What's Cool at Taverne Tour 2024

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It goes without saying that Taverne Tour is our go-to fest for thawing the wintertime slump. In line with years past, the 7th edition of the Montreal music festival is packed from brim to brim with stellar inter-genre programming, highlighting artists from the city’s local music scene and beyond. On this weekend from February 8th-10th, here is our list of must-see acts from the festival’s lineup. Read along while jamming to our offical Taverne Tour playlist below.

Full disclosure: Some shows have already sold out — we hope you scored your tickets in time!

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Ben Shemie via Taverne Tour

Montreal’s Ben Shemie—known as lead vocalist and guitarist of art rock outfit SUUNS—moonlights with his experimental solo pursuits. Playing on his classical compositional training, Shemie dabbles in astral string arrangements, frenzied, yet melodic, feedback loops and contorted vocals in his latest avant-pop feat. 

Shemie plays La Sala Rossa Thursday, February 8th.

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DahL via Taverne Tour

With their forthcoming album That’s It in the works for March, Montreal’s DahL has perked up our ears with their savvy splicing of trip hop know-how, post-punk textures and arresting flow. The project is the brainchild of Nassir Liselle and Purplefield, who have joined forces with long-time collaborator and producer William Winston on synthesizers and Edward Scrimger on drums for an unparalleled live performance. 

DahL plays La Sala Rossa on Saturday, February 10th. 

Tickets are sold out!

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Daniel Romano’s Outfit via Taverne Tour

Daniel Romano’s Outfit is road tripping once again in anticipation of their next release, Too Hot To Sleep, arriving March 1st on You’ve Changed Records. Sporting power pop sensibility on Too Hot’s first two offerings—“Field of Ruins” and “Chatter”—we’re keen to experience the Welland, Ontario group’s newfound spunk alongside their longtime country flare. 

Daniel Romano’s Outfit plays La Sotterenea on Saturday, February 10th. 

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Marie Davidson via Taverne Tour

Reigning queen of Montreal’s clubscape, Marie Davidson, made an impressionable comeback performance at M For Montreal this past fall. The local electronic music producer, singer, songwriter and poet floored the audience with her coy stage presence and enthralling beats. Knowing that we’d accept a taste, but are eager for more, Davidson’s appearance at Taverne Tour is sure to bring the house down. 

Marie Davidson plays Le Belmont on Saturday, February 10th. 

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Pantayo via Taverne Tour

Toronto ensemble Pantayo promises to entrance audiences with its harmonious dialog of kulintang, electronica and indie pop. Combining traditional Filipino music with contemporary influences and experiential sounds, the queer, diasporic Filipinx quintet inspire mesmerizing, powerful and grooving atmospheres through collaborative percussive magic.

Pantayo plays Le Ministère on Friday, February 9th.

Tickets are sold out!

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Safia Nolin via Taverne Tour

Revered Quebec City singer-songwriter Safia Nolin is a breath of fresh air amidst our heavier Taverne Tour selections. Strumming with tenderness, Nolin’s stilling voice is like a reverie paired with her uncluttered, frank acoustic compositions. Nolin’s recent EP ET SI, DE/main l’oiseau chills with its poignant dexterity — charting fragility and renewal all at once. 

Safia Nolin plays Le Quai des Brumes Thursday, February 8th. 

Tickets are sold out! 

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Slash Need via Taverne Tour

Our standing review of Toronto’s Slash Need is that we would gladly let them step on us. The duo’s floorboard-thumbing crossover of industrial punk and performance art is always a treat. For seduction, camp, leather, lace and hounding instrumentals, look no further than this spectacle of daring debauchery.

Slash Need plays Le Ministère Thursday, February 8th. 

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Sun Entire via Taverne Tour

Sun Entire is a three piece shoegaze outfit made up of Montrealers June Moon, Nico Serrus and Ivan Urueña. Hot on the heels of their debut LP Fit To Break, the band intrigues with their honeyed sound — awash with 90s-tinged, luminous whimsy.

Sun Entire plays L’Escogriffe on Thursday, February 8th. 

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Sweeping Promises via Taverne Tour

All the way from Lawrence, Kansas, post-punk pair Sweeping Promises charms with their playful take on raw angularity. The band’s 2023 LP Good Living is Coming For You inspires shoulder shimmying from back to front, complete with surfy bass riffs, vintage synths and Devo-esque vocals. 

Sweeping Promises plays La Sala Rossa Friday, February 9th.

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Roost.World via Taverne Tour

Fall into a dark wave rabbit hole at our Taverne Tour co-pro with Burlington, Vermont synth troopers Roost.World. Shake the week’s edge off with the Roost.World’s intergalactic goth rhythms, and introspective sets from special guests Lola 1:2 and Marontate.

Join us at Casa Del Popolo on Friday, February 9th!

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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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Ten Seasons of Pique – Ottawa's Finest Multidisciplinary Festival (Debaser)

Pique at Arts Court in downtown Ottawa

Last Saturday night, Pique returned to Ottawa’s Arts Court for a triumphant fall edition.

Produced by the renowned arts organization Debaser, Pique has built something of a cult following across the National Capital Region. Each chapter of the underground music and arts festival has seemingly hypnotized audiences, showcasing dynamic rosters of programming across seven stages while maintaining a humble, community-oriented atmosphere. With this most recent iteration of Pique, which marked its milestone tenth edition, this appears to have still rung true.

Dorothea Paas performing on the Terrace stage

The first standout set of the evening was Dorothea Paas, who performed an intimate outdoor set on the Terrace stage. Her chilling vocals and ruminative lyrics, reminiscent of artists like Weyes Blood and Phil Elverum, brought the crowd to a standstill. It was a pleasure to see her return to the Terrace as part of the Marker Starling ensemble, fronted by acclaimed musician Chris A. Cummings. Known for his signature funk and ample Wurlitzer backings, Cummings delivered a soft rock summer sendoff to a delighted audience.

Syana performing in the Alma Duncan Salon

The Alma Duncan Salon hosted luscious techno treats, emerging as the other top stage of the evening. DJ Don’t Trust Ryan drew in an incredible crowd with his magnetic blends of Y2K pop and frenzied electronica. Multidisciplinary artist Syana kept up the momentum, commanding the room with tracks from her album 19 Years of Rage alongside surprise guest Mossy Mugler. Illuminated by Dayglo patterns of all shapes and sizes, the dance floor remained packed with festival-goers for most of the night.

The Ottawa arts scene—the Canadian arts scene!—awaits this festival with bated breath, and for good reason. As Pique continues to outdo its promising reputation, it is difficult not to dream of the next one before fully savouring the last. Its inclusive atmosphere and curatorial boundlessness will be beloved for seasons to come.

Pique event poster by Ajeeb Sir

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What's Cool at POP Montreal 2023

It’s the time of year where we get on our BIXIs and bike as fast as possible, to as many shows as possible, in the Mile End and Plateau. POP Montreal has begun! As we rip around the festival once again, we thought we’d share our list of must-see acts with the general public, accompanied by a curated playlist, of course. 

Check out our top POP Montreal 2023 top picks, and grab your tickets to the festival below.

