Osheaga 2011 Preview

<p> <a href="features/features/osheaga_2011_preview/"><img src="http://www.qromag.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/osheagapreview11.jpg" alt="Osheaga 2011 Preview" /></a> </p> <p> Last year, Montreal's Osheaga Music Festival climbed into the top ranks of music festivals with an alternative music fan's...
Osheaga 2011 Preview

Osheaga 2011 Preview

Last year, Montreal’s Osheaga Music Festival climbed into the top ranks of music festivals with an alternative music fan’s wet dream.  2011 didn’t try to repeat the feat, but instead is going wider, from rock ‘n’ roll icons to hip-hop superstars, along with everything in between (including a healthy dose of Canada, especially the Francophone kind) – is there anywhere where you could see Eminem one day, and Elvis Costello the next?  And that’s just E…

Held in Montreal’s Parc Jean Drapeau on Saint Helen’s Island in the St. Lawrence River, it’s still an ultra-easy to reach via the subway.  It’s also as button-down as the city – not only are there no American-style ‘beer gardens’ (i.e. cordoned-off areas that are the only places you can drink, with a terrible view of the stage), but there are even ladies walking around selling shots straight from the bottle.  And poutine!

With already two main stage right next to each other (so when one band ends, the other begins, with only a shuffle to the side for the crowd), two intimate stages among the trees, and DJ/dance tent, Osheaga expanded the only way it could – by adding a third day.  So Friday-Sunday, July 29th to 31st, here’s everything to see at Osheaga 2011:

 

 

FRIDAY, JULY 29TH

 

SCÈNE DE LA RIVIÈRE


Eminem, 9:20 PM – 10:50 PM 


When The Beatles reissues came out, it launched the band to #2 on the top-selling artists of this decade/century/millennium.  Who’s #1?  Eminem, a.k.a. Slim Shady, a.k.a. Marshall Bruce Mathers III.  The ultra-famous rap star has had the fastest-selling hip-hop album ever, tons of Grammys, even an Oscar (for his song his semi-autobiographical starring vehicle, 8 Mile).   He took a musical hiatus for a few years, but came back in 2009 with Relapse and last year’s self-admitted comeback, Recovery.  He’s also almost as famous for his celebrity lifestyle, including feuds with just about everyone (including his mother & now ex-wife, as well as Triumph, The Insult Comic Dog…).

Eminem
KiD CuDi, 7:05 PM – 8:05 PM


Kicking out the beats at Osheaga KiD CuDi (QRO photos outdoors), who’s work with GOOD Music labelmates like Kanye West, Common, and David Guetta (QRO album review), and earned major plaudits for his live show (QRO live review) and for last year’s Man On the Moon II: The Legend of Mr. Rager (QRO album review).

KiD CuDi
Bran Van 3000, 5:20 PM – 6:05 PM


This Quebec collective might not sound very familiar, but they’ve actually been all over the map for most of the last fifteen years.  Singles “Astounded” and “Drinking In LA” have continually received towering airplay all over the world, appearing in films, television shows and specials, as well as on best of an yearly compilation albums internationally.  While there may have been a couple of short hiatuses, and even some solo projects along the way, the French Canadian favourite’s reunion show drew a crowd of 180,000 to the esteemed Montreal Jazz Fest – Just wait and see what Montreal has in store this time around…

Bran Van 3000
Charles Bradley, 4:00 PM – 4:40 PM


The ‘Screaming Eagle of Soul’, Charles Bradley is one of the many great soul singers to emerge from Brooklyn’s DapTone Records, which also brought the world Sharon Jones  & The Dap-Kings (QRO album review) and Budos Band (QRO album review).

 

Charles Bradley

SCÈNE DE LA MONTAGNE


Janelle Monáe, 8:05 PM – 9:05 PM

The Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter nicely crosses between the urban and alternative genres, from signing to Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’ Bad Boy Record to opening on tour with of Montreal (QRO live review with of Montreal).

