Also Cool's Vans Warped Tour 2026 Top Picks: Oxymorrons, From First to Last, Sace6 And More

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After its widely anticipated and successful return in 2025, the Vans Warped Tour is hitting five cities in 2026 (Washington, Long Beach, Montreal, Mexico City and Orlando) with one of the most impressive lineups of the year. Of the many subgenres to emerge from the alternative music scene over the last 31 years, Warped Tour has played a huge role in the history of most of this year's lineup. From OG punk to new, experimental blends of punk, to classic emo, screamo, and  even the polarizing genre of crunkcore: these are five can’t miss bands for Warped Tour’s first stop in Washington D.C. June 13th and 14th.

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Oxymorrons via official website

Oxymorrons

While they never toured a full summer with the original Warped Tour, Oxymorrons made their mark in Atlantic City in 2019, and have grown to become a staple in the Warped family since. Their blend of hip-hop and punk is guaranteed to get you off your feet… or even into the pit. Founded by brothers Demi “Deee” and Kami “KI” and joined by guitarist/bassist Jafé Paulino and new drummer Amani Drums, the band’s intoxicating passion for their craft radiates from the stage, with a confidence that seems to grow each year of the festival. 

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Suicidal Tendencies via The Rockpit

Suicidal Tendencies 

Returning to the lineup for the first time since 1999, this legendary hardcore punk band, founded in the early 1980s, will be hitting the stage exclusively at Warped Tour’s D.C. stop. While the band has seen quite a few lineup changes since its founding in 1983, founding member Mike Muir is still fronting the band, accompanied by Ben Weinman of Dillinger Escape Plan, Tye Trujillo (original member and bassist of Metallica; Robert Trujillo’s son), and Drummer Jay Weinberg. Best known for their blend of metal with thrash and skate punk makes their sound the perfect embodiment of the Warped Tour summer vibe and a can’t miss set this June. 

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From First to Last via official Facebook page

From First to Last

If you found yourself in an emo phase in the early 2000s, you may remember songs like “Emily” or “Note to Self” by the band From First to Last. You may even recognize the band from its role in the early music career of Skrillex, formally known as Sonny Moore AKA vocalist of From First to Last. Now with a lineup consisting of original members Matt Good as lead vocalist, guitarist Travis Richter, drummer Derek Bloom and bassist Matt Manning—the same lineup that hit the Warped Tour stages in 2008—this post-hardcore emo staple will be joining Warped Tour for all US stops, 18 years later. This is an unmissable  band for elder emos looking to feel like they’ve time traveled back to ‘08.

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I Set My Friends on Fire via official Facebook page

I Set My Friends on Fire

If your nostalgia for the OG Warped Tour days lies more with teased neon hair and brightly colored tees and skinny jeans and surfing through MySpace, you may remember the crunkcore band I Set My Friends on Fire. Arguably, one of the more commonly accepted bands to come from the crunkcore era, blending electronica and screamo, and leaning more towards post-hardcore than their other crunk counterparts. Considering the band is playing alongside groups like Breathe Carolina and 3oh!3, and still led by founding member Matt Mehana, it just might be 2009 again. 

Sace6

By far one of the newest bands on the scene to be mentioned in this list, Sace6 took to the Warped Tour stage for the first time in 2025. The band left a last mark with their unique alt-metal sound; a captivating blend of heavy breakdowns and riffs from guitarist Noah Thomas and drummer Tyler Saxz, with frontman Sace’s ethereal vocals. What they may lack in the heavy nostalgia factor they more than make up for in pure, undeniable talent and surely draw you in when you catch them this summer. 

Vans Warped Tour 2026

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Deviilbby

Deviilbby is an artist and digital content creator inspired by 2000s nostalgia, alternative music, and fashion. 

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Also Cool's Palomosa 2026 Top Picks: Sophia Stel, umru, Ouri, Thaiboy Digital and more

Visual by Flleur

Need to prep for Palomosa weekend and have no idea where to start? Maybe you’re familiar with an artist or two, and know that the rest of the lineup is lit, but aren’t sure which shows to hit? We’ve got you.

Organized by day, and painstakingly personal preference (because we lowkey love the entire lineup), here are Also Cool’s Palomosa 2026 Top Picks. We’ve also put together an official playlist (What’s Cool at Paolomosa 2026) to help you plan your partygoing. 

Thursday, May 14th - Palomosa Block Party

Arrive early, stay late. Get stoked for the weekend.

Cirque Cosmic - 6:00pm 

Cirque Cosmic is Montreal’s heavy techno princess, kicking the night off at 6:00pm. Don’t let the early start time fool you, she plays exclusively bangers—normally reserved for late-night rave hours only. 

X-Coast - 9:00pm 

Headlining the Block Party is Serbian-born, Brooklyn-based X-Coast, whose 90s-rave-inspired style is impossible not to dance to. Lock in, dance hard. 

Friday, May 15th

Sineila - 4:00pm 

A forever fav of Also Cool, sineila’s glittery hyper pop sound captured our hearts back in (insert first article). She recently played our sold-out Système comeback party and is destined for perfect pop stardom. 

Ouri - 5:00pm 

Another longtime staple of Also Cool’s coverage, Ouri is an incredible multi-instrumentalist and ethereal electronic producer. We invited her to our showcase at last year’s Festival Bleu Bleu in Gaspésie, and are proud to see her on this year’s lineup.

ear - 6:00pm

We first saw ear when they opened for Yung Lean in 2025, captivating us with their lo-fi, warm, buzzing sound and unapologetically raw lyrics. They epitomize what it feels like to be seventeen on a warm summer evening, realizing how much you love your friends, and how you have your whole life stretching out ahead of you. 

POiSON GiRLFRiEND - 9:30pm 

A legend of the Japanese underground 90s trip-hop scene and an electronic pioneer of the genre, POiSON GiRLFRiEND’s return to Montreal simply cannot be missed. We co-presented her first-ever Montreal show back in October 2025, with our own Flleur opening, and fell in love with NORiKO’s delicate vocals and lush compositions. We also had the opportunity to interview her after the show, chatting about everything from David Lynch to her creative process. 

Saturday, May 16th

Sophia Stel - 4:00pm 

Rising star and effortlessly cool, Sophia Stel jumpstarts the final day of the festival. Introspective and highly danceable, Sophia sets the mood for a perfect Saturday. 

Umru - 5:30pm

Not only is Umru one of the best DJs we have ever witnessed (shout out to Cheap Thrills for putting us on), but he’s also a prolific producer. The combination of these galaxy-brained skills promises an incredible set, hopefully featuring his signature headlamp DJ rig.

Thaiboy Digital - 8:30pm

It should be publicly known that we at Also Cool are proudly drainers, and genuinely cannot believe that Thaiboy Digital is playing Palomosa. “Western Union” and “TL;DR” have gone platinum on the Also Cool iPod. Enough said.

fakemink - 10:00pm

While some might write off fakemink as chronically online music, he’s undeniably shaken up the music industry over the last two years, catapulting into stardom after multiple viral hits. Despite the TikTok fame, his lyrics are honest and vulnerable, paired over beats that have taken the world by storm. 

Stayed tuned for the official Palomosa after-party reveal, which should be dropping very soon. Until then, don’t wait and get your tickets—the start of festival season awaits. 

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Malaika is the Co-Founder & Creative Director of Also Cool. She is a Mexican-Canadian visual artist, DJ, and social media strategist currently based in Montreal.

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Palomosa 2026 Kicks Off Festival Season with MGMT, fakemink, ear and more

Visual by Flleur

Palomosa, are you inside the Also Cool iPod or…? Montreal’s best indie festival is back for its third year with a stellar lineup from May 14-16th, booking basically literally every single artist that we listen to on a daily basis. Whether you’re a drainer or a lover of underground 90s Japanese trip hop, there’s something for everyone on the lineup.

This year, Palomosa is getting ahead of the curve on the city’s nonstop festival season, taking over Jean Drapeau Parc in the spring rather than the fall. The format remains the same: block party, day parties, after parties, good music.

You can expect your life to be changed forever with back-to-back heavy hitters like POiSON GiRLFRiEND, fakemink, Thaiboy Digital, and ear.

If you’re still in need of a vibe check, you can watch our coverage of last year’s festival here:

We recommend getting a 3-day festival pass to hit as many shows as possible, but single-day passes are also available for casual Palo-goers. If you’re more of a late night person, Palomosa also just announced their official After Parties, all taking place at the SAT.

If your crew is committed to the festival lifestyle, you can get 20% off Palo Party Packs when you grab 5 to 10 tickets in one go. 

Regardless of how you party, you’re guaranteed to have a good time. We’ll see you in the pit.

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Malaika is the Co-Founder & Creative Director of Also Cool. She is a Mexican-Canadian visual artist, DJ, and social media strategist currently based in Montreal.

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Also Cool's Taverne Tour Ten Year Anniversary Top Picks

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Celebrated for its distinctive, alternative curation, our favourite wintertime festival Taverne Tour turns 10! Promising to buzz the icy boulevards of Montreal’s Plateau from February 12th-14th, 2026, Taverne Tour will host artists travelling from New York, London, Gatineau, Paris, Boston, and more, alongside hometown heroes across over 20 venues. 