Wednesday, September 27th 

POP Montreal Opening Party

Starting off strong, AWAL is presenting POP Montreal’s FREE opening party this year. Emma Beko will be DJing, alongside sets from Planet Giza and Jesse Futerman from 5PM-8PM. 

Dresser will be opening for Islands, alongside Blurry at La Sotterenea. Expect lyrically-locused art-rock and a caring crowd vibe. 

Contending for the craziest combination of band names on one bill, Hot Garbage are expected to get grungy with Frankie and the Witch Fingers, and Iguana Death Cult. There will be no iguanas, but there will be dark post-punk and motorik krautrock tunes shining through the evening for you to mosh to.

Possibly Montreal’s greatest popstars, Fireball Kid and Ura Star, will be sharing the Diving Bell Stage with Crushhh, Sahati, and Stepahnie Frances Lawrence. They’re the best friends you’ve always dreamed of, and they’ll be sure to get you grooving with their starry-eyed pop.

Thursday, September 28th 

Recent guests of the Also Cool Sounds Like podcast, OMBIIGIZI plays La Sotterenea, alongside Pony Girl, blackwinterwells and MAGELLA. Listen to our interview with OMBIIGIZI (hosted by Tash of Love Language, who is also playing POP), here! 

Sasha Cay celebrates the launch of her album Spin, with Sunforger, SAMWOY, and Alphonse Bisaillon at l’Escogriffe Bar Spectacle. “Spin took form in two stilted and warped years, heavy with this profound seasickness of being both empty and full,” says Cay. Listen to Also Cool’s interview with Cay on our podcast, Also Cool Sounds Like.

If you’re looking for your indie pop fix, Men I Trust will be playing the first of several shows with Twin Shadow at MTELUS. Easy to love, and perfect to bring a cute date to, doors open at 8:30PM. 

Friday, September 29th 

Montreal’s TikTok sweetheart Emilie Kahn will be singing her heartfelt songs at Le Quai des Brumes, with POSTDATA, Yawn, and Isaac Vallentin. For fans of  Olivia Rodrigo, Lana Del Rey, and the act of transforming your heartbreak into something beautiful. 

The love child of Lily Allen and Ashnikko, and a TikTok star in her own right, Madelline is hitting the stage this Friday at Le Ministère. She’ll be playing with a few friends of Also Cool, including Lola 1:2 and Pretty Privilege, as well as Benja and 8485.

Karma Glider will be headlining an incredibly stacked show at l’Escogriffe Bar Spectacle, rocking with Mother Tongues, Nyssa, and Alix Fernz (FKA BloodSkin). We were lucky to catch Karma Glider play at FME, backlit by a beautiful sunset, and look forward to watching them rock again.

Closing out Saturday night, Sled Island takes over Piccolo Rialto with a rambunctious lineup. Headlining is New York’s brazen alt-rap princess, Junglepussy, along with Montreal’s own daring lyricist Fraud Perry. Twirling humour and truth between their hard-hitting flows, these two commanding forces in contemporary hip-hop guarantee a fiery performance that’s not to be missed.   

Saturday, September 30th 

Is it any surprise that we’re excited for La Sécurité’s set yet again? They’ll be playing an early show at L’Entrepôt77 with Pypy, Barber for the Queen, Love Language, Worry, Thunder Queens, and Doctor Mother Father.

Saturday evening, Hand Habits graces the Rialto Hall with their delicate devotional-folk. The project is the brainchild of Los Angeles-based Meg Duffy, who’s latest album, Sugar the Bruise, saw the musician’s Americana-leaning songwriting emboldened to new frontiers. 

Saturday night promises an all-star lineup. Get ready to rally and hit Espace Sans Luxe for an energetic blend of hyper and glitch pop from Montreal dancefloor royalty Sarah Feldman and Sam Blake, joined by Los Angeles’ Ravenna Golden, with deck takeovers from local DJs Digital Polyglot and Destiny. Grab a yerba mate and you’re set, doors are at 10:30PM.  

Sunday, October 1st 
Midday gig at L’Entrepôt77? Count us in. Hometown hero Gayance will get the blood flowing with her jazz-infused house, joined by Ukranian electro-pop trio Balaklava Blues. Listen to the Also Cool Sounds Like episode featuring Gayance here.

Montreal singer-songwriter Vanille illuminates La Sala Rossa Monday evening with her sunny pairing of 60s folk and French chanson. Her most recent album, La clairière (arriving this past February via Bonbonbon), invites a dreamlike atmosphere, “decorated with lush arrangements and timeless melodies.” 

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FME Take 3: The Also Cools' Return to Rouyn-Noranda

The Festival de musique émergente celebrated its 21st birthday this past weekend, returning to the northern city of Rouyn-Noranda. Surrounded by lush greenery and vibrant murals, the Also Cools unpacked our suitcases and jumped straight into four outstanding days of live performance.

Featuring over 350 artists from across Quebec and beyond, FME sprawled across every sidewalk, and we are pleased to report that it shone as bright as the end-of-summer sun. As we bounced between venues, chilled Sapporos in hand, it became progressively more obvious that identifying our favourites would be no small feat – that every memory of this edition deserved to live forever. 

Our adventures included secret shows with sunset backdrops, car parking lots, chalk drawing late into the night, the Bonsound pool-side BBQ, making toast out of a Darth Vader toaster with Truckviolence, and enjoying some of the best music that the indie scene has to offer. Here are just some of the sets that made the séjour a success.

La Sécurité

Although La Sécurité marked our seventh show of the day on Friday, the art-punk quintet packed a rejuvenating punch. Rocking a pair of gas station visor shades, band member Éliane Viens-Synnott exuded carefree cool from the moment she took the stage. Her eccentric delivery and free-flowing choreography commanded the Diable Rond – as did bandmate and drummer Kenny Smith, whose technical precision was impossible to ignore.

Les Louanges

Emotive yet unserious, mellow and multidimensional – Les Louanges held Rouyn-Noranda in the palm of his hand. The Lévis native has garnered praise at lightning speed for his soulful stylings, and his appearance on the main stage certainly justified the hype. Backed by groovy basslines, howling flutes, and a slew of rapturous Queb teens, the artist floated to and fro with a captivating sense of swagger. Catching Les Louanges at this dynamic moment in his career was nothing short of a privilege.

TUKAN

Without question, TUKAN is the name on every festival-goer’s lips. The Belgian group delivered three palpitating performances over the course of the weekend, taking FME by storm with vivid post-rock arrangements. While their jam-packed set at Le Petit Theatre was a strobey-sweet affair, the magic of TUKAN’s final show will be something to remember. Lining 7ème rue with an air of bittersweet anticipation, a sea of glistening bodies gathered to transcend one last time, folding into each rhythm with the desire to make it last forever. And TUKAN? They did too.

AMMAR 808

We met AMMAR 808 on one of the many volunteer-run shuttles we took from our hotel to the main festival grounds. He told us about his long journey from Amsterdam, and mentioned he would be playing a set “somewhere, sometime soon”. Little did we know, our humble new friend is the acclaimed Tunisian producer Sofyann Ben Youssef. We caught his show at the electronic night at Le Petit Theatre, and were absolutely blown away by his masterful blend of traditional African beats and hardcore techno.