Janelle Monae
Broken Social Scene, 6:10 PM – 7:05 PM


Since being part of the indie-rock ‘Canadian Invasion’ of 2003/2004, Toronto’s own Broken Social Scene (QRO photos) have also become one of the most sought-after festival bands (QRO photos at a festival) in the alternative music arena (including Osheaga in 2008), whether indoors at industry showcases (QRO photos at a festival) or outdoors at more traditional fests (QRO photos outdoors at a festival), to the point where they’re headlining (QRO photos headlining a festival).  Fronted by singer/guitarists Kevin Drew and Brendan Canning (QRO interview), this giant collective includes The Apostle of Hustle, Andrew Whiteman (QRO interview), Do Make Say Think’s Charles Spearin (QRO interview), and a rotating female vocalist spot that’s included Metric’s Emily Haines (QRO live review), Leslie Feist (QRO live review), and Land of Talk’s Elizabeth Powell (QRO interview). While the previous releases were ‘BSS Presents:’ albums focused on Drew (Spirit If…QRO review) and Canning (Something For All of Us…QRO review), last year’s Forgiveness Rock Record (QRO review) is a return to the Broken Social Scene (QRO photos outdoors at a festival), and their live show (QRO live review) has included everything from Spearin’s fascinating Happiness Project (QRO review) to the old ‘hits’ like “K.C. Accidental” (QRO video) and “Fire Eyed Boy” (QRO video) – as well as numerous guest stars (QRO photos outdoors at a festival).

Broken Social SceneBroken Social Scene
The Knux, 4:40 PM – 5:20 PM


New Orleans’ alternative hip-hop due The Knux (QRO photos outdoors) come to a hip-hop-heavy Day One of Osheaga.

 

The Knux

SCÈNE DES ARBRES


The Barr Brothers, 9:10 PM – 9:55 PM


Brothers Andrew & Brad Barr have been performing in a variety of bands, including The Slip (QRO live review), Surprise Me Mr. Davis (QRO photos), and Land of Talk (QRO spotlight on), but headline the Scène des Arbres all on their own.

The Barr Brothers
The Rural Alberta Advantage, 8:00 PM – 8:40 PM


Though this indie rock trio was born out of homesickness and big city blues, the howling, heartfelt sound of The Rural Alberta Advantage (QRO photos at a festival
) has only seen both of those feelings intensify.  The band’s 2009 debut – Hometowns (QRO review) – endeared the Canadians to the hearts of their countrymen, and the buzz spilled south of the boarder and into Europe too (QRO photos outdoors).  The following two years have seen extensive international touring (QRO live review) with high praise from Pitchfork, the Associated Press and countless other publications.  They’ve also seen arguably the best Canadian album of 2011, in the trio’s sophomore effort, Departing (QRO review).  That album has catapulted them even further, resulting in a Polaris Prize nomination and this well earned slot at Osheaga…  and it’s only been a couple of months!

 


Also:


El Ten Eleven, 7:00 PM – 7:30 PM


Ana Tijoux, 6:00 PM – 6:30 PM


Uncle Bad Touch, 5:00 PM


Sweeting Thing, 4:00 PM – 4:30 PM

 

The Rural Alberta Advantage

SCÈNE VERTE


Timber Timbre, 8:45 PM – 9:30 PM


Brooklin, Ontario’s Taylor Kirk goes the stripped, alt-folk sound that they seem to know better how to do in Canada than anywhere else, as Timber Timbre (
QRO photos at a festival).  While sophomore release Creep On Creepin’ On (QRO album review) came a little late in the year, it was nonetheless instantly long-listed for the prestigious Polaris Prize.  The album has subsequently moved on to the shortlist, and as real favourite to win, this might be the perfect time to indulge in a little sinister charm.

Timber Timbre
Joseph Arthur, 7:15 PM – 8:00 PM


A ‘musician’s musician’, Joseph Arthur (QRO live review) was discovered by Peter Gabriel, and has been praised & covered by the likes of fan Michael Stipe (of the little-known R.E.M. – QRO album review).  He also has a highly regarded live show (QRO live review) that includes not just pedal loops & distortion, but a recording of it immediately available afterward for purchase (no word on if that’s possible for his Osheaga gig).  After two albums and a string of EPs (QRO EP review) with backing band The Lonely Astronauts (QRO photos), Arthur returned to strictly solo with this year’s The Graduation Ceremony.

 


Also:


Glass Candy, 5:45 PM – 6:30 PM


Lights, 4:20 PM – 5:05 PM

Joseph Arthur

 

 

SATURDAY, JULY 3OTH

 

SCÈNE DE LA RIVIÈRE


Elvis Costello & The Imposters, 9:20 PM – 10:50 PM


What a wild ride it’s been for festival headliner, Elvis Costello (QRO album review), who’ll be back at the helm of one of the greatest bands of a generation.  Fronting the Imposters, the quirky-yet-enigmatic front man will be capping off an illustrious career – one that took Costello and his oversized glasses on a punk rock tear that’s lasted over three and a half decades; one that still continues to this day.