Of course, while we hope you’ve secured your tickets for the stacked Also Cool showcase at O Patro Vys on Friday the 13th (with Amery, Jane Inc. and Yolande Laroche)—there is so much to discover. Here as your festival compass, explore our Taverne Tour Top Picks below. 

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Also Cool x Taverne Tour presents Amery, Jane Inc. and Yolande Laroche

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Bernardino Femminielli by Aabid Youssef

Bernardino Femminielli allures with his elusive, nocturnal swank. The shadowy vagabond’s recent singles via Tony Price’s Maximum Exposure Inc. marry dancefloor-ready heat with Femminielli’s signature hushed delivery. The after-dark crooner returns to Montreal from Paris to perform Valentine’s Day night alongside fellow enigma, Elle Barbara. 

Bernardino Femminielli plays Saturday, February 14th at La Sotterenea. 

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Christopher Owens by Sandy Kim

The music of Christopher Owens’ retired band Girls was the soundtrack of our formative years. The New York-via-Los Angeles singer-songwriter has kept us company for the better part of the last decade, with his tenderness not so much hardening, but more so evolving, on his latest solo pursuit I Wanna Run Barefoot Through Your Hair. 

Christopher Owens performs Thursday, February 12th at La Sala Rossa with Sean Nicholas Savage and Fine Food Market. 

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Fine Food Market by Elliott Jeffrey

Folk dream-pop darling Fine Food Market, otherwise known as Sophie Perras, has a knack for songs that feel soft-focus and emotionally precise – like a memory you’re not ready to let go of. Tracks like “Midnight Train” and “Wild World” unfold slowly, steeped in country-folk textures and a familiar, comforting haze that feels well-suited to the festival’s intimacy. Across I’m afraid to be in love with someone who crashes their car that much, Perras writes with sincerity and theatrical flair.

Fine Food Market performs Thursday, February 12th at La Sala Rossa with Sean Nicholas Savage and Christopher Owens.

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Hélène Barbier by Dom Berthiaume

Described as “anti-complicated,” Hélène Barbier is a charming live wire. Hailing from France, and now ten years settled in Montreal, Barbier’s bespoke, guitar-forward effervescence shines on her most recent solo record Panorama. 

Hélène Barbier plays Valentine’s Day evening on February 14th at Turbo Haus alongside N NAO and Pastel Blank.

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Nuha Ruby Ra by Louise Mason

We can’t quite put a finger on the sound of Londoner Nuha Ruby Ra, making her a must-hear act from this year’s Taverne Tour selections. The soloist’s 2023 EP Machine Like Me invites you in with its punk rock attitude, only to keep you hooked with its punchy, sharp and seductive turns. 

Nuha Ruby Ra performs Thursday, February 12th at La Sotterenea alongside Durex, VICTIME and Korea Town Acid. 

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Protomartyr by Trevor Naud

Thriving in duality, Detroit post-punk outfit Protomartyr can shred and brood. In recent years, the band has expanded their palette into shoegaze-adjacent territory, all while staying true to their Motor City melancholic roots. To the delight of super fans, the group will be headlining two hard-hitting bills at this year’s edition of the festival. 

Protomartyr plays Thursday, February 12th with Yoo Doo Right, Hot Garbage and Alix Fernz at Le Belmont (SOLD OUT), and returns Friday, February 13th with FACS, Shunk and We Owe.

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Yoo Doo Right by Jan Kuča / Rose KoЯnmier

Montreal experimental rock trio Yoo Doo Right build expansive, slow-burning tracks that swell to fill every corner of the room. Songs from From the Heights of Our Pastureland unfold patiently, moving across long stretches of post-rock plains and sudden peaks of intensity, more experiential than cinematic. When vocals surface, they cut sharply—“We took this land with calloused hands,” Justin Cober cries on “Spirit’s Heavy but Not Overthrown”—providing a pointed moment of clarity within the band’s towering sound.

Yoo Doo Right takes to the stage on Thursday, February 12th with Protomartyr, Hot Garbage and Alix Fernz at Le Belmont (SOLD OUT).

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Taverne Tour

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Project Nowhere Round Three: The Best of Toronto's Underground Music Scene

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Photo by Zoë Argiropulos-Hunter

Toronto’s Project Nowhere music festival returned to the city’s west end for its third edition, and we were more than happy to hop on a train to attend—it's now a yearly tradition. 

The festival's multi-venue format spanned six spaces along Dundas West from October 2nd to 4th, including Nineteen Seventy Eight (Expo Vintage Outlet), St. Anne's Parish, The Garrison, The Baby G, BSMT254, and Hank's Liquor, with 3-day passes and an excellent festival app/guide available to anyone who wanted to make the most out of the experience. In addition to providing the festival schedule, the app also included food and shopping recommendations of all kinds along the Dundas West strip, even throwing in a few discounts at select stores. Developed by a fan of the festival who attended from out west, the app helped to support the area's independent business owners alongside the Project Nowhere’s buzzing lineup. 

Night One 

This year, we had the honour of co-presenting one the opening night shows, featuring Montreal’s own 2025 Polaris Prize short-listers Ribbon Skirt, Hawaii-bound rocker Gus Englehorn, and Toronto twee electronica outfit cootie catcher. The venue itself, Nineteen Seventy Eight, was unique in that it's usually a by-the-pound thrift store, but all of the racks and tables were pushed to the back up against a chain link fence, making space for an on-the-floor stage. Enhanced with colourful lighting and live visuals of the bands performing in real time, the room was packed to the brim from start to finish with eager music lovers. 

The night kicked off with hometown heroes cootie catcher, whose kooky musings on the growing pains of daily life could be plucked straight from the Juno soundtrack. The four-piece tightly delivered earworms from their recently released album Shy at first, with each member exchanging encouraging glances as they ventured into performing new material. Leading up to the festival, we interviewed cootie catcher members Nolan and Anita about their affinity for Project Nowhere and what’s on the horizon from the band after their last tour. 

Building on this musical trust fall, Gus Englehorn took the stage, accompanied by his wife and bandmate Estée Prada. Having caught the duo earlier on this tour in Gaspésie, their Project Nowhere performance felt more intimate, with the audience hanging on attentively to Englehorn’s folkloric lyrics. Leading us through the tales of Englehorn’s latest offering The Hornbook, the pair’s tender take on their garage rock repertoire was a welcomed easing-in to the festival weekend ahead. 

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Ribbon Skirt by Malaika Astorga

Ribbon Skirt tied the bow on the Also Cool Project Nowhere showcase with their laser focused, newfound grit. Falling on the eve of their Pensacola EP release, the band was fully charged and maneuvered poetically about the former autobody garage floor as if they were back on stage at Massey Hall for the Polaris Prize. Zigzagging amongst her bandmates and into the crowd, singer-guitarist Tashiina Buswa jumped up and down with fans, excitedly singing the lyrics of “Off Rez” and “Look What You Did” face to face. Having followed the band since day one, our hearts were full when Ribbon Skirt were summoned back for an encore, performing a lively cover of “New Town” by Scottish post-punk band Life Without Buildings to a thrilled audience of listeners old and new.  

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Miserable Weekend by Zoë Argiropulos-Hunter

Night Two 

Saturday’s events began at St. Anne's Parish, where the setting sun offered respite from the season's final heatwave. Now the home base of music presenting non-profit Wavelength, the decommissioned church's reimagined hall is a breathtaking venue. The Dali-esque psychedelic projections of Oscillitarium were a signature backdrop throughout the weekend, bubbling like the wax of a lava lamp in between the stage's rounded mouldings and high ceilings.

Opening the night, Toronto's own Miserable Weekend filled the room with their new-wave flavour. Wearing matching black and red ensembles with handkerchiefs around their necks, the band's take on Suicide's "Rocket USA" was a standout, with singer Cecil Stehelin gyrating as if powered by an electric pogo stick. 

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New Chance by Zoë Argiropulos-Hunter

From St. Anne's, we made our way to BSMT254. Below soft, blue-hued lights, Toronto multidisciplinary artist New Chance and her collaborator, Johnny Spence, led the attentive crowd into a hypnagogic state. Between New Chance's glossy voice and the rich sustain of Spence's synths, the live renditions of New Chance's latest album, A Rock Unsteady, are akin to a performance one could imagine in the Road House from David Lynch's Twin Peaks. 

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Freak Heat Waves by Zoë Argiropulos-Hunter

The final acts of night two performed down the block at The Garrison. It was like no time had passed since we last saw Victoria, British Columbia duo Freak Heat Waves when they took the stage. Effortlessly cool, the pair's bubbly dub jams kept the crowd satiated (and moving!) in anticipation of New York’s james K. In a flash, The Garrison felt like a tin of sardines as james K took the stage. Accompanying her arresting falsetto, K’s delicate, liquid soundscapes submerged the crowd into a spellbound state. Thanks to the stunning rendition of james K’s newest album Friend, it was as if we all felt we could take a much needed, collective breath that night. 

