The 23rd edition of POP Montreal wrapped up last week, marking another memorable chapter for the city’s indie music scene. For five days, Montreal’s Mile End transformed into a hub of activity, with over 200 shows spread across 20-plus venues. From intimate dive bars to grand theatres, the festival brought together established favourites and emerging artists, creating a space for music lovers to reconnect with the city’s vibrant cultural landscape.
POP Montreal, often compared to SXSW, offers a wide variety of programming beyond just live music. Alongside concerts, attendees had their pick of film screenings, comedy shows, art exhibitions, and panels covering topics as diverse as the future of independent venues and political issues like Palestine. The festival’s community-oriented events included family-friendly activities and an arts and crafts market hosted in the basement of a local church, adding to the eclectic, grassroots vibe.
The bulk of the action took place in the Mile End and Plateau Mont-Royal neighbourhoods, where iconic venues like L’Esco, Casa del Popolo, and La Sala Rossa hosted shows. Newer spots like Ursa, a cultural space launched by Martha Wainwright in 2019, also featured prominently on the schedule. Le Marché des Possibles, an outdoor stage by the CN railroad, provided an open-air option, while the historic Rialto Theatre served as a central gathering point for festival-goers.
Wednesday 25 September
The first night of POP Montreal was grey and rainy, but despite the weather, plenty of people came out to enjoy the live performances lined up for the festival. La Sotterena was as cozy as ever—dimmed red lighting, some people dancing in front of the stage, and others lounging on the couches, taking it all in. It wasn’t too packed, so there was plenty of room to thrash around to the sweet all-punk/alt-rock lineup.
La Sotterena
Debbie Christ
To get things started at La Sotterena, Montreal-based band Debbie Christ took the stage. They eased the crowd in with one of their slower tracks, which picked up pace halfway through and carried the audience through the rest of their set.
Lead singer Clara O’Page was interactive with the crowd, cracking jokes while tuning their guitar between tracks. The crowd responded enthusiastically, showing that Debbie Christ already had some solid support in attendance.
A few of the songs they performed had satisfying breakdowns that got the crowd moving even more. I enjoyed their set and thought they were a strong choice to kick off the night.
Puberty Well
Next up, we had Puberty Well, another Montreal-based alt-rock band. They wasted no time getting the crowd moving, leaving a great first impression.
Prudence, the lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist, showed off plenty of charisma, earning laughs and cheers as she bantered with the crowd. The band had great chemistry, playing excellently both individually and together.
Their set featured fun, clever songs that made people dance, but there were also moments of vulnerability. Slowing things down, Prudence sang about mental health and love, with her voice bringing a lovely touch of emotion. Lead guitarist Violet also made her mark with expressive solos that were a treat to the ears. Performing looked like second nature to them.
After their set, I had a quick chat with Prudence. She shared that playing at POP Montreal was a dream come true since moving to the city 15 years ago. She was thrilled with their performance and proud of the band’s accomplishments.
We also talked about how busy Puberty Well has been with shows, leaving them little time to work on new material. Prudence is excited to focus on songwriting soon and to record more music with her bandmates. She had me laughing both on stage and during our conversation, and after we swapped our lists of artists we wanted to see at POP MTL, I left feeling refreshed and ready for the next few nights.
SO TIRED
The following set took things in a heavier direction. Toronto’s SO TIRED made a thrilling first impression and kept up the energy throughout.
Bassist and lead vocalist Miranda Marie had a powerful voice that meshed beautifully with her heavy bass and the rest of the band’s grunge noise sound. It was intense and sounded just as good live as it does recorded.
They played fast and tight, clearly well-practiced as a unit. I hope they make it back to Montreal soon; if not, I’d happily make the trip to Toronto to catch them again.
Crachat
Finally, Crachat took the stage, and my friends and I were excited to see if they’d live up to the hype. They did not disappoint. Dressed in hyper-feminine outfits, they shushed the crowd before starting, waiting for complete silence before launching into their set.
This three-piece punk band from Quebec City has a solid following in Montreal’s punk scene. I loved their style, and their infectious stage presence had the crowd moving from the start.
Despite some sound issues at the beginning, Crachat pushed through and delivered a fantastic performance. They played loud, upbeat tracks and interacted with the crowd, showing off their talent and energy. It was a perfect way to close out the night at La Sotterena.
Although the show had wrapped up, my girlfriend and I wanted to catch one more set across the street at Casa Del Popolo, where a sold-out lineup of indie rock bands was playing. After being turned away earlier due to capacity, we managed to get in for the headlining act.
