POP Montreal 2024: REVERIE’s Top Picks and Must-Sees
POP Montreal, the city’s annual five-day, multi-disciplinary explosion of music, art, and creativity, is back this year, and the lineup is brimming with talent spanning genres and sounds. From experimental to indie pop, folk to electronica, this year’s festival promises to captivate audiences with a kaleidoscope of performances across an array of Montreal’s most intimate spaces. REVERIE will have boots on the ground for daily festival coverage, and we’ve compiled our own primer to get you ready for POP this year.
Juana Molina: A Master of Atmosphere
Argentinian multi-instrumentalist and singer Juana Molina is a festival highlight for anyone craving a mix of avant-garde pop and deeply textured electronic soundscapes. Molina’s music is often a swirling combination of dreamlike folk, layered loops, and ambient beats that defy easy classification. Her 2017 album Halo was a masterclass in blending the organic with the synthetic, and her live performances only deepen that sense of immersion. Expect her set to be an atmospheric journey where delicate melodies intertwine with pulsating rhythms, leaving the audience both entranced and exhilarated. If you missed Juana’s set at Sled Island earlier this year (I did) and have made the cross-country pilgrimage; this is your chance at redemption (thank god).
La Sala Rosa — Sept 26, 2024 | 8:00pm
Unessential Oils: A Local Gem with Sonic Depth
Montreal’s own Unessential Oils is a must-see for anyone seeking something left-field yet strangely accessible. Warren Spicer (of Plants and Animals) uses this new musical entity to blend psych-rock and electronica with pop experiments — resulting in an unpredictable, sonically rich, and constantly evolving experience. Known for their immersive live shows, the band creates a hypnotic experience that feels raw and polished at once. They’ve been quietly building a strong reputation in the city’s underground scene, and POP Montreal is the perfect place to catch them before they blow up on a wider scale.
Le Ministère — Sept 26, 2024 | 8:30pm
Begonia: Vocal Powerhouse
For fans of pop with a retro flair, Begonia is one of the festival’s must-see artists. Hailing from Winnipeg, Begonia (Alexa Dirks) is renowned for her powerhouse vocals and emotionally charged performances. Her soulful blend of synth-pop and R&B, coupled with introspective lyrics, offers a deeply relatable yet elevated listening experience. Following the success of her latest album Powder Blue, which showcases her evolving sound, Begonia’s set is sure to hit all the right notes for fans of indie pop with a bit of bite.
Rialto Rooftop — Sept 28, 2024 | 6:30 pm
Fraud Perry: Eclectic and Experimental
For those drawn to the experimental side of music, Fraud Perry promises to be a highlight of the festival. Combining off-kilter beats, glitchy textures, and unpredictable melodies, Fraud Perry’s work stands out in the festival's lineup as a boundary-pushing act. Their music dances between experimental electronic, noise-pop, and alt hip-hop; making for a set that will challenge and intrigue listeners in equal measure. Expect the unexpected and come prepared for a sensory overload.
Casa del Popolo — Sept 26, 2024 | 8:15pm
Knitting: Indie Folk with a Twist
As the newest members of Mint Records, Knitting brings a unique folk sensibility to the lineup, with delicate arrangements that weave together intricate guitar lines, harmonized vocals, and rich storytelling. Their music feels both intimate and expansive, often oscillating between quiet, introspective moments and swelling crescendos. If you’re looking for something soothing yet emotionally potent, Knitting is your go-to. Their set will likely be a warm and nostalgic retreat amidst the more experimental offerings of the festival.
L’Hémisphere Gauche — Sept 28, 2024 | 8:00 pm
Luna Li: Dreamy Indie Rock
Toronto-based multi-instrumentalist Luna Li is another must-see at POP Montreal. Her dreamy, genre-blurring sound seamlessly mixes elements of rock, pop, and R&B with an ethereal touch. Known for her dynamic performances and impressive musical versatility, Luna Li's sets are a rollercoaster of lush soundscapes and upbeat moments. Her latest album, Duality, is a testament to her artistic growth, and her live show promises to deliver that same vibrancy and creative edge.
Bar Le Ritz PDB — Sept 26, 2024 | 8:30 pm
Yves Jarvis: A Genre-Bending Visionary
Calgary-Montreal transplant Yves Jarvis is a true visionary whose music defies categorization. Blurring the lines between folk, jazz, and electronic experimentation, Jarvis’ music is deeply reflective, often meditative, and always surprising. His live performances are as fluid and unpredictable as his recorded work, with songs that flow seamlessly from one to the next.
Casa del Popolo — Sept 27, 2024 | 8:15 pm