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james K by Zoë Argiropulos-Hunter

Night Three 

Night three started off outside the tour van of Atlanta dark disco outfit CDSM (video interview coming soon). Along with the band, we piled into Nineteen Seventy Eight upon their recommendation to catch Columbus Ohio punk band DANA. The venue had transformed since we had last been there, clearing the retail floor all the way to the back. The stage was now on top of a half pipe skate ramp, which made room for a much larger audience. DANA were fiercely energetic to the point of blowing the power briefly—effectively warming up the stage for CDSM.

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DANA by Zoë Argiropulos-Hunter

After their set, we hopped on the streetcar to head down to St. Anne's to catch the next show. We made it just in time to hear the end of Toronto’s Luge. The band of doom angels nearly blew the roof off the church with their angular, snakes and ladders sound. 

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Her New Knife by Zoë Argiropulos-Hunter

Up next were Philadelphia's Her New Knife, who were one of our favourite discoveries at the festival. The band certainly lived up to our sonic hopes and dreams with a perfect shoegaze whirlwind of sound. Just as their name evokes, the band conjures the feeling of a sheath being drawn—metallic and alluring—yet somehow warm and familiar. The band’s performance was a welcomed experience for those of us too young to have come up with Duster and Sonic Youth in their heyday. We caught up with Her New Knife after their set for a video interview in the church parking lot—coming soon to our YouTube channel. Afterwards, we caught the tail-end of Water From Your Eyes’ set, who played tracks from both their new album It’s A Beautiful Place, and classics like “Out There,” from their 2023 album Everyone’s Crush. Shimmering, vulnerable, and unafraid to speak out on the atrocities happening back home, the band had us hooked on their every word, despite their signature nonchalant delivery.

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Water From Your Eyes by Zoë Argiropulos-Hunter

We closed out our Project Nowhere weekend with a performance from one of the festival's underground heavy hitters (literally). Making haste from St. Anne's, we descended into percussive fervour thanks to the jaw-dropping talents of Expensive $hit (AKA Paul Quattrone of beloved California garage band Osees). A balancing act between acoustic drums, vintage electronic drum pads, samplers and a spread of distortion and delay guitar pedals, Quattrone had BSMT254 locked into his rhythmic trance.

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Paul Quattrone by Zoë Argiropulos-Hunter

Heading back to our respective cities (Ottawa and Montreal), we couldn’t help but mutually gush over how much fun the festival had been. Project Nowhere truly encapsulates the punk spirit of Toronto, proving for a third year in a row that D.I.Y. culture is alive and well.

We’ll definitely be at next year’s edition, and we hope to catch you there, but in the meantime keep an eye out for our upcoming video interviews, which will be available on our YouTube.

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Project Nowhere

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Zoë Argiropulos-Hunter 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.

Malaika Astorga is the Co-Founder and Creative Director of Also Cool. She is a Mexican-Canadian visual artist, writer, and social media strategist currently based in Montreal.

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Water From Your Eyes, james K, The Armed and More: Also Cool's Project Nowhere Playlist Refresh

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This article comes to you live from the train to Toronto: Project Nowhere starts tonight! Plucking along Dundas West, the innovative Little Portugal-based festival brings heavy, underground and avant-garde sounds to the forefront for a jam-packed weekend from October 2nd-4th, 2025. To get the party started, we’ve compiled our favourite new releases from ones-to-watch from this year’s lineup. Whether you’re on your way from out of town or down the street, get into the festival spirit and listen to our accompanying playlists below on Spotify. 

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The Armed by Nate Sturley.

Hailing from Detroit, Michigan, The Armed are an anonymous punk/hardcore collective. Their latest album THE FUTURE IS HERE AND EVERYTHING NEEDS TO BE DESTROYED was released earlier this year. Notably featured on the Cyberpunk 2077 Official Playlist, and after completing a trilogy of albums laser-focused on dissecting artistic authenticity in the Information Age, The Armed began working on new material with no premeditated rules or concepts—favouring only raw expression and urgency to herald a new era for the project. 

Catch their show at Nineteen Seventy Eight on Friday, October 3rd.

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Her New Knife by David Milan Kelly

Her New Knife are a gorgeously noisy shoegaze band from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Their latest singles “vasselera,” and “vasselera - SILICONE VALLEY: re”, lean more electronic and danceably-experimental. The band’s newest offerings were released via Julia’s War, a Philly-based record label that focuses on providing “physical media for bands that rock.”

Her New Knife plays at St. Anne’s Parish Hall on Saturday, October 4th.

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james K by Juan Camilo Díez

New York’s Jamie Krasner, AKA james K, crafts spellbinding dream pop collages on her third album Friend. Friend is a brilliant follow-up to her 2016 release PET, solidifying K’s mastery of illusive, downtempo hypnosis. Written and produced by K, the dewey sonic playground features a close-knit entourage of collaborators, including Montreal’s own Patrick Holland. 

james K plays The Garrison on Friday, October 3rd. 

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No Joy by Samuel Fournier

Decadent and maximalist, No Joy brandishes shoegaze sublimity on Bugland. The musical moniker of Montreal songwriter and guitarist Jasamine White-Gluz, No Joy marks a grand return with Bugland as her fifth album and first offering since her 2022 record Ghost Blonde. No Joy’s beguiling arrangements conjure hypnotic guitar world-building reminiscent of 90s greats such as My Bloody Valentine, with vocals channeling the energy of Kate Bush (if she fronted a grungy rock band).

No Joy plays The Garrison on Thursday, October 2nd. 

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London, United Kingdom tricksters Warmduscher recently shared “Yakuza”. The super-charged punk-funk single—originally conceived during the sessions for the band’s 2024 album Too Cold To Hold—is a ballsy, cinematic stand-alone that arrives with two equally electrifying remixes from David Holmes and Sworn Virgins. The perfect curtain-opener for the band’s Toronto stop. 

Warmduscher performs at Nineteen Seventy Eight on Saturday, October 4th.  

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Water From Your Eyes by Ryan Powell

Chicago brewed, Brooklyn-based duo Water From Your Eyes closed off the summer with the unveiling of their new long-player It’s A Beautiful Place. Though the band are now part of the star-studded Matador Records roster, It’s A Beautiful Place nonetheless boasts the band’s forever self-directed unique production—meandering yet straight, cool, but not too cool. It’s A Beautiful Place is a lived-in opus, charting almost-pop to winks of math rock in just under half an hour. 

Water From Your Eyes plays St. Anne’s Parish Hall on Saturday, October 4th.

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Project Nowhere

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Comet, Modem, Ribbon Skirt and More: Also Cool's POP Montreal Playlist Refresh

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A crisp chill lingers in the air long after the sun has come up, which can only mean one thing: POP Montreal is just around the corner. The annual not-for-profit-curated cultural event returns to the Plateau and Mile End neighbourhoods from September 24th-28th, 2025. Celebrating its 24th edition, the festival features film screenings, craft and visual art exhibitions, all ages programming for children and families, and—of course—the main event: live music from international sensations and emerging talents alike. 

For a preview of what’s to come from this year’s festival, pop on our Playlist Refresh of new releases from ones-to-watch from the 2025 POP Montreal lineup. Listen along with our playlist on YouTube and Spotify below.

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Chanel Beads via POP Montreal

Ahead of his tour with Lorde, (and POP Montreal set, of course), Chanel Beads has released an ethereal rework of LEYA’s “Corners.” Both are New York-based acts, and together they’ve created a sound that feels like something from a dream long ago that’s trying to claw its way back into your memory. With gentle but urging harp, the collaboration draws a strange lineage between the two artists, tying together hissing and gorgeous sound collage with an airtight rap-like pop sensibility.

Chanel Beads plays the Rialto on Friday, September 26th at 9:30pm.

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Comet via POP Montreal

NYC neo-grunge singer-songwriter Comet perked up our ears with her newest single “Psychotamer.” Purring guitar lines and buzzing diatone synth cushion Comet’s sultry voice, complimented by the track’s featured artist boysinblush. “Psychotamer” follows the springtime release of Comet’s EP Quitter, and feels reminiscent of moments from the Yeah Yeah Yeahs’ 2003 masterpiece Fever To Tell. 

Comet plays Casa del Popolo on Saturday, September 27th at 8:30pm.

Ribbon Skirt by Ani Harroch

Indie-rock duo Ribbon Skirt grapples with fragments of connection on “LUCKY8.” Fresh from the Polaris stage in Toronto—where Bite Down was shortlisted for the top honour—the band now looks ahead to PENSACOLA, out next Friday via Mint Records. “LUCKY8” is a gritty post-punk aperitif, exposing wounds at the periphery of healing: “I kinda like it here, I wanna stay / You sweep it all away, you swept it all away.”

Join Ribbon Skirt for their artist talk at Clubhouse Rialto on Friday, September 26th from 1:30-2:30pm. The band then plays at La Sotterenea on Saturday, September 27th at 8:30pm.

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good flying birds via POP Montreal

good flying birds deliver wholesome home recorded jangle spunk with “Fall Away.” The midwestern twee-punk outfit garnered a cult following from their Rotten Apples-backed debut cassette talulah’s tape, shared this past winter. The fizzy “Fall Away” is on the album’s reissue, set to release digitally and on vinyl shortly after the band’s POP Montreal appearance this coming October. 

good flying birds play La Toscadura on Thursday, September 25th at 8:15pm.

