The ART CABARET proudly presents “OUR MORNING DUVETS” featuring Botnek, Harmsworth and Andres Velilla. Generally when we post about club events, it is almost always focused on the artists performing the music. The Art Cabaret LOFT PARTY is modelled after the Andy Warhol factory parties. During the night there will be world class DJs spinning tunes whilst a variety of nude models are painted live by world renowned painters such as Peter Farmer and James Farell.

This is is a BYOB event which costs 10$ in advance.  Here is a taste of the music that should be expected throughout the night!

So as promised, here are the photos for Bassnectar’s incredible show at Metropolis last Friday. The venue was in top form that night, filled to the rafters with loyal bassheads eager to get their fix. Montreal natives Dooze Jackers set the tone for the evening, playing a great selection of tropical, moombathon, and dutch bass music that got the crowd more than ready for the opening act. These guys have been on a tear as of late, so check out their soundcloud here.

As for the main event, Bassnectar shook the place to the foundation as expected, and from the first drop to the last, he had the crowd eating out of his hands. I get burnt out on dubstep sometimes, but Bassnectar’s infusion of hip hop and impeccably timed samples makes his sets a lot more fun from start to finish than your average DJ. That, combined with a kick ass edit of “Breed” by Nirvana and the obligatory heartfelt sing-along to his remix of Ellie Goulding’s “Lights” made this show one of my favorites of the year so far. I was all the way at the front taking pictures in the photo pit for the first part of the show, and by the time I left I felt like the bass coming out of those giant speakers might have given me a concussion. So totally worth it.

Elevate – Datsik & Bassnectar

As we turn the calender over to November, it’s time to look ahead to see what great acts will come through Montreal over the next month. So far we’ve already had a show from Star Slinger, but there is much, much more on the horizon. Let’s start with tonight, as Le Belmont plays host to experimental post-dubstep up-and-comer Jonwayne. This one is hosted by our friends at Low-Life, so get out there and show them some love.

Later this month you’ll also have the chance to catch M83 (the 19th), Jay Z & Kanye (the 22nd), the Kooks (also the 22nd) and Bassnectar (the 25th). That’s just a small taste, so stay tuned and check out our full concert calender. Until then, here are some tunes to get you excited for the month ahead. Peace.

Ooh La- The Kooks

Immigraniada (Bassnectar Remix)- Gogol Bordello

Splendor- M83

Last Thursday, The Arcade Fire capped off their long world tour in a grand fashion by returning home to Montreal. The world renowned band played two shows in our fair city, first at Metropolis on the 21st followed by a free show at Place des Festivals the next night. I’ve been to a good deal of concerts in my time, but the atmosphere in the square that night was something totally unique and unlike anything I’ve experienced before. Most reports estimate that somewhere between 75,000 and 80,000 people flooded into the city for the event, but at certain points it certainly felt like more than that. Tens of thousands were already camped out hours before the start of the show in the hopes of securing a good spot, and the stream of people arriving as The Arcade Fire’s set drew nearer appeared almost endless. At one point, it almost seemed as if the entire city was going to show up.

Kid Koala and fellow Montrealers Karkwa warmed the crowd up with some great opening sets, and at around 9pm The Arcade Fire finally took the stage. After opening with what seemed like an almost obligatory version of “Ready to Start,” front man Win Butler saluted the crowd and expressed how happy he and his band mates were to be performing for their home town once again. “Our hearts are very full,” he began, and the emotion was almost palpable among every person in attendance. The incredible connection between the band and this city was readily apparent from start to finish, and I have a hard time believing that they ever have or ever will play to a more receptive and supportive audience.

After their grand entrance, they moved through some of their older hits like “Keep the Car Running,” “No Cars Go” and “Antichrist Television Blues” off of Neon Bible before moving on to newer material from The Suburbs. Overall, the track selection was very balanced and moved back and forth between their three fantastic LPs, including their 2006 debut Funeral. The only small lull in energy came after two of their more obscure songs, “Speaking in Tongues” and “Intervention,” but the band soon had the entire audience singing along with them once again during their rendition of the crowd-pleasing favorite “Wake Up.” After close to a two hour set, The Arcade Fire briefly left the stage leaving everyone in attendance to venture their best guesses as to what their encore would be. They certainly did not disappoint, choosing two of their best known and best loved tracks “Rebellion (Lies)” and “Sprawl II” to cap off the night.

After attending this show I am even more convinced that The Arcade Fire are a talent that comes along maybe once in a generation. Aside from their transcendent talent as musicians and composers, the energy and emotion that they capture on stage is really something special. Maybe I’m just biased because I live in Montreal and am happy to see them get the international recognition they so rightly deserve, but I have to say that this concert will stick out in my mind as one of the best I’ve ever been a part of. Merci beaucoup, Arcade Fire, and thank you for a night that I won’t soon forget.

