The Pop Montreal Festival kicks off this Wednesday, and this line-up is stacked! With over 400 bands heading to Montreal this week, playing more than 50 venues across the city, there are a lot of shows to choose from. To help you narrow down some of your choices, I put together a list of my five “must see shows” happening over the week. (Local Natives, Shuggie Otis, and Portugal. The Man have been excluded due to obvious reasons. They are all must-sees.) Take a listen and let us know what you think. Profitez en bien!
Soldout – This synth pop duo hails from Belgium, and brings their infectious tunes with them. Releasing their most recent album, No More, this past March, you do not want to miss this band. Bring your dancing shoes and lasers beams, because their Thursday night set is going to be galactic. (If you miss their Thursday night show, they will also be playing an afternoon set Friday).
Sep. 26th, 9:00pm @ Casa del Popolo
Sep. 27th, 4:30pm @ Empire Exchange
Michael Rault - I first heard Michael Rault a few years back on a Ty Segall Pandora station. I hopped off my bike, bought his album, and was transported back to 1963. The man kills it. His Saturday night set is going to be stellar. Throw on your leather jacket and Chucks, and check out his track below. You will be hooked.
Sep. 28th, 9:30pm @ Divan Orange :: Salle CISM
Killer Mike– If throw back garage rock is not your thing, head over to Killer Mike’s Saturday night set. After becoming a top name in hip-hop, Killer Mike’s last album, R.A.P Music took the rap game by storm. His political rhymes dance perfectly over El-P’s beats, creating a forceful album that was met with critic acclaim. This show is going to be something else. Listen closely to his set; you may learn a thing or two.
Sep. 28th, 10pm @ Cabaret du Mile-End :: Salle Ubisoft
Buddy McNeil and The Magic Mirrors – Pop Montreal’s description of Buddy McNeill can’t be improve: “Channeling a swag of 50’s influences, Montreal’s Buddy McNeil and the Magic Mirrors are a veritable rock-and-soul band and the offspring of a ménage-a-trois between Elvis, a sailor, and a cowboy with a dash of indie pop harmonization thrown in.” This show is going to be wild. Check them out Friday night, and good luck with Saturday’s hangover.
Sep. 27th, 930pm @ Katacombes
Jessy Lanza – Heralded by the Guardian UK as one of the bright new voices of R&B, Jessy Lanza released her debut album less than a month ago. Produced by Junior Boys’ Jeremy Greenspan, the album curates the perfect blend of minimal electro and sleek pop hooks. Expect a stunning voice, some disco-y soul grooves, and perfect weather at Jessy’s Saturday afternoon set.
Sep. 27th, 9pm @ Club Lambi
Sep. 28th, 1:30pm @ Divan Orange :: Salle CISM