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Modem via POP Montreal

Helsinki-based synth pop duo Modem will get you dancing with their latest track “Image.” Having paid their dues in the Finnish punk and indie underground (in bands such as Tamara Luonto, Plastic Tones, Kissa, Foreseen and Kohti Tuhoa), Modem channel their love for the synthetic sounds of the 1980s. 

Modem plays L’Esco on Sunday, September 28th at 8:30pm.

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Slash Need via POP Montreal

Toronto EBM thrill-seekers Slash Need have reimagined their heartracing favourite “Leather”. In comparison to the 2020 Spit Lip EP version, the newly revisited “Leather” refocuses singer Dusty Lee’s delicious domination front and centre, standing tall on the acidic embellishments of synth maestro Alex Low. Unwavering in its motorik thrum, the revisited “Leather” holds a match to the dancefloor in anticipation of the band’s debut long-player Sit and Grin arriving later this fall. 

Slash Need plays La Sala Rossa on Thursday, September 25th at 8:00pm.

TUKAN via POP Montreal

Belgian electronic outfit TUKAN released their enrapturing album Human Drift at the start of the year, and they’ve already resurfaced with the glittering new banger “Layover.” Much like the ephemeral nostalgia of “Noranda,” which was released in tribute to their run at FME 2023, the aptly-named “Layover” came together between the band’s extensive touring schedule to freeze a moment in time. The track boasts sharp synth stabs and a drum-forward mix; edgy, murky, and yet jovial in its progression.

TUKAN plays Bar Le Ritz PDB on Thursday, September 25th at 8:30pm.

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POP Montreal

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Palomosa 2025: A Weekend of Chaos, Colour, and Camp

Palomosa 2025 by Zoë Argiropulos-Hunter

We’re still catching up on sleep from the buzz of Palomosa. The second edition of the festival delivered a spectrum of performances—from gripping moon-lit shoegaze to blitzing pop perfection—in a whirlwind of a weekend. We stumbled out of Parc Jean-Drapeau dazed, exhilarated, and with a Notes App full of thoughts from Montreal’s it-music weekend – here they are.

Zack Fox by Malaika Astorga

Palomosa’s Block Party (presented by Piknic Électronik) welcomed festival-goers on Thursday. Despite the unrelenting downpour, Tallandskiinny and Zack Fox had the crowd partying hard. The spirit set the tone for the rest of the weekend – upbeat, energetic, and ready to have a good time regardless of the circumstances.

MGNA Crrrta by Rebecca Judd

Learning our lesson, we arrived ready for the official Day 1 rain-boot-clad à la Glastonbury. Friday was defined by the magnetism of cult-followed artists, starting with NYC electro-pop duo MGNA Crrrta. At just 21, the duo comprised of Farheen Khan and Ginger Scott have garnered an international following for their audacious, red-lining dance tracks. Decked out in 2013-esque cross tights and a crystal applique headband, the pair touted a playful stage presence that perfectly aligned with the sun coming out just in time for their set, where their laissez-faire attitude and bubble machine had us nostalgic for the dog days of summer. “Summer is my favourite season in the world!” 

The Hellp by Rebecca Judd

Next up on Palomosa’s Fizz Stage were Los Angeles electroclashers The Hellp. Shockingly punctual, they kicked into gear with saturated pop favourites “Hot Fun” and “Colorado,” which vibrated through the early crowd like the best kind of dorm-room daydream. Noah Dillon doubled over his mic while Chandler Ransom Lucy coolly puffed through a string of cigarettes, locking in without breaking focus. Midway through, “California Dream Girl” morphed into a tongue-in-cheek interpolation of Katy Perry’s “California Gurls,” a wink that drew cheers from the pit. After our exclusive interview with the band (coming soon…!), they confirmed it was their first time in Montreal, but judging by the emphatic reception, the city already claimed them as its own.

MCR-T by Malaika Astorga

Berlin-based international artist collective Live From Earth took over the Scene du Jardin, and resident DJ, rapper and producer MCR-T had us dancing with our entire bodies. He performed some of his original songs throughout his set, singing over top, while also DJing other bangers, with his crew proudly flying the Live From Earth Flag in the background. 

Back on the Fizz Stage, Lower East Side group Fcukers turned the party with their acidic house flounce. Filling out their sound as a four-piece, the live renditions of heavy-hitters like “Like It Like That” and recent heater “Play Me” were electrifying with drums and guitar. Seeing the band’s rave diva frontwoman Shannon Wise skate around her bandmates in real time almost distracted from the unbalanced live mix. The band played it cool as the crowd lost themselves in the bass. 

Cecile Believe by Rebecca Judd

Day 2 arrived with a groggy head, but the remnants of Palomosa’s eclectic roster were enough to shake off the sleepiness. Waking us from our end-of-fest slumber was the hypnotic pull of Cecile Believe. The experimental pop artist emerged with gratitude for the city where she began her ascent before diving into her set. Her crystalline vocals soared far beyond the Fizz Stage, and between the wistful purity of “Ponytail” and the rhythmic surge of “Blink Twice,” her signature blend of experimental textures and pop immediacy kept the audience completely absorbed. Most striking was Believe’s sense of movement, every bit as fluid as her dextrous voice. In our forthcoming interview with Believe, we explore the foundations of this presence and some of the recent projects that have propelled her artistry.

Yeule by Rebecca Judd

Sometime later, Yeule emerged onto the Fizz Stage, their petite frame cloaked in a cropped leather ensemble. As we noted in our Top Picks, their latest record Evangelic Girl is a Gun had marked a turn toward a gritty trip-hop slant, and the size of the crowd suggested its pull was widely felt. While Yeule was characteristically mesmerizing as an entity—wielding their electric guitar with ease, flailing their limbs to the beat—the vocal mix let them down, smothering a voice already fragile in its breathiness. This felt most apparent on songs like “Eko,” its glittering refrain completely dissolved by the backing track. Yet Yeule never lost their grip on the masses, which swelled with awe during their cover of “Anthems of a Seventeen Year-Old Girl.” Closing the show with a cigarette between their lips, Yeule strutted off stage, leaving only the phantom of their sound behind.

Rebecca Black by Rebecca Judd

But the award for most consuming performance of the night easily goes to rising pop legend Rebecca Black – yes, that one. Her mic was unmistakably on—best demonstrated by a cheeky yet nimble cover of “Ur So Gay”—and the camp factor was cranked past ten. Flanked by Westboro Baptist Church-esque signage promoting “homo sex,” Black flashed her turquoise bloomers as she and her dancers snapped through clockwork choreography, spilling into every inch of the stage.  By the time Black descended into a hyperpop fusion of “Friday” and “Sugar Water Cyanide,” the audience was delirious with glee. “If you don’t go hard, I’m gonna kill you!” Black shrieked, crawling onto her dancers’ backs and launching her sunglasses to the side. Something about this climax felt oddly emotional: here was someone who rode the wave of relentless, worldwide bullying into a daringly creative career. All those years ago she was cast as a punchline, and this felt like her metamorphosis.

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Palomosa

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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.

Malaika Astorga is the Co-Founder and Creative Director of Also Cool. She is a Mexican-Canadian visual artist, writer, and social media strategist currently based in Montreal.

Rebecca Judd is the Editorial and Operations Lead of Also Cool Mag. She is currently based in Ottawa.

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FME 2025 Recap: Baby Berserk, Empanadas Illegales, & More

Photo by Malaika Astorga

We've returned from our yearly pilgrimage to FME (or almost at least, this recap is being written on the very long bus ride back home to Montreal). Despite the distance, the festival remains one of our favourites of the year. Another delegate put it perfectly, FME feels like summer camp, but if you were to swap out the friendship bracelets with secret punk shows and an abundance of beer.

The festival ran from Thursday, August 28th to Sunday, August 31st, and hosted a variety of acts, both Canadian and international. Every year, the festival chooses a theme that takes over the town, and this year, we were greeted by mysterious craters, dinosaur footprints, aliens, and more, with photo-op stands in front of each venue. In terms of the musical highlights, here's the day-by-day summary.

Photo by Malaika Astorga

Thursday welcomed delegates from around the world, and despite the long travel day for many, everyone made it out to the first shows of the festival. Crasher kicked off the night with a shimmering and electric performance, so electrifying, actually, that it blew the subwoofer. However, Bibi Club had it sorted in no time and had the crowd dancing along in the freakiest ways.

Population II at the Bonsound BBQ by Malaika Astorga

The iconic Bonsound BBQ is always hosted on the Friday morning of the festival, and this year's poolside performance was by Population II, whose crusher performance made the perfect soundtrack for our hungover hotdog brunch. We had the opportunity to speak with Crasher at the BBQ on a giant chess set for a video interview, which will be released very soon. Then we grabbed one last sparkling paloma before heading to Meggie Lennon's show. She had the crowd captivated and singing along till the last song. 

Baby Berserk by Malaika Astorga

Baby Berserk followed up shortly after with a killer secret show at the local favourite poutine spot, Chez Morasse. Arguably dance punk, and provenly incredible performers, the lead singer was climbing up street posts and storage units in heels, all while keeping everyone dancing and screaming. La Flemme, a punk group from Marseille, took over Le Petit Theatre, drawing on classic punk references, while keeping the hardcore spirit alive with a wall of death and probably the friendliest mosh pit we've ever seen. 