Milk TV 

Another post-punk favourite of the festival was Milk TV, a trio hailing from Brussels. Initially not knowing where they were from, we thought they must have emerged from either the Canadian West Coast post-punk scene (think NOV3L, Pottery, and Crack Cloud), or somewhere from the world of Omni, Deeper, or Parquet Courts. Their no-wave energy was electrifying and had the whole crowd moshing by the end of the set.

Myst Milano

Absolutely slayful, and a new discovery for Also Cool, is Myst Milano. The DJ and multi-instrumentalist captivated their audience with their 90s-inspired beats and hard-hitting lyrics, not to mention killer dance moves. Their album Shapeshyfter, which made the Polaris Prize longlist in 2022, now has a permanent spot on the Also Cool daily Spotify rotation.

We once again had a beautiful time in Rouyn-Noranda, surrounded by good music, new friends, and the most incredible end-of-summer vibes we could ask for.

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What's Also Cool at FME 2023

FME’s full schedule

As August comes to a close, we’re counting down the sleeps until the most glorious festival of the year… FME. The Festival de Musique Émergente returns to Abitibi-Témiscamingue this weekend! 

Featuring 81 artists, this four-day frenzy offers entrancing programming for music lovers from every pocket of the country. We couldn’t be happier to take part in the 21st edition of the festival. Whether you need some help planning your itinerary or you’re looking to shake up your playlists, we’ve got you covered with our top picks!

THURSDAY

N NAO by Naomie de Lorimier and Charles Marsolais-Ricard

N NAO

We had the pleasure of witnessing N NAO opening for P'tit Belliveau a few months back, and it was nothing short of the most ethereal goblin mode music we’ve heard in a while. Generally leaning more towards shoegaze fairy-pop, N NAO brings her dreamy world to life through her strange and wonderful compositions.

Pressure Pin via Taverne Tour

Pressure Pin

High-strung and minimally angular, art-punk group Pressure Pin are sure to hit the grounds of FME with a bang. Originally a pandemic-born solo project of multi-instrumentalist Kenny Smith, the project has since expanded to a full band operation. For fans of Devo, NOV3L, and Eastern Canadian post-punk.

Yocto via Bandcamp

Yocto

Yocto is one of Montreal’s supergroups, and legendary bands emerging from the Esco-Quai Des Brumes-Rockette Bermuda triangle. Inspired by the underground rock of the mid-70s (think Television and the Talking Heads), they credit their creativity to the sci-fi soap operas of the same era.

FRIDAY

Elisapie by Leeor Wild

Elisapie

The ethereal Inuk singer-songwriter Elisapie is set to take the stage in Rouyn-Noranda. Elisapie’s performance comes just weeks away from her release of Inuktitut, a cover album featuring selections from artists like Blondie and Queen that will pay homage to her youth in Nunavik.

Fraud Perry by Alex Apostolidis

Fraud Perry

With an exceptional knack for melding genres, rapper-singer-songwriter Fraud Perry has set her sights on Rouyn-Noranda. Prepare to be charmed by the Montreal artist’s fiery delivery and dance-ready beats.

La Sécurité by Aabid Youssef

La Sécurité

As steadfast fans of Montreal art-punkers La Sécurité, there was no question in our minds about proclaiming them a top pick. Their frenetic arrangements and provocative lyrics make for captivating live performances that are guaranteed to please.

Nora Kelly by Gabie Che

Nora Kelly Band

Previously known for her success at the helm of Montreal punk trio DISHPIT, Nora Kelly has hit a compelling stride with her shift to alt-country. With sickly-sweet vocals and atmospheric instrumentation, Nora Kelly Band offers the perfect complement to fading summer skies.

SATURDAY

Les Louanges by Sacha Cohen

Les Louanges

The poignant lyricism and signature funk of singer-songwriter Les Louanges (also known as Vincent Roberge) are not to be missed. Known for his charming melange of R&B and jazz, the artist has transfixed audiences from Quebec and back again.

Night Lunch via Bandcamp

Night Lunch

Night Lunch are bringing the 80s to Abitibi for their 5 à 7 performance at Les Mooses. Known as light-and-dark pop rockers, Night Lunch sing of the vices of the big city, big romance, and anarchist fantasy. We saw them open for LUCY (Cooper B. Handy), and can confirm that their show is not to be missed.

Truckviolence and Jodie Jodie Roger via FME

Truckviolence and Jodie Jodie Roger

If you’re in the mood for something loud and rowdy, the fin de soirée show at Cabaret de la Dernière Chance will give you the fix you need. Jodie Jodie Roger will kick off the show with her metal-infused punk energy, followed by Truckviolence’s gloomy hardcore sound. Bring your earplugs and get ready to get sweaty.

SUNDAY

Knitting by Alex Apostolidis

Knitting

Bounce around the last day of the festival with Knitting, an indie bedroom pop/rock group from Montreal. By choosing knitting as a metaphor, the band aims to enhance the relaxed, artisanal side of the business. Sit back, relax, but also maybe get up and dance.

SAMWOY via sam-woy.com

SAMWOY

Closing out the festival, SAMWOY comes to rock the cabin with dark hues, on assaults of guitar, sharp synths and cavernous voices, as it should be. Inspired by Division, Bauhaus and Iggy Pop, it’ll be a perfect show to end the weekend.

We can’t wait to run from show to show at FME! Keep an eye on our socials to catch our daily live coverage of our favourite small-town festival.

Get your tickets below if you haven’t already, and as always, we’ll see you in the pit.

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What's Also Cool at OSHEAGA 2023

Wanna know what’s Also Cool at Osheaga this year? We’ve put together our list of top picks so that you can hit all the best shows at the festival. We’ve got something for everyone, whether you’re into cyber synth pop or Turkish psych-folk, you’ll be dancing all day long.

Listen along on Spotify to get a taste of what’s to come this weekend! 

FRIDAY

Magdalena Bay via Osheaga

Magdalena Bay

A little mystical and a little surreal, Magdalena Bay is an American synth-pop and electronic duo from Miami, Florida, based in Los Angeles who make synth-pop straight from the simulation. The band’s spacey, cyber-inspired visuals bring the world of Magdalena Bay to life, drawing on inspiration from early-Internet aesthetics, while their sound draws from Grimes, Charli XCX, and Chairlift. 

Altin Gün via Osheaga

Altin Gün

The Turkish psych-folk Altin Gün mesmerizes audiences with their effortless blend of traditional Anatolian folk and modern psych and funk. Their latest album Aşk continues the irresistible and infectious sound they have been building for years – a solid classic good time that we will not be missing at this year’s fest!

L’Impératrice via Osheafa

L’Impératrice

If you’re in the mood for Parisian nu-disco, L’Impératrice has got you covered. You can check out our 2021 interview with the band where they chat about their album Tako Tsubo, and explore the cause and cure for heartbreak.

Rina Sawayama via Osheaga

Rina Sawayama 

Japanese-British singer-songwriter and certified pop virtuoso Rina Sawayama is a must-see on this year’s Osheaga lineup. The 32-year-old singer’s sophomore album Hold the Girl—released September 16th, 2022 via Dirty Hit—caught our attention for its ambitious fusion of electrifying ballads, pop-punk, nu-metal and more. We anticipate the eclectic iconoclast to deliver a high-energy set that invites both headbanging and swaying in the name of introspective queer rebellion. 