He’s kicked the Beastie Boys off the Saturday Night Live stage, drunkenly fought Stephen Stills, and survived a poorly reported racism scandal, all the while very publicly idolizing George Jones… he’s impossible to nail down, but one thing’s for sure: The world’s second-most famous Elvis embodies the phrase punk rock lives.


Although the ‘90s may have mellowed him out – see co-writing sessions with Paul McCartney and guest staring on Frasier – Costello’s punk rock stature is unquestionable, and it’s exactly that kind of reputation that he’ll b bringing to Parc Jean Drapeau.  

Elvis Costello & The Imposters
Death From Above 1979, 7:25 PM – 8:15 PM


For an act that only broke up five years ago, Death From Above 1979’s reunion is actually one of the most anticipated.  It helps that the duo of Jesse F. Keeler (who’s been in MSTRKRFT since the break-up – see below) and Sebastien Grainger (who had his own solo career after the break-up – QRO album review – including Osheaga 2008) basically invented the dance-punk/noise-rock scene.  Their initial reunion gig at South-by-Southwest earlier this year (QRO recap) was so mobbed that policemen came in on horses and used mace – won’t be that nuts at Osheaga, but expect a wild time (QRO photos at a festival).

Death From Above 1979
Karkwa, 5:40 PM – 6:30 PM


Although this francophone five-piece was highly regarded in Canada’s French province for the better part of a decade, it wasn’t until 2010’s Les Chemins de verre
that the band hit a break through.  That record earned them coveted awards at both the Juno’s and the Polaris Prize gala, and marked their path into the rest of North America.  They’ve collaborated with QRO favourites Patrick Watson (QRO spotlight on) and Land of Talk (QRO spotlight on), toured all across the continent, and now, they’re making their Osheaga debut. 

Karkwa
John Butler Trio, 4:00 PM – 4:50 PM


California-born, Australian-bred roots man John Butler got his start busking in the streets down under.  Now, over a decade later, he’s the face of the chart topping, multi-platinum selling Trio that took his name.  Like Cat Power in 2010 (QRO recap), and An Horse this year (see below), JBT will offer a taste of the outback, and a break from the overwhelming Canadiana that Osheaga 2011 has to offer.

John Butler Trio
Hey Rosetta!, 2:40 PM – 3:20 PM


When QRO last checked in (
QRO interview) with fast rising, orchestral pop outfit Hey Rosetta! (QRO photos), the Newfies were fresh off the release the Red Songs EP (QRO review), and enjoying some light touring close to home.  Unfortunately for them, that downtime disappeared in no time, and the band has a brand new full length, several recent awards and nominations (including a 2011 Polaris Prize shortlisting), and a full touring schedule, including this date at Osheaga.

 


Also:


The Midway State, 1:30 PM – 2:00 PM

 

Hey Rosetta!

SCÈNE DE LA MONTAGNE


Bright Eyes, 8:15 PM – 9:15 PM


Welcome back, Conor Oberst.  As Bright Eyes (QRO photos), Conor Oberst won legions of hearts (including Summer’s on The O.C.QRO Music of The O.C.), but after 2007’s Cassadega (QRO review), he dropped the name and strayed into unfortunate country terrain (QRO live review).  However, not only is the Bright Eyes name back, but also the Bright Eyes (QRO photos at a festival) sound on The People’s Key (QRO review).

Bright Eyes
Lupe Fiasco, 6:30 PM – 7:25 PM


Discovered by no less than Jay-Z, Chicago’s Lupe Fiasco (QRO photos at a festival) rose to fame on the back of 2006 debut Lupe Fiasco’s Food & Liquor.  While he was able to follow that up the next year with Lupe Fiasco’s The Cool, conflicting and ever-changing third album announcements have come & gone since then.  But that third record, Lasers, finally came out earlier this year, so there should be new & old Fiasco at Osheaga.

