains as they return to the stage from an all-too-familiar pandemic lull. We’ve been parched for a loud gig and are ready to be tossed around by Priors’ angular flirtations. Sandwiched on an absolutely stacked festival lineup—co-presented by Mothland—including Crasher, Absolutely Free, Gloin and Grim Streaker, Priors and their entourage of feather-rufflers are guaranteed to stir up an evening of danceable DIY fervor. 

Priors plays La Sala Rossa on Friday, November 18th at 10:00 PM. 

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Priors

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Emma Beko by Samuel Fournier

Emma Beko

If you’re not already familiar, the sinister stylings of Montreal-based rapper Emma Beko are bound to break your heart. Since rising in the scene as one-half of Heartstreets, Beko has refined her solo sound and tilted heads for her candid and grungy stream-of-consciousness flow. The release of Beko’s latest EP Superficial Stains fits comfortably into her catalogue, fresh off the heels of Digital Damage from earlier this year, so expect a show filled to the brim with lyrical gut-punches. Catch Emma Beko alongside SLM, Lary Kidd, and more for an unforgettably dynamic hip-hop showcase.

Emma Beko plays Club Soda on Friday, November 18th at 8:00 PM.

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Emma Beko

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NO WAVES by Malaika Astorga

NO WAVES

Our favourite Montreal Gen-Z punks will be playing the festival this year, so naturally we couldn’t help but add them to the group. From playing absolutely packed free outdoor shows where the crowd takes over the stage, to opening for NOFX and playing FME over the summer, NO WAVES continues to hold their own in the local rock scene. Stay tuned for an upcoming interview with the band by one of their peers, and in the meantime, catch them at M!

NO WAVES plays with Mobina Galore at Turbo Haüs on Saturday, November 19th at 10:00 PM.

Tickets

NO WAVES

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Grim Streaker by Kevin W Condon

GRIM STREAKER

Playing alongside many of our faves—like Gloin and Priors—in the Mothland showcase this week, Grim Streaker made an impactful first impression on Also Cool at this year’s FME Festival in northern Quebec. Singer Amelia Bushell’s stage presence is direct and haunting – a worthwhile experience to feel totally undone by her stare. The band’s song “Mind” captivated us for a month after the festival, and they’re here in Montreal for more to see! Grim Streaker specializes in the genre-bending punk tunes that seem to reach out and grab you by the collar – they would be a shame to miss.

Grim Streaker plays at La Sala Rossa on Friday, November 18th at 9:00 PM.

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Grim Streaker

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M For Montreal

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Also Cool's M For Montreal Top Picks: Round One

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Witch Prophet by Francesca Nocera

Bringing together emerging and established artists from across Quebec, the country and beyond, the M For Montreal music festival kicks-off next Wednesday, November 16th, and runs until Saturday, November 19th, 2022. Celebrating its 17th edition, the anticipated event offers a rich program featuring more than one hundred world-class acts. Discover Also Cool’s choice selections from this year’s M For Montreal lineup below as we gear up for the festival just one week away! Listen along with our accompanying playlist.

Witch Prophet

Witch Prophet is the moniker of Toronto-based operatic soul and alt-R&B singer-songwriter Ayo Leilani. Adorning a golden fusion of jazz, hip-hop, soul and prophetic dreaming, Witch Prophet “[creates] music as a portal for self-growth and discovery.” The queer, East-African songstress and rapper’s sophomore LP DNA Activation—a powerful ode to her Ethiopian and Eritrean ancestral roots—was shortlisted for the 2020 Polaris Music Prize amidst widespread praise. Driven by a dedication to uplifting community in all facets of her work, Witch Prophet is also the Co-CEO of Heart Lake Records, an independent record label supporting LGBTQ+ women, non-binary, gender nonconforming BIPOC artists and allies creating hip-hop, R&B and soul music. Her next LP, Gateway Experience, is set to release in the spring of 2023; get a taste with her latest single “Back 2 You”. 

Witch Prophet plays Le Système on Thursday, November 17th, at 10:00PM.

Tickets available at the door.

