I’ve experienced my first 2 full days of FME and I am so disappointed in myself for not knowing about this fabulous event sooner!! I never would have thought such a small town could be one of the hottest attractions of the summer.
That being said, I have lived in big cities my whole life, and this was a completely new experience for me that I will cherish forever.
Day 3 was probably my favourite day of the whole festival as Electronic music soared through the “Scène Videotron”.
One of my most beloved electronic artists in the whole world was playing tonight: The fabulous CRi.
I first saw him live at this year’s “Montreal International Jazz Festival” and from that moment on I was hooked. I couldn’t be more excited for round 2.
When I found out he was sharing the stage alongside Latvian legend Elizabete Balčus and headliner Animal Collective, I knew this was going to be the most memorable night.
Elizabete Balčus
I arrived at “Scéne Videotron” early to claim a barricade spot, just in time for the incredible Elizabete Balčus.
There truly is nobody else doing exactly what Elizabete Balčus is doing right now, combining sounds of “Techno”, “Dream-Pop”, the Classical Flute, Opera and Fruit-Synthesizers all in one.
She is truly a combination I would never have envisioned so carefully orchestrated before. I was absolutely mesmerized by her from start to finish.
By the end of her set, I felt a bit sad as I never wanted it to end. Watching her perform felt as if I had traveled a time-warp through space, to my childhood, saying a quick hello to “Veggie Tales” on the way.
Elizabete Balčus is definitely the next emerging artist to watch out for, and was one of my highlighted takeaways from this weekend as well as one of my new favourite style icons!
I couldn’t help myself but gasp at her matching boots and head piece. I would absolutely wear those to any grocery store, day or night.
As her set ended, I then realized I had the perfect barricade spot. Well, I guess I was stuck here for the night in the most enthusiastic way possible!
CRi
Up next was CRi, my personal favourite performance of the night and I could not have been more excited for the bag of tricks he had in store for us.
From the moment CRi took the stage, it was pure bliss.
Every time I’ve seen him perform, he is always just so happy to be there. Consistently, from start to finish, he always has everyone dancing and begging for more.
He is always dancing just as much as everyone else if not more and tonight was no different.
From the moment his set started, the crowd erupted in cheers and so did I. I would be lying if I didn’t say I was definitely one of the loudest at the barricade!
Right when I was thinking about how this set could not get any better than this, Sophia Bel bounced on stage, in Doc Martens with alternating orange and yellow coloured shoelaces. My ears quickly became useless at that point as high-pitched screams and squeals echoed behind me. Sophia Bel had arrived.
She performed the hit song “Me and My Friends” alongside CRi, as well as many others.
Her performance was sweet and sensual, the type of emotion portrayed that could almost make you cry…literally crying in the club, with some extra punk spice on the side.
Next up in CRi’s bag of tricks was Jesse Mac Cormack, long-time best friend and the energy was definitely there on stage between the two.
My favourite moment was when they were both on the synthesizers. It captured a very special moment that only those who were there will truly know what it felt like.
They played hit songs together “Never Really Get There” and “Faces”.
At last, the final show of the night was near, as well as the freezing cold temperature that I was not prepared for once again.
However, Animal Collective was up next, and I still had the perfect spot. I absolutely could not move now.
Animal Collective
Soon the lights quickly changed from CRi’s dimly lit stage set up, and smoothly transitioned into a warm array of pink and orange hues. With the fluorescent zebra and tiger prints echoing off the main stage screen, I knew that it was time for Animal Collective.
The beautiful hour-long set intertwined each song into what felt like a psychedelic journey.
At this point in my night, it was pushing 4 degrees and I was in a t-shirt, so the constant movement really helped me last throughout the whole show.
One of the key points that struck me was when bandmate Geologist was playing an instrument that reminded me of the inside of a jewelry box I used to have as a little kid. I’m not sure what it was called, however I quite enjoyed its unique sound which added to Animal Collective’s funky, one of a kind tune, where all sounds blend together in harmony.
Fans were dancing and jumping all around me, many who came from long distances just to see Animal Collective.
Prior to today, I hadn’t grow up with exposure to this fantastic artist. However, I found myself dancing just as much as everyone else around me, especially when they played “In The Flowers” which had everyone jumping together in unison.
Unfortunately, the set came to an end. I immediately felt calmer, and more at peace with myself. I have never left a concert before feeling the pure bliss Animal Collective created for us on stage.
Fans were hollering “Encore!” for far longer than 10 minutes straight. Doing so in temperatures pushing 0 degree at this point. I was absolutely frozen, still in my t-shirt I might add…but it was worth it!
Writer: Rachel Billings is a passionate live music lover and barrier warrior, who is always front & centre of the action. Follow her on Instagram.
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