Poolgirl by Malaika Astorga

Saturday, welcome our own DJ Flleur to the main stage area of the festival, with three diverse sets throughout the night, spinning everything from Fontaines D.C. dance edits to darkwave to Strawberry Switchblade's cover of Jolene. Empanadas Illegales took to the stage first, with an incredible cumbia set. The OBGMs were up next, introducing themselves as a Celine Dion cover band, and demanding the crowd to "open up the pit for Celine!" They also publicly shamed a crowd member's shitty ex-boyfriend, and helped everyone process their emotions. Les Trois Accords closed out the night on the main stage with Quebec classics that had everyone singing their hearts out. Around the corner, Boutique Feelings did a secret show across from Cabaret de la Derniere Chance in an alleyway, and Poolgirl pulled off a killer riot girl-style set down the street, with pool floaties flying through the crowd. 

Les Freaks de Montréal by Malaika Astorga

Empanadas Illegales returned to the stage, or more specifically to the garden, on Sunday with a beautiful secret show at Parc Botanique À Fleur d'eau. Automelodi closed out the festival in the main stage area, with a perfectly spooky darkwave set that had all the local teens dancing like proper goths.

As always, we had the best time at FME, and can't wait for next year. We hope to see you then! In the meantime, stay tuned for video interview with Crasher, Meggie Lennon, and Poolgirl, to be released on the site & our YouTube.

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What's Cool at FME 2025 (Crasher, Ada Lea, DJ Flleur & More)

It’s our favourite time of year again, where we journey to Rouyn-Noranda Abitibi for FME (Festival de musique émergente en Abitibi-Témiscamingue) to see some of the best local and international music of the year. 

We at Also Cool have been big fans, and attendees, of the festival since 2021, and are happy to head back again this year for its 23rd edition. As always, we like to keep our festival schedules organized, so we’ve broken down our FME Top Picks for the weekend ahead. 

Listen along below:

Crasher via FME

Crasher, the electro-punk trio from Montreal, play on Thursday at 8pm at Cabaret de la Dernière Chance. The band is fronted by Airick Asher Woodhead (Doldrums / Errhead), and formed during COVID while ‘bubbling’ in a shared jam space. Their 2021 tape STREET CLEANING MACHINES OF THE WORLD made major waves, and we’re eager to hear new songs from their to-be-released debut full-length ODDITI POPULAIRE. It’s easy to get freaky to Woodhead’s caustic lyrics and melodic singing, and is a perfect way to kick off the festival.

Yoo Doo Right via FME

Yoo Doo Right take over the same venue on Friday at 9pm with their hypnotic wall of sound (also known as krautrock). Bring your earplugs and settle in for noisy, melodic guitar parts, effects-laden synthesizer soundscapes, deep bass grooves and patented percussive furies into sprawling, cathartic musical pieces. Drawing inspiration from post-rock, krautrock, shoegaze, classical music, electroacoustics, and musique concrète, they create a unique sound where “towering monoliths of roaring riffs crash against swarms of restless rhythms”

The OBGMs via FME

The mainstage welcomes one of our very own Also Cools, DJ Flleur, on Saturday, who plays 7–8pm, and in between sets by Empanadas Illegales (cumbia/surf), The OBGMs (punk/rock), and Les Trois Accords (pop-rock). Pull up and dance hard, this won’t be your typical DJ set. 

Sunday welcomes a more laid-back vibe to wrap up the weekend, with a set from Ada Lea at Apéro Air Canada at 6:30pm. Alexandra Levy, known as Ada Lea, is a Montreal-based multidisciplinary artist whose third album, when i paint my masterpiece, blends music and visual art through a deeply intuitive and imagistic lens. Levy’s lyrics explore transformation, dreams, and the act of observing oneself. 

Insider Tip: Keep an eye out for the “secret shows” that tend to pop up all weekend! Make sure to download the app to stay up to date with all of the festival’s surprises. 

Get your tickets here, we’ll see you in the pit. 

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What's Cool at Palomosa 2025 (Fcukers, Loukeman, MCR-T & more)

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Montreal’s Palomosa festival is just around the corner, and we can’t wait to experience what is basically our “most listened to” playlist live on Jean Drapeau Island. The lineup is so good it’s overwhelming, so to make it simple, we’ve picked out our top acts so that you can optimize your festival schedule.

Listen along with our playlists on YouTube or Spotify below.

Zack Fox via Palomosa

Zack Fox takes the reins at Piknic x Palomosa’s Block Party with a rush of bouncy ghettotech. Between commanding packed clubs and stealing scenes on Abbott Elementary, Fox remains impossible to pin down. His comedic edge infuses his performances with a raw magnetism, cementing him as one of the (extended) weekend’s fiercest draws.

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Fcukers via Palomosa

Summer isn’t over until Fcukers say it is. Pumping out hit after hit since strutting on the scene in 2022, the New York dance-pop duo has cracked the code of emulating 00s club ambiance for the digital age. Oscillating between coy and in-your-face, the playful vocals of singer Shannon Wise create instant earworms when coupled with the steamy, bass-heavy production of bandmate Jackson Walker Lewis. A logical addition to the music libraries for fans of The Chemical Brothers, LSDXOXO and Tim Goldsworthy, Fcukers 2004 breakout hit “Homie Don’t Shake” is a must-have on our USBs. Catch the pair live on Friday at the Fizz Stage.

yeule via Palomosa

Glitch-pop prodigy yeule takes to the Fizz Stage on Saturday, casting a spectral glow across Parc Jean-Drapeau. After fuzzed-out success Softscars, their latest record Evangelic Girl is a Gun delves into trip-hop tradition, boasting collaborations with A.G. Cook and Mura Masa. Inspired by the nightmarish vistas of Zdzisław Beksiński and yeule’s own journey as a painter, Evangelic Girl is a Gun commits to “[burning] through the canvas of post-modernity” – a work that beckons to be witnessed.

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Loukeman via Palomosa

A master of wistful, head-bobbing lo-fi, Toronto-based producer, singer-songwriter and DJ, Loukeman has graduated from SoundCloud darling to underground forerunner, gracing Palomosa’s Fizz Stage on Saturday night of the festival. On his second installment of a to-be-completed trilogy, Sd-2 (2024), Loukeman interlaces Easter egg samples with minimal house foundations and melancholy synth hums à la ML Buch. If you need us, we will be swaying in the crowd.

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¥ØU$UK€ ¥UK1MAT$U via Palomosa

Your favourite DJ’s favourite DJ, ¥ØU$UK€ ¥UK1MAT$U’s audacious sets have scrambled minds across the globe. Born in Osaka, Japan, ¥UK1MAT$U started spinning in 2008, translating the rebellious and varied listening habits of his youth to the dancefloor. Before donning his eclectic sets to sweaty, transfixed crowds in the thousands, ¥UK1MAT$U worked as a construction worker until he was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumour in 2016. Now on the other side of treatment and pursuing DJing full time, the oft shirtless scene-stealer levitates listeners with his saucy sonic sojourns. ¥ØU$UK€ ¥UK1MAT$U is set to play the the Du Jardin Stage on Saturday night.

MCR-T via WASSERMAN

Known for engineering club bangers like horsegiirL’s “My Barn My Rules,” and Miss Bashful’s “Slut Commandments,” MCR-T knows how to make people move. His 2024 album NOT THE SAME ≠, released via his Berlin-based anarchic collective Live From Earth, created a one-man West Berlin ghetto-tech wave that has reached a worldwide audience, hitting especially hard with singles like “Buurman Uit Berlijn ft. Joost” and “1 Berliner”. We can’t wait to throw it back in the crowd at the Du Jardin stage.

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Palomosa

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Side by Side Weekend Marks Five Years of DIY at Club SAW

Ruby Doom, photo by Rebecca Judd

Walking through the gates of the Club SAW courtyard Friday night, palpable excitement weighed in the air just as heavily as the late-July humidity. Though performances wouldn’t start for another half an hour, a line of eager Side by Side Weekend (SBSW) festival-goers smiled ear to ear as they received their neon wristbands—an accessory worn by seemingly everyone in the Ottawa music scene all weekend long. 

July 25th-27th celebrated Side by Side Weekend’s fifth anniversary. This milestone year for the independent, genre-diverse festival saw a lineup of over 30 artists, 70 per cent being Ottawa-area-based. Returning to artist-run centre Club SAW (plus a free offsite show at the Ottawa Pumphouse!), the three days of live music from heavy-hitters and up-and-comers were curated by co-presenters Club Records, Congrego, First Crush, and Fortress alongside the Side by Side Weekend team. 

Bucko, photo by Ming Wu

On opening night, new-on-the-scene band lady grey and the phantoms served up candid, smouldering shoegaze, reminiscent of earlier sounds from fellow Ottawa group Empty Nesters. Next, local legend BUCKO turned a candle-lit performance on its head, premiering a new, dance-driven sound that raised heart rates and spirits. From there, Friday emulated heavier tones, first from Neurotypes. Fronted by multi-instrumentalist Nat Resi, the group stood out for its 80s-inspired sound à la Faith by The Cure, with a playful approach. Noise trio VICTIME engulfed the courtyard into an anti-rock whirlpool, with each member embodying the off-kilter deliciousness of their 2024 return En conversation avec. The cherry on top of Day 1 was synth-punk headliner Slash Need. Along with their entourage of lusty dancers, frontperson Dusty Lee and mad scientist synth maestro Lex Low chewed and spat out the audience with a venomous shadow show. 