Cults via Osheaga

SATURDAY

Cults

The indie pop dream-makers from our teen years, Cults released their latest album Offering last year – a modern twist reminiscent of the moody nostalgia we cried / danced with them in the early 2010s. We are definitely excited to see what they bring to the stage!

Peach Pit via Osheaga

Peach Pit

Vancouver indie rock princes Peach Pit bring their heartfelt tunes to the stage this weekend. Their tracks have been on our sad girl playlists since 2018, with lyrics that feel like a close friend telling you a story, and a sound that has influenced Canada’s DIY scene for years. 

Lil Yachty via Osheaga

Lil Yachty

In 2023, Lil Yachty’s latest album Let’s Start Here is giving more psychedelic rock journey than his typical trap affairs – with the top hit “drive ME crazy!” and a personal fav “pRETTy”. You will absolutely catch us out there bopping along.

Milk & Bone via Osheaga

SUNDAY

Milk & Bone

Montreal electropop duo Milk & Bone are set to play a dazzling homecoming show on Sunday. Their music highlights their vibrant inner world, weaving entracing vocal harmonies and heartbreaking lyrics. 

beabadoobee via Osheaga

beabadoobee

If you were on TikTok at all during the pandemic, you’ve probably heard “death bed (coffee for your head)” by beabadoobee. Born in the Phillippines and raised in London, Bea Kristi has successfully ridden the TikTok-viral wave, claiming her place in the indie-pop space. Her sound has a ‘90s alt-rock cinematic sheen, mixed with gentle and confessional lyrics. 

Japanese Breakfast

Led by undeniable talent Michelle Zauner, Japanese Breakfast has been a staple of indie rock for years. Their recent album Jubilee is a “celebration of the passage of time – a festival to usher in the hope of a new era in brilliant technicolor”. The hit “Be Sweet” is a promising and colourful bop and is one of the many we will be in the crowd singing along to!

Kim Petras

Treat me like a slut! Kim Petras, an absolute queer trans pop icon, takes the stage this year after releasing her album Feed the Beast. Her collab with Sam Smith for “Unholy” had us shaking in our booties and we are more than ready to experience this goddess IRL.

Plan your weekend & grab your tickets for Osheaga below. See you in the pit.

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Interview: The Return of Montreal's Suoni Per Il Popolo is an Intergenerational Celebration of Musical Escape

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Suoni Per Il Popolo 2023 poster

Montreal’s world-renowned experimental music and art festival, Suoni Per Il Popolo, returns from June 1st to 23rd, 2023. The 23rd edition of the festival plans to animate the city’s beloved venues as a homecoming for music-makers, composers and the sonically curious. From the festival’s Plateau-bound nebulous and beyond, festival goers can expect a profusion of over fifty intimate concerts from local, national and international artists, and genre-defying programming spanning free jazz, avant-rock, noise/post-punk, avant-folk, afro-futurism and more. Along with concerts, the festival features sonic meditations, exhibitions, screenings, comedy shows, parties and a street fair. 

In anticipation of this year’s festival launch, we caught up with Kiva Stimac, Suoni Per Il Popolo’s co-founder and co-owner of Casa del Popolo and Sala Rossa. 

On this year’s edition, Stimac reiterates the significance of Suoni’s avant-garde programming as a means of community restoration: 

“With regards to anything in arts presentation right now, we have to consider the power and importance of music and creativity in healing from the turmoil of this global pandemic. What I’ve always looked for in experimentation and play is the questioning and liberation that you get from not only being a musician, but an audience member as well.”

Along with fellow festival co-founder and business partner Mauro Pezzente (Godspeed You! Black Emperor), Stimac established Casa del Popolo and Sala Rossa, two pillar venues in Montreal’s music scene. Acting as the festival’s homebase since its foundation, Stimac says their atmosphere brings Suoni’s values to life.

“As venues and as places, it has always been really important that we serve food and drink that is delicious and that when artists come, we provide them with a good stage and good lighting…and somewhere to stay in a really familial way! [Pezzente] is a musician and I’m a chef and a visual artist, so our model is based on both of us being artists and wanting to invite artists that we love to our home to celebrate and create with us.” 

While Suoni has expanded since its humble beginnings of “beer sales and selling sandwiches,” its DIY ‘til death mentality remains, with all of the festival operations continuing to happen behind the scenes at Casa and Sala on St Laurent boulevard. Likewise, the project continues to be funded by grants and unique collaborations, which Stimac feels fuels, rather than limits, Suoni’s spirit year after year.

“Though we have a limited budget, it forces us to look for money in other ways for special projects to do with artists. Like grants to fund local and international artists coming together to create a project,” identifies Stimac. “For example, this year we’re doing a deep listening sound walk with Pauline Oliveros’ life partner, IONE. It’ll be led by Ayelet Gottlieb, an Israeli-Canadian deep listening practitioner and vocalist,” she adds. “This makes it so there’s a multitude of ways you can experience the festival: You could go to a free meditation, a film screening, or a deep listening mountain walk, and then come to a performance.”

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Suoni Per Il Popolo 2023 poster

Of course, Suoni’s “by artists, for artists” grit has also willed its vibrant and off-beat curation. This has set the festival apart since day one, making it the premiere event for testing boundaries through music. At the same time, Stimac and her team’s willingness to take creative risks with their programming set an interesting precedent for Montreal, which hasn’t always been the hub for out-of-town acts we know today. 

“When Casa del Popolo opened in 2000, a lot of artists were actually skipping Montreal on their tour routes,” she articulates. “So, people would play Toronto… and they would play Boston… And eventually, [my partner] Pezzente reached out to his agent, who was managing a bunch of cool artists at the time, and was like, ‘Why aren’t these bands coming to Montreal? Why don’t we try having them come to Montreal?’”  

From this phone call, Stimac and Pezzente went on to put together their first show with Scottish indie rock group Arab Strap at the newly opened Casa del Popolo. To their surprise, it sold out in 10 minutes.

“From that show and eventually starting to program at Sala Rossa across the street, we realized there was a demand for international touring artists here. Another major incentive [to book these acts], especially in the experimental and avant-garde worlds, was to invite them to Montreal in the first place.”

This effort has remained integral to Suoni’s raison d’être, and a way for communities, both local and international, to work together and “transgress the physical space” through creative innovation, according to Stimac. 

While the definitions of experimental and avant-garde have evolved throughout the years, Stimac maintains that Suoni attendees can still anticipate generations coming together to appreciate underground and outsider art.

“The size of our rooms limit you to new and up-and-coming artists, or unheralded elders at the end of their careers. This year, we have three different groups performing who are in their eighties—and on the other end of the spectrum—local groups in their twenties performing and a piano recital for young kids who are just starting out. Inviting all ages has always been important to me because you can see the trajectory of their career, and that is impactful to so many.”

Likewise, the intergenerational aspect of the festival remains integral for Stimac, due to the universally transformative power of music. 

“The release of listening to or making music can really heal trauma, and that’s the music I’m drawn towards. Whether it be the free jazz of my dad’s generation or the punk rock music of my generation… Music is made for liberation,” she explains. “My vision for the festival has always been challenging revolutionary good times.” 

