Pop Guide: 15 Must See Artists at Pop Montreal This Week!

By: Sun Noor

The annual International music and arts festival, Pop Montreal kicks off today and has a series of events from gigs, various exhibitions, movie screenings and exclusive talks and panels featuring artists that can only be offered at the festival. There are equally record fairs, a marketplace with over 100 artisans and a wide range of products as well as activities for kids. Interestingly, the festival commences with an opening party at Pop Quarters (Rialto Hall 5719 Ave du Parc). I’ve always enjoyed and looked forward to attending this festival and it remains my favourite hometown event, given the various activities to choose from each day but most importantly, the gigs!  There’s something about catching as many sets as I can and stumbling from venue to venue till the early mornings  while being in good company and doing that all over again the next day that I very much enjoy. As well, 35% of the lineup is comprised of artists that have been chosen from a diverse range of submissions, which includes multiple local bands as well as international artists.  The festival turns 17 this year and has once again presented us with multiple gigs to look forward to, hence this list of must-see shows.

 

Here’s a list of shows to catch at the festival this week:

Click here to purchase tickets to all events.

Wednesday September 26th:

• For fans of psychedelic rock, noise and shoegaze, local Montreal and Quebec bands, Corridor and No Joy are taking over La Sala Rossa later on tonight for a jam packed show! In fact, many of those bands including No Joy have stated that this will be their last show in Montreal for the year and you certainly do NOT want to miss their sets.

 

Watch the video for No Joy’s “Califone” below:

 

 

• For fans of experimental music, art pop, indie rock and folk,  Zola Jesus and Devon Welsh are taking over the Exclaim! room at the Rialto Theatre tonight at 9 pm and will be playing music from both of their most recent projects. That will definitely be something to look forward to!

 

Watch Zola Jesus’ lovely KEXP session below:

 

 

• Those night owls who are more into hip-hop and experimental music will definitely not want to Clairmont the Second and  Kilo Kish‘s late night showcases at the Piccolo in the Rialto Theatre. Kilo Kish released her latest EP titled, “Mothe” earlier this month and will most definitely be playing some new material. Besides, it is her only current tour date aside from a few other festival appearances in California later on in the year. Clairmont the Second has also spoke about this show being among his last ones for the year.

 

Watch the video for Kilo Kish’s “Elegance” below:

 

Thursday September 27th:

• Thursday will be quite the eventful day, given that there are numerous exciting showcases taking place. Michael Rault is due to play at L’Escogriffe before continuing the rest of his North-American tour, in support of his latest number, New Day Tonight. As well, Brooklyn’s Bodega play Casa Del Popolo at midnight alongside a few of my favourite Montreal-based noise rock bands Slight and Lemongrab. Lastly, the incredibly talented Gabriella Cohen and her band are set to bring their lushious, guitar-driven sounds  at the Piccolo before King Khan and the Shrine’s show.

 

Watch the video for Gabriella Cohen’s “Baby” below:

 

Friday September 28th:

• The Charlatans are due to make a tour stop at the Fairmount Theatre marking their firsts Montreal appearance in decades! The band are currently on tour in support of their latest EP “Totally Eclipsing.” As well, the Vancouver based four-piece indie rock band Frankiie, who will be releasing their debut record later on this year, will open the show.

 

Watch the video for Frankiie’s “Dream Reader” below:

 

Saturday September 29th:

• Montreal-based indie musician Homeshake will play his first hometown show in over a year at the Exclaim! room alongside a few local artists.

 

Watch Homeshake’s session on Juan’s Basement below:

 

Sunday September 30th:

• Although Wolf Parade are set to play FOUR nights at La Sala Rossa, their last showcase will feature an after party at the venue’s basement. All proceeds will go towards a charity, as well there will be a few performances from the band and their side projects.

 

Watch the video for Wolf Parade’s “Valley Boy” below:

 

 

 For further inquires regarding the festival click here!