by laura harvey
Having returned successfully for a small-scale festival in October 2021, Montreal’s Osheaga Festival returns this year in 2022 to solidify its status as Canada’s best music festival. With a diverse lineup across multiple genres, Osheaga takes place between July 29th - 31st at Parc Jean-Drapeau, in the heart of Montreal.
The three day festival sees headlining performances by Canadian indie legends Arcade Fire on that Friday (who replaced the Foo Fighters following Taylor Hawkins’ tragic death), man-of-the-minute A$AP Rocky on that Saturday, and everyone’s favourite British popstar, Dua Lipa, on that Sunday. So with three solid headliners, who else are we looking forward to seeing?
Here are the 10 artists we’re most looking forward to seeing this year:
Arcade Fire
Having just release what could be their finest record to date, We, Arcade Fire have proved themselves unstoppable, and with such an incredible live set of career-spanning songs, Arcade Fire is a band that you cannot miss.
Yeah Yeah Yeahs
Having performed at Osheaga in both 2009 and 2018, Karen O’s Yeah Yeah Yeah’s are always a live favourite. With her sprawling energetic performances, Karen O has proven time and time again why she is one of the greatest frontwoman in music.
Turnstile
What a journey this band has been on. This hardworking hardcore band from Baltimore have toured relentlessly, and put out one of the greatest modern hardcore records, Glow On, making them beloved among the rock and hardcore communities. They’re a band you don’t want to miss live.
Gus Dapperton
The New York songwriter has been continuously impressing with his beautifully written indie-pop songs, and his 2020 album Orca has been one of my most played over the last two years. When you need that refreshing breather of new music discovery at a festival, Gus is exactly what you need.
Wet Leg
Do they really need an introduction? The British band have slowly been taking over the internet with their fresh blend of humorous indie post-punk. The charming duo are known just as much for their raucous live performances, and are a band we will for sure be in the front row for.
Mahalia
British R&B singer Mahalia has been catching the attention of every big name in music right now. We adore her latest EP, Letters To Ur Ex, and can’t wait to see her bring those songs to life on stage.
Jacob Banks
Jacob Banks has continuously put out beautiful, emotive songs and has never been afraid to blend genres across rock, pop, R&B, and many others. His powerful voice is unmissable live, and sure to captivate the Montreal audience.
Men I Trust
Montreal natives Men I Trust provide the relaxed summer vibes everyone is after at a music festival. The three-piece lo-fi indie locals are sure to grab a big crowd in their hometown, and it’s not to be missed.
Lucy Dacus
Whether you’re a long time Lucy Dacus fan or only discovering her recently, seeing her and her band live is something you will remember. A prolific songwriter and incredible vocalist, Lucy is always exciting to see live.
Khruangbin
Our favourite mysterious Houston trio, known for their incredible musicianship and technical ability, Khruangbin are your perfect festival band. Known initially for their “Thai funk” influences, Khruangbin have been continuously redefining their sound, and not putting a label on themselves, making it purely about enjoying the music.