Expand your listening palette and attend this year’s edition of Suoni Per Il Popolo. The festival kicks off June 1st at Casa del Popolo. Tickets are available online below. Follow Also Cool on socials for more festival updates and coverage in the coming weeks. 

Festival Information

Artists | Schedule | Tickets

Suoni Per Il Popolo

Website | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter

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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Also Cool Presents: Frankie Rose & Chiara Savasta at Taverne Tour on Feb 11th

It may be the coldest month of the year, but Taverne Tour is hitting the streets of Montreal this weekend to warm us up with too many good shows to count. 

We're excited to co-promote a Taverne Tour show of our own featuring Frankie Rose and Chiara Savasta at Casa del Popolo on February 11th. Almost all of the Also Cool core team will be in town, and we'd love to see you!

Get your tickets here. 

Taverne Tour will be taking over the many bars and music venues of Avenue du Mont-Royal, Boulevard St-Laurent and Rue St-Denis, and present the very best music from Montréal and abroad. Headliners include of Montreal, Lydia Lunch Retrovirus, BACKXWASH, The King Khan & BBQ Show, and Choses Sauvages.

The lineup also includes a ton of Also Cool forever favs, including Piss for Pumpkin, Laura Krieg, NO WAVES, Yoo Doo Right, La Sécurité, Boyhood, and SO many more. 

Good luck in the cold, we'll see you in the pit!

Taverne Tour

Tickets I App I Instagram I Facebook

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Enter Palingenesis: A Night of Independent, Genre-Defying Creative Expression

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To start off 2023, we’re unveiling the lineup of Palingenesis: a night of independent, genre-defying musical performances and multimedia installations animating multiple levels of church-turned-event space allsaints – 330 Laurier Avenue East, on Saturday, January 21st, from 7:00PM-2:00AM in Ottawa. Presented by Congrego in collaboration with Also Cool and Debaser, Palingenesis brings together cutting-edge talent evading the cultural mainstream from the curators’ hometown scene and beyond, including musical acts Pony Girl, Fraud Perry, Treus Jones, Crasher, Lesser Evil, maxime., DJ TRINIDADDY, Dimitri Georgaras and DJ Russ Plus, accompanied by works from local artists SLVR, Cheru Pompey and Andrew Doxtater.

Advance tickets are available for purchase here. Limited quantities available at the door. 

Excited? Us too. Save the date and meet the Palingenesis musical guests below and get ready for the hottest event of the season (on the coldest day of the year)!

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Pony Girl

Pony Girl are masters of artpop, invigorating stages with a prismatic sound that’s all their own. Hailed for their “evocative soundscapes” (CBC Radio), “ability to push the boundaries that define pop-rock” (Mixtape Magazine), and “musical depth quite astonishing to experience in person” (Exclaim!), Pony Girl is a rare gem worth uncovering.

Instagram | Bandcamp | Spotify

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Fraud Perry

“Fraud Perry is a vibe, a don't take shit type. Emerged from her chrysalis to ride a beat like a dick type...”

Instagram | Bandcamp | Spotify | SoundCloud

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Treus Jones

Instagram | Spotify | SoundCloud

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Crasher

“Crasher is a new three-piece electronic punk band fronted by Airick Asher Woodhead (Doldrums, errhead). Crasher formed during COVID while ‘bubbling’ in a shared jam space, and recorded the tape Street Cleaning Machines of the World, which released in spring 2021. They performed it live at Montreal’s OXYGEN outdoor rave event series in summer 2021.” — Suoni Per Il Popolo

Bandcamp

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Lesser Evil

Lesser Evil is Ariane and Christophe, who grew up strangers in houses next to one another in the same small town, met years later and morphed into a haunted two-headed beast of a musical duo as if it was always in the cards. Driven by Ariane's vocals, Christophe's electronics and a shared propensity for refined-meets-broken production, they plumb the depths of sound and mind in ways equally intense, intricate and immediate.

Instagram | Bandcamp | Spotify

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maxime.

maxime., born Maxime Trippenbach, is an alt-pop artist (self-released/AWAL) who writes, records, produces and engineers his music in his bedroom in Montreal. For his live show, he is accompanied by two friends: James Clayton on guitar and Lucas Kuhl on drums.

Instagram | Spotify | SoundCloud

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DJ TRINIDADDY

“DJ TRINIDADDY (they/he) is an Odawa based and Tkaronto-born DJ, musician, & overall multidimensional artist. As a queer & trans Coolie femme boy in the DJ & music community, they aim to make party & gathering spaces accessible & safe(r) for QTBIPOC, and hope to inspire & create community through their sounds. From soca, chutney, & dancehall to afrobeats & sick club edits, there's no way yuh cah free up & feel up yuhself when they're spinning!” — Pique

Instagram | Mixcloud

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Dimitri Georgaras

Ottawa-born composer, sound artist, and instrument builder. Dimitri's compositional voice is informed by deconstructing the fundamentals, limitations, and chaotic behaviours of analog electronics and digital signal processing, creatively exposing their musical potential through composition and performance.  

Instagram | Website | Bandcamp

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DJ Russ Plus

Instagram | SoundCloud

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Palingenesis Floor Plan

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Tiny Fest Highlights Montreal's Music Scene at Sala Rossa (Presented by Worst Dad Ever, KickDrum, & Jade Armstrong)

Are you looking for a tiny & wonderful curation of all-ages shows to attend this weekend in Montreal? Look no further than Tiny Fest (presented by Worst Dad Ever, KickDrum Promotions, & Jade Armstrong), which runs at La Sala Rossa and La Sotterenea from Dec 2nd-3rd.

Tiny Fest is a DIY music festival that began in 2019, produced by Worst Dad Ever, taking place at La Sotterenea. The first rendition of Tiny Fest brought a number of bands from across Canada and the United States together.

Bringing together a mixture of unique and talented artists and reaching Montreal's community, Tiny Fest highlights scene favourites as well as up-and-coming bands. After its initial success, a second edition was put together for 2020, but due to COVID-19, it was postponed.

2022 sees the festival's revival and has grown out of the basement, expanding to La Sala Rossa, the entire venue will be an all-ages experience of the best music Montreal, and more has to offer.

Also Cool faves like NO WAVES, Eliza Niemi, and Fanclubwallet are just some of the many bands playing at the festival.

Buy tickets here!

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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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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

Instagram | Facebook | Spotify | Bandcamp

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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. 

Tickets

Priors

Instagram | Facebook | Spotify | Bandcamp

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.

Tickets

Emma Beko

Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Spotify | Bandcamp

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

Instagram | Bandcamp | Spotify | YouTube

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.

Tickets

Grim Streaker

Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Spotify | Bandcamp

M For Montreal

Website | Instagram | Twitter

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

Website | Instagram | Twitter | Bandcamp | Spotify

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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.

Tickets

Fernie

Instagram | Bandcamp | Twitter | Spotify

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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. 

