What's Cool at POP Montreal 2023

It’s the time of year where we get on our BIXIs and bike as fast as possible, to as many shows as possible, in the Mile End and Plateau. POP Montreal has begun! As we rip around the festival once again, we thought we’d share our list of must-see acts with the general public, accompanied by a curated playlist, of course. 

Check out our top POP Montreal 2023 top picks, and grab your tickets to the festival below.

Wednesday, September 27th 

POP Montreal Opening Party

Starting off strong, AWAL is presenting POP Montreal’s FREE opening party this year. Emma Beko will be DJing, alongside sets from Planet Giza and Jesse Futerman from 5PM-8PM. 

Dresser will be opening for Islands, alongside Blurry at La Sotterenea. Expect lyrically-locused art-rock and a caring crowd vibe. 

Contending for the craziest combination of band names on one bill, Hot Garbage are expected to get grungy with Frankie and the Witch Fingers, and Iguana Death Cult. There will be no iguanas, but there will be dark post-punk and motorik krautrock tunes shining through the evening for you to mosh to.

Possibly Montreal’s greatest popstars, Fireball Kid and Ura Star, will be sharing the Diving Bell Stage with Crushhh, Sahati, and Stepahnie Frances Lawrence. They’re the best friends you’ve always dreamed of, and they’ll be sure to get you grooving with their starry-eyed pop.

Thursday, September 28th 

Recent guests of the Also Cool Sounds Like podcast, OMBIIGIZI plays La Sotterenea, alongside Pony Girl, blackwinterwells and MAGELLA. Listen to our interview with OMBIIGIZI (hosted by Tash of Love Language, who is also playing POP), here! 

Sasha Cay celebrates the launch of her album Spin, with Sunforger, SAMWOY, and Alphonse Bisaillon at l’Escogriffe Bar Spectacle. “Spin took form in two stilted and warped years, heavy with this profound seasickness of being both empty and full,” says Cay. Listen to Also Cool’s interview with Cay on our podcast, Also Cool Sounds Like.

If you’re looking for your indie pop fix, Men I Trust will be playing the first of several shows with Twin Shadow at MTELUS. Easy to love, and perfect to bring a cute date to, doors open at 8:30PM. 

Friday, September 29th 

Montreal’s TikTok sweetheart Emilie Kahn will be singing her heartfelt songs at Le Quai des Brumes, with POSTDATA, Yawn, and Isaac Vallentin. For fans of  Olivia Rodrigo, Lana Del Rey, and the act of transforming your heartbreak into something beautiful. 

The love child of Lily Allen and Ashnikko, and a TikTok star in her own right, Madelline is hitting the stage this Friday at Le Ministère. She’ll be playing with a few friends of Also Cool, including Lola 1:2 and Pretty Privilege, as well as Benja and 8485.

Karma Glider will be headlining an incredibly stacked show at l’Escogriffe Bar Spectacle, rocking with Mother Tongues, Nyssa, and Alix Fernz (FKA BloodSkin). We were lucky to catch Karma Glider play at FME, backlit by a beautiful sunset, and look forward to watching them rock again.

Closing out Saturday night, Sled Island takes over Piccolo Rialto with a rambunctious lineup. Headlining is New York’s brazen alt-rap princess, Junglepussy, along with Montreal’s own daring lyricist Fraud Perry. Twirling humour and truth between their hard-hitting flows, these two commanding forces in contemporary hip-hop guarantee a fiery performance that’s not to be missed.   

Saturday, September 30th 

Is it any surprise that we’re excited for La Sécurité’s set yet again? They’ll be playing an early show at L’Entrepôt77 with Pypy, Barber for the Queen, Love Language, Worry, Thunder Queens, and Doctor Mother Father.

Saturday evening, Hand Habits graces the Rialto Hall with their delicate devotional-folk. The project is the brainchild of Los Angeles-based Meg Duffy, who’s latest album, Sugar the Bruise, saw the musician’s Americana-leaning songwriting emboldened to new frontiers. 