Casa Del Popolo
Laughing
The crowd at Casa Del Popolo was already buzzing with excitement as Laughing took the stage. They opened with a crashing start, drawing everyone in with their warm, indie rock sound.
Throughout their set, the band members swapped lead vocals, adding texture and variety to each song. It was a cozy, lakeside sort of vibe that matched the intimate setting of Casa Del Popolo perfectly.
The crowd was just as passionate, dancing and singing along. It was an interesting contrast to the punk energy of La Sotterena, and experiencing both back-to-back made me excited to keep venue-hopping for the rest of the festival. A successful first night indeed!
Thursday, September 26, 2024
My second night of POP Montreal was packed with a variety of shows at multiple venues. My girlfriend and I took our bikes this time, but unfortunately, my old bike has all sorts of issues with its gears, so the ride was quite difficult.
We didn’t let it get us down, though. We persevered and had a fantastic time!
MDP sur de Gaspé – Nomadic Massive
Our first stop for the night was the outdoor Nomadic Massive show, and I mean it when I say that their performance was the perfect start to the evening. The set started strong, with people dancing instantly, as if pulled by the groovy sounds coming from the stage.
Nomadic Massive has a lot of talent. They brought along a few backup singers, brass instruments like a trombone, and of course, keys, drums, electric bass, and guitar. The flow as each member rapped along to the beat was incredible—a hip-hop group I could seriously get behind.
There was a solid turnout, including quite a few families, with kids running around playing. I love a good outdoor show. It never gets too hot and stuffy, and there’s plenty of room to dance along to the music. And Nomadic Massive is certainly a group that’ll get you moving. Their set was electric, full of life, and brought my spirits back up after a rough bike ride!
We made our way to St. Laurent Boulevard for the next artist on our list. Along the way, we passed plenty of people walking or biking, all determined to get to their destinations. I felt a rush of excitement and gratitude. I’ve attended POP Montreal shows in the past, but having the chance to review these shows feels like such a privilege. Sharing the experience of dashing from venue to venue with someone special makes it all the more thrilling.
Le Ministère – Emilie Kahn
By the time we arrived at Le Ministère, Emilie Kahn was already on stage with her massive harp, joined by a clarinet player and a synth player. The room felt serene, drenched in calm as Emilie’s ethereal harp playing filled the space.
Between songs, Emilie was funny and chatty with the audience. She shared stories about what she was going through while writing certain songs and even told the crowd she’d worked coat check at Le Ministère five years ago. She had the crowd in the palm of her hand, and I, for one, didn’t mind at all.
Her voice was incredible, as if destined to pair with the harp. I loved every moment of her set, and judging by the whispers of praise around me, the rest of the crowd did too. It was one of those performances that had me fixated on the stage in amazement. I’d never heard a harp played live before, and I’m so glad my first experience was Emilie Kahn.
Fernie
After a quick pizza break, we headed back to Le Ministère for the headliner, Fernie. The moment he stepped on stage, he oozed charisma. His connection with the crowd was immediate, growing tenfold as soon as he started to sing.
With a three-piece band by his side, Fernie had the crowd moving to his upbeat tracks, encouraging everyone to dance along. There were so many things to love about this performance—the mixing was perfect, everything sounded smooth, and the lighting set the right mood for each song. Fernie’s band members were incredibly talented, too.
His vocal range blew me away. He hit notes I could never dream of reaching, all while moving energetically around the stage. His setlist was varied, filled with songs about love, heartbreak, and friendship, and his lyrics felt earnest and true.
He mentioned his upcoming EP, Hopeless Dreams, set to release next year. Fernie looked completely at home on stage. He interacted effortlessly with the crowd, making us laugh multiple times. His personality shone through his performance, and his talent was evident throughout. With a soulful sound and a touch of RnB, I enjoyed every moment of his show.
So far, our night was filled with incredible Montreal talent. But it wasn’t over yet! We had one more artist to see, and just from listening to a few of their released songs, I knew I’d be hooked. I wasn’t wrong.
Casa Del Popolo – Rosario Cameleon
Ending our night with Rosario Cameleon was absolutely the right choice. Rosario, an electronic artist, blew me away. Dressed all in white with bunny ears on top of their head and towering white high-heeled boots, their presence was unforgettable.
The vibe in the room was the kind you’d find at any good queer nightlife event—sexy, with heavy bass beats and catchy lyrics. The crowd ate up everything Rosario did, whether it was striking poses to the beat or slurping water into the mic for all to hear. The energy they brought to the stage was electric.