Tickets

L E M F R E C K

Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Spotify

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

Website | Instagram | Twitter | Spotify

M For Montreal

Website | Instagram | Twitter

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The END is Here: Montreal's One-Day Rave Festival and Artist Market

Montreal's rave and creative scenes join together for END, a one-day festival from noon to 5am that includes an artist market and a nonstop rave. Hosted at 429 Avenue Viger E (Montréal) in two rooms, tickets for this nonstop party are available here. It's a rare opportunity to see all your rave friends in one place.

The music is curated by the city's best DJs, who have come together to create an atmosphere of friendship and endless dancing. Recognizable names on the lineup include the event organizers who have kept the Montreal afterhours going for years, as well as newcomers to the scene who have been ripping up the dancefloor every weekend in recent memory.

Artisans at the daytime portion of the event include many of Also Cool favs, as well as a ton of other artists we can't wait to check out. If you want to do your holiday shopping extra early or treat yourself, this is the place to do it.

Some words of the organizer:

“I'm hoping the event will bring the idea of connection, coming together for a singular immersive experience. Realize that a sustainable future is possible. For everyone to meet each other and begin to build connections and resources and create a place to belong. As well as showcasing the amazing talent Montreal has to offer! It is the end, and with the end, a new beginning comes.

No sexism. No racism. No ableism. No ageism. No homophobia. No fatphobia. No transphobia. No hatefulness

The beginning of the END

is here

People divided no more

People unified

All coming together to usher in a new era

We have made it this far

We will continue to go further

To give ourselves a platform

To showcase

Our love

Our talents

Our ideas

Everything we have to offer

And you will know

Energy Never Dies

Welcome

To

- END -”

Presented to you by Pabst

Schedule & lineup:

DAYTIME ACTIVITIES

Art Market: 12pm-4pm Free Entry

Those without tickets will be asked to leave after

ROOM 1

Blame Soundsystem

Dileta

Anabasine

Pretty Privilege

D. Blavatsky

Malice Doll

NGL Flounce

Neo Edo

Robowitch

Teykirisi

Jashim

Online Threat

Amselysen

Isla Den

Sako

ROOM 2

Pomelo Sound x Stm Underground Soundsystem

Choozey

Combo Breakers

Michele Azur

3 Rosas

Dissembler

Service De Garde

/||\||\

Sandwich District

Sperdakos

ARIA VEIL

LCL Stream

VIJUVI

Tickets I Instagram

About the organizer: Ethan Akerman AKA the Goblin that Can Dance is a producer, lightning designer, DJ, organizer, visionary, and community builder.

They are inspired by the people around them, who have so much to offer to the world. He aims to create a space that can give a platform to these people, build a sustainable future, and make something special that’ll change the way we see the world.

With positivity and love

That’s all we need to make it happen.

Enjoys Industrial and Breakbeat

Long walks in alleyways to the rave

Watching the sun rise

Drinking water

Telling people to drink water

& dance offs

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La Sécurité and Hot Garbage Talk Influences, Experimentation, and DISTORSION PSYCH FEST (Mothland)

DISTORSION PSYCH FEST poster by Tiny Little Hammers

Before plugging in the synths and warming up the fog machines, we were able to chat with two bands on the bill at this year’s DISTORSION PSYCH FEST leading up to their rollicking sets in July.

La Sécurité by Marc-Antoine Barbier

The first group we had our eyes on was La Sécurité, a newly formed art-punk supergroup featuring members from iconic Montreal bands such as Choses Sauvages and Jesuslesfilles. In the spring, they treated audiences to a delightfully frantic and groovy dual single release – “Suspens/Try Again” via Mothland. DISTORSION was the band’s first live show together, and it was a gig for the books. 

Sofie Milito of Also Cool: I'd love to hear a bit about your group's beginnings. How did La Sécurité come together?

Éliane Viens-Synnott of La Sécurité: The band initially started with Félix [Bélisle] and I noodling around during the pandemic to pass the time. We had fun mixing up all our influences — him having more of an electro/disco background, whereas I'm more into punk and new wave myself. We then invited three friends to join. I met Melissa [Di Menna] in Vanille, this other band we played in together. We realized quite quickly that we were very compatible creatively. Laurence-Anne [last name unknown] is a good friend and has collaborated with Félix a couple times on other projects, so it kind of seemed like a no-brainer. We met Kenny [Smith] in the past couple years in and around the music scene, and we clicked really quickly as well. He has lots of natural taste and talent. Long story short, we all came together in a pretty organic way. 

Also Cool: With members from a multitude of different bands and musical projects, is there anything you were (or still are) curious about experimenting with as a group?

Éliane: It's fun to switch up who is composing which part and to take in everyone's ideas. The first few songs were mostly written by Félix and I, but the more we go along, it's more of a collaborative effort. I guess that's the direction we are interested in experimenting with. It's kind of fun to be kept on our toes and it's a good project for that purpose.

AC: What was inspiring the band in the making of your first pair of singles (“Suspens / Try Again”)?

Éliane: I wrote those singles during the pandemic, so there are allusions to that for sure. We found our groove arranging the musical aspects of the songs together and they helped us to figure out our work dynamic.

AC: There's a voltaic energy to those songs that seems like great fun for a live setting. What's most exciting to you about playing this first live show at Distortion?

Éliane: I'm excited to break in our live performance in general, and to present news songs that were composed in a more collaborative way. You can't really know what it's going tobe like until you do it!

AC: If La Sécurité were stranded on a desert island, what would be your top media picks?

Éliane: See The Whirl by Delta 5, [Miyazaki's] Howl's Moving Castle, and Please Kill Me [by Gillian McCain and Legs McNeil].

AC: On the heels of your first studio recording, is there anything on the horizon for the band that you can tell us about?

Éliane: We’ve got a couple more shows planned before the end of the year. An album is in the works as well…

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Hot Garbage by Alex Carre

Combining krautrock and psychedelia, Hot Garbage has been releasing spell-binding tunes since 2017, coming out with their first full-length album RIDE via Mothland in 2021. Hailing from Toronto, they trekked over to play DISTORSION amid a series of US gigs. Catch them on their fall tour this November!

Sofie Milito of Also Cool: How did Hot Garbage come to be?

Julianna Carkevaris of Hot Garbage: Alex [Carlevaris] and Mark [Henein] had been playing in bands together since their early high school days. I joined in on bass when this project was getting going—around 2014—then Dylan [Gamble] joined on keys shortly after. 

Also Cool: What are you experimenting with these days?

Julianna: We're currently working on a new record, and for the past couple of years we've been exploring new approaches to the songwriting process. The pandemic forced us to work on things while being apart from each other, which had advantages and disadvantages. I think now, we're finding a new balance between that and the synergy and spontaneity of getting ideas out by playing together in an improvised way.

AC: RIDE takes us on a scorching, swirling journey from minute one to its trippy finish. Can you tell us a little about the album’s world and what was inspiring you in the making-of?

Julianna: I think the inspiration is quite varied throughout the record, but generally, we draw a lot of ideas and moods from imagery and photos, cinema, books, mysterious phenomena — both worldly and otherworldly ["RIDE is all at once dread, beauty, wonder, horror and mystery"]. 

AC: As a band, what’s your favourite part about a live gig?

Julianna: The give and take, and the exchanging of energy.

AC: If Hot Garbage were stranded on a desert island, what would be your top media picks? 