Saturday night promises an all-star lineup. Get ready to rally and hit Espace Sans Luxe for an energetic blend of hyper and glitch pop from Montreal dancefloor royalty Sarah Feldman and Sam Blake, joined by Los Angeles’ Ravenna Golden, with deck takeovers from local DJs Digital Polyglot and Destiny. Grab a yerba mate and you’re set, doors are at 10:30PM.  

Sunday, October 1st 
Midday gig at L’Entrepôt77? Count us in. Hometown hero Gayance will get the blood flowing with her jazz-infused house, joined by Ukranian electro-pop trio Balaklava Blues. Listen to the Also Cool Sounds Like episode featuring Gayance here.

Montreal singer-songwriter Vanille illuminates La Sala Rossa Monday evening with her sunny pairing of 60s folk and French chanson. Her most recent album, La clairière (arriving this past February via Bonbonbon), invites a dreamlike atmosphere, “decorated with lush arrangements and timeless melodies.” 

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POP Montreal

Tickets

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2022 in Review (Also Cool's Top Albums)

Illustration by Malaika Astorga

Sounds Cool 2022 (Also Cool’s Top Albums)

Alvvays - Blue Rev (Polyvinyl / Transgressive / Celsius Girls)

“These are 14 zippy songs that echo in your brain long after they end, largely thanks to the group's ability to repeatedly knock reliable song machinery into a woozy disequilibrium.” — Jacob Ganz, NPR

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Born At Midnite - Alternity EP (Arbutus Records)

“Born At Midnite show the range of their DIY stylings with ‘Alternity’, incorporating an invigorating drum beat alongside bouncing neon synths and slick guitar licks to create a stylish, swaggering whole. It’s the perfect setting for this tale of a high-class party, where everyone’s wearing designer clothes and bopping around in this rarified social strata.” — Rob H., Beats Per Minute

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Boyhood - My Dread

“Stroke It” on Also Cool’s Playlist Refresh (June 24th, 2022)

“Central Frontenac’s Caylie Runciman—AKA Boyhood— has recently shared ‘Stroke It’, the second single from her upcoming album My Dread. Complete with Runciman’s signature contemplative instrumentation and frank delivery, ‘Stroke It’ indicates a deepened confidence in her artistic stride.”

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Cola - Deep In View (Fire Talk)

Interview with Cola by Zoë Argiropulos-Hunter (May 17th, 2022)

“Rather, Deep In View relishes in poetic revelations in a era of lukewarm takes. With an observational tone akin to David Byrne’s commanding Talking Heads personas, coupled with direct, yet animated, guitar-bass-drum arrangements reminiscent of early works by The Strokes, Cola strikes political conversation on modern life with refreshing sincerity.”

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DR. GABBA - Planet Piano

Review of DR. GABBA’S “MAGIC RIDER” by Malaika Astorga (May 5th, 2022)

We discovered DR. GABBA earlier this year when the Tiktok algorithm gods were feeling particularly generous. The anonymous space doctor pairs old-school video game graphics with bouncy, synth-heavy beats, which he used to roll out his 2022 album Planet Piano. "Plasma" and "Googoo Lagoon" were the standout tracks that took the algorithm by storm, but "Sunday 2pm" was our personal favourite. DR. GABBA has since gone on to play his first live show with non-other than Montreal electro-sweethearts Blue Hawaii in Los Angeles and will hopefully be blessing us with another synthy space journey sometime soon.

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Dry Cleaning - Stumpwork (4AD)

“It’s post-punk but also incandescent slow rock; it’s hardcore vandalized with Dadaist-diary meditations; it’s cold and moody but also lush and friendly, alternately borderline industrial noise or dream pop.” — Kieran Press-Reynolds, Pitchfork

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Gloin - We Found This (Mothland)

Interview with Gloin by Holly Hilts (November 24th, 2022)

“While their 2019 album Soft Monster was loaded with head-bangers, there are some more soothing rhythms on We Found This, always with some level of distortion and dark underbelly (a Gloin signature).”

