Sled Island First Wave Lineup: REVERIE Picks
The first wave of artists has arrived for Sled Island Music & Arts Festival 2025, and it's already shaping up to be an eclectic celebration of boundary-pushing music. This year's guest curator, Japanese punk powerhouse Otoboke Beaver, has infused the lineup with their signature high-energy spirit, handpicking performers that reflect their own fearless approach to music. The announcement also brings exciting additions from closer to home, including Calgary punk rock favourites Perra, pop-infused indie artist Rae Spoon, and Vancouver's experimental rap artist Kimmortal, demonstrating Sled Island's continued commitment to showcasing vital regional voices alongside international acts. Here are our picks from the first wave lineup that you won't want to miss:
Tops
We’ve been fans of TOPS’ dreamy synth-pop records for a longtime. A highlight of 2020 was the band’s fourth album I Feel Alive and in 2024, TOPS-frontwoman Jane Penny released her own hauntingly beautiful solo EP Surfacing. REVERIE is excited to see what Montréal’s TOPS will bring to this year’s festival. Catch TOPS on June 18, 2025 at #1 Royal Canadian Legion, tickets here.
- Kenn Enns
Photo Credit : Justin Aranha
Horse Jumper of Love
Coming off the release of their latest album Disaster Trick, we’re excited to welcome slowcore trio Horse Jumper of Love to the city. Fans of bands like SPIRIT OF THE BEEHIVE, Wednesday and Duster will not want to miss their June 21, 2025 show. Tickets here.
- Kenn Enns
Photo Credit: Maria Gelsomini
Peelander-Z
Guest curator Otoboke Beaver has handpicked an exciting collection of artists, including the Japanese-American “action comic punk band” Peelander-Z. If Power Rangers-adjacent costumes, on-stage antics and pro-wrestling excite you, do not miss Peelander-Z on June 18, 2025 at Dickens.
- Kenn Enns
Snõõper
Nashville's Snooper brings their signature blend of egg-punk experimentation and dizzying post-punk grooves to Sled Island. Fresh off their critically acclaimed 2023 album Super Snooper, the band's frenzied live shows have earned them a reputation for turning rooms upside down with their unpredictable energy and sharp, angular sound. Fans of Devo, Les Savy Fav, and early Talking Heads should mark this one on their schedule and be on the lookout for their mosquito mascot buzzing around in the Dickens crowd!
- Jess Arcand
The Mummies
Legendary garage punk outfit The Mummies make their long-awaited return to Calgary, bringing their primitive rock n' roll assault and trademark bandaged appearance with them. Since forming in San Bruno, California in 1988, these pioneers of the budget rock movement have influenced countless garage bands with their raw, uncompromising sound and DIY ethos. Experience their raucous performance on June 19, 2025 at the Palomino.
- Jess Arcand
Arlo Maverick
Edmonton-based hip-hop artist Arlo Maverick continues to push boundaries with his distinctive blend of rap, R&B, and alternative sounds. Following the success of his powerful 2022 album Soul Merchant, which tackled themes of identity and racial justice, Maverick's thoughtful lyricism and dynamic live presence make his performance a must-see for fans of conscious hip-hop.
- Jess Arcand
Babe Corner
Vancouver's Babe Corner brings their harmony-rich indie rock to this year's festival, showcasing material from their emotionally candid 2023 EP Life's a Joke (But I'm Not Laughing). The band's ability to pair vulnerable songwriting with infectious hooks has drawn comparisons to artists like Alvvays and The Beths. Don't miss their set, where their dual-vocal approach and sharp song craft will be on full display because no one puts “baby the corner”!
- Jess Arcand
Sled Island passes are currently on sale at SledIsland.com. Today is the final day to save 20% on select Sled Island passes. Regular prices go into effect tomorrow, February 12, 2025 at 12:00am MST.
A limited number of single show tickets to newly announced Sled Island 2025 shows will go on sale Tuesday, February 18 at noon MST.