After a much-needed good night’s sleep, I finally felt ready to take on my first full day of FME festivities.
Now that I’ve gotten the feel of the constant daily weather changes of Rouyn-Noranda I felt much more prepared for what lay ahead of me at FME, on this warm day with a cooling breeze.
Lisa LeBlanc
My first stop of the day was the private show of Lisa LeBlanc. I couldn’t catch her show the day prior due to clashing set times. However, I’m thrilled it all worked out in the end as I found myself dancing through her entire set from the second it started.
Following the release of her latest album “Chiac Disco” released in March of this year, her amassed following has only grown stronger.
Known nationally for her over the top enthusiastic “Trash-Folk” performances, it’s no surprise Lisa Leblanc wouldn’t do anything but deliver a fantastic performance.
I have never seen anyone blend folk-rock and disco ever! I was absolutely blown away by her ability to blend these two completely different genres in ways I had never thought of before.
Alongside creating new sounds with synthesisers, a banjo, drums, bass and electric guitar adding punk flavour, I found myself discovering one of my new favourite genres.
Many fan favourites were played such as “5748 km” (which mine as well) and I was lucky enough to get a video capturing the beautiful moment.
At this point it was the hottest time of the day, and it was time for me to find some shade and cool down.
Sarahmée
Next on my list was going to be a big one. Of Senegalese Canadian descent, the iconic Sarahmée.
Upon arriving at the main stage “Scène Videotron”, I found myself almost swimming through bodies who were practically glued to each other. Energy radiating with excitement.
I was blown away by the atmosphere already. As I finally made my way to the barricade, music had already begun, and screams were as amplified as the music playing around me. I believe this was the loudest set of the whole festival, as my ears were ringing for the rest of the night!
With backup dancers @citron_rose and @lilyhxxo (Instagram) supporting her on stage, “Scène Videotron” quickly became the place to be tonight.
Sarahmée left every single person on their feet, entranced, throughout her entire show.
As someone who is still new to understanding French, I found myself dancing just as much as everyone else around me who I knew grew up here.
At that moment I felt even if I couldn’t understand all her lyrics, it didn’t necessarily matter. The way she gives life to her music comes across in a universal language, where everyone can have their own unique perspective, and feel it in harmony alongside everyone around them.
Artists like these are why I love live music so much and am so grateful for these moments. Thank you Sarahmée!
Koriass
Next up was Montréal born artist Koriass.
This was the show where I noticed fans turned the most aggressive.
Prior to the show even starting, arguments and even tears were around me as I thought to myself: “Oh boy! What am I in for?”
Shortly after music started to play, all feelings of uneasiness soon washed away.
Koriass immediately commanded the crowd in crisis from the first beat of a drum, which had everyone bouncing in unison from start to finish.
When Koriass waved to the fans, they waved back.
It was a very wholesome moment for me to witness the harmony amongst fellow concertgoers. That unifying joy that’s almost contagious makes you never want to leave.
It’s been a while since I’ve seen a Hip/Hop artist perform live alongside a full band.
Now that I think about it, I really haven’t seen one before tonight…Thank you Koriass, for reminding us again how Hip/Hop and Rock music go hand in hand.
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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