Hug Mosh, photo by Rebecca Judd

Day 2 of Side by Side began with Ruby Doom, an electric femme three-piece from Brantford, ON. Uplifted by the scorching snarl of singer-guitarist Cadence Nixon, the group’s alt-punk anthems had bodies grooving throughout the courtyard. Their camaraderie and effortlessness conjured visions of Bikini Kill, leaving the courtyard supercharged for the spectacle to follow. Shortly thereafter, Ottawa hyperpop heroine (and SBSW co-organizer) Hug Mosh took to the stage, decked out in a white lace dress, brown Doc Martens, and earth-toned bolo tie. They flaunted their trademark flow across synthetic new picks from latest EP, coolest girl in the world, before descending into the crowd for beloved rager “Cool Dance.” Closing things out was Afro-rap artist Banggz, who transported Club SAW to Lagos with his skillful flow and roster of dynamic collaborators.

glowveins, photo by Rebecca Judd

Running on fumes, Day 3 of the festival called for sunscreen, shades, and Side by Side x Spark Beer Palsner, as dozens flocked to The Pumphouse for Congrego’s (free!) park showcase. The beaming golden sun grinned on partakers and performers alike, as the afternoon moved through the textured bounce of Nothing Nobody, the discordant drive of glowveins, and the twinkling electronica of Sam Aleums. Most heartening about this magic was the passersby who soaked it in—halting their bikes to linger along the pathway—and the handful of children trying to decode the sonic swirl. The park showcase welcomed not only SBSW devotees into the fold, but curious community members from every walk of life.

The last hours of the day were spent back at SAW, where Side by Side Weekend shared the grounds with Ottawa indie label Club Records. Taking to the indoor stage for her first-ever show was Alyssa Iswolsky, otherwise known as Devoter, who drew listeners in for an emotive acoustic landslide. Iswolsky took time to apologize for her “bummer music,” but her eloquence and vulnerability were welcomed by the crowd. Outside, anticipation simmered for Knitting, the Montreal slacker-rock troupe led by pensive frontperson Mischa Dempsey. Between selections new and old, including springtime release “Nite Lite,” Dempsey took time to spread their appreciation for SBSW and the Ottawa arts scene – a message that lingered in the courtyard air.

Los3r, photo by Rebecca Judd

And to cap the festival off, back in Club SAW, the time had come for Los3r – the Ottawa glitchcore trio whose prolific sincerity has stoked a cult following. Los3r powered through a colourful 45-minute set—at one point teasing the prospect of “100 more songs”—and left every last grain of energy on the stage. Their performance—a sweaty, euphoric freefall—marked not a closing, but a release. It etched the fifth edition of Side by Side Weekend into hearts across the city.

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Side by Side Weekend

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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.

Rebecca Judd is the features editor of Also Cool Mag. She is currently based in Ottawa.

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Sustaining Pique: Debaser’s Summer Success and the Road Ahead

Arriving at Pique, photo by Rebecca Judd

At Also Cool, we remain steadfast champions of Pique – Debaser’s quarterly music and arts festival, staged within the walls of Arts Court in downtown Ottawa. Since its inception, the festival has ballooned in both scale and stature, drawing thousands to experience rising talents and scene fixtures from across and beyond North America. Pique has transcended the realm of party to become a platform for artistic revolution and a lifeline for community-rooted creativity.

The summer 2025 edition of Pique welcomed 1,400 festivalgoers and offered a diversity of performances and exhibitions. Though outdoor programming moved indoors due to air quality concerns, the spirit of summer shimmered throughout the venue for all those who came to play. Standout moments included the Produced by Youth and Pass the Vibes open decks, alongside captivating performances by Silla, Orchidae, Bells Larsen, HiTech, and Also Cool co-founders Flleur and Lamb Fatale.

Aligned with the festival’s ethos of accessibility and inclusion, Debaser offers subsidized tickets to ensure a dynamic experience for all who wish to partake. Earlier this month, the organization shared that nearly one in three attendees accessed subsidized tickets for the summer 2025 edition. Of these, 42% were subsidized by attendees who opted to pay at the higher end of the suggested range, while Debaser covered the remaining 58%.

To uphold these values—and ensure fair compensation for the artists and cultural workers who bring the festival to life—Debaser has launched the Pique Sustainability Fund. It invites those in a position to give to extend the experience, nurturing a vibrant future for Ottawa’s arts and cultural landscape.

As fall looms (yes, already), Pique’s next edition is slated for September 27. While the lineup has yet to be announced, audiences can expect electrifying appearances from both local and international taste-makers. Tickets are now available, with a suggested price range of $45-$75, or at a subsidized rate by contacting Debaser directly.

In the meantime, scroll on for a glimpse at summer 2025 Pique’s highlights, including our co-founders’ delightfully chaotic interview with HiTech.

Silla, photo by Rebecca Judd

Orchidae, photo by Rebecca Judd

fanclubwallet, photo by Rebecca Judd

Bells Larsen, photo by Rebecca Judd

47Chops of HiTech’s birthday cake, photo by Rebecca Judd

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Pique

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Debaser

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Rebecca Judd is the features editor of Also Cool Mag. She is currently based in Ottawa.

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Festival BleuBleu Co-Founders Anne-Julie St-Laurent and Myriam Sophie Deslauriers Celebrate 7 Years of Music in Carleton-sur-Mer

Anne-Julie St-Laurent (left) and Myriam Deslauriers (right) - Co-Founders of Festival BleuBleu, photo by Elise Jetté

Despite their mutual connection to the quaint town of Carleton-sur-Mer, Quebec, Festival BleuBleu Co-Founders Anne-Julie St-Laurent and Myriam Sophie Deslauriers didn’t cross paths until the music industry brought them together in Montreal. Leading up to their festival’s seventh edition, on from June 20th-23rd, 2025, we sat down with the minds behind Festival BleuBleu to chat about how the oceanside backdrop of their fondest childhood memories became the site of of some of the province’s most eclectic music curation. The duo also shares their approach to programming live music in a remote community, what to expect from this year's lineup and how they discover their favourite music.

Listen to our audio interview, originally aired on n10.as radio on June 8th, 2025, below. 

Also Cool Mag · Interview: In Conversation with Festival BleuBleu Co-Founders Anne-Julie and Myriam Sophie

Festival BleuBleu runs from June 20th-23rd in Carleton-sur-Mer, where Also Cool will be co-presenting a Soirée Électro featuring Ouri, Honeydrip and Isla Den. 

About the Festival BleuBleu Co-Founders

Anne-Julie St-Laurent

Anne-Julie is the Co-Executive and Artistic Director of Festival BleuBleu in Carleton-sur-Mer since 2019, as well as the Founder and Executive Director of Festival Triste in Montreal since 2022. She holds a bachelor's degree in Cultural and Media Production Strategies from UQAM and has been evolving in the music, event, and audiovisual industries since 2012. Her experience includes internships at Dare To Care and the music video production company DTO Films, followed by roles such as Artistic Assistant at the Edmonton Chante festival, Project Manager at Chivi Chivi, Media Partnerships Manager at the Santa Teresa Festival, Music Programmer at the multidisciplinary festival SOIR, and Partnerships Coordinator for M for Montreal and Mundial Montreal at Avalanche Prod. Curious and driven by collaboration, Anne-Julie thrives on new projects and meaningful encounters.

Myriam Sophie Deslauriers

Sharing her seasons between Montreal and Carleton-sur-Mer, her hometown, Myriam Sophie has been working in the music industry for nearly ten years. Initially working as a tour manager (Safia Nolin, Les Soeurs Boulay, Matt Holubowski), she cofounded, in 2019, the Festival de musique BleuBleu de Carleton-sur-Mer, of which she is still the artistic and general co-director. A graduate from the Cégep de St-Hyacinthe Theatre School, she uses her experience and knowledge of the performing arts to develop her practice as a musical stage director (Les Soeurs Boulay, Jean-Michel Blais, Les Louanges, Beyries). Through a sensitive listening and careful attention to the stage space and light, she seeks to expand the artist's universe, to make it resonate in highlighting the essential. 

Festival BleuBleu

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Montreal Rave Culture Shines at Halte Festival feat. Marie Davidson, Frankie Teardrop and more

Montreal welcomes a new electronic music festival this summer that truly encapsulates our underground scene. Halte is the city's first independently run open-air event, taking place at Bassin Peel from 3-11 pm on May 30th to June 1st, with a different rave crew or collective curating each day.

Photo from last year’s festival provided by Halte

Halte transforms a forgotten industrial space into a cultural playground, blending cutting-edge electronic music with scenography, architectural heritage, and community co-creation. Inspired by European pioneers like Horst and XRDS, the festival aims to offer more than just music; it creates a temporary sanctuary where sound, design, and people connect.

