Written by Scott Simpson on 22.07.14

Montreal Electronic Groove, or MEG to the already initiated, is celebrating its 16th edition this year but still manages to constantly evolve. Every edition sees MEG take a left or right turn, some years favouring underground electronic artists, other years highlighting alternative pop artists. This year’s edition, taking place from July 26th to August 2nd, is decidedly more of the former than the latter with a distinct hip hop flavour added to the mix. Taking place in various venues across the city, this year the festival is setting up camp at the Belmont, Le Divan Orange (which seems to be carving itself an electronic niche lately), the Sala Rossa, and the SAT, culminating with their annual MEG Boat party. Here are our top picks for the 2014 edition of MEG.

Thursday, July 24th

Performing under his techno-house moniker Driver, French DJ Manu Le Malin is kicking off the MEG Fest in high fashion with a headlining spot at Belmont. Local legend Milton Clark joins him on the bill, along with fellow Montrealers Pulses.

Friday, July 25th

It’s a Montreal-repping hip hop night at Divan Orange for a CKUT co-production with four local acts hitting the stage. Emma and Gabrielle, better known as Heart Streets, will be continuing their string of shows since the release of their most recent EP Beats, Blunts and Broads. Considered a true ambassador of the Montreal hip hop scene, precocious rapper J.O The Corrupted alone makes this show worth attending. The lineup is rounded out by producer/DJ Barcham, and Planet Giza, the new collaborative project by The North Virus and Rami Bizzle.

Saturday, July 26th

MEG’s Saturday lineup, arguably the strongest, includes three great shows, each offering something of interest. Top pick goes to Rustie at Belmont, which is sure to be a hot ticket event, gearing up for the release of his sophomore album Green Language, the follow-up to his incredible debut album Glass Swords. Joining him is local Bass Drive Wednesdays founder and top dog Vilify, alongside French duo Christine.

Sunday, July 27th

MEG is taking over Piknic Électronik for the day, including a special surprise guest performing at the Smirnoff Ice Encore stage. While Piknic’s always a good destination on Sunday, this edition is set to be one of the summer’s best with French Fries headlining the event, having already impressed the crowd at Igloofest in 2012. He is joined by his ClekClekBoom labelmates Manaré and Aleqs Notal, as well as local DJs Paul Trafford and Woulg.

Thursday, July 31st

While this may technically be the only MEG showcase of the day, the combined talent of the three acts performing alone is worth heading to Divan Orange for. The Gulf Stream, a French-Quebec duo based out of Montreal, has carved itself a healthy local following based on their creative and mutating live sets. Expect an audio-visual experience when Melodule’s hits the decks. Montreal’s own Groj has been garnering steady praise for his mixture of techno, ambient and experimental electronica and should not be missed.

Friday, August 1st

A fusion of many different musical genres is on the menu at Divan Orange on the penultimate day of MEG. Headlining is St., a band with members hailing from Lorient in France and from Brooklyn, making music that they describe as “futuristic blues-rock” blended with electro and hip hop. The band will be joined by two equally inventive local acts: electro-pop chanteuse La Bronze and funky throwback pop group Pink Chocolate.

Saturday, August 2nd

Keeping up with traditions, MEG closes its festival with the annual MEG Boat party, which is somewhat of an institution in the Montreal party scene. Acid Arab has been busy performing around the globe and we’re lucky to have the duo stop by Montreal to bring thier blend of acid house and Eastern music, alongside fellow French musician DJ Marty McFly. Closing off the festival is UK techno DJ Benjamin Damage who, in the four short years he’s joined the electronica scene, has already left a considerable dent.

Sweet 16 Pass

Can’t make up your mind? There’s still time to purchase the MEG Sweet 16 pass, which gives you access to all of the festival’s events, including the Meg Boat party. The pass costs $115 and can be purchased online at the MEG Online Box Office.

Roundup

Thursday, July 24th
The Driver / Belmont / 10:00pm / $15 (buy tickets)
Friday, July 25th
Heart Streets + J.O The Corrupted / Divan Orange / 10:00pm / $6.50 (buy tickets)
Saturday, July 26th
Rustie / Belmont / 11:00pm / $15 (buy tickets)
Sunday, July 27th
MEG Piknic Électronik / Parc Jean-Drapeau / 2:00pm / $15 (at gate)
Thursday, July 31st
The Gulf Stream + Groj / Divan Orange / 10:00pm / $6.50 (buy tickets)
Friday, August 1st
St.Lô + La Bronze / Divan Orange / 9:00pm / $6.50 (buy tickets)
Saturday, August 2nd
MEG Boat: Benjamin Damage + Acid Arab / King Edward Quay / 11:00pm / $45 (buy tickets)

Post a Comment