Montreal’s Osheaga is one of the best music festivals of the summer to catch performances from musical chart toppers. Headliners for this weekend’s festival include The Weekend, Lorde, and Muse to name a few. In addition to bringing you the biggest names in music, Osheaga features a lineup packed with lesser known artists who are about to blow up on the scene. Â Here are our top picks for lesser known artists to check out at Osheaga 2017. See them this weekend before they’re selling out stadiums!
#10: Â Sam Gellaitry
At age 20, this Scotland-based producer has been making a name for himself independently on Soundcloud for the past few years. Fresh off an EP release on XL Recordings, Sam is on the top of his game and will no doubt give a performance that will live up to some of the best electronic acts of the weekend. With a sound that’s big enough to fill arenas while incorporating more cinematic elements, Gellaitry is sure to be a hidden gem of the already talent-filled weekend.
#9: Plants and Animals
As resident Montrealers, Plants and Animals should have quite a die-hard audience at their show on Saturday. This indie rock trio has been going strong since 2003, and has become a staple of the local music scene. Their music is sure to be a welcome soundtrack to the arts scene of Osheaga, and as a plus, may just contain some of the best guitar solos of the weekend!
#8: Bishop Briggs
While many may know her single “Riverâ€, this London based singer has a much greater discography behind this great tune. Having just released two consecutive EPs, the singer’s indie pop sound is tinged with influences of blues and folk, which come together with her powerful voice to create a sound all its own. Let’s hope all of these elements are in full force for her set on Sunday.
#7: The Lemon Twigs
If you thought rock and roll was dead, you certainly haven’t heard the throwback sounds of The Lemon Twigs. Harkening back to 60s and 70s bands like The Beatles and The Beach Boys were left in the past, then songs like “I Wanna Prove to You†and “These Words†might just prove you wrong. It’ll be interesting to see how some of their larger-than-life tracks will be arranged in a live festival setting, but never-the-less, this will be one show where long hippie hair and peace signs will be welcome!
#6: Cloud Nothings
In what is sure to be one of the heavier concerts of the weekend Cloud Nothings will be bringing a much needed punk flavor to the already diverse 2017 Osheaga lineup. After three critically successful albums, the band are no newbies to the festival circuit and will be a safe bet for those looking for a little mosh pit action over the weekend.
#5: Angel Olsen
Having released one of the best albums of 2016, making a stop at Montreal’s premiere festival was a must for Angel Olsen. Her third album MY WOMAN was full of emotional ballads and stunning melodies, which will be in full force for her set on Friday afternoon. As one of indie rock’s hottest up and coming names, Angel Olsen’s throwback style and accessible sound will hopefully wow the crowd and earn her a few new fans this weekend.
#4: Hamilton Leithauser
An indie rock legend gone solo, Hamilton Leithauser’s 2016 team-up with Vampire Weekend’s Rostam Batmanglij gave us one of the best albums of last year. Unfortunatly Rostam wont be appearing on the weekend, but we can at least expect Leithauser’s grizzly vocals to be as well as a whole lot of catchy tunes that should make for a great set!
#3: Foxygen
While you might remember some of their hits from their 2013 album We Are the 21st Century Ambassadors of Peace & Magic, such as “San Francisco†and “Shuggieâ€, Foxygen has certainly come a long way in recent years. With their 2017 album Hang, Foxygen cranked their production to 11, incorporating elements of broadway and baroque pop to their already over the top sound. In other words, this is on track to be one of the more mind-blowing sets of the weekend.
#2: Daniel Caesar
Hailing from the land of Aubrey Graham (AKA Drake) and the tallest free-standing structure in the Western Hemisphere (AKA the CN Tower), Daniel Caesar is a must for any fans of R&B. Following in the footsteps of international R&B stars Frank Ocean and Anderson Paak, Daniel Caesar’s star has only begun to rise, and surely his Osheaga set will only help to set his career off right. Plus, it’s always great to see Canadian talent on the Osheaga stage.
#1: Whitney
There’s just no better fit for the summery vibes of an Osheaga weekend than the mellow sounds of Whitney. Drawing on influences from bands like Bon Iver and Wilco, Whitney’s 2016 debut album Light Upon the Lake is crammed full of hits that will likely make their 45 minute set one to remember.
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Osheaga takes place August 4, 5, 6 in Montreal, Quebec. For full details and lineup checkout their website. Keep an eye on our social media this weekend for Osheaga news and updates.