Julianna: [The film] Goodfellas. It is a marvel of cinema with a great soundtrack. RIP, Ray Liotta.

AC: What’s the hottest garbage you’ve come across?

Julianna: It's pretty hot right now actually, so I probably walked by some today… and it will probably just keep getting hotter. Enjoy it while you can.

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La Sécurité

Bandcamp | Instagram 

Hot Garbage

Bandcamp | Instagram

Sofie Milito

Bandcamp

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OMBIIGIZI Incites Change Through Embracing Musicianship as Cultural Responsibility on Debut "Sewn Back Together"

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OMBIIGIZI (from left to right: Daniel Monkman, Adam Sturgeon) by Rima Sater

For moccasin-gaze band OMBIIGIZI, musicianship is about more than self-expression, it’s about cultural responsibility. 

“If we’re going to be Indigenous artists, we also have a responsibility to share parts of ourselves that not a lot of musicians necessarily have to wear. Being able to experience that struggle together is what helps us to overcome its challenges,” shares Adam Sturgeon, one half of OMBIIGIZI.

Composed of Anishinaabe musicians Daniel Monkman (Zoon) and Adam Sturgeon (Status/Non-Status), Toronto/London band OMBIIGIZI formed in 2021 and shortly thereafter composed their Polaris-Prize-nominated debut Sewn Back Together–released this past February on Toronto label Arts & Crafts. 

Produced by Kevin Drew of Broken Social Scene, Sewn Back Together drew both Sturgeon and Monkman out of their comfort zones to combine their complimentary styles into an expansive listening journey that is both meandering and thunderous. Awash with grungy, whammy guitar and pop-punk vocals, intertwined with crystalline moods and open hearts, Sewn Back Together manifests honouring the reclamation of heritage and a mutual commitment to healing. 

“The spirit in me is my family / The past and the future / Together it’s nearer / To our prophecy / This resurgency / I’m hearing you calling / So I make this offering”

- “Spirit In Me” (Sewn Back Together) 

Through its exploration of both individual and collective identity, Sewn Back Together reckons with the realities of generational trauma, guided by familial teachings and a connection between Monkman and Sturgeon that transcends their collaborative brilliance. 

In a fortunate opportunity to speak with the band before their set at FME, we discuss how they hold space for each other’s vulnerability in their craft. 

“We put ourselves together in a safe way, so that we can understand eachother,” says Sturgeon. “Touring can be difficult because we go from our studio–a really safe environment–to the road, where we encounter the struggles of the music industry. It’s the reality of what we do, but we always have each other to actively remind ourselves why we’re doing what we’re doing,” he adds. 

On the notion of touring insecurities, Monkman chimes in: “Venturing into unknown territory can be scary. Most people we meet are really kind, but you never know when the convoy freedom flags will fly up… [Being in Quebec], I get caught up in the French language stuff and it’s making me think more and more about how we’re all trying to exist on Turtle Island. Ultimately we have to come together…” 

In a way that almost seems like Sturgeon can read Monkman’s mind, he continues: “Differences between us are our strengths. The more that we collectively acknowledge ourselves, the more we can collectively see each other. Our traditional teachings remind us of that.” 

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OMBIIGIZI by Rima Sater

Through embodying a creative mindset that uplifts their shared backgrounds, OMBIIGIZI incite change for future generations. One important aspect of the duo’s shared path is nurturing artists’ sobriety within the music industry, something that often comes as an afterthought when introducing safer space practices. 

“Looking back, how do you feel you set an example for a younger version of yourselves?” 

“Sobriety has been a big inspiration and is a movement within our band,” nods Monkman. “Our families are so important to us and addiction has been a part of our histories.”

“It’s really tough in the music industry,” says Sturgeon. “It’s hard not to want to partake in…desirable things? I suppose. But we keep each other humble and stay grounded.” 

“We don’t have alcohol in our greenroom or on our rider. When I first talked to my dad about sobriety, he couldn’t understand. But now looking back. I’m glad to be in the present with other people who have continued to build a strong foundation for themselves,” concludes Monkman.

It’s through informing the present by looking at the past that OMBIIGIZI cultivates their motivation to inspire themselves and future generations. With a sound, energy and outlook that comes to life on stage, OMBIIGIZI and their aspirations to make change sets them apart from the status-quo. With their first release stirring thoughtful conversation in less than a year of rotation, they’ve set in motion a notable artistic trajectory to keep a pulse on.

Don’t miss OMBIIGIZI at POP Montreal on Saturday, October 1st at L’Entrepôt77 at 7:00pm.

OMBIIGIZI  

Instagram | Bandcamp | Twitter

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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Also Cool's Official POP Montreal 2022 Playlist

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It’s finally here! POP Montreal begins today for an extended weekend of concerts, panels, exhibitions, film screenings and all-nighters in the name of barrier-busting creativity. Whether you’re bouncing between venues in Montreal or experiencing the highlight reels from afar, get in on the POP Montreal spirit with our official festival playlist—featuring 40 tracks from our first and second lineup top picks, as well as Also Cool fixtures and new discoveries.

Bon festival, Montreal! We’ll see you at the show and on the dancefloor.

POP Montreal

Website | Instagram | Facebook

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Also Cool's POP Montreal Top Picks: Round Two

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Jane Inc. by Shelby Fenlon

Our next round of POP Montreal 21st anniversary top picks has arrived! Listen along to our playlist below and discover some of our favourite artists from this year’s lineup taking over Montreal from September 28th to October 2nd!

Jane Inc. 

Toronto’s Jane Inc. (Carlyn Bezic) charms with parasocial pop. Between galactic rhythms, dreamy harmonies and Bezic’s meditations on the self, Jane Inc. dazzles with endearingly-alienating stage antics that you can dance to. Jane Inc. came on the scene first in 2021 with Number One (2021), a supercharged disco dissertation on capitalistic fragmentations of identity. Jane Inc.’s latest offering, Faster Than I Can Take, arrived earlier this year and shut down the possibility of Bezic resting on her laurels. Instead, Faster Than I Can Take boasted Bezic’s dexterity as a multi-instrumentalist and songwriter, with arrangements reminiscent of 1960s California pop with elements of 90s trance and Italo disco. 

Jane Inc. plays Ursa on Saturday, October 1st at 8:30PM. 

Jane Inc.

 Instagram | Bandcamp

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FUJI​|​|​|​|​|​|​|​|​|​|​TA via Bandcamp

FUJI​|​|​|​|​|​|​|​|​|​|​TA

To put it simply, Japanese sound and installation artist FUJI​|​|​|​|​|​|​|​|​|​|​TA (Yosuke Fujita) realizes the unexplored potential of ubiquitous sounds. Hailing from Yamanashi, Japan, the neo-classical drone musician and instrument builder mesmerizes audiences, performing unorthodox arrangements with peculiar tools. Notable examples include recorded water sounds from multiple aquariums and audio captured from black soldier fly maggots burrowing in soil. The former was brought forth on his 2020 LP iki, his first album in nine years. The work documents a ten-year-long exploration of a pipe organ that he built—and taught himself to play—without any prior knowledge of its inner workings. 

FUJI​|​|​|​|​|​|​|​|​|​|​TA plays St. James United Church on Sunday, October 2nd at 8:45 PM.

