M Pour Mikey – Opening Panel
Legendary music veteran and the king of Montreal’s music scene Mikey is celebrated this year, and rightly so! His numerous industry connections include Simon Raymonde of Bella Union who also flew from the UK to be on the panel and who cited that Mikey introduced him to his now long-term wife Abbey! Mikey has single-handedly helped launch many key local artists into the international music industry, connecting them with labels, managements, agents and more. M is 20 years old and we hope will be around 20+ more; it’s much needed for the personal connections Mikey has helped facilitate. M is an exciting event for all music fans who love to discover incredible music.
ARTISTS DAY ONE
Ribbon Skirt @ Foufurnes Electriques
Grunge core female-fronted act (think Courtney Love meets Justine Frischmann) hits the stage with their dark but melodic alt rock. Hard to pigeonhole, this is an act paving its own way. Industrial, vibrant and possibly Montreal’s next big thing! Go see whilst you can buy a ticket, it won’t be long until they hit the big time. 5 stars
Distraction 4ever @ Foufurnes Electriques
Shoegazer synth with infectious beats and low-fi vocals make this act one to watch! Comprised of the talented producers Beau Geste and Splitshift. 4 stars
Annie Claude Deschenes @ Foufurnes Electriques
Ex-front-woman of Duchess Says performs with one other on stage and that guy has one massive fro! Cool electro beats paired with a futuristic visualiser and sultry vocals, Annie is charismatic and cool. She comes into the audienc,e planting flowers in a beer glass! Unique! Then goes one step further, squirting cream into the audience’s mouths! Glad that wasn’t me but fun to watch!! Some 80s beats add to the appeal! Music meets performance art 4.5 stars
PISS @ Foufurnes Electriques – pigtailed front woman screeches on the stage, making her mark instantly! Distorted guitars and children’s voices make the band’s second intro into melodic thrash. Shouting at the audience that it was hard to be a singer as a child, however was less attractive and preaching at the audience was hard to hear. And it went downhill from there. Simply no songs either. Not for me! 2 stars
Truck Violence – Foufurnes Electriques
Signed to one of the recent years’ pivotal Montreal labels, Mothland, this Montreal-via-Alberta band fuses a wide range of dynamics, which makes them a unique proposition! Incredible front man Karsyn Henderson rips up the stage with his energetically cool stage craft. The whole band breathe fresh life into their genre. Moshers up the front cement this hardcore punk act’s real appeal. Full on amazing! 5 stars
DAY TWO
Field Guide @ Quai des Brumes
This is a solo project from Dylan O’Donald. Gorgeous melodies paired with sublime vocals make this Winnipeg artist an interesting prospect! This artist is a geek who clearly has a lot to say with lyrics that tell a story! Think Eels meets Bon Iver. An artist who transcends trends, he will have longevity for sure. 4.5 stars
Koko Love @ L’Escogriffe
Laid back funk reggae vibes is the roots of Koko Loves music. Beautiful vocals with a high range – his songs simply soared. This guy has sex appeal to boot – the full package and musically the real deal. 4 stars
Kuzi Cee @ Quai des Brumes
Pop akin to the weeknd makes an impact with his super-commercial songs and engaging stage presence. He sings, raps and performs like an established artist beyond his years. One to watch. 4 stars
Sargeant X Comrade @ L’Escogriffe
She’s very much like Macy Gray vocally, but with an even more laid-back vibe. The band plays cool grooves, complementing her style. Though song-wise wise there didn’t seem to be any standouts sadly. 3 stars
Jake Vaadeland @ QUAI DES BRUMES
50s style alt country kickbacks. Jake and his band look amazing, and their style is unique. Vintage with a twist. Songs tell a story and 3 part harmonies are perfection. 4.5 stars
The Pxrtals @ L’Escogriffe – melodic indie pop with a sweet vibe. This upbeat band suddenly turns into rock demons, what an unexpected twist!!! But they do both styles really well. What a blast!!!! 4 stars
Virginie B @ Espace SAT
Cool electro pop-stress from this Quebecan artist her star is very much on the rise. It’s clear from the audience reaction that she is sa pecial artist. Her performance is strong, and whilst her appeal now is more to a club crowd, she has potential, with the right songs, to cross into the mainstream. A bright future awaits. 4 stars
BéLi -Café @ Cléopâtre
Trippy indie pop from this sassy vocalist. Somehow, the French-speaking artist can transcend musical norms, and I can see her working internationally. This quirky artist is upbeat and cool with vocals that are sexy and meaningful. Fun and fabulous! 4.5 stars
Computer @ Café Cléopâtre
This six-piece from British Columbia are super young, super loud and super good!!! Really incredible to see a band like this with a sax player. The songs are strong and energy-high – what’s not to like? Rising stars of the alt rock scene 4.5 stars
Rachel Bobbitt @ The Ministry
This stunning vocalist and songwriter is a dark, edgy and astonishingly talented artist. Her debut album ‘Months To Fail’ is packed with gems. Her vocal range and strength of her voice is stunning. Originally from Fort William but set for superstardom. Arenas surely must beckon. 5 stars
Choses Sauvage@ Espace SAT
In English – Wild Things, and they certainly are! Setting the stage alight, this incredible band put on a brilliant show. They have a cool unique vibe and great songs to boot. 4.5 stars
DoFlame @ Café Cléopâtre
Young mean alt synth rock machines! This six-piece strut about the stage as if they were performing in an arena! Fronted by 22-year-old Ash Kenzo who really is DoFlame, these guys are hardcore to the bone, and their energy is infectious. They look like they are having the best time! Come join their party! 5 stars
