With hundreds of performers gracing more than 50 stages across the city, Pop Montreal can be downright overwhelming. The good news? That means there’s something for everyone. The full schedule can be found online (popmontreal.com), but here’s a list of some big names, up-and-comers, and special events worth checking out.
Hollerado
With their catchy pop-rock and ridiculously fun stage presence, very few bands put on a show quite like Hollerado. Always ones for audience participation, these boys from Manotick, Ontario are inviting everyone to paint their van after the show. Paint and paint brushes will be provided. With Uncle Bad Touch, English Words, Molly Rankin, and Giant Hand. October 1, 9 p.m., Le Divan Orange.
Karkwa
Often called Quebec’s answer to Radiohead, these guys won almost every Quebec music award imaginable before gaining the attention of Anglo Canada by winning the Polaris Music Prize last week. And what serendipitous timing: Karkwa will play their first show since the big win on Friday, in their hometown no less. Expect an added Anglo presence as we try and figure out what we’ve been missing all these years. Leif Vollebekk opens. September 30, 7:30 p.m., Metropolis, $24.83.
Out of This Spark Showcase
In just a few years, Out of This Spark has become home to some of Toronto’s—and Canada’s—most promising young bands. You’ll get to see just about all of them at this showcase. Headlined by the D’Urbervilles and with sets from Forest City Lovers, Light Fires (the new beats duo of Gentleman Reg Vermue and Ohbijou’s James Bunton), Evening Hymns, and Tasseomancy, it’ll be an evening of all around good times. October 2, 9 p.m., Le Divan Orange, $8/$10.
The xx, Warpaint, Zola Jesus
Perhaps the biggest show of the festival, the xx are the kind of band you need to listen to closely to fully appreciate—something that’ll be easy to do in the pristine acoustics of Place des Arts. They were just awarded the Mercury Prize (Britain’s version of the Polaris) for album of the year, so take this opportunity to judge for yourself. Buzz bands Warpaint and Zola Jesus open. October 1, 8 p.m., Place des Arts, $20/$30.
Bonjay
Given that their name is spice island slang for “Good God!” Bonjay’s mix of R&B rhythm, dancehall grooves, and indie aesthetic should come as no great surprise. Born in a basement at Ottawa’s legendary DISORGANIZED parties, this duo has generated a lot of media hype, playing at South by Southwest this year to great acclaim. Pink Skull’s electrofied psychedelia opens. September 30, 9 p.m., Jukebox, $10/$13.
Budos Band
If you’re wondering how funky and soulful this band is, the fact that they’re on Daptone Records (home of Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings) is a pretty good indication. Playing instrumental music combining Ethopian influences with jazz and afro-beat, these guys know how to get groovy. Dancing shoes are a must. The Sway Machinery and The Youjsh open. October 2, 10:30 p.m., Club L’ambi, $17.
Holy Fuck
Torontonians Holy Fuck make experimental electronic music, sometimes without instruments. Known for using miscellaneous items like toy keyboards and phaser guns to create some of their effects, these guys are also known for their ability to whip up a very sweaty dance party. Seizure-inducing noise rockers Indian Jewelry and the infamous Bad Tits (featuring former Death From Above 1979 drummer Sebastien Grainger) are the opening acts. September 30, 11 p.m., Little Birgundy POP loft, $15
Radio Radio
Fresh from the release of their second album Belmundo Regal, this acclaimed Acadian-French trio was shortlisted for the Polaris Prize this year and nominated for a handful of other awards. On stage, they serve up a mix of electro-pop and bilingual hip-hop. Isis—of Toronto-based electro-hop duo Thunderheist— opens. October 2, 8:45 p.m., Club Soda, $24.83.
Patrick Watson’s Sacred Sunday
What better way to nurse those ringing ears and throbbing heads than to listen to beautiful gospel music played by some of Montreal’s most talented artists? Featuring Patrick Watson, Katie Moore, The Barr Brothers, and others, this is one musical event that can truly be described as ethereal. October 3, 3:30 p.m., Ukranian Federation, PWYC (suggested $15).
Shonen Knife
When you hear that Shonen Knife are an all-girl pop-punk trio formed in Osaka, Japan in 1981, you may be taken aback. But their music is a heady combination of ‘60s Beach Boys pop and early punk acts like the Ramones. Opening are all-girl garage rockers The Peelies, Indonesia’s Malaikat Dan Singa, and Dadaist-influenced Mavo.
