Festivals
Our Top 10 Must-See Artists at Osheaga 2024
Montreal’s Osheaga Music and Arts Festival is upon us! The festival will run for 3 days at Parc Jean-Drapeau from August 2nd to August 4th. Among the plethora of incredible acts, here are the ten artists we’re most excited to see take the stage at this iconic event.
1. Noah Kahan
Noah Kahan, a singer-songwriter from Vermont, has carved a niche in the folk-pop genre with his evocative storytelling and soulful melodies. His breakout hit “Hurt Somebody,” a collaboration with Julia Michaels, introduced his heartfelt lyrics and rich vocal delivery to a wider audience. Kahan’s music, characterized by its raw emotion and relatable themes, explores the complexities of life, love, and mental health. His latest album, Stick Season, delves deeper into these themes, earning critical acclaim and a growing fanbase. Expect an intimate and powerful performance from Kahan, as he shares his poignant songs and engaging stage presence.
2. Arlo Parks
Arlo Parks, a London-based singer-songwriter and poet, has quickly become a prominent voice in the alternative and indie-pop scene. Her debut album “Collapsed in Sunbeams” garnered widespread acclaim for its introspective lyrics, smooth vocal delivery, and lush, atmospheric production. Parks’ music often addresses themes of mental health, identity, and relationships, resonating deeply with a diverse audience. Tracks like “Eugene” and “Black Dog” showcase her ability to convey complex emotions with honesty and sensitivity. At Osheaga, Parks will bring her soulful voice and heartfelt performances, creating a captivating and intimate experience for festival-goers.
3. Teddy Swims
Jaten Dimsdale, known by his stage name Teddy Swims, has captured hearts with his powerful voice and soulful blend of R&B, pop, and soul. Initially gaining popularity through his impressive covers of popular songs on YouTube, Swims has since proven his songwriting prowess with original tracks like “Broke” and “Bed on Fire.” His music, characterized by its emotional depth and vocal dynamism, has earned him a dedicated following. Swims’ performances are known for their authenticity and raw energy, promising an unforgettable experience as he shares his journey through music and personal stories.
4. Renee Rapp
Renee Rapp, an actress and singer with a strong background in musical theatre, has seamlessly transitioned to the music industry, bringing her powerful vocals and emotional depth to the pop scene. Known for her standout role as Regina George in the Broadway musical “Mean Girls,” Rapp has since released music that showcases her versatile talent and introspective songwriting. Her singles, like “In the Kitchen” and “Too Well,” highlight her ability to convey complex emotions with a powerful vocal delivery. Rapp’s dynamic stage presence and heartfelt performances are sure to captivate and inspire the audience.
5. Chappell Roan
Kayleigh Rose Amstutz, known professionally as Chappell Roan, has emerged as a unique voice in the pop music landscape. Her music combines catchy pop melodies with dark, cinematic soundscapes, creating a distinctive and compelling sound. Roan’s breakout single “Pink Pony Club” garnered attention for its bold themes and infectious energy. Her lyrics often explore themes of self-discovery, identity, and empowerment, resonating with listeners on a deep level. Roan’s vibrant stage presence and theatrical performances promise an electrifying set.
6. Labrinth
Timothy Lee McKenzie, better known as Labrinth, is a British singer, songwriter, and producer renowned for his genre-blending music. Combining elements of electronic, soul, and pop, Labrinth has created a unique and innovative sound that has captivated audiences worldwide. Hits like “Jealous” and his contributions to the Euphoria soundtrack, including “Still Don’t Know My Name” and “Mount Everest,” showcase his versatility and emotional depth. Labrinth’s ability to craft immersive musical experiences is evident in his dynamic performances.
7. SZA
Solána Imani Rowe, known professionally as SZA, is a leading figure in contemporary R&B, celebrated for her sultry voice and deeply personal lyrics. Her critically acclaimed album Ctrl brought her widespread recognition, featuring hits like “Love Galore” and “The Weekend.” SZA’s music often explores themes of love, self-discovery, and vulnerability, resonating deeply with her audience. Her recent work, including tracks like “Good Days” and “Kill Bill,” continues to push the boundaries of R&B. SZA’s live performances are known for their emotional intensity and captivating presence, making her headlining set a highly anticipated highlight.
8. Raye
Rachel Keen, known by her stage name Raye, has established herself as a dynamic and versatile artist in the pop, R&B, and dance music scenes. Her music, characterized by catchy hooks and powerful vocals, has earned her a dedicated fanbase and critical acclaim. Hits like “Escapism.” and “Call On Me” showcase her ability to craft infectious and empowering anthems. Raye’s journey in the music industry, marked by her resilience and creativity, is reflected in her passionate performances. She will bring her vibrant energy and captivating stage presence, promising an unforgettable experience. Check out her Live at Royal Albert Hall for a preview of what you’re in store for.
9. Tyla
South African singer and songwriter Tyla is making a significant impact with her fusion of Afropop and R&B. Known for her smooth vocals and catchy melodies, Tyla has quickly risen to prominence with tracks like “Water” and “Getting Late.” Her music often celebrates love, empowerment, and cultural pride, resonating with a global audience. Tyla’s vibrant performances are characterized by their infectious energy and engaging stage presence. She will bring her unique sound and dynamic performance style, offering a fresh and exciting addition to the festival lineup.
