Some cities host festivals, Quebec City however actually becomes its annual music festival. Taking place throughout July each year, parks, squares, street corners and more are used to stage acts on a nightly basis by Festival de ‘Ete (Summer Festival), while one ticket gets festival goers into shows for the whole month. To guide us through this year’s line-up booker Louis Bellavance has provided us with a playlist of some personal favourites from this year’s bill.
Brandi Carlile – Wherever Is Your Heart
“I’m a huge Brandi Carlile fan. What an amazing and authentic voice she has. That song from her Firewatcher’s daughter record has that typical singalong power chorus she so often delivered since she began. Just love it. And wait until you see her live…”
Fetty Wap – Trap Queen
“A big catch for us this year! He charted his first four singles in the Hot Rap Songs chart top 10 simultaneously. No one else had done it before. And now he’s taking off with 11 nominations at the 2016 Billboard Music Awards. It all started with this song.”
Archer – Jesus Was A Man
One of the hidden gems of this year’s lineup. Fell in love with his music when I saw him in a small club in Melbourne last fall. You could hear a fly in the room. Think Johnny Cash meets Woody Guthrie. He’s an anachronism in today’s music world and I thank him for that.
The Strumbellas – Spirits
One of the most promising up-and-coming bands from Canada right now. Saw them 3 times in a row at SXSW this year and I couldn’t believe how good and entertaining they were. I better warn you now; this song will stick in your brains forever if you listen to it just once. And they have a few more just as effective…
Brian Fallon – Nobody Wins
I’ve always been a big fan of The Gaslight Anthem and I think that Fallon, solo this time, just delivered his best work since The ‘59 sound record back in 2008. It’s a little mellower than what the full band could deliver but just as good. This song is a keeper for sure!
The Lumineers – Ophelia
When I booked the band, the new record wasn’t out yet and I was hoping they could pick up from where they had left off with their famous eponymous record in 2012. But when I heard that song, it felt like I might very well be presenting them just at the perfect timing!
Red Hot Chili Peppers – Californication
How can I not talk about the Peppers. We’re all so excited to present them on the main stage this year! I was and I’m still hoping for that new Danger Mouse produced record to harvest new immortal hits for them. Since I haven’t heard anything new yet, I picked one of my favorite tracks of theirs. Who needs more hits with songs like this one?
The Cult – Fire Woman
I was a big fan in the early 90s but I was never lucky enough to see them live. I had that chance this year and was so pleased with the band still being l on top of its game. Fire Woman is one of the best songs of the late 80’s early 90’s.
Half Moon Run – Turn Your Love
Very proud to book a Montreal band that has so much to offer. Might be the best Montreal act since Arcade Fire. Always amazing live. This is the first single from their second record and I think it might open more doors for them on the international scene.
The Decemberist – Make You Better
Happy to bring an Americana flavour to this year’s lineup with a solid act like The Decemberists. I really enjoyed their latest, and liveliest, record filled with great songs like this one.
For more, including the full line up and tickets, head to Infofestival.com.