Lupe Fiasco
Sam Roberts Band, 4:50 PM – 5:40 PM


While not very well known in America, Sam Roberts Band is one of the biggest acts in Canada – they’re like the hockey of rock ‘n’ roll.  2001 debut The Inhuman Condition was one of the best-selling independent releases in Canadian history, and the trilingual Quebecois musician is a mainstay up north (including Osheaga 2007).  So raise a can of Molson, eh, and find out what they’re all talking a-boot as the band plays their third Sasquatch! appearance, behind their new Collider and great single “Longitude” (QRO review), which features fellow Montréalais Elizabeth Powell (QRO interview) of Land of Talk (QRO spotlight on).

Sam Roberts Band
Tokyo Police Club, 3:20 PM – 4:00 PM


When Tokyo Police Club (QRO live review) exploded onto the scene with such songs as “Cheer It On” (QRO video) and “Your English Is Good” (QRO video), the young (Toronto) band delivered – but could they age well (QRO photos)?  Well, Dave Monks (QRO photos), Greg Alsop (QRO interview), Graham Wright (QRO interview), and Josh Hook (QRO photos) have, with 2008’s Elephant Shell (QRO review) & last year’s Champ (QRO review) finding that sweet spot between growing up and staying young with new greats like “Tessellate” (QRO video), “Frankenstein” (QRO video), and “Favourite Food” (QRO video) – and staying a definite QRO favourite (QRO spotlight on).  They’re returning (QRO photos at a festival) to Osheaga, after playing 2006’s inaugural edition.

Tokyo Police Club
Manchester Orchestra, 2:00 PM – 2:40 PM


From Atlanta, not New or Old England, Manchester Orchestra (QRO live review) were more rock than alt- on debut I’m Like a Virgin Losing a Child (QRO review), and moved firmly into the rock camp with 2009’s Mean Everything To Nothing (QRO review) and this year’s Simple Math (QRO review).  However, the outfit does it well (QRO live review) and big (QRO photos).

 


Also:


The 222s, 1:00 PM – 1:30 PM

 

Manchester Orchestra

SCÈNE DES ARBRES


Fucked Up, 10:10 PM – 11:00 PM


While Holy Fuck (QRO live review) lost the Polaris Music Prize in 2008, that kind of a name didn’t stop Fucked Up from winning it the following year with Chemistry of Common Life (though it almost derailed The Pool Parties at Williamsburg Waterfront in Brooklyn – QRO photos), and the band followed that up with singles collection Couple Tracks (QRO review) and this year’s concept rock opus, David Comes to Life.  Whether their hardcore music lives up to praise rarely given to hardcore is still up for debate, but what isn’t is how nuts the crowd goes for this act out of Toronto (QRO photos outdoors), with singer/frontman Damian Abraham bringing it, shirtless and crazy (QRO photos at a festival).

Fucked Up
Sam Adams, 8:55 PM – 9:35 PM


Trinity College’s Sam Adams got notice for his YouTube remix of Asher Roth’s “I Love College” (renamed “I Hate College”) – how much preppier can you get than Boston’s Boy?

Sam Adams
Anna Calvi, 7:40 PM – 8:20 PM


A star that’s shot up very fast, London’s Anna Calvi (QRO photos) has been turning a ton of heads back home (QRO photos in London), touring with the likes of Interpol (QRO live review) and Arctic Monkeys (QRO album review), but has already graduated to her own tours, even across the pond.

Anna Calvi
P.S. I Love You, 6:30 PM – 7:05 PM


After receiving the distinction of ‘Best New Music’ from Pitchfork last year (after playing QRO’s own Northside 2010 showcase – QRO recap
), Kingston, Ontario’s P.S. I Love You (QRO photos at a festival) have been tearing up their homeland – both with the artfully constructed riffs and spitfire percussion of their live show, as well as with their critically acclaimed recordings.  The band’s first album is still sweeping up mass hype and accolades 365 days later, with that aforementioned media magnate calling it, “A compact debut that nonetheless feels momentously epic.”

P.S. I Love You
Suuns, 5:20 PM – 5:55 PM


Montreal’s own Suuns (QRO photos) are a post-industrial group (QRO photos at a festival) that is not the easiest to listen to (when they’re not serving as backing band to city-mate Elizabeth Powell – QRO interview – as Land of Talk – QRO photos of Powell & Suuns).

Suuns
The Mountain Goats, 4:15 PM – 4:50 PM


John Darnielle has been a prolific producer for near two decades now under The Mountain Goats (QRO photos) moniker, including 2008’s Heretic Pride (QRO review) 2009’s pseudo-biblically-inspired The Life of the World To Come (QRO review), and this year’s All Eternals Deck.  And he’s bringing his enjoyable solo live show (QRO live review) to Osheaga (QRO photos at a festival), with both newer material like “Hebrew 11:40” (QRO video) and old such as “This Year” (QRO video).