Witch Prophet

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Fernie by André Rainville

Fernie

Montreal’s West Island phenom Fernie won us over during his FME performance earlier this fall. Taking influence from soloists like Frank Ocean and Daniel Caesar, the Brazilian-Canadian singer crafts silky R&B that transforms a packed auditorium into a luxuriant cabaret listening-experience. Since releasing his debut album Aurora in September, the 23-year-old has been profiled by Cult MTL and graced the stage at this year’s POP Montreal festival. Capturing what it means to “leave your past behind, [find] hope and really [highlight] the struggles of believing in one’s self,” Fernie’s Aurora presents an ambitious trajectory for the up-and-coming artist. 

Earlier this week Fernie dropped a collaboration with fellow Montreal sweetheart Magi Merlin. Listen to their smooth new track “Dolla Bill” below! 

Fernie plays Le Belmont on Wednesday, November 16th, at 8:00PM.

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Fernie

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L E M F R E C K

L E M F R E C K

Newport-raised, and now London-based, L E M F R E C K has been on the rise in 2022. Following the release of his album The Pursuit—which was nominated for the 2022 Welsh Music Prize—L E M F R E C K  blends hip-hop, ragga, gospel, and the stories of his community to create a bold sound that is uniquely his own. Confessional in nature, L E M F R E C K’s lyrics feel like a refined stream of consciousness, processing experiences into a smooth flow. Often compared to Sampha and Pa Lieur, L E M F R E C K combines his grime upbringing with trained musicianship, independently bringing Welsh rap to the international stage. 

Catch L E M F R E C K playing at Quai des Brumes on Saturday, November 19th, at 9:30PM. 

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L E M F R E C K

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Flara K by Philippe Thibault

Flara K

Sam and Collin, of Flara K, both born and raised on Montreal’s South Shore, have been releasing funky, introspective pieces regularly since their 2020 debut album Anxious, Irrational, Fashionable. With a vibey, indie-electronic, R&B and pop mix, they explore anxiety, dealing with personal vices, and tackling self doubt and distrust with vulnerability.  The duo is deeply rooted in Montreal’s music scene, collaborating with the likes of Mike Clay (of Clay and Friends), What if Elephants and Milo Gore. With Sam’s stellar vocals and Collin’s groovy, prominent bass (find him also playing alongside Edwin Raphael), their chemistry, on and offstage, is palpable. The duo is set to release new music with Oliver Forest on November 17th and are 1/10th of the Montreal “anti-pop supergroup” Saint Zenon.

Flara K plays Sala Rossa Wednesday, November 16th, at 11:30PM (free show).
Flara K

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Toronto R&B Duo TRP.P To Share New Track at M for Montreal

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TRP.P (pronounced "trippy") is an R&B/hip-hop duo hailing from Toronto, comprised of Truss (producer, singer-songwriter) and Phoenix (singer-songwriter). The pair met in 2015 and have been “collaborating in music and life” ever since, all while enchanting audiences with their soulful, old-school sound. Truss and Phoenix made waves with their 2019 debut 2TRP.P, where they tackled injustice and oppression in their lyrics, while also celebrating queer love and empowering their communities. This effort remains intact with TRP.P’s latest offering “Never Leavin,’” out tomorrow (November 19th, 2021) and to-be-performed at the Hot Tramp Showcase at M for Montreal.

Leading up to their set at L’Esco with Janette King, Maryze and Witch Prophet, we had the chance to connect with the duo on what inspired “Never Leavin’” and how it fosters grounds for growing as collaborators.

Zoë Argiropulos-Hunter for Also Cool: To start, can you tell me about the origin story of your new single “Never Leavin’”?  

TRP.P: We originally wrote this song while composing music for a TV show. Although it didn't work out for the show, it worked out perfectly for our album and complimented the new direction we want to take with our music. Once we started to record and perform the song, the message resonated with us more and more. It really is an anthem for communities that have faced displacement, especially during this pandemic. Through that same sense of community, we have met so many amazing people, including the roller-skating community right here in Toronto. You might even see them in the upcoming music video for the song!

Also Cool: Has "Never Leavin'" brought about any realizations for TRP.P? Whether it be learning something new about how you work together, your individual artistry or something you'd like to foster as a group in the future? 

Truss: That's actually a really good question. For me, it made me realize just how broad our spectrum of sound truly is. Although we both grew up influenced by R&B, gospel and hip-hop, there's an underlying influence of pop and house-inspired music in the song.