After a successful pilot edition in 2024, Halte is back this year with deeper collaborations, a forward-thinking lineup, and a mission to build an experience unlike anything Montreal has seen before. From daytime grooves to after-dark rhythms, Halte invites everyone to stop, listen, and absorb.

Come early, stay late.

Photo from last year’s festival provided by Halte

DAY 1 - Latex & Hauterageous    

Divina • Frankie Teardrop • Crissemarqueur • Badgalquirit b2b  Pretty Privilege • Mossy Mugler • Lyzza

DAY 2 - Octov    

Xaviera • KORVN • JKS • Elli Acula

DAY 3 - Autobahn  

Jade B2B • J.Rom • Miasalav • Marie Davidson (dj) • UFO95 (live) • Askim B2B • Xia

Photo from last year’s festival provided by Halte

Halte Festival

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Malaika Astorga is the Co-Founder & Creative Director of Also Cool. She is a Mexican-Canadian visual artist, writer, and social media strategist currently based in Montreal.

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Playing Dress-up: Unpacking the Artistry of Yolande Laroche

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Yolande Laroche by François Mittins

One way or another, you have likely run into Yolande Laroche in the Ottawa music scene. The Hull-based musician is omnipresent; she is a member of the acclaimed art-rock group Pony Girl and the experimental trio KAY-fayb, a solo artist known as Orchidae, and a classical music educator, amongst many other things. Armed with an admirable work ethic and limitless creativity, Laroche has a lot to look forward to.

For one, she’s on the lineup of Crystallize, the latest Congrego venture co-presented by Also Cool and Dominion City. Held on Saturday, February 15th at Club SAW, the supercharged festival features a slew of rising talent from Ottawa, Montreal, and beyond, compiled by guest curators Geunf and Fiamma. Laroche has eagerly teased that her sound will be “dark electronic music leaning into techno,” fit to break winter’s frost and set the dance floor ablaze.

Laroche is also fresh from the release of “Sun and the Stars,” her latest offering as indie-pop superstar Orchidae. The uplifting disco-inspired song marks the first single from her forthcoming debut True Beginning, out April 4th via Birthday Cake Records. But despite its vibrant groove, the roots of “Sun and the Stars” reveal something deeper. Laroche notes that the song depicts a codependent romantic relationship from her past. “‘Sun and the Stars' represents a longing for that firework type of love, then losing yourself in the idea of it – no longer being present in your body, with who you are as a person,” she explains. “It was important for me to not just give my attention to my sad persona because I can linger in that if I let myself. I really wanted to lean into the joy that I experience as I'm exploring my personhood and relieving myself from that relationship where I disappeared and I needed to find myself again.”

That joy is palpable in the song’s music video, which was shot, edited, and directed by Conor DeVries. The video features a liberated Laroche rocking a warm-toned two-piece as she struts through the bare halls of Axenéo7 in Gatineau. I remark that this stripped-back set allows the message of the song to shine. “I wanted to dance. I wanted to hold the microphone as if I was performing on stage,” Laroche recalls. “We had access to this perfectly square window, and we got up early to catch the sunrise. That was important – with ‘Sun and the Stars,’ we wanted to integrate sunlight and work with the space.” At one point, there is a cheeky glimmer of Laroche’s tooth gem, which she reveals is a call-back to her album cover shoot with François Mittins. “I wanted to bring as much world-building as possible. I love artists who go far into the visual aspect of their music, [and] that is something I aspire to do.”

Laroche shares that True Beginning has been in the works since 2019, propelled by the strong desire to articulate her voice and celebrate her evolution. She points out that her mental health journey is entwined in the album’s narrative: “I wasn't at peace, and with that conflict within me I saw two options – either I could try to figure it out or it was going to get worse. [The music] really comes from an honest willingness to discover my heart and see if I can relieve myself of my emotions.” By embracing the art of vulnerability, she has discovered that she can help others heal from their journeys. “I’m mixed race, I'm queer, so those two things can feel alienating,” Laroche admits. “I’m hoping that [the album] can allow people to dive [into] their own minds and hearts, just by giving them the language to talk about their experiences.”

The Orchidae project clearly stands amongst a collection, but while these paths may appear to lead in many directions, Laroche insists there is a sense of harmony. “I found that what I love is exploring music in all of its facets. Through the different arrangements, it's still my voice, but I'm putting on a different costume. I think that everything that I'm showing up with is a sum of all of my experiences.” Laroche remains unburdened by genre, and this allows her to remain curious under any conditions: “If a song is good, it doesn't matter what dressing you're putting on it. It can be country, pop, or a dance track. As long as the core of it is meaningful, it’ll be good.”

And she laughs while pointing out another truth: “I think I want to make myself as hireable as possible, and I want to say ‘yes’ to as many things as I can. In doing so, I've opened up my community, and I’m able to show what I can do because I'm not just a ‘one-trick Pony Girl.’” The creativity never stops, it just exerts itself with different forces.

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Yolande Laroche by François Mittins

This is why it’s so exciting to have another chapter of Laroche’s story unfold at Crystallize, where she will be performing under her full name. Laroche recalls the beginning of her foray into electronica: inspired by Marie Davidson’s performance at MUTEK, which she describes as “transcendental,” she harnessed that energy to create a brand-new set for the September 2024 edition of Pique. “I've always been so traditional in my writing – starting with piano and arranging it with musicians. This Yolande Laroche material is all done on the computer, but [it is] still coming from my diary.” Laroche clarifies that this project is not record-ready, but it occupies a similar space to Orchidae in her mind: it’s another chance to control her narrative with confidence. DJing might present a learning curve, but it’s one that she is determined to navigate.

As Laroche prepares to take the Crystallize stage, she drops a few nods to other names on the bill. “I'm super excited about Sineila,” she gushes. “I met her at a Pop Montreal mentorship program, which was probably the best industry event that I’ve ever attended. I've listened to her music online, but I think the live experience, especially for her kind of music—which is hyperpop—you want to see that live. She kills it on the costumes.”

She also speaks highly of Sweet Morgane, an Ottawa-based DJ who’s enriched the scene as one-half of the team behind Fortress. “I love her energy and her fits.” For a little while, we chat about groups like Fortress—and Congrego—who step up to the plate to craft productions that the Ottawa community can be proud of. “There is a hunger [for that programming],” Laroche muses. “It takes so much work to build community events and plan them, and not everyone has that capacity, so I’m grateful for those who do.”

Curious to experience one of Yolande Laroche’s many characters IRL? Join us for Crystallize, Congrego’s latest production on Saturday, February 15th from 8 PM-2 AM at Club SAW. Early-bird tickets are sold out, but you can still snag some advance tickets for $25 at the link below!

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Yolande Laroche

Instagram | Spotify | Bandcamp

Rebecca Judd is the features editor of Also Cool Mag.

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Also Cool's Taverne Tour 2025 Top Picks

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Bundle up, Montreal! It’s time for Taverne Tour. From February 6th-8th, 2025, Taverne Tour’s boundless programming will sprawl across the main street venues of Montreal’s iconic Plateau borough. Offering a wide stylistic spectrum from garage, punk and hardcore to rap, electronic music, neo soul and rock & roll, Taverne Tour’s lineup showcases homegrown mainstays and notable touring talent. Aside from the Also Cool showcase on February 7th at O Patro Vys, here are our recommendations for your Taverne Tour musical checklist!  

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Ada Lea by Monse Muro

Montreal alternative singer-songwriter Ada Lea always has us at the edge of our seats, attentively parsing over every word she sounds out in her intimate sets. Known for her melancholic 2022 Polaris long-listed sophomore album one hand on the steering wheel the other sewing a garden, Lea has a third album in the works for later this year, which is rumoured to be her best yet. Her stunning 2024 EP notes leaves us eager to reencounter Lea’s raw, character-focused songwriting in the flesh.

Ada Lea plays Saturday, February 8th at La Sala Rossa.

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Chandra by Kate Young

The 1980 cult album Transportation from NYC-born mutant disco troubadour Chandra is a cherished gem in the Also Cool record vault. Four decades later, interpretations of her pre-teen new wave revelations are still infectiously danceable, and have toured with the CHANDRA band across Canada, the United States, and all the way to Barcelona’s Primavera Sound festival. The current iteration of the CHANDRA band includes members of Bile Sister, Body Breaks, New Chance, MISZCZYK and Blonde Elvis, among others. 

The CHANDRA band plays on Saturday, February 8th at Le Ministère.

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Fraud Perry by Alex Apostolidis

For those who have yet to experience the undeniable star power of Montreal hip hop artist Fraud Perry, you’re in for a treat. Described as the lovechild of Doja Cat, Rico Nasty and Azealia Banks (with the Also Cool addition of a sprinkle of Doechii), Perry’s witty flow and Southern charm commands a room, leaving audiences enchanted and utterly gagged. Hot off the release of her Goodybag mixtape this past fall, we anticipate a class-act performance, complete with Perry’s signature double entendres and punk attitude. 

Fraud Perry plays on Friday, February 7th at Le Belmont. 