 


Also:


Mother Mother, 3:10 PM – 3:45 PM


The High Dials, 2:10 PM – 2:40 PM


Jesuslesfilles, 1:10 PM – 1:40 PM

 

The Mountain Goats

SCÈNE VERTE


Bassnectar, 9:50 PM – 10:50 PM


A festival mainstay, Lorin Ashton (a.k.a. Bassnectar) brings the lights live.

Bassnectar
Ratatat, 8:15 PM – 9:05 PM


New York’s Evan Mast & Mike Stroud form the electronic duo known as Ratatat (QRO photos at a festival).  After putting out a self-titled record & following it up with Classics, the last two full-lengths have kept the simple-and-sweet-name, in LP3 (QRO review) and LP4.  Fun will definitely be had, thanks to Ratatat’s energetic, psychedelic live show (QRO live review).

Ratatat
Yoav, 6:55 PM – 7:35 PM


The South African musician of Israeli-Romanian descent, the international Yoav returns to the international Montreal, after having played Osheaga all the way back in 2006.

Yoav
Sia, 5:35 PM – 6:15 PM


Australia’s lovely Sia (QRO photos at a festival) has been winning fans & hearts both on record – most recently with last year’s We Are Born (QRO review) – and live (QRO live review), with not just her music but also her charm & humor.

Sia
Twin Shadow, 4:20 PM – 5:00 PM


With one of the best debut album of 2010, Forget, produced by Chris Taylor of Grizzly Bear (QRO live review), George Lewis Jr. (a.k.a. Twin Shadow – QRO photos) shot up on the hype meter.  Turns out, the ‘80s new wave-influenced pop of the Dominican Republic born musician (QRO photos at a festival) actually lived up to its reputation. Sophisticated melodies and catchy hooks abound, the tracks of Forget easily transitioned from haunting poetics to infectious dance numbers.

Twin Shadow
Braids, 3:10 PM – 3:50 PM


For a band that turned a chance opening slot for Deerhunter (
QRO album review) into a standing ovation and demands of an encore from the band, BRAIDS (QRO photos) is most definitely deserving of the “force to be reckoned with” status that critics seem so eager to give them (QRO photos).  What’s more, on the heels of a Polaris Prize shortlisting, and a record deal with Chad VanGaalen (QRO album review)’s Flemish Eye label, the band has only picked up steam.  They’ve toured with Baths (QRO photos), Holly Miranda (QRO album review) as well as Deerhunter, and have gained comparisons to past Osheaga headliners Arcade Fire (QRO live review) and Broken Social Scene (see above) – 2011 though, marks their time to shine on the Montreal stage (QRO photos)

BRAIDS
Oh Land, 2:00 PM – 2:30 PM


The latest sweet songstress from Scandinavia, Copenhagen’s Oh Land (QRO photos) follows in the footsteps of the likes of Lykke Li (QRO album review), mixing a big voice & bossanova with electronica and even a stripped down sound.  Having recently released both her self-titled EP (QRO review) and LP (QRO review), Nanna Øland Fabricius (QRO photos at a festival) keeps it rolling.

 


Also:


Passwords, 1:00 PM – 1:00 PM

 

Oh Land

SCENE PIKNIC ELECTRONIK


DâM-Funk, 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM


Pasadena funk singer/DJ DâM-Funk (QRO photos outdoors) is coming off throwing down five full-lengths worth of new material last year, edited and compiled into double-disc Toeachizown.

DâM-Funk

 

SUNDAY, JULY 31ST

 

SCÈNE DE LA RIVIÈRE


Flaming Lips, 9:25 PM – 10:55 PM


There’s a good reason The Flaming Lips (QRO photos at a festival) have been so popular for so long on the festival circuit (QRO photos at a festival), as there is no live show out there like a Flaming Lips live show (QRO live review).  Confetti cannons, costumes, video screens, balloons from the sky, puppets, singer/guitarist Wayne Coyne surfing the crowd in a giant plastic bubble – The Lips have it all (QRO photos), and expect them to take it even higher (QRO photos at a festival).  Oh, and they’ve got some great music, too, from early nineties hit “She Don’t Use Jelly” to 2006’s Grammy Award-winning At War With the Mystics (even put out a movie, Christmas On MarsQRO review), and 2009’s Embryonic (QRO review).


