20 Musical Acts That Need To Come To Montreal In 2014

As a general rule, we Montrealers are pretty spoiled when it comes to good shows and festivals. At any given time of the year, there is great music to be enjoyed throughout the city. But don’t you always wish that ONE band you love oh-so-much would just book a show here already?
At MTL Blog, we've compiled a list of our must-see artists in 2014. Some haven’t played here in a little while, others haven’t been here ever, and the rest? We just adore them so much, we’d like them to come back ASAP. Whatever their reason may be, we can’t wait to hear these artists play Montreal again very, very soon.
Click here for 20 Musical Acts That Need To Come To Montreal In 2014 >
The Growlers
These garage/psychedelic rockers are bound to get you in the mood for warmer weather with their summer tunes. Their sound is something they call ‘Beach Goth’, which is a mix of the 60’s in California and psychedelia.
Lana Del Rey
Receiving her very first Grammy nomination last year, Lana Del Rey is somebody loves. Her soft voice and sexy appearance draws her fans like magnets. We're dying to see Lana Del Rey at Osheaga this summer! Who's with us?
Washed Out
Singer/songwriter Ernest Greene, otherwise known under his stage name ‘Washed Out’, has only been around for a few years, but his chill, dream/pop/indiepop sound definitely gets us in the mood to enjoy a long weekend at Osheaga. Juuust sayin’.
Death Grips
These guys mix punk, rock and hip hop into a unique blend that has been catching the ears of all the right people. Their album ‘the Money Store’ was given 9th place on Pitchfork’s Best 50 Albums of 2012 list, and they just released a brand new record called ‘Government Plates’ in early January 2014. Check it out, and tour that music over here, guys!
Die Antwoord
Now this South African crew needs to make their way up to Montreal. If their live performances are anywhere as creative and funky as their music videos are, we can't wait to see the duo!
Robin Thicke
This one's for those who love the radio, and die for top 40's. Robin Thicke's "Blurred Lines" made it as #2 on the Billboard's top 100 songs of 2013. Robin Thicke would definitely bring a little bit of sexy to our city.
Yeah Yeah Yeahs
The Yeah Yeah Yeahs encompass indie rock music at its finest. Is there anyone out there who hasn’t fallen in love with a song by this female-fronted band at one point or another? We say impossible, and it’s high time Montreal gets to hear those tracks live.
Daft Punk
Get Lucky
Cults
It seems like indie pop is our generation’s latest trend in music, and Cults are doing it just right. They first found fame when they posted a 3 song EP to Bandcamp, and have since been touring their way across the globe. Their collaborative work throughout the last few years has also helped garner them significant attention, but not without merit. These guys are definitely worth keeping an eye on, and we can’t wait to be graced with some live-show experience here in Montreal.
Iggy Azalea
All the way from Australia, this hip hop recording artist and model sure knows how to lay down a track. Iggy Azalea is also most probably one of the hottest female rap artists out there.
Bastille
Formed only four years ago, Bastille is an English rock band that needs to make its way to Montreal. The band was scheduled to come to here during their North American tour date at the end of January, however, their Montreal show got cancelled. We're not sure how or why, but we sure hope they change their minds about the cancellation!
Danger
French electro/house musician Franck Rivoire (otherwise known under his stage name, Danger) is inspired by the likes of Daft Punk, which explains the black mask he tends to wear for his public appearances. This musician’s idiosyncrasies may in fact be half of his appeal (he has several others) but that’s not to discredit his talent in electronic music. A definite must in MTL this year!
Arctic Monkeys
These indie rockers hardly need any introduction, and it’s pretty safe to say that their 2013 album ‘AM’ may be one of the best in their discography. They’ve only played Montreal once to our recollection, and that is just unacceptable. There’s no doubt their next stop here will be absolutely unbelievable.
The 1975
This band released their debut in 2013 to much critical acclaim throughout the music industry. One of the best breakout acts of the year, the producer of the album also happens to have worked alongside Arctic Monkeys and Foals. These British alternative/indie rockers are destined for great things, and we can’t wait to see their first big show here. *cough* Osheaga??? *cough*
Lorde
Let’s all just take a second and praise the breakout singer/songwriter that is 17 year old Ella Maria Lani Yelich-O'Connor (AKA Lorde). Her debut record ‘Pure Heroine’ was released in 2013 and literally skyrocketed her to fame with her singles ‘Royals’ and ‘Team’. A fresh, young face in mainstream music, her talent is a refreshing step back from the twerking Miley Cyrus we’re all sick of seeing everywhere we turn.
La Roux
The English synthpop duo may be best known for their track ‘Bulletproof’, but their career so far has garnered them a Grammy for Best Electronic/Dance Album in 2011. They’ve been a little bit MIA these last couple years, but are rumored to have a new record coming out in 2014. Tour dates please??!
GROUPLOVE
This alternative/indie/indietronica band released one of the catchiest, most fun albums of 2013 called 'Spreading Rumors'. Their upbeat, fun-loving attitude make them one of the most likable bunch, and another one of our contenders for the 2014 Osheaga lineup.
Sufjan Stevens
Sufjan Stevens provides the perfect mix of indie pop and electronica. This artist truly knows how to speak to his fans through both his music and live performances. Seeing him in Montreal would be an absolute blessing! This one is definitely on our wish list of potential Osheaga musicians!
Outkast
Coming back this year as the headliners for Coachella, Outkast is definitely a group that we would like to see in Montreal! This American hip hop duo will surely have us shaking it like a Polaroid picture once they hit up this city.