Phoenix: For me, it made me realize just how impermanent everything is and how fleeting time and existence is. The song is called "Never Leavin,'" but yet by the time the song is released, three new business will close down, one condo will be built, and a million dispensaries will pop up. It’s almost like the most defiant title we could choose in a time like this. In terms of working together, there isn’t a better team than us! We love and dislike everything we do at the same time. Our goals are always two halves of a whole when we are creating. 

Phoenix (left) and Truss (right) of TRP.P, photo courtesy of the artists

 AC: What does the next chapter hold for TRP.P? 

TRP.P: Album number two! It’s a summertime release and we are really looking forward to this one. We didn’t get to tour our first album due to the pandemic. We want to actually go on tour, see the world and play stages in places we could only dream of. Every show we play, we gain new fans and listeners. We are really excited to keep doing that, as safely and as soon as possible.

AC: What can we expect from your performance at the Hot Tramp showcase at M for Montreal? 

TRP.P: We just want to have a good time! We are honoured to be playing with Janette King, Witch Prophet and Maryze. Being only our second show since the easing of live music regulations, it may be a little awkward… But the awkwardness will pass and will be followed by some smooth R&B vibes, with a hint of bars! Everyone will leave saying it was a good show. And we can't wait to prove it to you!

Photo courtesy of the artists

Catch TRP.P at the Hot Tramp Showcase at M for Montreal on November 19th, 2021.

TRP.P

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Zoë Argiropulos-Hunter (she/her) is the co-founder and managing editor of Also Cool Mag. Aside from the mag, she is a music promoter & booker, and a radio host & DJ.

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M For Montreal Partners with Also Cool for Hot Tramp Record Showcase

Looking to start your week off right? Good news: the 16th edition of M for Montreal is on! This year's hybrid festival features panels, showcases and a brand new festival offering under the M for Marathon banner, presented by SiriusXM. With this latest unveiling, music fans will be treated to a jam-packed pop, rock and hip-hop program. M for Montreal will be held online from November 15th to 26th and IRL from November 17th to 19th.

We’re excited to be co-presenting the Hot Tramp Night showcase on November 19th at 9PM EST at l’Esco, featuring an absolutely stacked lineup, including: Janette King, Maryze, TRP.P, Witch Prophet and Shades Lawrence.

Check out the event page and get your tickets — you won’t want to miss this return to live music hosted by one of our favourite independent labels, Hot Tramp!

More info about the artists below!

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Janette King

Janette King is a producer, vocalist, multi-instrumentalist, and DJ based in Montreal. Janette’s unique sound blends together soulful vocals, upbeat production style, and honest lyrics to create a truly captivating listening experience.

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Maryze

Maryze is a bilingual singer-songwriter based in Montreal, originally from Vancouver. Her haunting alt-pop conjures an intimate universe, blending contagious beats with introspective lyrics on mental health, feminism and sexuality. Balancing angst and euphoria in electronic ballads, she offers a refreshing voice with fiery honesty.

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TRP.P

TRP.P (pronounced "trippy") is an R&B duo hailing from Toronto, Canada. Comprised of Truss (producer, singer/songwriter) and Phoenix Pagliacci (singer-songwriter), the dynamic duo met in 2015 and have been collaborating in music and life ever since. Their 80s/90s R&B inspiration takes a modern twist with powerful lyrics into uncharted topics, celebrating queer love and empowering their communities by brightening a spotlight on injustices and oppression.

Website | Instagram | Spotify

Witch Prophet

Witch Prophet is a queer, Ethiopian/Eritrean, singer-songwriter, and the Co-CEO of Heart Lake Records. She provides her fans with a soundscape of vocal layers, loops, raps, and harmonies on a bed of hip-hop, jazz, and soul-inspired beats. Think Erykah Badu meets Lauryn Hill meets Portishead. She finds depth and connection in creating music as a portal for self-growth and discovery, as she navigates and better understands her cultural and queer identity.

Website | Instagram | Spotify

Shades Lawrence

Shades Lawrence is a Montreal born and based hip hop artist of mixed British, Jamaican, Irish and Scottish descent. A pure lyricist, Shades Lawrence’s style can be described as alternative hip hop.  Her words uplift, while keeping environmental justice at the forefront. To date, her style has been compared to Lauryn Hill, Shad, and Jean Grae.

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