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Grim Streaker - MIND (Mothland)

Grim Streaker featured in Also Cool’s FME 20th Anniversary Top Picks (August 30th, 2022)

“Brooklyn’s Grim Streaker sport weirdo sing-talk rock that you cannot help but bop to. Their latest album MIND is described as ‘a surreal, subversive world of four songs that reflects on the current state of mental health, laughable social constructs and the inescapable working grind.’”

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Imogen Heap - Chordata Bytes I (Megaphonic Records)

“Heap helped define the popular soundtrack of the early 2000s. Her solo work and sole album as a part of the electronic duo Frou Frou have become touchstones for the millennials who grew up hearing Heap’s otherworldly, oft-modulated vocals on-screen. Now 44, the pop innovator continually resurfaces as a point of inspiration.” — Cat Zhang, Pitchfork

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Isabella Lovestory - Amor Hardcore

Isabella Lovestory is a perfect balance of sexy bitchiness and everything we love about reggaeton. Her 2022 album Amor Harcore took Montreal's perrero princess to new heights this year, with countless shows across the globe, including some memorable shows in her hometown. It's an album to pre before a night out with your besties or blast while you get over your ex.

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The Linda Lindas - Growing Up (Epitaph Records)

The Linda Lindas’ POP Montreal show review by Rebecca L. Judd (October 8th, 2022)

“The friendship between the four teens was palpable, and their appreciation for punk rock and its motifs of eccentricity lit the stage the whole night through. Between coordinated sways and jittering struts, the group carried themselves with carefree coolness that felt easy to absorb.”

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Magi Merlin - Gone Girl (Bonsound)

Magi Merlin comes into herself and her sound with her explosive 2022 album, created in collaboration with her longtime friend, Funkywhat. Using themes of rage, raving, and ultimate self-expression, Magi hit the ground running with this release, launching herself across international stages for much of the year.

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Maryze - 8

Review of “Experiments” by Malaika Astorga (March 7th, 2022)

“Inspired by her Celtic roots, years of studying jazz, and a healthy obsession with emo as a teenager, Maryze's music transcends genre while still providing one hook after the other.”

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MICHELLE - AFTER DINNER WE TALK DREAMS (Transgressive)

“Much like its predecessor, the record sees each member narrate not only their own vulnerability, but that of their bandmates, encouraging survival and self-improvement over group harmonies and striking pop choruses. Their liberation is individual and universal at once.” — Sophie Williams, NME

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Eliza Niemi - Staying Mellow Blows (Vain Mina / Tin Angel Records)

Interview with Eliza Niemi by Zoë Argiropulos-Hunter (August 4th, 2022)

“Between cello musings, folk experimentations and modular synth flirtations is Niemi’s most bountiful collaboration to date—a testament to her talent and creative kinship.”

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OMBIIGIZI - Sewn Back Together (Arts & Crafts)

Interview with OMBIIGIZI by Zoë Argiropulos-Hunter (October 1st, 2022)

“Through its exploration of both individual and collective identity, Sewn Back Together reckons with the realities of generational trauma, guided by familial teachings and a connection between Monkman and Sturgeon that transcends their collaborative brilliance.”

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PACKS - WOAH (Fire Talk, Royal Mountain Records)

PACKS featured in Also Cool’s 2022 POP Montreal Top Picks

“Accompanied by an acoustic guitar, WOAH has Link returning to her solo, unbrushed songwriting roots with a refined lyrical palette and imaginative composition (and an ode to Ottawa commercial radio on the track ‘fm’).”

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Shallowhalo - No Fun

“Yesterday’s Toy” on Also Cool’s Playlist Refresh (June 24th, 2022)

“Shallowhalo, NYC’s resident sparkly synth royalty, recently released their no-skip album No Fun—and ‘Yesterday’s Toy’ has been on repeat since the drop. For fans of Strawberry Switchblade, Kate Bush, and Cleaners from Venus, the track is a shimmering cascade of sound perfect for your summer playlist.”