Sprawl II- The Arcade Fire

Antichrist Television Blues- The Arcade Fire

Alright Philadelphia, it’s officially time to start getting hype because the annual Mad Decent Block Party is only a few days away. If you’re looking for the perfect excuse to drink PBR, hear some great music and observe the wild hipster in its natural environment, then you absolutely have to make it to this party. Here’s a quick description via maddecent.com

“This Sunday we’re bringing the Mad Decent Block Party to where it all began, Philadelphia! Presented by Native Shoes, this years Philly Block Party brings together the whole Mad Decent family with sets from Diplo, Das Racist, DJ Sega, Brick Bandits, Kito, Po Po and more! Located at the beautiful Piazza Plaza at Schmidts from 3-8 pm, get all the info and RSVP for guaranteed entry at

www.maddecentblockparty.com“

The day will undoubtedly be full of great music from start to finish, but I have to say that more than anything I’m looking forward to seeing Das Racist again. Indie rap’s favorite stoners are set to release their new album, Relax, on September 13^th with Greedhead Music, Himanshu K. Suri’s own label. This is their first real LP following the amazing internet success of their two previous mixtapes “Shut Up, Dude” and “Sit Down, Man.” Chances are they’ll be dropping some new material from the album, including the first single “Michael Jackson,” which you can stream below.

And if all this wasn’t enough to entice you already, then here’s the kicker: IT’S FREE. That’s right, you really have no excuse not to go if you’re in Philly this weekend, so get your bandanas, jean shorts and non-prescription glasses ready to go and we’ll see you there. In the meantime here are some tunes to hold you over until Sunday. Peace.

When You Hear the Bassline (Stereotype Remix)- Major Lazer

Das Racist – Michael Jackson by Transdreamer

Das Racist – Caffeinated Consciousness (Remix) by magic.arrows.blog

The up and coming Kiwi rock outfit The Naked And Famous are on their way to Montreal for the very first time, and The New Montreal wants to hook you up with some tickets to the show. The band is touring North America to promote the release of their critically acclaimed debut album Passive Me Aggressive You. Their single “Young Blood” has hit the top 10 in Australia, Canada, the US, UK and Germany, so you know that means that these guys are on the rise. The show is on Wednesday, August 10th at La Sala Rossa, and here’s how you can get your hands on a pair of tickets:

Just write to us at thenewmontreal@gmail.com and tell us your favorite thing about Montreal in the summertime. I’m well aware that there’s a lot to write about on this topic, but please keep your answers brief, about 200 words max. I’ll pick one winner who will have their name added to the guestlist with a +1. We look forward to hearing from you, but make it quick; the contest ends one week from today, July 25th.

TNM also has an interview with the Naked And Famous coming up in the near future, so be sure to stay tuned for that. Now here are a couple of videos to give you a taste of what you’re in for.

At the beginning of April, I was lucky enough to find myself in Amsterdam on the same weekend that Cunninlynguists happened to be stopping though on their tour to promote their new album, Oneirology, which dropped back in March. Deacon the Villian, Kno and Natti have been staples of underground Southern hip hop since their debut album Will Rap for Food came out all the way back in 2001 and, needless to say, I was beyond psyched to see the group play at Amsterdam’s Club Melkweg for what was sure to be an eager crowd.

After a warm-up set from Brooklyn’s PackFM, Cunninlynguists took the stage and proceeded to rock out for about two solid hours, moving through their entire discography with ease. They played old favorites like “Seasons” and “Lynguistics” as well as new jams off of Oneirology. They had good banter with the crowd throughout their entire set, even jumping down off stage into the mosh pit up front for a few songs. At one point they stopped the show to ask the audience who in attendance didn’t smoke weed. Needless to say, very few people raised their hands. They also brought out a local Dutch hip hop artist to keep the crowd going towards the end of their set, and played two encores before finally leaving the stage. The night wasn’t quite over yet, however, as the boys stuck around outside the venue to talk and sign autographs for their fans.

It was a night I won’t soon forget, here are a few of my favorite classic Cunnin tracks as well as some great songs off of their new album. Enjoy.

Lynguistics- Cunninlynguists

Seasons Ft. Masta Ace- Cunninlynguists

Embers- Cunninlynguists

Stars Shine Brightest (In the Darkest of Night) Ft. Rick Warren- Cunninlynguists

 

On October 16th, the Bloody Beetroots newest incarnation Death Crew 77 came through to melt some heads at our very own Telus Theater. Although I regrettably couldn’t cover the show in person, I once again turned to my buddy Kevin to give me his take on the whole ordeal. Here’s his review.

“An innocent bystander happening past the Telus Theater last Saturday would have witnessed an unruly mob of drug-infused youth, pushing and clawing to get closer to the entrance while trying to slip past the tight security. Little would they know, however, the real mayhem lay beyond the doors as the ruthless Death Crew 77 took the stage.

With unison rivaling the familiar “Ole! Ole! Ole!” chant heard at a Habs game, the hundreds of sweat-drenched fanatics screamed “Bloody, Bloody!”, beckoning the venom-masked Italian trio. The band didn’t waste a second, jumping onstage at 12:30am (very early for Montreal) and pushing the decibels without break for 2 hours. With the help of a Gibson SG guitar (and a slew of crunchy pedals), a Gibson Thunderbird bass, and stacks of synthesizers, as well as band mates Tommy Tea (on mixers) and Edward Grinch (on drums), Sir Bob ‘Cornelius’ Rifo proved to be a master front man. Somebody call the Queen, I think we’re ready to get that “sir” legitimized.