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The Gories by Daniel Kroha

Another must-see act from this year’s Taverne Tour lineup is seminal garage rock trio The Gories. Formed in Detroit in 1986, the band’s visceral approach to its signature “punk blues” sound is a beacon of DIY excellence. With an expansive lore (which includes recording in a tin shack, releasing a Spinal Tap cover on Sub Pop, breaking up and eventually reuniting), these forerunners of Motor City noise bring an essential chapter of musical education to the festival. 

The Gories play Saturday, February 8th at Le Belmont. 

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Lip Critic via Taverne Tour

New York City’s Lip Critic intrigues with the amount of sound four people can produce. Composed of two drummers, two samplers and vocals, Lip Critic’s charging collision of digital hardcore, punk and industrial incites head banging and wide-toothed grins. The band’s 2024 album Hex Dealer (Partisan Records), is a totally uninhibited desecration of the powers that be, and a new favourite listen for fans of The Garden, YHWH Nailgun and Death Grips.      

Lip Critic plays Saturday, February 8th at La Sotterenea.

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Ribbon Skirt by Ani Harroch

A live performance from hometown heroes Ribbon Skirt is always on our radar. Formerly known as Love Language, the band is led by musician Tashiina Buswa with support from her close friend and collaborator Billy Riley.  With their debut album Bite Down set to arrive April 11th via Mint Records, Ribbon Skirt’s latest brings a darker, more experimental atmosphere to the indie rock duo’s effervescent energy, exploring themes of memory, grief and Buswa’s connection to her Anishinaabe identity and cultural practices. 

Ribbon Skirt plays on Thursday, February 6th at La Sala Rossa.

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Taverne Tour

Website | Instagram

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Bladee Transforms Montreal's Igloofest Into A Frozen Dreamscape

Photos by Maggie Aulman

On Thursday, January 23rd, 2025, Bladee transformed Montreal's Igloofest into a frozen dreamscape with the best live set we've seen from him yet.

Igloofest usually hosts at least one underground or alternative night a year (last year's was 100 Gecs and Surf Gang)—appealing to the city’s younger audience. The crowd was completely unfazed by the cold, with a respectful moshpit breaking out almost immediately. Both Drainers and new Bladee fans alike were dancing and cheering together all night long.

Photos by Maggie Aulman

Bladee jumped onto the stage waving his signature jagged flag, ushering us into "Paranoia Intro" and the usual Cold Visions album setlist. However, instead of his usual routine (widely documented on TikTok during this tour cycle), he dropped rave remixes of some of his biggest tracks, including "BBY" and "Be Nice to Me".

Photos by Maggie Aulman

Overall, it was an excellent set, with everyone from VIP to the back of of the massive crowd screaming Bladee’s lyrics. On the way out, everyone talked about how it was the best set they'd seen from him in years. Bladee’s Cold Visions aesthetic was completed by the perfectly timed snow flurries, dusting the shoulders of Igloofest goers in bright snow gear.

Igloofest continues this weekend! Get your tickets here.

Words by Malaika Astorga
Photos by Maggie Aulman

Photos by Maggie Aulman

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Cold Visions Take Over Igloofest 2025 (Bladee, Zeds Dead, Skepta, Strawberry Gothcake)

In true Drain Gang fashion... 𝓒𝓸𝓵𝓭𝓥𝓲𝓼𝓲𝓸𝓷𝓼 have come to Igloofest this year with killer headliners like Apashe, Four Tet, Marie Davidson, Strawberry Gothcake, and—of course, the Icedancer himself—Bladee.

The coldest festival of the year kicked off last weekend with Michael Bibi, Apashe, and Claptone, who had all the colourful snow-suit-clad ravers dancing the night away. The programming continues this week, with Bladee on Thursday, Zeds Dead on Friday, and Skepta on Sunday.

If you're questioning whether the cold is worth it, each major headliner has two supporting acts and a healthy dose of official afterparties branded as "Après-Ski." London's COUCOU CHLOÉ, Swedish House Mafia's own Steve Angello, Turkish star Mahmut Orhan and Belgian producer Maxi Meraki will also grace the stage of Igloofest this year. Plus, the programming includes local legends of all kinds, pulling from every corner of Montreal's underground rave scene – including Homeby6, Strawberry Gothcake, Lia Plutonic, and Unicorn.

You'll find us at Bladee's set on the 23rd and Strawberry Gothcake's showcase on the 31st, but it's safe to say that every weekend is absolutely stacked with heavy hitters.

Igloofest

Tickets | Instagram

Malaika Astorga is the Co-Founder & Creative Director of Also Cool. She is a Mexican-Canadian visual artist, writer, and social media strategist currently based in Montreal.

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Interview: Franki Charms with Electropop Antics on Debut EP "All the Things I Try to Say"

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Helena Palmer AKA Franki

Like a chandelier suspended over a crowded dancefloor, Franki’s debut EP All the Things I Try to Say fractalizes flirtatious embers for all that relish in its captivating electropop beams. The new project of singer-songwriter, producer and visual director Helena Palmer arrives in the afterglow of Brat summer, here to thaw the stillness of Montreal winters with an atmosphere that evokes steamy nightclub windows to meet cutes under apartment fairy lights. 

Having conceived the project exactly a year ago during a sojourn in Ottawa, Palmer returned to Montreal with new-found creative determination, inspired by switching musical gears. 

“With my first acoustic project under my real name [Helena Palmer], I had a difficult time finding my place here in Montreal. I didn’t feel a sense of community, and it was disheartening. I was looking up to pop artists like Charli XCX, Grimes and Björk while playing guitar solo, and I didn’t feel like I had a fully-fledged identity. While I was in Ottawa for eight months last year, I decided to mess around with electronic production, and out of that I was able to launch a whole new project and everything snowballed from there. By the time I returned to Montreal in May, I had a ton of self-booked shows under my belt as Franki, and now I’m being considered for festivals and have my own scene of peers at similar points of their musical journeys. The project has helped me solidify my place as an artist here, and it’s been heartwarming and reassuring,” shares Palmer. 

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Franki on the set of her “I’m A Mess” music video, photo courtesy of the artist

While guitar composition will be making a comeback in Palmer’s musical arsenal—whether or not the project continues in its current vein of IDGAF pop—she emphasizes that reinventing her songwriting approach was a cornerstone in the genesis of Franki.  

“When I was writing primarily on guitar, I would often start with lyrics in my Notes app – words that I had been accumulating. Right now, I’m more inspired by sounds that I hear in music or life in general. I try to go for a ‘feel’ when I’m composing electronically, and then I'll weave in the lyrics afterwards,” she says. “I’ve been bouncing back and forth between both my old and new processes, as I find playing guitar very therapeutic and it helps me to think things through. For example, the lyrics and the melody of the EP’s title track came to me as one thing, and then I made an instrumental to go along with it. Whereas ‘Act Clever’ started as a track that I’d made in a single morning that was later influenced lyrically by a conversation I had with a friend later that day. ‘Jeans’ was actually the first song I wrote the day I moved back to Montreal,” adds Palmer. 

Emulating the upbeat fizz of 00s pop in the background of her childhood in England, All the Things I Try to Say embraces both the carefree spirit of being young in a vibrant city, as well as the growing pains of comparison haunting your mid-twenties.  All the Things I Try to Say thrives in its duality – with themes of self-doubt and feeling second best filtered through frothy, distorted UKG beats, punchy production and Franki’s bubbly vocals and cheeky lyricism. Capturing the vibrations of her close-knit music community, Palmer actually met the album’s producer Oren Ratowsky (Cecile Believe, Enjoy, Cowgirl Clue) one night at beloved St-Hubert Plaza club, Le Système.

On collaborating with Ratowsky, Franki recalls: “Working with Oren was the first time I’d ever sent someone else my finished tracks. He was very patient with my—let’s say carefree—way of making music, and the back and forth between us was a great lesson for me in learning to be assertive. I’m so stoked on the final product. It’s the biggest thing I’ve ever worked on, and we’ve talked about co-producing together in the future.”

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All the Things I Try to Say album cover

Franki’s perfectly imperfect pop approach comes to life in her new music video for “I’m A Mess”. Directed and edited by Palmer herself, alongside Kyra Saad and Chloé Galarneau, “I’m A Mess” sees Franki and her entourage indulging in a Marie Antoinette-style dinner party à la Sofia Coppola with a little more indie sleaze flavour on the menu. Inspired by “the original messy girls” in the 1966 film Daisies by Věra Chytilová, on the video Palmer comments:

“‘I’m a Mess’ is about feeling chaotic. It captures the intensity of taking on too many tasks when you’re trying to reach a certain level and attain success in different areas of your life, while not giving yourself enough time to process [it all] or rest. It comes from that feeling that you should always be doing more.”

On All the Things I Try to Say, Franki reminds us that quote unquote success is overrated and impossible to define, and that we deserve to let loose and embrace the curveballs life throws our way: “So wear your heart on your face / And don’t be afraid / That when you speak / Someone might hear / Act big / Act clever / It’s your life girl / So do whatever you want”.

Franki plays the Also Cool Taverne Tour showcase on February 7th, 2025 at O Patro Vys in Montreal alongside Fireball Kid & Ura Star, Los3r and Public Appeal. Get your tickets and explore the festival lineup below!

Franki

Instagram | Spotify | Youtube

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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