Montreal’s Femme Community Shows Up▪

I’ve been asking for years and finally the universe has answered. Thanks to founders Ash Lex and Derek Wiltshire 3F:Festival Femmes Fatales kicked off it’s first edition of their women’s music festival on June 19 and 20th and it rocked.

I attended both nights because I had never seen any of the bands before and I didn’t want to miss the chance to discover new music. There were so many diverse artists with different styles but their overall message was the same. There was no ego or stealing the spotlight. Le P’tit Ours was a safe haven of ridiculously talented musicians, sharing their voices and talent for a very special cause that is very close to my heart.

From the moment I walked in, although I didn’t know anyone, I was greeted so warmly that I immediately felt like I belonged. Which is basically the point. The goal of 3F is visibility and normalization of women and femme artists.

Opening the first night was Montreal folk singer-songwriter Ema Jean, who quickly won me over with her sweet, folksy vibe and delightfully dark humour. If you’re a fan of Suzanne Vega or Joni Mitchell check her out.

I was not ready for what came next. Three stunning statuesque women got onto the stage, plugged in their equipment, smiled sweetly, and then almost blew the roof off of Le P’tit Ours. Death Proof came to kill and they came prepared. There was a complimentary bowl of earplugs on the table by the front door which was greatly appreciated. I’ve never seen three women play so loud and so hard in all my life and I was at L.A WITCH a few weeks ago. At one point lead vocalist Stephanie asked the crowd if we ever had some days where we felt feminine rage. I could not help but blurt out “not some days, every day!” Not realizing how loud I said it… Probably because of my earplugs. I glanced around the crowd everybody laughed. That was one of my favourite moments.

Black Magic closed the night with some fantastic energy. Guitarist Aldo really captured the essence of surfer rock with their cover of The Ventures Walk Don’t Run. And they did a groovy Beggin (The Four Seasons). They also played some original songs like Midnight In LA which was bilingual. Lead vocalist/bassist Leanne’s vibe was as bubbly as the Prosecco she was sipping as she raised her glass to cheer the crowd in between songs. It felt like a party and it was a great way to end the night.

I almost didn’t make it to the second night due to heavy rains, and unfortunately I missed Rachel Dara’s performance. I did manage to catch the alternative all-women band Those Trees. It was a real joy to watch them because they played with so much heart. They exuded so much warmth as they smiled at each other, creating a feeling of powerful sisterhood. I loved Anne Marie’s vocals and intensity, especially on Safe Inside.

Ash Lex and her band closed the festival, playing original songs and punk covers like Rebel Girl. Jumping into the crowd, dancing with fervour in her FEMINIST tank top, and wild, curly hair flying into her face. Representing all that is wild and feminine and fearless and beautiful.

“I’ve seen dank rock-bro clubs become bright parties where girls and gay kids and misfits danced together in a sea of freedom and joy” Kathleen Hanna

What stayed with me most of all from 3F, wasn’t about the music. It was the connection I felt sharing a space where we all belonged and felt safe to be ourselves. At one point the club got really loud and hot, so I stepped out to get some air. Anne Marie from Those Trees was there alone and I asked if she was ok. We just started talking and then she told me about her daughter and showed me a photo on her phone. Anne Marie’s blue eyes sparkled when she spoke about her. And I knew exactly how she felt.