Oh, and the Lips will be playing a special full-album performance of their seminal The Soft Bulletin at Osheaga – and will be coming off two special dual shows in the NYC area with Osheaga 2010 headliner, Weezer (QRO live review).

The Flaming Lips
The Tragically Hip, 7:25 PM – 8:25 PM


Iconic rockers The Tragically Hip have long been a mighty force on the Canadian Music Scene.  Albums Up To Here, Fully Completely and Phantom Power were three of the ‘90s greatest, while singles “Bobcaygeon”, “Ahead By a Century”, and “New Orleans Is Sinking” mark some of the best known singles in the history of the great white north.  They’ve played Saturday Night Live (QRO Indie on Late Night TV), toured with The Who, and racked up an astounding 14 Juno awards, in addition to being inducted into very Walk or Hall of fame that their country has to offer.  Backed by iconic front man, and equally well-known poet Gord Downie, the band has been on an eighteen-year long run that, thankfully for Osheaga goers, has yet to slow. 

The Tragically Hip
Beirut, 5:50 PM – 6:35 PM


While Zach Condon began his instrumental outfit Beirut (QRO photos at a festival) as a solo project, he’s since developed it into a full band, featuring just about every instrument you’ve ever heard of (QRO photos at a festival).

Beirut
Cypress Hill, 4:20 PM – 5:05 PM


Having sold eighteen million albums worldwide, Cypress Hill may seem like an unusual programming pick for the Osheaga organizers.  To the contrary, the band’s unorthodox style and good-natured air of ‘reclaiming the glory days’ fits perfectly alongside fan favorites past and present, including Weezer (QRO live review) and The Flaming Lips (see above).   They were the first Latino outfit to achieve platinum success in hip-hop – all they have left to cross off the list is to shake off the dust and deliver at Osheaga.

Cypress Hill
Eels, 2:50 PM – 3:30 PM


Mark Oliver Everett – also known as Eels, or The Man Called E – has had a prolific & varied career over fifteen-plus years now (QRO live review).  Prolific enough that he’s put out greatest hits & b-sides compilations – Meet the Eels (QRO review) and Useless Trinkets (QRO review), respectively – to go with acclaimed studio album, most recently Tomorrow Morning (QRO review), End Times (QRO review), and Hombre Lobo (QRO review).  And his output has not only varied from stripped & intimate to grand & orchestra, blues to electronic, but has also included the likes of an autobiography (Things the Grandchildren Should Know) and a documentary about his father, Hugh Everett III, originator of the many-worlds interpretation of quantum theory.

 


Also:


Typhoon, 1:30 PM – 2:10 PM

 

Eels

SCÈNE DE LA MONTAGNE


Death Cab for Cutie, 8:25 PM – 9:25 PM


When Pacific Northwest alternative favorite Death Cab for Cutie (QRO photos at a festival) left long-time indie imprint Barsuk for major Label Atlantic in 2005 with Plans, fans thought the sky might be falling.  But instead, Death Cab has released not one, but two of their best records to-date, following up Plans last year with the excellent Narrow Stairs (QRO review) – and their latest, Codes and Keys (QRO review), is just out.


Singer/guitarist Ben Gibbard may have gone from dork to looking like a Cascadian beefcake – he is married to Zooey Deschanel of She & Him (QRO album review)/Yes Man (meanwhile, his side project, The Postal Service, may never release a follow-up to the much beloved Give Up), but guitarist Chris Walla is still an indie producer extraordinaire (and kept his alt-cred with his own solo record last year on Barsuk, Field ManualQRO review).  And with over a decade’s worth of strong material, their well is deep for a wide performance.

Death Cab for Cutie
City and Colour, 6:35 PM – 7:25 PM


Dallas Green, singer/guitarist of emo-punk band Alexisonfire, embraces his sad, acoustic side as City and Colour (he’s Canadian, thus the extra ‘u’ – 2005’s Sometimes only came out in America in 2009 – QRO review).

