25 Years In, POP Montréal Still Knows How to Surprise
Photo credit: @charlesanmarcotte - Mad Iris
Pop Montreal is an indie festival built for wandering. Like Sled Island, it is a multi-venue festival, spreading its programming across the city instead of keeping it in one place. And it is not just about music. Alongside the live shows, the festival celebrates art and film, which makes it a full celebration of independent creativity. As someone who had never been to Montreal, I couldn't have asked for a better introduction to its nightlife and creative scene. By the end of my trip, it was easy to see why people love it so much.
This year was extra memorable because the festival opened up historic venues that are not usually open to the public, including Divan Orange. It was a rare chance to see parts of Montreal that most people visiting don’t get to experience. The rooms were also wonderfully varied, ranging from small, intimate basements to churches and theatres. Moving between them showed me how diverse the city is, and how much a show can change depending on the space around it.
Getting around was easy. Most of the venues were centred in the Mile End and Plateau neighbourhoods, which gave the festival a block party feel. There was no stress and no need for a big plan, just an easy way to move from one show to the next. That left more time and energy for the music, and made every night feel relaxed and exciting at the same time.
I loved the multi venue format. You can watch a band you love, then wander into another room and discover someone new. If you love finding new indie music, art, and film, it's the perfect way to do it. Other festivals should take notes from Pop Montreal. I had an incredible time, and I will be returning next year. Here’s our picks for what we caught this year:
Toronto's Kali Horse brought the whimsy to Casa del Popolo, a cool venue that doubles as a vegan bistro, sharing a bill with Sook-Yin Lee, Miro Chino, and Fionavair. The night felt playful and experimental, and Kali Horse fit right in. Their performance of "2099" was the highlight, a high energy burst that had the room moving. Definitely one of my favourite artists, they sounded even better in a space this unique, making the evening feel dreamy, wild, and a touch strange. - Emily McDonald
There are few music journalists quite like Nardwuar the Human Serviette. Diving into his extensive video vault, the Canadian icon revisited some of the most memorable, bizarre, and occasionally uncomfortable moments of his career, offering a rare glimpse into the persistence behind his unmistakable interview style. There was Snoop Dogg microwaving a joint mid-interview, and Lil Uzi Vert famously running away from him in a moment that quickly became an internet meme, only for the two to develop a friendship after reconnecting for a second interview.
Photo credit: @charlesanmarcotte - Nardwuar
But beyond the laughs, Nardwuar's presentation was also a testament to perseverance. He reflected on his health scare, the criticism he's endured over the years, and the unexpected role fans have played in keeping his work relevant online. Even interviews he considered disappointing, or ones where he was granted only a few minutes with an artist, have found new audiences through viral clips. What stood out most was his unwavering commitment to research, treating every subject, regardless of their stature, as someone worth knowing inside and out. Decades into his career, Nardwuar remains as wonderfully eccentric and uncompromising as ever, a reminder that curiosity, preparation, and a little audacity can take you remarkably far. - Jess Arcand
Automatic's set at Bar le Ritz, with Accessory opening, was intimate and effortlessly seductive. The crowd was engaged from the start, swaying along to Accessory's opening set. When Automatic took over, red lighting washed over the room and psychedelic visuals pulsed behind the band, giving the performance a sleek, hypnotic edge. Everyone was dancing, and in a room this small, the energy moved freely between the stage and the floor. - Emily McDonald
One of the most exciting shows of the festival came courtesy of Montréal's own Sasha Cay, whose performance at the historic Divan Orange offered a compelling glimpse into what's next for the emerging songwriter. Having heard so many stories about the beloved venue but never experienced it firsthand, I was immediately struck by its open layout and the intimacy it created between the performers and audience. Backed by a full band, Cay brought a grungier, more visceral edge to her music, with tracks like "Barrel" being a favourite that I couldn’t wait to hear live. Alongside familiar material, Cay dipped into unreleased songs that left us eager to hear what she's been working on. If this performance was any indication, Sasha Cay is absolutely one to watch heading into 2027. - Jess Arcand
Photo credit: @charlesanmarcotte - Mad Iris
Toronto's Mad Iris brought some much-needed chaos to Quai des Brumes, tearing through a ferocious set of noise rock that recalled the dissonant experimentation of '90s Sonic Youth. Their serrated guitar riffs and relentless energy quickly transformed the room, drawing a younger crowd toward the stage who wasted little time opening up a mosh pit, the first I'd encountered during my time at POP Montréal. Watching a younger crowd throw themselves into the music, it was clear that Mad Iris aren't simply revisiting the sounds of '90s alternative rock, but helping introduce its unruly spirit to a new generation. - Jess Arcand