Also Cool's Palomosa Top Picks (Yung Lean, Jai Paul, Snow Strippers, and More)

The Montreal team behind Igloofest and Piknic Électronik, have treated us to what is possibly the best lineup we’ve seen since TIME Festival in 2015. From September 5th to 7th, Parc Jean-Drapeau will host the first ever-edition of Palomosa, where every act could be their own festival headliner. Oh and not to mention, there’s a block party on September 5th at the SAT, and an iconic after party on September 6th and 7th. 

It’s overwhelming in the best way possible, so we decided to break it down for you with Also Cool’s top Palomosa picks. Listen to our playlist at the same time to get a taste of what’s to come

Friday September 6th - Top Picks

Yung Lean - Iconic Swedish rapper who defined the 2010s vaporwave Tumblr era, perfect to listen to with some Arizona iced tea and your cloud rap fanatic friends.

Yaeji - Making it rain(gurl) since 2017 with her dance floor-ready tracks, Yaeji is an artist, producer, vocalist, and musician born in NYC and raised in Seoul.

Snowstrippers - Did someone say indie sleaze revival? Crystal Castles fans rejoice, this Detroit duo’s electro sound is straight out of the 2010s.

horsegiirL - The world is her barn and we’re just living in it. Horsegiirl gained mainstream popularity after her hit single “My Barn My Rules” went viral, cementing her icon status as number one horse pop star.

Also Cool’s Afterparty of choice:

Saturday September 7th - Top Picks

Jai Paul - The mysterious British songwriter and record producer from the UK is finally playing live shows, years after his demo “BTSTU” made waves across the music industry in the 2010s.

Yves Tumor - A true rockstar, Yves Tumor shifts, alters, and plays with the boundaries of contemporary art and culture. Always a treat to see live, you can count on an electrifying performance.

BADBADNOTGOOD - As previously mentioned, the Also Cools who are writing this article saw BBNG at Times festival in high school, and proudly learned to mosh during the contemporary jazz group’s many performances in Ottawa and Toronto in the mid 2010s.

SHYGIRL - British star has a club all to her own this year, with LSDXOXO, Nick Léon, and Angelita joining her for Club Shy.

LSDXOXO - We saw LSDXOXO perform at the most recent Montreal Boiler Room and it was very demure, very mindful, but most of all one of the hardest sets we’ve heard in a long time.

Also Cool’s Afterparty of choice:

Get your tickets for Montreal’s best end-of-summer party, Palomosa, here. 

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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Also Cool's Osheaga 2024 Top Picks (Bladee, No Waves, DIIV, and More)

It's that time of year again. Drainers and indie rock fans from all over come together this weekend in Montreal for the 2024 edition of Osheaga. This year's lineup hits on every part of our eclectic taste in music, with a heavy lean towards bands that we’ve loved since high school.

To help you navigate this absolutely stacked lineup, we've put together our top picks so that you can efficiently sprint across the festival grounds between sets.

Listen along as you make your game plan for Osheaga weekend:

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FRIDAY

Bladee via Osheaga

Bladee

It's no secret that Also Cool is part of the Drainer community. From Red Light to Cold Visions, we are almost always bumping Bladee on an electric BIXI in the summertime. One of our most anticipated festival sets, Bladee, plays the Green Stage at 7:50pm.

Dominic Fike via Osheaga

Dominic Fike

Easy to have a crush on and perfect for a summer day, Dominic Fike plays the Bell River Stage at 6:55pm.

Two Door Cinema Club via Osheaga

Two Door Cinema Club

Easily one of our favourite bands from the 2010s, it was a pleasant surprise to see Two Door Cinema Club return to the Osheaga lineup this year. Almost every track on Tourist History (their 2010 smash-hit album) is an undeniable banger, and we will be revelling in what's now considered indie sleaze nostalgia. Catch their set on the Bell River Stage at 5:20pm.

Sleater-Kinney via Osheaga

Sleater-Kinney

Iconic is an understatement when it comes to Sleater-Kinney. Live your best riot grrrl life and catch their set at the Coors Light Mountain Stage at 4:35pm.

Mannequin Pussy via Osheaga

Mannequin Pussy

Coming off their most recent release I Got Heaven, gorgeous indie punk outfit Mannequin Pussy hits Montreal at 3:10pm on the Coors Light Mountain Stage. Mannequin Pussy provides the perfect soundtrack to process emotions in the mosh pit. if you have an ex to get over, this is the set for you.  

Melanie Martinez via Osheaga

Melanie Martinez

2010s Tumblr revival might be the unofficial theme of this year's lineup, with Melanie Martinez taking her rightful place as a headliner this year. The alt-pop star graces the Coors Light Mountain Stage at 7:55pm.

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SATURDAY

Green Day via Osheaga

Green Day

It's time to be emo and see Green Day play the Bell River Stage at 8:45pm. Do we need to say much more? No, because you know you want to relive your emo era that never really ended. 

The Smashing Pumpkins via Osheaga

The Smashing Pumpkins

An important introduction to grunge rock for many, and deeply influential to our teenage brains and sense of angst, The Smashing Pumpkins play the Coors Light Mountain Stage at 7:45pm.

No Waves via Osheaga

No Waves

Hometown heroes and punk scene sweethearts take the Green Stage at 2pm. Catch up on your No Waves lore by listening to our podcasts and interviews with our favourite Montreal pop punk trio. 

T-Pain via Osheaga

T-Pain

On a recent trip to LA, one of the Also Cools was at a bar night where every client had to play a strange, but bopping, track. Their selection was the undeniably-electric reimagining of Black Sabbath’s “War Pigs” by T-Pain. Since that night, Also Cool has been collectively dreaming of seeing him do the song justice live. T-Pain plays the Belairdirect Valley Stage at 7pm.

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SUNDAY

SZA via Osheaga

SZA

Whether you're in love with SZA or in awe of her incredible lyricism that perfectly encapsulates love, loss, and everything that brings us from one to the other, you can catch her on the Bell River Stage on August 4th at 9:15pm.

Jungle via Osheaga

Jungle

Disco? Dancey? Perhaps both? Get grooving to Jungle on the Belairdirect Valley Stage at 8:15pm.

Still Woozy via Osheaga

Still Woozy

We love some good slacker indie pop, and Still Woozy hits that 2017-era wub-wubby sound. Dust off your checkered Vans and mustard-yellow Kanken backpack and hit the Bell River Stage at 7:10 pm.

Alvvays via Osheaga

Alvvays

Throwing it back, once again, to our late-high school years, Alvvays' self-titled album still hits. Return to a world of iron-on patches, American Apparel, high-waisted mom jeans, and floral print everything, and sway to their set on the Coors Light Mountain Stage at 6:20pm.

Amyl and the Sniffers via Osheaga

Amyl and the Sniffers

Grimy, charming, and excellent at pushing punk boundaries, Amyl and The Sniffers take the Belairdirect Valley Stage at 5pm. Get tossed on a Sunday, why not?

DIIV via Osheaga

DIIV

Another high school favourite? Yes, but this time à la shoegaze oblivion. DIIV's performance at TIME Fest in Toronto in 2015 left an everlasting impression, so it's only right that we include them in our top picks. Become a Frog In Boiling Water at the Green Stage at 4:15pm.

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OSHEAGA

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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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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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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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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

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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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