City and Colour
Malajube, 5:05 PM – 5:50 PM


The prominent schedule placement of this twice Polaris-shortlisted quartet signals a very interesting change at Osheaga 2011.  With Karkwa (see above) and Galaxie (see below) also high up on the weekend’s agenda, francophone bands look poised for a breakthrough for the first time in the festival’s history.  The difference between Malajube (QRO album review) and these two others, however, is mainstream success and experience, respectively. The band’s ‘90s alt-rock sounds dressed up in ultra-modern effects have already earned them well placed critical praise, commercial spots, a gig at the Olympics and the opportunity to score recent film The Trotsky – who knows what’s next?  Oh right, Osheaga-goers…

Malajube
The Sounds, 3:30 PM – 4:15 PM


Of the ‘The Bands’ in garage revival of earlier this century/millennium, while Sweden’s The Sounds (QRO photos) may not have the most inventive sound, the band (QRO photos) – fronted by frontwoman extraordinaire Maja Ivarsson – is electric live (QRO live review).

The Sounds
Frightened Rabbit, 2:10 PM – 2:50 PM


Scotland’s Frightened Rabbit (QRO live review) are at the forefront of the tragic, heartfelt wave coming from England’s own neighbor to the north, most recently with last year’s The Winter of Mixed Drinks (QRO review).  They also really put themselves out there on record, but their live show also sees them joking, in their Scottish brogue, capture on 2009’s live album, Liver! Lung! FR! (QRO review).  Also a strong festival band (QRO photos at a festival), they can even take requests (QRO live review all-request show).

 


Also:


The Sheepdogs, 1:00 PM – 1:30 PM

 

Frightened Rabbit

SCÈNE DES ARBRES


Galaxie, 10:20 PM – 11:00 PM


On the heels of francophone five-piece Karkwa (see above) taking home the prestigious Polaris prize, Quebec, Canada’s Galaxie is looking to keep the award in the province.  The band recently scored a (largely) unexpected berth on the award’s 2011 short list, and as music journalists everywhere scour to find information on the mysterious quintet, Galaxie is preparing to explode onto the Osheaga stage (indeed, the Scène des Arbres Stage is also called the ‘Galaxie Stage’), and perhaps even further depending on the September P.P. announcement. 

Galaxie
Baths, 9:10 PM – 9:50 PM


Young Will Wiesenfeld (QRO photos at a festival) was able to record & release debut Cerulean in only two months, after adopting the moniker of Baths (QRO photos) – and came back this year for extra Pop Music/False B-sides.

Baths
Shad, 8:00 PM – 8:40 PM


The flowing rhythms and educated delivery of Kenyan-born, Ontario-bred rapper Shad have long drawn comparisons to k-os and Common…  the difference between them being that the former’s style is even further evolved to feature self deprecating lyrics while still exploring troubling issues.  After winning a hometown radio contest, Shad was able to self-finance his debut disc, the success of which led him to record two subsequent albums, tour worldwide, and collect multiple Juno and Polaris nominations.  When last we checked, Shad was busy recording with City & Colour (see above).  Could this signal an onstage collaboration at Osheaga?  See Keane & K’naan together in 2010 (QRO recap) if you want to tickle your taste buds…

Shad
The Low Anthem, 7:00 PM – 7:30 PM


Hailing from the same small state as the Newport Folk Festival, Rhode Island’s The Low Anthem (QRO spotlight on) have grown from working the festival by picking up trash afterwards to playing it, along with many others (QRO interview at a festival).  One the bands at the vanguard of today’s alt-folk collective/Americana explosion, The Low Anthem (QRO interview) deliver a heartfelt, intricate mix of wide range of instruments (QRO live review), most recently on this year’s Smart Flesh (QRO review), with band members trading places and more (QRO photos outdoors).

The Low Anthem
The Joy Formidable, 6:00 PM – 6:30 PM


London, England powerhouse The Joy Formidable (QRO live review) has already taken Europe, Australia and even The States by storm with expertly played opening slots alongside Passion Pit (QRO album review), Temper Trap (QRO live review) and Editors (QRO album review).  This slot at Osheaga, hot on the heels of 2011’s The Big Roar (QRO album review), marks the beginning of the band’s Canadian invasion – if kind words from Dave Grohl and fellow festival performer Steve Nieve (Elvis Costello & The Imposters – see below) are any indication, no one is safe… from a jolly good time (QRO live review).

The Joy Formidable
Viva Brother, 5:00 PM – 5:30 PM


The home of the original Office, Slough, England, is also that of Viva Brother, who have been getting a lot of attention back home for their self-described ‘Grit-Pop’, even before the release next month of their debut LP, Famous First Words.

