The beloved festival wrapped up its eclectic 22nd edition over the weekend.

By: Sun Noor and Uma Iqbal

One of the joys of attending POP Montreal each year is discovering new art. Whether it be in the from of an up and coming band, a moving film, or a beautiful installation, the local festival has always been a staple in the city’s ever-evolving cultural landscape. Have you ever attended an event, only to realize that you were merely skimming the surface of what it had to offer? Well, that’s POP Montreal for ya! Its 22nd edition consisted of a reflective celebration of art.

As attendees fully immersed themselves within the wide range of music and cultural programming, political and social discourse was at the forefront of various events. It was a merging of both worlds if you will (granted they work in unison) Whether it be film, Dr. Cornel West’s highly anticipated discussion on art, voice, and democracy, or the roundtable conversations on culture and creativity that took place at Symposium, or some of the political messaging in some of the music, there was plenty of room for thought-provoking conversations.

The Film POP segment of the festival brought fourth a wide range of captivating screenings. Alison O’Daniel’s 2023 documentary, The Tuba Thieves, was a transformative viewing. The director, with remarkable simplicity and purpose, offered each member of the audience a balloon, to convey that music is more than just an auditory experience; it is a physical one too.

Similar to previous iterations, POP Montreal always leaves festival goers with the difficult decision of choosing which artists to check out each day, given their stacked lineups. However, it is the diverse range of locations, from rooftops to venue basements across the Plateau and Mile-End neighbourhoods that make the festival experience all the more worthwhile.

The event kicked-off to a great start on Wednesday. Toronto-based indie rock/post-punk musician, Camille Léon, treated the audience at L’Éscogriffe to an electrifying set along with her band. With a few catchy singles and an excellent EP titled “Near Quaint” under her belt, Léon has quickly became one of our favourite newcomers over the past few years.

Over at the Rialto Theatre, Belgian duo Charlotte Adigéry & Bolis Pupul made their Montreal debut to a packed crowd with an energetic performance of their phenomenal 2022 album, Topical Dancer. The artists did not shy away from incorporating any of the quirks and antics from the record into the live set. From interpolating the hellos in “Bel DEEWEE,” to Adigéry’s enigmatic laugh bit in “Haha,” and closing their set with “Thank You,” the duo essential presented their project in full without compromise. Over flickering the prominent synths and flickering strobe lights transformed the theatre into one big giant dance floor. At one point Adigéry even came into the crowd, splitting it in two à la Soul-Train, showcasing her impressive voguing skills.

Thursday’s highlights featured a wide range of acts, from folk to some good ol’ rock n’ roll. Days after releasing her full-length debut, Spin, Montreal’s Sasha Cay took the stage at L’Ésco for a special album launch event. Cay’s performance exuded a subtle, electric liveliness that seemed to pervade the entire venue. It was complemented by a breathtaking artistic projection that graced the backdrop. The synergy of her music, the enthusiasm of the audience, and the overall energy in the room left me with an unforgettable sensation with a lasting impression.

Over at La Sotterenea, Montreal-based singer-songwriter MAGELLA’s set was short yet incredibly moving. Joined by musician Félix Tellier Pouliot backing on guitar and synths, the pair delivered a dazzling performance, characterized by a unique blend of blues, electronic experimentation, and industrial music. With a balanced comprised of cuts from MAGELLA’s latest EP, “Checkmate,” along with a few unreleased gems, her singular voice alone was enough to fill the room.

Toronto’s Charlotte Cornfield treated Friday’s early crowd to an intimate set on the Rooftop of the Rialto Theatre. She performed stripped-back cuts from her new record, Could Have Done Anything, with the iconic Mont-Royal mountain peaking from above as the sun began to set. The gorgeous setting paired with Cornfield’s exceptional storytelling truly made for a unique moment.

Mali Obamsawin’s performance at La Sala Rossa on Saturday was another high note. Along with her sextet wielding grand and magnificent instruments, she managed to create a riveting soundscape.

Each year, POP Montreal manages to feature a handful of influential acts. This year, legendary German electronic act Tangerine Dream were among the few. The krautrock pioneers made a stop at L’Olympia to close out the festival during their first-ever extensive tour. Their current consisted of a trio of musicians including bandleader Thorsten Quaeschning, who is essential successor of founder Edgar Froese, who passed away in 2015, Japanese composer Hoshiko Yamane on violin, and the newest member Paul Frick. The three-piece treated their packed audience to two hours of blissful, and atmospheric ambient tracks. Following a brief intermission in-between their first an second set, Quaeschning raved about L’Olympia’s sonics before announcing that the group would perform the rest of their compositions in E minor.

Through five-days of jam packed music, movies, visual art, and conversation POP Montreal 2023 was comprised of more than just a celebration of art. The festival allowed for us to fully immerse ourselves into different worlds through profound connection.

Here are more photos from the festival: