Montreal's Valentine's Weekend: A Diverse Lineup of Music and Culture
Montreal offers something for everyone this Valentine's weekend, with a rich array of live music and cultural events. From electro-pop sensations to indie festivals, the city is buzzing with activity.
Milk & Bone: A Fusion of Sounds at Théâtre Fairmount
Montreal electro-pop duo Milk & Bone, comprised of Camille Poliquin and Laurence Lafond-Beaulne, are set to perform at Théâtre Fairmount on Friday. Their new EP, A Little Lucky, showcases a unique collaboration with producers Chromeo, blending Chromeo's upbeat dance-pop with Milk & Bone's introspective electronica.
Poliquin expressed enthusiasm about the project: "I'm so happy we did this. They produced it in a very Chromeo way, but it really sounds like us. I really feel that neither of the groups was diminished by the collaboration." Lafond-Beaulne added, "It's a real featuring of two bands. Our individual sounds exist together."
The duo, who burst onto the scene in 2015 with their album Little Mourning, met Chromeo at the Juno Awards in 2019. After years of cross-continent work, the mini-album launched in December with a sold-out show in Manhattan. Reflecting on their journey, Lafond-Beaulne noted, "When we started, it was the beginning of Instagram and then Spotify started. Everything was already online, but all of the platforms completely changed. But we built a real fan base that still follows us, which is something I think is harder to do today."
In today's music landscape, social media plays a crucial role. Since the launch, Milk & Bone have been releasing daily funny videos on Instagram and TikTok, adapting to industry trends where platforms like TikTok are gaining influence over traditional streaming services.
Monolink: Electronic Innovation at MTelus
On Friday, German electronic artist Monolink brings his driving electronic tracks to MTelus. Known for his producer background, Monolink is now exploring singer-songwriter styles infused with electronica, offering an oddly interesting and fresh sound for Montreal audiences.
Taverne Tour: Indie Music Festival Celebrating a Decade
The Taverne Tour, celebrating its 10th anniversary, is a beloved indie music fest held in taverns, bars, and small venues across the Plateau-Mont-Royal neighbourhood. With 115 artists performing, it's a hotspot for music enthusiasts.
Highlights include:
- Jane Inc. (Carlyn Bezic) at O Patro Vys on Friday, promoting her new album A Rupture A Canyon A Birth, which has received rave reviews for its bright electro dance-floor tracks inspired by personal challenges.
- Lydia Lunch and Marc Hurtado at La Sala Rossa on Saturday, paying tribute to the influential band Suicide and its founder Alan Vega. As a pal quipped, "What better way to celebrate Valentine's Day than to go see Lydia Lunch paying tribute to Suicide?" This post-punk legend promises an intense experience.
Alternative Valentine's Options
For those seeking a different vibe, Les Amants du Pont-Neuf screens at Cinéma du Parc on Saturday at 2:30 p.m., featuring a young Juliette Binoche in what's described as the craziest French romance ever filmed, with English subtitles.
With tickets available through venues like evenko.ca and tavernetour.ca, Montreal's Valentine's weekend is packed with opportunities to explore diverse musical and cultural scenes, ensuring memorable experiences for all attendees.