Viva Brother
The Luyas, 4:00 PM – 4:30 PM


Another hometown favourite, Montreal’s The Luyas (QRO photos) is relatively recent mash-up of members from some of the city’s best-known bands.  Featuring past and present players from Arcade Fire (QRO live review), Miracle Fortress (QRO photos), Belle Orchestre (QRO album review), SS Cardiacs, the four-piece explores a unique sound made up of steady percussion, hazy keyboards, a French horn, and a twelve-string zither.  Long story short, they’re a bit out there…  a perfect soundscape for the Scène des Arbres stage.  

 


Also:


Freedom or Death, 3:00 PM – 3:30 PM


Jimmy Hunt, 2:00 PM – 2:30 PM


Elephant Stone, 1:00 PM – 1:30 PM –
QRO album review

 

The Luyas

SCÈNE VERTE


MSTRKRFT, 9:50 PM – 10:50 PM


While Sebastien Grainger took the punk side of acclaimed Toronto act Death From Above 1979 (see above) in solo career (QRO album review), the other half of DFA1979, Jesse F. Keeler, went electro-house with new partner Al-P.  He’s also doing the rare double-duty at Osheaga.

MSTRKRFT
Crystal Castles, 8:15 PM – 9:05 PM


Most electronic acts are restrained on stage, even when their crowd is going nuts, but the duo of Ethan Kath & Alice Glass (QRO live review) match their audience’s fervor – which has gotten them booted from more than one stage, especially at festivals (though played Osheaga only two years ago).  So even if you fall on the ‘hate’ side of this love-them-or-hate-them act (from Canada, surprisingly…), show up for the spectacle… (QRO live review)

Crystal Castles
White Lies, 6:55 PM – 7:35 PM


After abandoning their early adolescent incarnation as Fear of Flying, west London’s White Lies (QRO spotlight on) exploded onto the U.K. scene with their tragic, neo-New Wave Death EP (QRO review) and chart-topping debut full-length, To Lose My Life (QRO review).  Fronted by the Anglo-handsome Harry McVeigh (QRO interview), White Lies also have an impressive live show (QRO live review), including killer lighting (QRO live review).  So catch the English favourites as their tour sophomore release Ritual (QRO review), and such epic pieces as not just “Death” (QRO video), but also “Farewell To the Fairground” (QRO video), “Bigger Than Us” (QRO video), and more.

White Lies
Ellie Goulding, 5:35 PM – 6:15 PM


One of the hottest recent breakthroughs has been London’s Ellie Goulding (QRO photos), who went from being unknown to playing the likes of Saturday Night Live and even the royal wedding!  She’s already movin’ one up in terms of venue size, so catch her while you can!

Ellie Goulding
The Pains of Being Pure at Heart, 4:15 PM – 4:55 PM


One of the many Brooklyn neo-garage acts to break out, The Pains of Being Pure at Heart (QRO live review) hewed more towards the brighter, twee side of things on their self-titled debut LP (QRO review), but veered into neo-John Hughes territory with this year’s great Belong (QRO review).  A band (QRO photos) that deserved to break out of the Brooklyn garage (QRO photos outside of NYC), live & outdoors (QRO photos outdoors at a festival), they really kick it up a notch (QRO live review outdoors).

The Pains of Being Pure at Heart
Smith Westerns, 3:00 PM – 3:40 PM


Chicago’s Smith Westerns (QRO photos outdoors) have been getting some definite attention (QRO photos at a festival), but is that for their rock (QRO photos at a festival), or is it for their persona – none old enough to drink yet, and notorious for getting kicked out of clubs for breaking that rule…

The Smith Westerns
An Horse, 2:00 PM – 2:30 PM


After touring the US with Tegan & Sara (QRO spotlight on), and acting as Australia’s go-to “tour buddy,” An Horse (QRO album review) looks to break into Canada with this slot at Osheaga.  The band was originally cooked up as an after hours hobby for two record store employees down under, but dates with Death Cab (see above), Cage The Elephant (QRO photos) and Silversun Pickups (QRO album review) as well as an iTunes Free Single of the Week quickly paved the Brisbane pair’s way to North America.  Here, they’ll offer another break from the overwhelming Canadiana that Osheaga 2011 has to offer.

 


Also:


Sherlock, 1:00 PM – 1:30 PM

An Horse

For festival website, go here: http://www.osheaga.com/en

 

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