FUJI​|​|​|​|​|​|​|​|​|​|​TA

Instagram | Bandcamp

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Tiger Balme by Felice Trinidad

Tiger Balme 

Toronto indie outfit Tiger Balme plays POP Montreal in advance of their debut self-titled release, set to arrive later this fall. The four piece’s first offering “Saving Face” beams with lush undertones and whimsical embellishments like violin, vibraphone, harp and lulling harmonies. Without giving too much away, listen for a masterful musical shift and prepare to be wowed a second time. Trust us, this breakthrough track alone makes Tiger Balme an act to watch out for!

Tiger Balme plays Casa del Popolo on Thursday, September 29th at 9 PM. 

Tiger Balme

Website | Instagram

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The Linda Lindas by Zen Sekizawa

The Linda Lindas

Rounding out our next collection of top POP picks is none other than LA’s plucky punk outfit The Linda Lindas. Garnering praise from the likes of Kathleen Hanna and Carrie Brownstein, these teen sensations have customized Riot Grrrl stylings for a whole new generation. Their energetic album Growing Up channels a little bit of everything, highlighting the highs and lows of adolescence within the confines of a global pandemic. For a taste of what to expect, check out their viral performance of "Racist, Sexist Boy” at the Los Angeles Public Library’s AAPI Heritage Month celebration in 2021.

The Linda Lindas play the Rialto Theatre on Thursday, September 29 at 7:30 PM.

The Linda Lindas

Instagram | Website | Bandcamp

POP Montreal

Website | Instagram | Facebook

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Also Cool's POP Montreal Top Picks: Round One

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Isabella Lovestory via Bandcamp

September’s end is upon us, which means POP Montreal is just around the corner! Celebrating its 21st anniversary this year from September 28th to October 2nd, POP Montreal is an integral fixture in our hometown’s music circuit as a five-day festival; presenting more than 400 artists between panel discussions, film screenings, fashion shows and more! As per usual, this year’s lineup does not miss a beat with legendary headliners and movers & shakers from our local music scene and beyond. To get into the festival spirit, take a listen to our POP Montreal selections and jump venue to venue with us!

Isabella Lovestory

Isabella Lovestory is Montreal’s resident reggaeton-pop princess. The alter-ego of Honduras-born Isabella Rodriguez, the vocalist and producer meshes sugary hyper-pop tendencies with entrancing, bass-heavy club beats into a rousing, Y2K-reminiscent frenzy. Her breadth of influences chart her musical upbringing; drawing inspiration from reggaeton acts like Plan B, to Britney Spears and MIA, as well as alternative Brits like The Smiths and The Cure. Since her emergence on SoundCloud, Lovestory has released her debut album Mariposa (2020), a handful of ear-worm singles-turned-EPs, and appeared in Nylon and Dazed. A self-proclaimed “fashion freak,” Lovestory turns heads for her equally iconic sense of style, captured in her glamorous music videos and alluring online presence. Let her steal your heart this POP season. 

Isabella Lovestory plays Casa Bianca (terrace) on Saturday, October 1st at 6PM.

Isabella Lovestory  

 Instagram | Bandcamp

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PACKS via Bandcamp

PACKS

Slack-rock quartet PACKS has been on our artists-to-watch radar since their debut LP Take the Cake (2021). Led by Madeline Link, the project began as a creative back-and-forth between Ottawa and Toronto, with Link sending her bare-bone bedroom demos to her bandmates for exploration via Google Drive. The resulting album was a smash and saw the band tour their slow-burning, timeless sound extensively. Since, Link has made it clear that she isn’t resting on her laurels with the release of her latest EP WOAH this past summer. Accompanied by an acoustic guitar, WOAH has Link returning to her solo, unbrushed songwriting roots with a refined lyrical palette and imaginative composition (and an ode to Ottawa commercial radio on the track “fm”).

PACKS plays Casa del Popolo on Friday, September 30th at 8:15PM.

PACKS

Website | Instagram

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Boyhood by Monika Kraska

Boyhood

Boyhood is the moniker of alt-pop singer-songwriter Caylie Runciman. Since 2014, the Belleville-expat brews jangly, brooding mirages, sprinkled with atmospheric synth and candid vocal grit. Runciman now calls the woods of Central Frontenac home, where she has been writing, composing and producing her upcoming LP My Dread - out this coming November. Long-anticipated since her beloved 2019 debut Bad Mantras, teaser singles from My Dread “Don’t You Dare” and “Stroke It” find Runciman standing ground against darkness past, reconciled between tough basslines and twinkling oscillations. Though a limited vinyl-run of My Dread is now available for pre-order, we implore you to catch Boyhood live in her element before its release.

Boyhood plays La Sala Rossa on Thursday, September 29th at 8PM.

Boyhood 

Instagram | Bandcamp

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Strange Froots by McKim Jean-Pierre

Strange Froots

Supporters of Also Cool since day one, Strange Froots is Mags and Naïka Champaïgne: a duo of multifaceted singer-songwriters, beatmakers and musicians based in Montreal. Originally planning to attend a series of workshops for femmes in hip-hop, the alt-soul group met in 2014 at NoBad Sound Studio, and shortly after formed Strange Froots. Strange Froots describe themselves as “the coming together of different backgrounds of the same Black diaspora [...] to convey the message that everyone should embrace who they are, no matter where they’re from or what they’re going through.” Performing extensively with an emphasis on nurturing community, Strange Froots have taken the stage at Slut Island, Suoni Per Il Popolo, Fierté Montréal and will be returning to POP Montreal for the first time since 2017 this year!

Strange Froots plays Théâtre Fairmount on Friday, September 30th at 9PM. 

Strange Froots

Website | Instagram

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Cymande

Active in the 1970s, British group Cymande are revered for their blending of funk, soul, R&B, jazz, rock, African rhythms and West Indian folk. Though they disbanded in 1975 after releasing three albums, their legacy and sound were kept alive through a cult-following and samples from acts like Wu-Tang Clan and De La Soul. In the 2010s, the band reunited with a new vision and rekindled excitement from the early years. After touring alongside artists like Al Green, Patti LaBelle, KC and The Sunshine Band and Kool and the Gang, Cymande will now be making a stop at POP Montreal for a show you won’t want to miss.

Cymande plays L’Entrepôt77 on Wednesday, September 28th at 7:30PM. 

Cymande

 Website | Instagram

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Kamikaze Nurse by Dennis Ha

Kamikaze Nurse

Vancouver rock outfit Kamikaze Nurse’s music has been described as “ethereal skronk,” “Deleuzian rock” and “best of the 90s.” Their melodic, confrontational sound is encapsulated on their sophomore album Stimuloso, which arrived earlier this spring via Mint Records. The album was conceived during the first wave of the pandemic, with each band member self-recording their parts over a six-month period. The result is a flowering wall of noise that combines the group’s interests in poetry, film and literature. Keep a pulse on Kamikaze Nurse’s psychedelic-rock-meets-shoegaze sound with their inaugural POP Montreal performance.

Kamikaze Nurse plays The Diving Bell Social Club Wednesday, September 28th at 8:30PM.

Kamikaze Nurse
Instagram | Bandcamp

POP Montreal

Website | Instagram | Facebook

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