POP Montreal is upon us, and while the fest includes established artists, part of the fun is in making new discoveries. We asked Dan Seligman, POP co-founder and creative director, for his picks for this year’s breakout stars.
The Mittenstrings
“Secretly boasting a member of the McGarrigle family, this could be the next Montreal band to rise to stardom,” Seligman says of this quiet, hypnotic act. 10 pm, Saturday, O Patro Vys, 356 Mont-Royal Ave. E.
These Hands
“Peter Gabriel meets Radiohead” describes this singer/songwriter from Saskatoon. “I think he had an affair with a girl named Zoe in Montreal,” Seligman says. “At least, he has a song about on his MySpace. Props for that.” 10:30 pm, Friday, Le Gymnase, 4177 St. Denis.
Black Kites
“Definitely one of the top picks at our listening sessions,” Seligman says, referring to the POP staff’s long process of auditioning bands’ submissions. “A nice shoegaze-y atmospheric pop band.” 8 pm, Friday, Saphir Bar, 3699 St. Laurent Blvd.
Hypnotic Brass Ensemble
Seligman describes this Chicago group as a “dope hip hop brass band. I think Club Lambi will be on fire for this one.” 7 pm, Thursday, Club Lambi, 4465 St. Laurent Blvd., $15.
Elyse Weinberg
This legendary ’70s singer, who once worked with Neil Young, was recently rediscovered. “Who the hell knows what will happen?” asks Seligman. “She makes cool psychedelic folk and this will be her first show in years.” 9:30 pm, Thursday, Casa del Popolo, 4873 St. Laurent Blvd., $15.
(Photo courtesy of mira on Flickr)