Behind them, a white sheet projected wild visuals, perfectly matching the crunchy sound of their music. Rosario’s style is hard to describe—think house, pop, and experimental underground vibes all blended together. Call it what you will; their sound is intriguing, and I’m definitely a fan.
After a fun night of dancing, I hopped back on my beat-up bike, and we coasted downhill all the way home. We were exhausted from the night’s adventures, yet totally satisfied from the Montreal artists we got to experience in just one night. The only downside was realizing my bike’s truly busted, but other than that, it was another successful POP Montreal night.
Friday, September 27, 2024
My last night free to cover POP Montreal. As sad as I was, I had a big night ahead of me filled with great music and excellent performances. To get the night started on a real groovy note, we went back to MDP sur de Gaspé.
MDP sur de Gaspé
Los Bitchos
As soon as the members of Los Bitchos graced the stage, we were all met with a “fuck off” attitude by lead guitarist Serra that I instantly loved. Each member was dressed in their own unique style, giving a hint at their individual personalities. After a quick introduction, they jumped right into their set, showing the audience their insane talents.
They have a real surfer, beachy kind of sound. They have no need for lyrics, instead focusing on creating super fun compositions with a variety of percussion tools, sweet guitar solos, and the occasional “hey!” that are sure to get you dancing and having a great time.
Los Bitchos told the crowd that this was their first time playing in all of Canada. From the looks of it, I think they had a great time performing here in Montreal. Their skills and personalities shone through their performance, making this show a fantastic start to an eventful night.
L’Hemisphere Gauche
Dead Gowns
Once we entered L’Hemisphere Gauche, we were instantly greeted with a heavenly voice singing of self-discovery, accompanied by a band of electric bass, a lap steel guitar, and soft drums. Their folk sound pulled me in so quickly. I felt a sense of nostalgia, even though this was my first time seeing Dead Gowns perform. Maybe it’s because her voice reminds me a bit of Angel Olsen.
Lead singer and guitarist Genevieve Beaudoin shared sweet banter with the small crowd there to see her band play. She told stories about her inspirations, like how she drove to Montreal from Portland, Maine, during a snowstorm when she was 18 and miraculously made it safely. She had such a sweet and genuine way of speaking that I clung to her words, hoping Dead Gowns’ set would never end.
Fyore
Again, I found myself immediately drawn in by another incredibly lovely voice. Fyore and her band produced an excellent and interesting sound, textured by multiple percussion instruments, including a djembe, a hand drum, a shaker, and a rain stick. Her set also featured a pianist, a bassist playing both electric and upright, and an electric ukulele played by Fyore herself.
She has incredible song structure and a unique vision that lands perfectly, both recorded and live. Fyore explained that she’s been connecting with her Togolese heritage, incorporating traditional Togo elements into her music, and even writing songs about the rituals they perform upon reaching adulthood.
Fyore’s set was beautiful in every way. She doesn’t have much music released yet, but an EP is coming soon. I’d keep an eye out for her work because it’s going to be amazing.
After some really chill and pleasingly tranquil sets, it was time to turn up the party vibe, and I had two artists in mind who were perfect for just that. I was so excited to see these next two acts, and nothing was gonna stop me!
Rialto Piccolo
THOT SQUAD
Up first for this lineup was the iconic THOT SQUAD, known for her giant wigs and super high energy. She got the small crowd in Rialto’s basement hyped up and moving. Her clever lyrics and catchy, bass-heavy beats instantly got my full attention.
I love how she exaggerates her voice while rapping—she really reminds me of Cupcakke, using her aggression and voice to her advantage. She was also hilarious whenever she addressed the audience, making everyone laugh with her quick wit.
Her talent was crystal clear throughout her entire set. THOT SQUAD made sure her performance would be remembered by teaching the crowd the chorus to her last song and asking us to act like we were seeing Beyoncé—or Celine Dion, since we’re in Quebec. Her set exceeded my expectations, and I hope to see her perform again soon!
Sydanie
Here from Toronto was the beautiful Sydanie, ready to show Montreal what she had in store. And let me tell you, she absolutely delivered. Her flow and rapping capabilities were unmatched, and she played an amazing set.
Her personality was infectious, and she made it her mission to have a great time. She demanded we clap along to multiple songs and wouldn’t let us stop! The crowd did exactly what she asked for; everyone’s attention was locked on her.
Sydanie let her audience know how much love she has for Montreal. She alone could squash the beef between Montreal and Toronto, and I firmly believe that. “Everyone knows Toronto has the bodies, but MTL has the vibes!” she exclaimed, earning adoring cheers. She also shared how playing shows in Montreal helped her feel confident enough to perform outside her city, as our crowds are very welcoming. Her love for Montreal’s crowd was obvious and returned tenfold.
