POP Montreal 2024 | A Bold Fusion of Legends, Rising Stars, and Artistic Innovation

Now in its 23rd year, POP Montreal continues to be a cornerstone for independent music and multidisciplinary arts, carefully curating a lineup that stretches across genres, mediums, and experiences. The festival’s upcoming edition promises the same dedication to fostering genuine artistic connections, blending iconic acts with fresh talent and delivering moments that reflect the city’s vibrant creative energy. Check out the festival’s official playlist here.

Exclusive Performances and Special Collaborations

This year’s Pop Montreal 2024 festival is once again pushing the boundaries of live performance. A highlight of the program is the intimate, secret show by Calexico, offering fans a chance to see the critically acclaimed band in a setting that mirrors the festival’s commitment to close-knit, immersive experiences. These kinds of secret shows have become a signature of POP Montreal, underscoring its aim to bring audiences into unexpected, personal spaces.

Also on the program is an evening under the stars atop the Rialto Theatre, featuring indie-folk icons Basia Bulat, Sheenah Ko, and Begonia. The outdoor performance, surrounded by the charm of Mile End, is expected to be a standout moment of this year’s festival. On a more familial note, Patrick Watson returns with his “Sacred Sunday” performance, reviving a Montreal favourite that hasn’t been seen for over a decade. Offered as part of the Kids POP segment, this free event emphasizes the community focus that’s at the heart of the festival.

More Than Just Music: Film, Art, and Discourse

While music remains at POP Montreal’s core, its programming branches out to celebrate a variety of artistic expressions. This year, Film POP brings the Canadian premiere of Bam Bam: The Sister Nancy Story, a documentary that delves into the life of the pioneering reggae artist. Sister Nancy’s story is a fitting addition to the festival, which has always shone a light on voices that break the mold.

Adding intellectual depth to the festival’s musical offerings, the POP Symposium will host a live-recorded conversation on CBC’s The Bridge, exploring the evolving nature of Canadian music through the discussion What is Canadian Music?. Such conversations are integral to POP Montreal’s ethos, providing a platform to not only experience music but also to critically engage with its cultural significance.

Meanwhile, Art POP will present three new exhibitions, further embedding the visual arts within the festival’s landscape. Complementing these exhibitions is the second edition of the music video showcase, spotlighting collaborations between musicians and filmmakers—another reminder of how the festival thrives on cross-genre, multidisciplinary creativity.

Celebrating Industry Icons and Emerging Talent

POP Montreal’s ability to balance legendary artists with emerging voices is part of what gives the festival its unique energy. Headlining this year are some of the most influential figures across multiple genres. Gospel-folk icon Iris DeMent will take the stage alongside Mannie Fresh, a pioneering figure from Cash Money Records whose production shaped much of 1990s and 2000s hip hop

Electro-hip hop pioneer Egyptian Lover, whose innovations in the genre helped define West Coast soundscapes, will also be performing, as will new-age folk artist Beverly Glenn-Copeland, whose genre-defying work has found renewed relevance in recent years. French new wave legends Edith Nylon round out the list of icons, bringing a classic European post-punk sound to the Montreal stage.

On the other end of the spectrum, the festival is showcasing fresh talent from around the world, with breakout artists like Alice Longyu Gao, Silvana Estrada, and Faux Real. These performances will sit alongside the exciting debut of Skratch Bastid’s BBQ in Montreal, featuring DJ Nu-Mark, offering a more laid-back but sonically rich experience that’s bound to be a crowd favorite.

Showcasing Canada’s Indie Talent

True to its roots, POP Montreal continues to be a platform for Canadian artists, highlighting both established and emerging voices from across the country. Among the Canadian acts to watch this year are Virginie B, launching her new album, and Casey MQ, an acclaimed producer and composer who won a 2022 Canadian Screen Award. Jane Penny, known for her work with TOPS, will make her solo debut, while Montreal’s Ouri brings her cutting-edge electronic sound to the festival.

In addition, the festival has long been a supporter of Canadian indie labels, with showcases from Secret City Records, Paper Bag Records, Mothland, and others. Expect performances from Nap Eyes, Emilie Kahn, Yves Jarvis, and a roster of exciting new talents from across the country.

Opening Night and Closing Celebration

The festival opens on September 25th at Marché des Possibles, with a headlining performance from Arabian Prince, founding member of N.W.A. This opening party will set the tone for five days of genre-bending performances, unique collaborations, and a deep dive into the multifaceted world of independent music.

For the festival’s grand finale, La Route Chante will pay tribute to the late Lhasa de Sela, one of Montreal’s most cherished voices. With guest performances from Calexico, Feist, and Klo Pelgag, the concert promises to be an emotional high point, celebrating both Lhasa’s legacy and the spirit of collaboration that defines POP Montreal.

This year’s edition reflects the festival’s ongoing commitment to authenticity and innovation, creating space for both legends and new voices to be heard. POP Montreal isn’t about spectacle—it’s about real connections, meaningful performances, and a celebration of the full spectrum of artistry.

Don’t forget to book your tickets here!
All show listings and tickets are available at www.popmontreal.com
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