10. Ayra Starr
Oyinkansola Sarah Aderibigbe, professionally known as Ayra Starr, is a rising star in the Afrobeats genre. Signed to Mavin Records, Ayra Starr has quickly gained recognition for her rich vocals and compelling storytelling. Her self-titled debut EP and subsequent album 19 & Dangerous feature hits like “Away” and “Bloody Samaritan,” showcasing her talent and versatility. Ayra Starr’s music often explores themes of love, empowerment, and self-discovery, resonating with a wide audience. Her energetic performances and charismatic stage presence promise to captivate the Osheaga audience, making her one to watch.
Festivals
FIFA Fan Festival™ Vancouver – Walk Off The Earth, Fionn, Felix Cartal, and France Fans
The FIFA Fan Festival™ at the PNE kept the World Cup excitement rolling on Saturday, July 4, as fans gathered for another full day of football, live music, and celebrations. With two Round of 16 matches on the giant screens and a lineup of Canadian artists filling the Amphitheatre Stage, the atmosphere remained lively from morning through the evening.
The day had already delivered plenty of drama before the concerts began. Morocco had stunned host nation Canada earlier in the day to book a place in the quarter-finals, ending Canada’s historic World Cup run after its first-ever appearance in the Round of 16. A few hours later, France defeated Paraguay to secure the final quarter-final spot, setting up a meeting with Morocco in one of the tournament’s most intriguing matchups. As the final whistle blew, fans quickly shifted their attention from the football to the music just a few steps away.
Vancouver-based band Fionn, consisting of twins Alanna and Brianne Finn-Morris, was first on stage, offering an engaging performance that fit the late afternoon perfectly. Their warm vocals and heartfelt indie-pop songs gave the crowd a chance to catch their breath after another emotional day of World Cup action. Many fans who had spent hours watching the matches stayed put, creating an attentive audience that truly enjoyed the show.
Right after, Walk Off The Earth took over and instantly changed the pace. The Ontario group has built its reputation on creative arrangements and infectious energy, and they delivered exactly that. Their performance blended pop, rock, folk, and plenty of crowd interaction, turning the Amphitheatre into a giant singalong. The band’s playful chemistry and multi-instrumental approach kept fans engaged from start to finish, with many dancing along and singing every word.
At the Park Stage, Vancouver-born DJ and producer Felix Cartal took over. A familiar face on festival lineups across the country, Cartal delivered a polished electronic set that kept fans dancing until the festival closed. His mix of melodic house, upbeat remixes, and crowd-pleasing drops provided the perfect soundtrack to cap off a day that had already been packed with football drama and live music.
The FIFA Fan Festival has consistently shown that it offers far more than football. Saturday’s schedule paired knockout-stage drama with live performances that gave supporters another reason to stay long after the matches had ended. Even with Canada’s elimination still fresh in many minds, the festival remained a welcoming place to celebrate the global game, discover Canadian talent, and enjoy a summer evening surrounded by thousands of fellow fans. With the quarter-finals now set, anticipation continued to build for another unforgettable week at Vancouver’s Fan Festival.
Check out our favourite photos of the night below or head to our Facebook page for the full gallery!
WALK OFF THE EARTH
FIONN
FELIX CARTAL
FRANCE FANS
All Photo Credit: Caroline Charruyer
Festivals
Montréal Jazz Festival 2026 – Patrick Watson
July 3, 2026
If you thought the outdoor main stage at Jazz Fest was packed earlier in the week, it had absolutely nothing on the sea of people that squeezed into the Place des Festivals for Patrick Watson. The site was packed right to the limit. The last time he played the festival back in 2021, it was to a strictly limited, socially distanced crowd, and he actually took a moment to contrast that eerie, quiet landscape with the overwhelming wall of faces looking back at him this time around. The massive turnout made it feel like the city had just been waiting for the perfect moment to properly welcome him back.
The whole night felt like a massive, curated homecoming celebration with his favourite people on earth. By the third song, he already had the crowd cheering when he brought out Montreal’s own Martha Wainwright, who has been heavily involved in the local scene and festival circuit this year, to share the stage. Right after that, he raised the bar even higher by bringing up a string quartet for a stunning performance of “Ode to Vivian.” He took a second to tell the story behind the track, explaining how it was inspired by the street photographer Vivian Maier, who secretly kept her incredible work to herself until she passed, only to posthumously become an inspiration to thousands of photographers worldwide.
The emotional peak of the set came during “To Build a Home.” Watson talked about how deeply the experience of growing up in Montreal shaped him both as a person and a musician, noting that his music could only ever be written in a city with this exact type of creative spirit. As the song played, vintage 1960s video footage of Montreal rolled across the massive backdrops, which gave the whole performance an incredibly nostalgic, cinematic weight. He kept the collaborations rolling through the night, too, pulling the brilliant November Ultra onto the stage for “Silencio,” and later bringing out the rising indie-folk artist Solann.
The years might be passing, but Patrick Watson proves every time he steps on a stage that he remains an absolute force of nature. He doesn’t care about shifting trends; he just cares about his craft. A few people floating around the crowd might have been a little disappointed not to hear some of the older classics like “Lighthouse” or “The Great Escape,” but honestly, what better setting is there to test out your newest material than the Montreal Jazz Festival in front of your home crowd? Besides, when the performance is that stunning from start to finish, you really can’t be mad about it.
Check out our favourite photos of the night below or head to our Facebook page for the full gallery!
PATRICK WATSON
All Photo Credit: Andres Amaya