We gave you our guide to one of Canada’s biggest festivals in Osheaga a few weeks back and while that’s a spectacle you shouldn’t miss, there are few better ways to experience the city’s music scene than Pop Montreal.
Situated across 50 plus different venues for five days punters have the opportunity to witness local and international acts in Montreal’s best music environments.
Since its inception in 2002, Pop Montreal has grown to include over 400 acts and a variety of other activities and exhibitions (which you can read about below) to around 50,000 people. Its influence and audience has become so large the tag “underground” might seem a little off, but undeniably the event showcases non-mainstream arts and ideas.
In the past it has mixed both cult and big alternative acts like Beck, Interpol, Franz Ferdinand, The Unicorns, Arcade Fire and The Dears.
In 2014 Pop Montreal promises to be just as diverse and as interesting as in the past as you’ll see from the lineup vide below. The lineup boasts a host of acclaimed artists who have released some brilliant LPs in recent times like Sun Kil Moon, Timber Timbre, Mutual Benefit and Deafheaven amongst others.
And yet this isn’t half the lineup of what Pop Montreal will announce before it runs in September.
But what separates the extravagance of Pop Montreal from the likes of CMJ, NXNE, and SXSW?
As founder and director Daniel Seligman (his brother Chris is a member in Stars) says in the interview below:
“The bands that we worked with (who played at the likes of the events mentioned above) felt comprised, like they were going to a showcase, the venues they played weren’t the greatest, they never got soundchecks, there were always industry people at the back of the room not really paying attention. It wasn’t a great formula so we wanted to start from the ground up and make it about the music itself.
While lineups might be one thing, a festival that puts music ahead of every other priority is (like they should) is something worth experiencing.
1. Book Ahead Before It’s Too Late
Pop Montreal will run from September 17th to the 21st in 2014 with a number of passes available to suit the thickness of your wallet. The Super Pass gives you priority access to five days worth festival shows and events and all aspects of Pop Montreal for about $295 AUD. A Pop Bucks Discovery Pass is used to cover the cost of entry to gigs with bonus free entry for other person included, it’s valued at $50 although it can be topped up as needed. More passes for specific aspects of the festival (for example film) will be announced closer to the date. But for now, it’s time for you to book flights! Get your tickets here.
2. Accommodation In Montreal
If you’re interested in hostels we’d suggest you look into M Montreal, Montreal Central, Auberge L’Apero and La Maison du Patriote to start with. While the closer your accommodation is to the CBD the better given Pop Montreal is spread out across the city anything near public transport should be convenient enough. Pop Montreal recommends Quality Hotel Downtown Montreal, Holiday Inn Montreal Midtown and Pop Hostel amongst others. You can view those accommodation details over at the festival’s website.
3. Get Inspired At Pop Symposium
While the full lineup for Symposium is yet to be revealed you can bet that it’ll provide thought provoking discussion in a capacity that few other events can. Unlike most other music conferences Pop Montreal provides an intimate space for the events to take place in. This allows the panels, workshops and round table discussion to be viewed in an environment, which ensures the audience can access the ideas in the best way possible. Expect some of the most interesting label representatives and music minds in the business. See the lineup when it comes available here.
4. Go Shopping At Puces Pop
We all know that Montreal is home to some seriously talented artists and there’s plenty of goods to be discovered in an any artistic city. Yet finding these artists and their craft can be time consuming to say the least. Which is why the festival’s marketplace is so incredible. Punters get to experience it all in the one place. Not only does Puces Pop organises fashion competitions, a record fair and a design contest amongst plenty of other activities. It’s little wonder it draws 8000 visitors each weekend. Get more details here.
5. Witness A Dynamic Range Of Artists At Art Pop
Long before Lady Gaga released an album under the same name this aspect of Pop Montreal gave the even more of a chance to celebrate the arts scene of the city this time extending its branch towards visual arts. The programming involves specific installations, performances, screenings and artist’s talks. It’s just another component of Pop Montreal that will take you to different corners of this incredible city. Find even more information this way.
6. Catch A Screening Or Two At Film Pop
With over 20 music-related films to choose from film fans should have little trouble getting involved in this component of the event. Whether it be catching a premieres, retrospective screenings, live film scores, music videos or shorts there’s an eclectic offering to choose from. Check out the lineup when it’s announced here.
7. While You’re Here Delve A Little Further Into Montreal’s Music Scene
While Pop Montreal should cover much of the city’s music scene there are still a few venues, record stores, other events and bands you might want to consider researching before you head off. Follow the link below to see our recommendations on what music-related goodness you can’t miss when you’re in Montreal.
Read Tone Deaf’s guide to Montreal’s music scene here.
Need more information? Head to the official Pop Montreal website for the answers to all your questions.
