Montreal Must-See Shows In May 2014
Talk about stacked! If you're planning to catch a few concerts throughout the month of May, you're in for a real treat! From sexy electrofunk, to indie (cry your eyes out, OMG it's Lana) pop, to experimental what-have-you, it's going to be a solid month for concert-going. Montreal never ceases to have impress with incredible shows literally ever week, but this time, we've all been blown right out of the water!
Click here for Montreal Must-See Shows In May 2014 >
Chromeo
Date: May 1
Venue: Corona Theatre
Genre: Electrofunk
Why you're going: This show may be sold out, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't be busting your ass trying to get a ticket anyway. These electro funk gods from Montreal have been picking up major steam over the past year, right ahead of their upcoming album White Women, and their huge single Jealous (I Ain't With Out). Dave1 and P-Thugg are the masters of sexy late night jams, making this an absolute must-see show.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7BurNCK5Pc8
Jessy Lanza
Date: May 1
Venue: Il Motore
Genre: Indie/Alternative
Why you're going: This Hamilton, Ontario native demonstrated a love for '90s-styled electro R&B on her buzzed-about debut album Pull My Hair Back, and will be showing us just how far her talent goes on May 1 at Il Motore. Expect graceful yet erotic singing over sometimes icey tripped-out beats to melt your heart and grind your teeth to...kathy lee... kathy lee.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZF2lZesYZo0
We Are Wolves
Date: May 2
Venue: Club Soda
Genre: Indie Rock
Why you're going: Montreal has a never-ending shortage of indie rockers, but these three gentlemen, with their post-punk adrenaline, have created a sound that is both free and honest. They have toured around the world, been in the studio, and now are back home, ready to show you just how much they've evolved as a band. Hope you're ready, because it's going to be a howl-at-the-moon kind of night.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lafE_5ubdp4
Boys Noize
Date: May 3
Venue: New City Gas
Genre: Electro House
Why you're going: Full of acid bits, house beats and drugged-out superstars is what New City Gas is going to be like on May 1 when Boys Noize comes back to town. He's been here before and has thrown down some of the most talked-about Dj sets in Montreal history. A label-owner and a major force to be reckoned with in the electro scene, it's a sure-bet for all you ravers out there.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zk-SDreueMw
Clark
Date: May 3
Venue: Société des Arts Technologiques
Genre: Electronic/Experimental
Why you're going: With productions that defy genres, a boundless energy, and un-paralleled creativity, Clark has showcase versatility above all, throughout his past six albums. Forging a sound that has incorporated innumerable strands of party-starting techno, abrasive electronics, somber piano tunes, and haphazard electro he has always stayed true to that Clark aesthetic. This is sure to be a memorable show.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=efnsrLg03e4
M.I.A.
Date: May 4
Venue: Metropolis
Genre: Alternative Hip Hop
Why you're going: "Live fast, die young, bad girls do it well." If you're one of these bad girl, you know you should be joining the incomparable M.I.A. on May 4 at Metropolis. With her reggae meets hip hop style and eclectic taste in fashion, she'll be heating Metropolis in the most exotic way possible. What more is there to say, it's M.I.A., you know you've got to be there.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2uYs0gJD-LE
Lana Del Rey
Date: May 5
Venue: Bell Centre
Genre: Alternative Pop
Why you're going: It's the moment you've all been waiting for... Lana Del Rey is finally coming to town! This indie pop starlet will be bringing joy to the Bell Centre and to the hearts of many young women (and some men) as she delivers her soulful pop classics. This is going to be a night that will be remembered by many for years to come. It may be sold out, but you'll a ticket somewhere, I mean you can't put a price on memories after all right?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o3SqUUoJjW8
City and Colour
Date: May 7
Venue: Bell Centre
Genre: Folk Rock
Why you're going:Canadian singer/songwriter Dallas Green, also known as City And Colour has embarked on a North American tour and his stop in Montreal is sure to be unforgettable. With a unique sound that blends southern rock and acoustic folk, City and Colour is going to make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside. And you sure as hell can't miss Montreal's Half Moon Run who will be opening!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iunE-X78e3U
Neko Case
Date: May 8
Venue: Corona Theatre
Genre: Indie Rock
Why you're going:This American singer songwriter was once a member of band New Pornographers but has now been making a serious name for herself as a solo artist. She has built up an cult-like following of devoted fans who flock like seagulls to see this fearless artist. All the reasons to go are in the incredible song bellow.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qhnFl3Y2FVI