Her energy while performing was incredibly intriguing. Sydanie is easily loveable, and her charisma when talking to her audience was admirable. I’ve definitely fallen in love with her as an artist and wished her time on stage could have lasted longer. Check out her music! Her house/ravey beats and songwriting talents are sure to keep you energized.
Unfortunately, that brings my POP Montreal experience to an end. I had an amazing time discovering new artists and getting to see venues I’d never been to before. If I get the chance to cover this festival next year, I’ll be sure to have a working bicycle—and more time for the entire event!
Jamie Siddall
Saturday 28 September
Bob Vylan + Jigsaw Youth @ Bar Le Ritz PDB
Coming fresh off their sets at Louder Than Life, one of my favourite American rock festivals, UK Afropunk duo Bob Vylan and grunge rockers Jigsaw Youth found their way north of the border for POP Montreal. Another festival, but one that I can only imagine provided a wildly different experience than an open-air festival in Kentucky could.
As I walked into the venue, I was immediately greeted by the sight of Bob Vylan’s two members selling their own merch at the booth. I knew I was in for an intimate show. New York’s Jigsaw Youth was the sole opener at Bar Le Ritz that night. Their guitar-driven hard rock sound was a great tone-setter. The contrast in singer/bassist Maria Alvarez’s and guitarist Nastacha Beck’s vocal timbres was striking, giving each of their songs a distinct personality. It was a refreshing, yet familiar sound—something that could have hit radio success a few decades ago, with enough of a larger-than-life personality to scare your parents.
Jigsaw Youth’s set got a few people moving, which certainly carried through to Bob Vylan’s set, largely thanks to the band kicking off with some stretches. The heavy music was back in full swing before too long. Every politically-charged set of lyrics was met with an equally engaging tangent between songs. Government corruption, class struggle, and the cost of living were all topics touched on in that short set. It felt unifying, as the ripples of these issues are felt all over the world—from our homes and communities to the punk venue walls.
As a punk duo consisting of a drummer and a vocalist, Bob Vylan heavily relies on backing tracks for their signature sound to be full and aggressive enough to hammer the messages home. This is one of my biggest gripes in live music; if I hear a gnarly guitar riff, I want to see a guitar being played. However, no one in that room can claim that an absence of band members equated to an absence of energy. Frontman Bobby Vylan stood tall, parading around the largely empty stage and throwing himself down into the crowd to mosh with us a few times over.
A personal favourite moment was before kicking into He’s A Man, a satire on toxic masculinity. Bobby invited every woman and non-binary person to the front for their own mosh pit. They happily obliged, while men stood to the side as we joined the band in poking fun at the types of men who wouldn’t have let them have their moment. Bobby engaged with the crowd in more ways than one, making us feel part of something greater than ourselves.
An easy highlight was during their set closer, Wicked & Bad, when Bobby pointed out the size of the venue, the lack of a barricade, and the single security officer standing off to the side. He then invited everyone interested in rushing the stage to join them. A few dozen people happily obliged, singing, dancing, and ending the night with an unforgettable experience.
Just like that, they were done by 9:30 p.m. As one of my favourite musical finds of the last couple of years, and with a few solid albums under their belt, a 45-minute headlining set had me wishing for more. Thankfully, Bob Vylan’s new visas permit them to play in the country for the next three years. Here’s to hoping they hurry back soon.
Mathieu Perrier
Despite its undeniable charm, POP Montreal faced a familiar challenge: scheduling conflicts. With so many acts across multiple venues, choices often had to be made, leaving attendees to prioritize some performances over others. The issue was particularly evident on Friday and Saturday nights when overlapping sets forced tough decisions. In a festival as densely packed as POP, however, such conflicts may simply come with the territory.
Unlike major festivals like Osheaga or the Montreal International Jazz Festival, which draw significant media attention and tourism dollars, POP Montreal remains a more authentic reflection of the city’s music scene. Montreal’s underground venues have taken some hits in recent years—closures of spots like La Tulipe, Le Divan Orange, and Café Le Cagibi signal ongoing challenges. Yet, the resilience of the city’s indie scene is palpable. POP Montreal showcases not just the acts themselves but the city’s tenacious commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive arts culture.
With an array of events and a lineup that spanned genres, POP Montreal proved once again why it’s a staple for locals and a hidden gem for visitors—a testament to the city’s unwavering indie spirit.
Photos – Steve Gerrard
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