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SZA - SOS (Top Dawg / RCA)

“SZA has mastered the art of the inner monologue, transforming deeply personal observations into gilded songs that feel intimate, relatable, and untouchable, all at once.” — Julianne Escobedo Shepherd, Pitchfork

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Wombo - Fairy Rust

Released in the summer of 2022, Wombo's Fairy Rust has stayed on our daily playlists ever since. "Regular Demon" was an instant favourite, combining spooky sounds, slightly cryptic lyrics, and an elevated postpunk sound. Other Also Cool favourites from the album include "Sour Sun," "Below the House," and "RVW."

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Listen to our year in review below!

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Homework, Cats, and Rock'n'Roll: An Unforgettable Evening with the Linda Lindas (POP Montreal)

The Linda Lindas by Zac Farro

Festival season in the city carries a potent charm, as it dusts its magic over sticky bar floors and croaking choruses. The venue-hopping antics of last weekend’s POP Montreal returned with a particular fervour, highlighting a stellar showcase of industry fixations both emerging and established. Among these acts were the Linda Lindas – the LA teen punks whose rise to the top has warmed hearts around the world.

As I stomped into Theatre Rialto for their headlining show, my first realization was the number of kids anxiously awaiting the group. This was not a surprise, necessarily, but more of an endearing reassurance; an element that would reinforce itself throughout the show was the Linda Lindas’ earnest awareness of their fanbase’s vast demographics. The show felt like a safe space for fans of all stripes – a place to indulge one’s wildest musical fantasies and learn what’s possible in the world of rock.

From that first note of “Linda Linda,” the band emanated rays of remarkably-infectious confidence. “I want you all to scream as loud as you can,” commanded guitarist-vocalist Bela Salazar, moments before vibrantly flailing during a strobey instrumental break. “I want us to get kicked out of the frickin’ venue.” The friendship between the four teens was palpable, and their appreciation for punk rock and its motifs of eccentricity lit the stage the whole night. Between coordinated sways and jittering struts, the group carried themselves with coolness that felt easy to absorb.

Eloise Wong, Bela Salazar, and Mila de la Garza of the Linda Lindas

Mila de la Garza and Bela Salazar of the Linda Lindas

What arguably felt coolest of all, however, was the Linda Lindas’ youthful sincerity. Guitarist-vocalist Lucia de la Garza rambled about homework with a shyness that felt all too familiar, and Salazar shared two goofy bangers about her beloved cats Nino and Monica. The Linda Lindas are nobody but themselves—Riot Grrrl apostles waiting on high school diplomas—and their authenticity made even the small talk about Montreal’s chilly weather feel charming.

The show came to a close with two numbers that shook the walls. “Racist, Sexist Boy” has garnered pandemic infamy with its rendition at the LA Public Library, but its disparaging grit hit Rialto with an authoritative new sheen. The audience kicked and screamed with bassist-vocalist Eloise Wong and drummer-vocalist Mila de la Garza as everyone slayed their own visions of racist, sexist boys. Closing out the show was a cover of Bikini Kill’s “Rebel Girl”, a mainstay of their shows that made it all the way to Amy Poehler’s film MOXIE!. Wong’s sheer joy in relaying the lyrics hit every heart in the venue. I found myself humming the song and reliving my own memories—juvenile cruises in my high school car, which I named after Kathleen Hanna—the whole way to the Diving Bell.

When the show wrapped, myself and many others lingered to reckon with the force of what we just heard. Gathered at the stage’s edge were many of those same kids, hoping for one last memory of their heroes before they jetted back Stateside. I smiled at one girl’s “Vive les Linda Lindas” sign, which made it onto the stage (with the band’s genuine appreciation) sometime in the evening. Another beret-capped girl was still glowing, swarmed by her friends to touch the guitar pick that Salazar handed her near the end of the night. As the four musicians waved their final goodbyes, Mila de la Garza asked Salazar which child made the “Vive les Linda Lindas” sign. Salazar pointed, and the duo smiled and waved. The pure hope and the punk rock fire in that preteen fan’s soul—two sensations that the Linda Lindas have proven can be compatible—surely never glowed quite as bright.

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The Linda Lindas

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Rebecca Judd is the features editor of Also Cool Mag.

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