Sweater Beats & Falcons
Date: May 9
Venue: Cabaret Underworld
Genre: IndieElectronic/Booty Bounce
Why you're going:If you're familiar with Montreal's Kaytranada and artists like Ta-Ku from the LA label HW&W, then you'll understand the major appeal to their chilled out, ultra sexy beats. These two beat-smiths will fill up Underworld with what you think an underwater orgy would sound like. In other words it's going to be "niiiiiiice!"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qo8upyZhlg4
Breton
Date: May 10
Venue: Le Belmont
Genre: Indie Electronic
Why you're going:Just as much a visual film show as a music show, Breton will showcase their incredible talents for all things artistic. This English band is touring in support of their latest album War Room Stories, and will be bringing an incredible live set for your eyes, your ears and your hearts.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1JWOKGK9pis
Swollen Members
Date: May 10
Venue: Cabaret Underworld
Genre: Hip Hop
Why you're going: This platinum-selling Canadian hip hop group from Vancouver began putting out hard-hitting rap tracks back in 1992 and are back to bring you some dagger-like rhymes and hard-hitting beats. This show is going to be ultra energetic and full of blood, sweat and marijuana smoke. Don't miss it!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t9lyIlom-nk
S O H N
Date: May 13
Venue: Il Motore
Genre: Electronic
Why you're going: S O H N has created a sound that blends his haunting vocal stylings with a backdrop of analogue drum machines and synths, mixing the worlds of old and new together to create a foundation for his tracks. Experimental, and incredible beautiful, S O H N's set will take you to a whole other place.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9btsq496hkQ
Steve Aoki
Date: May 16
Venue: New City Gas
Genre: Electric Dance Music
Why you're going: Ever gone to a DJ set and gotten a massive cake thrown into your face? Well clearly you haven't been to a Steve Aoki show. Get to that front row and you just might be in luck. The man is at once an incredibly-talented electronic producer, and knows how to get the party going with a room full of young happy ravers.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gl2p4G3CUrI
The Gaslamp Killer
Date: May 17
Venue: Société des Arts Technologiques
Genre: Underground Hip Hop
Why you're going: LA’s William Bensussen, aka The Gaslamp Killer, is many things at once. The San Diego native is a bonafide one-off; an artist and human being that can never be repeated. With an unparalleled energy, the DJ, producer, promoter and curator brings a different level of performance and showmanship to electronic music. Underground banger after underground banger is what you can expect.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0TN1TLMHlvE
MSTRKRFT
Date: May 18
Venue: Société des Arts Technologiques
Genre: Electro House
Why you're going: It seems like only yesterday that MSTRKRFT's signature mix of electro, house, grime and bass sound exploded on to the airwaves. Their 2006 debut album The Looks was huge, so where have they been since? Probably getting ready for what is going to be one of their most legendary shows. Be ready!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i6gHLHbYVeA
Metronomy
Date: May 18
Venue: Metropolis
Genre: Indie Rock
Why you're going: When dance music meets rock music, something nice usually happens, and in this case, it's 3-piece band Metronomy. With incredible catchy tunes and a talked-about live show, this is one that you'll definitely want to mark on your calendar.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=riEBi8BJ9Tw
Tegan and Sara
Date: May 24
Venue: Metropolis
Genre: Indie Rock
Why you're going: Sisters Tegan and Sara's 13-year career has seen them build an avid global following of fans and fellow musicians alike. Their unique ability to bridge the pop and indie worlds has allowed their music to cross all traditional boundaries of genre. We all know these two sisters are a force to be reckoned with, now go see for yourself.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9e9NSMY8QiQ
Kill the Zo (Mat Zo & Kill the Noise)
Date: May 30
Venue: New City Gas
Genre: Electronic/Trance/Dubstep
Why you're going: These two world-renowned producers have received high praise in their respective genres, Mat Zo in trance and Kill the Noise in all kinds of bass music, but now that barrier is being crossed with this unlikely, yet incredible collaboration. What is a Kill the Zo show going to be like? No one knows, but with their respective collection of stand-out tracks, it's surely going to be something special.
UZ
Date: May 31
Venue: Le Belmont
Genre: Trap Shit
Why you're going: This masked trap god emerged onto the scene back in 2012, taking the trap movement by storm with his haunting stripped-down productions. His identity may remain unknown, but his talent as a producer is unmatched, especially on his Trap Shit series, that just never seems to keep breaking the boundaries of what trap music can be. Expect some of that reeeeal trap shit son!