The setlist jumped between the Death Crew brand of heavy-metal-punk-electro in “Cornelius” and their signature “Domino,” to the clean electro-house of “Fucked From Above 1985.” And of course, what would a Beetroots show be without a few drops of “Warp” in its various forms. Though it would have been easy for them to let the mixing boards take over, it was really interesting to see them add new flavor to some of their classic bangers with their new instrumentation and some spine-shattering drum-solos. Their remarkable ability to self-mash-up and their flawless transitions didn’t allow for a moment of monotony. Their classical influence also emerged with their inevitable harpsichord breakdowns creating a delicious fusion that would cause any Baroque-era listener to soil his waistcoat.

Luckily the listeners were instead a bouncing and swaying mosh pit of shirtless rapscallions whose ears were eager to lap up the filth. Though crushingly dense, the pit pretty much spanned to the back of the theater making dancing virtually impossible save for on the balcony. But the Beetroots proved that electronic music is no longer something exclusively created for ease of dance, but can also fuel a fist pumping riot almost indiscernible from a Metallica crowd. Anyone who missed this show, sporting slogans such as “the Bloody Beetroots were SO last year” needs to realize that what’s actually grown old is seeing one of the thousands of electro producers spinning knobs onstage for an hour…these beetroots are ripe for the pickin’.”

-Written by Kevin McWhinnie

Fucked From Above 1985- The Bloody Beetroots

Cornelius- The Bloody Beetroots

Pistols & Hearts (The Bloody Beetroots Remix)- Captain Phoenix

On Sunday, hundreds gathered at the Telus Theater to witness the homecoming of one of Montreal’s favorite native sons, DJ A-Trak. For the last few years A-Trak has been a very busy man, touring all over the world with Duck Sauce and serving as Kanye’s personal DJ. All this only serves to bolster his own solo career as he gets more and more attention. After all the work he’s put in and all the different cities he’s visited, he had the rare opportunity  on Sunday night to throw it down for his home town fans. Telus Theater was jam packed that night, with more and more people flooding in as his 1:30AM set time approached. I think it’s safe to say that everyone in the house was in pretty good spirits when A-Trak finally took the stage, especially considering that the whole affair was sponsored by Smirnoff Vodka.

What struck me about his set as a whole was that A-Trak really embodies the full scope of what it means to be a DJ. By combining his peerless scratching abilities with skillful transitions from one song to the next, he flowed nicely between electro, house, hip hop, Motown and disco favorites, creating an atmosphere where it was literally impossible to stand still. Every track he chose was right on the money and kept the crowd moving throughout his entire two hour set, all the way from the obligatory ‘Barbra Streisand’ drop to ‘Good Times’ by Motown favorites Chic. For about 45 minutes, he moved into some hip hop and rap favorites that really got the room hyped up before seamlessly switching back into his disco, electro mode.

Rarely do we see a DJ so skillfully jump between genres without missing a beat, but then again, A-Trak is not your average DJ. He looked like he was having a blast performing for his hometown faithful, and both he and the crowd wanted to keep the party going all night. Alas, Telus finally had to pull the plug on him at around 3:30, and with a sheepish smile and a half-shrug, he waved to the crowd and walked off. We can only hope that our paths cross again soon, and if A-Trak is coming to your town in the near future, be sure you don’t miss out on the fun. Check out his upcoming tour schedule on his myspace.

Trizzy Turn It Up- A-Trak

Oh! (A-Trak Remix)- Boys Noize

Heads Will Roll (A-Trak Remix)- Yeah Yeah Yeahs

Anyway- Duck Sauce

Last Thursday, Caribou played a show at Theatre Le National which I was, unfortunately, unable to attend. Luckily, my friend Kevin did check it out, and he was so blown away that he wrote a short review for us.

“As Caribou first took the stage at Le National,  the first thing that struck me was the light setup. Their strobes would cause any self-respecting epileptic to flock to an Ibiza rave, and as if that wasn’t enough, their psychedelic on-stage projections made LSD look like cigarettes. Along with such a stunning introduction, there comes a certain pressure to deliver musically, and with an electrifying set that jumped between dreamlike ambiance and pulse-pumping electronica, Caribou delivered and then some. Alternating between synthesizers, drum kit, guitar and vocals, and backed by an army of talent (notably the featured wind section consisting of saxophones, flute and trombone), front man Daniel Snaith truly proved to be a real renaissance man of modern music.

The eight-piece band drew material primarily from the 2010 album Swim, but also dug into the vault for a few tracks, much to the pleasure of the aging die-hards. The tracks often ascended into electrifying crescendos, culminating in a lo-ish-fi wall of sound (watch out, Yo La Tengo) that was gasoline to the towering hipster dance-party inferno that raged on the floor. If you hail from Toronto or London Ont. mark off your calendar because this is not a show to be missed!”

-Written by Kevin McWhinnie

Odessa- Caribou

Sun-Caribou

Brothers (Caribou Remix)- Hot Chip