If last year taught us anything, it’s to expect the unexpected from OSHEAGA, Canada’s premiere music festival that, year-over-year, continues to one-up its programming with a new slate of some of the most exciting artists in the game. We’re already primed to hit up Parc Jean-Drapeau, which this year will be splitting it’s time between indie devotion and dancefloor programming; from Twenty One Pilots and The XX to Brutalismus 3000 and Amelie Lens. With so many great dance acts to choose from, it’s hard to pick favorites…but here are some of our favorites that we just can’t wait to catch live this weekend in Montreal.
1. Amélie Lens
This Belgian techno DJ has spent the last few years building one of the busiest schedules in the genre, and her booking is a sign OSHEAGA is taking its techno programming seriously. We’ve caught Amélie’s sets before, and her artistry is best understood by watching how she moves from point A to point B, making every step feel worth the trip. She’ll be closing out Day 1 on the Coca-Cola Island Stage, following sets by Brutalismus 3000 and VTSS.
2. Brutalismus 3000
Brutalismus 3000 is another act worth checking out this year. Mixing hard techno, trance, and eurodance with an internet-native sense of humour that’s made them one of the more talked-about names on this year’s bill, the German duo recently released their sophomore album, Harmony, to critical acclaim. Co-produced with Boys Noize and Dylan Brady of 100 Gecs, the record brings their sound into the mainstream in a way that should make their set one of the more memorable of the festival.
3. Oklou
French producer Oklou comes to OSHEAGA off a run of festival dates behind her debut album, choke enough, including an internet-breaking set at Primavera Sound earlier this summer. Her debut features Bladee and underscores and was one of the most talked-about projects of the past year. We’re excited to catch her on the belairdirect Valley Stage for what is sure to be a memorable Closing Day set.
4. VTSS
Even if you don’t know VTSS, you’ve probably heard her music. Maybe it was on her recent collaboration with COBRAH and MCR-T, “TITS, LIPS, HIPS, KISS (10/10 Remix),” or any number of projects with Boys Noize, Shygirl, HorsegiirL, LSDXOXO, and Danny L Harle. Moving fast between hard techno, EBM, trance, and industrial within a single set, VTSS is the sort of performance that you’ll be talking about for the rest of the summer.
5. Vandelux
One of the names to watch in this year’s Canadian lineup, Vandelux has built a following with house and disco sets that lean warm and groove-driven. His music, including last year’s Closer, is laid back and pensive without sacrificing any of the euphoria. Scheduled for the afternoon of Day 1, Vandelux’s set is the ideal spot to settle into those first hours of being back on OSHEAGA grounds.
5. Zara Larsson
It’s shaping up to be a big year for Zara Larsson, with the hypnotic bridge from the title track of her latest album, Midnight Sun, turning up all over social media. The whole album is filled with earworms, and this long-awaited OSHEAGA comeback, her first appearance since 2017, is the perfect setting to hear the new material live. Zara Larsson has also been vocal about wanting her live shows to feel more like a party than a straightforward pop concert, so don’t miss this one.
