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

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

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

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Chanel Beads via POP Montreal

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

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

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Comet via POP Montreal

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

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

Ribbon Skirt by Ani Harroch

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

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

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good flying birds via POP Montreal

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

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

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Modem via POP Montreal

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

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

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Slash Need via POP Montreal

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

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

TUKAN via POP Montreal

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

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

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POP Montreal

Website | Instagram | Tickets

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

Palomosa 2025 by Zoë Argiropulos-Hunter

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

Zack Fox by Malaika Astorga

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

MGNA Crrrta by Rebecca Judd

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

The Hellp by Rebecca Judd

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

MCR-T by Malaika Astorga

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

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

Cecile Believe by Rebecca Judd

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

Yeule by Rebecca Judd

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

Rebecca Black by Rebecca Judd

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

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Palomosa

Website | Instagram

Zoë Argiropulos-Hunter (she/her) is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of Also Cool Mag. Aside from the mag, she is a music promoter & booker, and a radio host & DJ.

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

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

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

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

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

Listen along below:

Crasher via FME

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

Yoo Doo Right via FME

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

The OBGMs via FME

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

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

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

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

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Also Cool's Festival BleuBleu 2025 Top Picks

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Also Cool is headed to the East Coast! Returning for its 7th edition to Carleton-sur-Mer, Quebec, Festival BleuBleu is an annual weekend music festival and summer staple in Gaspésie, Quebec and the greater Maritime region. Held from June 20th-23rd, the festival acts as a hub and meeting place for music lovers, whether local or festival-goers, aiming to "introduce or rediscover the town's cultural and historical sites [and] foster exchanges" by programming music from the region and beyond in less conventional venues.  

This year’s lineup features a multitude of enticing genres and styles, with artists from across the province of Quebec (and elsewhere!) performing everything from Acadien country-pop to digital dance music.

Closing the Saturday night is Also Cool's beachside program, with performances by Ouri (DJ set), Honeydrip and Isla Den.

Explore Festival BleuBleu’s programming through Also Cool’s must-see acts from this year’s roster and listen to our accompanying festival playlist below!

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Gus Englehorn by Kealan Shilling

Alaska-raised, Hawaii-bound Gus Englehorn welcomed 2025 with the release of The Hornbook, a fantastical outsider-rock opus co-produced by Mark Lawson of The Unicorns, and mixed by Butthole Surfers founder Paul Leary. Much like his career trajectory (having spent most of his life training to be a professional snowboarder), Englehorn’s sound is endearingly strange. At times fuzzy and brooding, and others veering into freak-folk territory, Englehorn’s musical dexterity is delightfully unpredictable and entertaining. His uncompromised stage presence is always a hit, and we’re looking forward to hearing his latest setlist in the flesh! 

Gus Englehorn plays Sunday, June 22nd, 2025 at Horizon Park Beach.

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Honeydrip by Felix Bonnevie

Not only is Montreal’s Honeydrip an incredible dub-focused DJ and producer – she is also an innovator in the world of sound design; building her own systems over the past couple of years. Her most recent album Psychotropical, featuring collaborations with Ouri, Shanique Marie and King Shadrock, expands on her hypnotic sound that has captured dancefloors worldwide.

Read our interview with Honeydrip on her debut EP Anti-Ego here.

Honeydrip plays Saturday, June 21st, 2025 at Horizons Park Beach.

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Isla Den by Taylor Tomlin

Kindred spirits in the realm of rave-tinged hyperpop and exploratory multimedia, friends Ellie Manning and Mira Reale are Montreal electronic duo Isla Den. As classmates turned collaborators, Isla Den have constructed a musical illusion whereby “Manning's lyrics explore themes of infinity, distance, and dreams, veiled by auto-tune and carried by lyrical flights over sensual futuristic structures, fusing underground electronica, trance, and technicolor dream pop.” Having performed across North America and Europe, we’re eager to have our first run-in with the pair at BleuBleu.

Isla Den plays Saturday, June 21st, 2025 at Horizons Park Beach.

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Magi Merlin by Vladim Vilain

An Also Cool forever-favourite, Montreal alt-R&B darling Magi Merlin has exploded onto the international scene. A multi-faceted artist, Merlin recently made her acting debut in the movie Mile End Kicks from writer-director Chandler Levack (I Like Movies), alongside lead actress Barbie Ferreira (Euphoria). On top of that, she recently shared her long-awaited debut LP, A Weird Little Dog, which slows her sound down and bares her soul. 

Read our first-ever interview with Magi, that came out five years ago (!!!), here.

Magi Merlin plays Sunday, June 22nd, 2025 at the Beautiful Shipwreck Beach Manor Scene.

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Ouri by Feng

A longtime staple in Montreal’s music scene, Ouri exudes ethereal mastery as a multi-instrumentalist and DJ. Her ability to weave orchestral sound with electronic music is unparalleled, in both her last album Frame of a Fauna, and with her collaborative project with Helena Deland, Hildegard. No matter the sonic medium, Ouri delivers a gorgeous and captivating performance. 

Dive deeper into Ouri’s world by reading our interview with the artist about Frame of a Fauna here, and with Hildegard about their debut album here.

Ouri plays Saturday, June 21st, 2025 at Horizons Park Beach.

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P’tit Belliveau by Sacha Cohen

East Coast treasure P’tit Belliveau is sure to deliver a rowdy performance. Known for his earworms “Income Tax” and “J'aimerais d’avoir un John Deere”, Belliveau reps his Baie-Saint-Marie, Nova Scotia, roots for sold-out audiences. Hot on the heels of releasing his third self-titled album, we’re excited to embrace his evolving sound — fusing nu-metal and pop-punk with his signature Acadien country-pop sensibility. Let’s go (en français)!  

P’tit Belliveau plays Friday, June 20th, 2025 at the SiriusXM Stage.

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Secondsight by Vladim Vilain

Montreal’s Secondsight will lead an outdoor yoga session combining mindful movements, breathing and meditation set to their music. Titled Mirrors in the Sky: Opening to Infinity, the 60-minute class seeks to explore “the profound connection between our inner selves and the cosmos around us.” Secondsight is the solo musical and spiritual pilgrimage project of multi-disciplinary artist, astrologist and meditation teacher Haji Maa. We’re looking forward to coming up for air by the Atlantic ocean amid the festival hustle and bustle!  

Secondsight’s workshop is Monday morning on June 23rd, 2025 at the Tracadigash Point Lighthouse.

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Xela Edna by Cherry Blue

Montreal avant-pop vocalist Xela Edna sparks curiosity with her bold, uninhibited approach to dance music. Scheduled to release her debut full-length album this year, Edna’s songwriting combines tenets of electro, techno and experimental French pop. Alongside her creative partner and longtime friend Eicus Echo, Edna’s music explores “emancipatory themes related to being a young woman in the 21st century.” 

Xela Edna plays Friday, June 20th, 2025 at the Beautiful Shipwreck Beach Manor Scene.

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Festival BleuBleu

Website | Instagram

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

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

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

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

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

Igloofest

Tickets | Instagram

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

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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.

Tickets

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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

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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