September 30, 9:30 p.m., Cabaret Mile-End, $15.
The Dears
The Dears will be playing their new, as-of-yet untitled album in its entirety during a three-night residency at Mission Santa Cruz. Be one of the first people in the world to hear the new material and help a good cause; proceeds from merch sales will go to War Child Montreal. September 29-October 1, 9:30 p.m., Mission Santa Cruz, $15/$20.Hollerado
With their catchy pop-rock and ridiculously fun stage presence, very few bands put on a show quite like Hollerado. Always ones for audience participation, these boys from Manotick, Ontario are inviting everyone to paint their van after the show. Paint and paint brushes will be provided. With Uncle Bad Touch, English Words, Molly Rankin, and Giant Hand. October 1, 9 p.m., Le Divan Orange.
Karkwa
Often called Quebec’s answer to Radiohead, these guys won almost every Quebec music award imaginable before gaining the attention of Anglo Canada by winning the Polaris Music Prize last week. And what serendipitous timing: Karkwa will play their first show since the big win on Friday, in their hometown no less. Expect an added Anglo presence as we try and figure out what we’ve been missing all these years. Leif Vollebekk opens. September 30, 7:30 p.m., Metropolis, $24.83.
Out of This Spark Showcase
In just a few years, Out of This Spark has become home to some of Toronto’s—and Canada’s—most promising young bands. You’ll get to see just about all of them at this showcase. Headlined by the D’Urbervilles and with sets from Forest City Lovers, Light Fires (the new beats duo of Gentleman Reg Vermue and Ohbijou’s James Bunton), Evening Hymns, and Tasseomancy, it’ll be an evening of all around good times. October 2, 9 p.m., Le Divan Orange, $8/$10.
The xx, Warpaint, Zola Jesus
Perhaps the biggest show of the festival, the xx are the kind of band you need to listen to closely to fully appreciate—something that’ll be easy to do in the pristine acoustics of Place des Arts. They were just awarded the Mercury Prize (Britain’s version of the Polaris) for album of the year, so take this opportunity to judge for yourself. Buzz bands Warpaint and Zola Jesus open. October 1, 8 p.m., Place des Arts, $20/$30.
Bonjay
Given that their name is spice island slang for “Good God!” Bonjay’s mix of R&B rhythm, dancehall grooves, and indie aesthetic should come as no great surprise. Born in a basement at Ottawa’s legendary DISORGANIZED parties, this duo has generated a lot of media hype, playing at South by Southwest this year to great acclaim. Pink Skull’s electrofied psychedelia opens. September 30, 9 p.m., Jukebox, $10/$13.
Budos Band
If you’re wondering how funky and soulful this band is, the fact that they’re on Daptone Records (home of Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings) is a pretty good indication. Playing instrumental music combining Ethopian influences with jazz and
afro-beat, these guys know how to get groovy. Dancing shoes are a must. The Sway Machinery and The Youjsh open. October 2, 10:30 p.m., Club L’ambi, $17.
Holy Fuck
Torontonians Holy Fuck make experimental electronic music, sometimes without instruments. Known for using miscellaneous items like toy keyboards and phaser guns to create some of their effects, these guys are also known for their ability to whip up a very sweaty dance party. Seizure-inducing noise rockers Indian Jewelry and the infamous Bad Tits (featuring former Death From Above 1979 drummer Sebastien Grainger) are the opening acts. September 30, 11 p.m., Little Birgundy POP loft, $15
Radio Radio
Fresh from the release of their second album Belmundo Regal, this acclaimed Acadian-French trio was shortlisted for the Polaris Prize this year and nominated for a handful of other awards. On stage, they serve up a mix of electro-pop and bilingual hip-hop. Isis—of Toronto-based electro-hop duo Thunderheist— opens. October 2, 8:45 p.m., Club Soda, $24.83.
Patrick Watson’s Sacred Sunday
What better way to nurse those ringing ears and throbbing heads than to listen to beautiful gospel music played by some of Montreal’s most talented artists? Featuring Patrick Watson, Katie Moore, The Barr Brothers, and others, this is one musical event that can truly be described as ethereal. October 3, 3:30 p.m., Ukranian Federation, PWYC (suggested $15).
