Last weekend, Montreal festivalgoers attended the inaugural edition of the Palomosa Festival, a fresh and exhilarating addition to the city’s vibrant festival scene. And while there are still tons of fall festivals programmed through September and October (including several editions of Piknic Festival), it’s clear that Palomosa was Montreal’s way of bidding adieu to an incredible summer festival season.
Held at the picturesque Parc Jean-Drapeau on Saint-Helen Island, Palomosa 2024 featured an eclectic lineup of performances that spanned several genres and styles but ultimately leaned heavily on electronic music artists. Despite some heavy rain on Day 2 and the cancellation of the festival’s headliner, Kali Uchis, just days before the opening of festival grounds, Palomosa nonetheless offered dozens of unforgettable performances and had-to-be-there moments.
Here are some of my favorite moments from this two-day festival:
1) The Dare
Within days of releasing his debut album, What’s Wrong With New York?, Charli-XCX collaborator The Dare took the stage twice on Day 2 of the festival—once at the festival itself, and the second time later that night at the official Palomosa afterparty. Of the two, the highlight was his DJ set at Montreal’s Société Des Arts Technologiques, where he offered ninety minutes of indie-sleaze techno and clever remixes of his biggest hits.
2) Jai Paul
Here is a name that has become synonymous with enigmatic brilliance. In a festival-closing set, Jai Paul delivered a mesmerizing performance that features his unique blend of electronic and R&B. Marking his Canadian debut at Palomosa 2024, Jai Paul was an undeniable highlight of the festival
3) Shygirl
Best known for her genre-defying music and bold stage persona, Shygirl brought a refreshing and edgy vibe to Palomosa 2024. Despite heavy rain during her set on Day 2, the artist offered a masterclass in pushing boundaries and challenging conventions with a set that featured all the gay club classics her adoring fanbase could hope for. A bonus shout-out to LSDXOXO, who set the stage for her engaging performance.
4) Gesaffelstein
No one does dark and brooding electro like Gesaffelstein, whose closing set on Day 1 was a feast for both the eyes and ears. Taking the stage in full latex gear and with a light show that perfectly matched the groaning synths and pounding bass drums in his mix, Gesaffelstein might just have been the best performance of the weekend.
As we look back on Palomosa 2024, it’s clear that this festival has set a high bar for future editions. Here’s hoping the festival returns next year for another unforgettable weekend of high-octane performances.
We’re so excited to have brought you a close look at this inaugural edition of the Palomosa Festival! Make sure to follow us @nexusradiodance for more in-depth coverage of dance music’s best festivals, as well as news and exclusive interviews with the biggest names in the industry.