Shonen Knife
When you hear that Shonen Knife are an all-girl pop-punk trio formed in Osaka, Japan in 1981, you may be taken aback. But their music is a heady combination of ‘60s Beach Boys pop and early punk acts like the Ramones. Opening are all-girl garage rockers The Peelies, Indonesia’s Malaikat Dan Singa, and Dadaist-influenced Mavo.
September 30, 9:30 p.m., Cabaret Mile-End, $15.
The Dears
The Dears will be playing their new, as-of-yet untitled album in its entirety during a three-night residency at Mission Santa Cruz. Be one of the first people in the world to hear the new material and help a good cause; proceeds from merch sales will go to War Child Montreal. September 29-October 1, 9:30 p.m., Mission Santa Cruz, $15/$20.
Music gets most of the attention at Pop, but there are a multitude of interesting art and film events equally worthy of your time.
Everything Outta Sight
Curated and performed by The Luyas, Everything Outta Sight aims to “create a fictional ecosystem in an audience space to enhance a musical experience, so that life can be beautiful and weird and better than usual.” What exactly does that mean? Who knows? But featuring visual artists, dancers, actors and new music from The Luyas, it’s going to be weird, wild, and most likely wonderful. October 2, 8 p.m. and 11 p.m., Redbird, PWYC (suggested $12).
Look At What The Light Did Now
Making its world premiere at Pop, this documentary chronicles everything surrounding Feist’s mega-successful album The Reminder, from the recording sessions on the outskirts of Paris to the stadium tours that followed its release. Featuring candid interviews with Feist and her many collaborators, Look At What The Light Did Now gives an intimate look into the creative process one of Canada’s most celebrated musicians. September 29, 9 p.m., Ukranian Federation, $8.
No Fun City
A look at Vancouver’s vibrant—if troubled—punk music scene, No Fun City examines those determined to keep underground music alive as they clash with police and city codes. Sticking it to the man has never sounded so good. Featuring interviews with Japandroids, D.O.A., Skinny Puppy, and 3 Inches of Blood. October 2, 8 p.m., Blue Sunshine, Price TBD.
Not So Silent Nights
Silent films have almost always been accompanied by live music, but never quite like this. Featuring live soundtracks from lo-fi, glitchy, electro artists the Montreal Nintendo Orkestar and Grimes, and movies like Haxan: Witchcraft Through the Ages and The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari, this series sounds bizarre and totally entertaining. September 30 (8 p.m.) and October 2 (9:30 p.m.), Studio Off Interarts, PWYC.
The Birth of Art
Concert posters have been around almost as long as there have been concerts, and this exhibition features some of the best. From metal to folk to psychedelic, see new and old works from Dominique Pétrin, Nomn Ryn, Dirty Donny, Day Gristle, Sweet Grognasse, Aimée Van Drimelen, Alan Forbes and Marielyne Tarabulsy. September 29-November 1, Death of Vinyl.
Cheap Thrills
Money a little tight? Fear not, there’s still plenty to do during Pop without lightening your wallet.
If you’re looking for shows, Divan Orange is hosting a series of free afternoon performances Thursday to Saturday, featuring Think About Life (Saturday, 4 p.m.), Oberhofer (Thursday, 4 p.m.), No Joy (Friday, 3 p.m.), Black Feelings (Friday, 4 p.m.), and The Golden Dogs (Saturday, 2 p.m.). Phonopolis will also be holding free shows in its basement on Thursday from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. (Dog Day, Shotgun Jimmie, Baby Eagle, Charlotte Cornfield) and Friday from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. (Braids, Gobble Gobble, Long Long Long, Hunter-Gatherer).
If you’re a budding musician, manager, or just a fan, check out the free conferences happening during the Pop Symposium at Agora. Discover how to improvise Romanian gypsy-style with the Mahala Rai Band (September 29, 2:30-4:30 p.m.), take in composition and arranging tips from the master Van Dyke Parks, who has worked with Brian Wilson and Joanna Newsom (September 20, 1:00-2:30 p.m.), find out what it takes to Make it in Montreal (October 1, 1:00 p.m.), or even how to Get Your Music Played (September 30, 2:30 p.m.). There’s plenty to learn outside of the venue.
