POP Montreal Announces Final Wave of Artists Including SOPHIE, CupcakKe, Zola Jesus, and More

Recognized for its top quality programming and multidisciplinary focus, POP Montreal announces its complete program, spanning 5 days of music, art, talks, cinema, and creativity of all kinds from September 26th to 30th, 2018

As always, the POP Montreal festival remains non-profit and artist-centered, prioritizing diversity, creativity, and authenticity. Today POP is pleased to unveil new artists-35% of which were selected via an open submission process-in addition to its full segment programming, including Art POP, Film POP, POP Symposium, Kids POP, Puces POP, and Record Fair.

Music:

This year, on the musical side, there are inspiring international artists revolutionizing pop music like SOPHIE and JPEGMAFIA;new figures in feminist rap like CupcaKke, Dounia, and Kilo Kish; and the best of international indie music from Palm, Molly Nilsson, Equiknoxx, Zola Jesus, Bodega, and more.

In terms of legends, look no further than Wanda Jackson, who played with Elvis himself. Iconic U2 producer Daniel Lanois returns to team up with Venetian Snares for a collaborative project of experimental electronica. POP Montreal also welcomes Drag City troubadour Bill Callahan and the Governor General Award winning Abenaki filmmaker Alanis Obomsawin for a one-time-only presentation of her classic album "Bush Lady" at Monument National. "Bush Lady" was originally self-released in 1988 and is getting a proper reissue and remaster by Montreallabel Constellation.

Other highlighted Canadian artists include: U.S. Girls, King Khan and The Shrines, littlebabyangel, Homeshake, and Wolf Parade playing 4 nights at Sala Rossa.

Quebec artists premiering breathtaking new creations include:Thus Owls at the Phi Centre presenting a multi-disciplinary show with Karl Lemieux (Godspeed You! Black Emperor) and dancer / performer Hanako Hoshimi-Caines; Elisapie will welcome special guests for a performance at the Monument National; the soulful musical force TiKa presents her Iverna Island Fest for Women of Colour; and Gypsy Kumbia Orchestra will bring their Bal Dansant en Famille to the Rialto Theatre as part of a multi-floor family-friendly tropical takeover of the Rialto Complex.

POP Montreal will also offer a series of special and intimate shows at the mythical Cinema L'Amour. Lydia Kepinski and Leif Vollebekk present one time only special performances,

Socalled will premiere The Housesitter, an art school indie gay porn that critics are already saying is "Call Me By Your Name with more action!" POP Montreal is also happy to announce the premiere of

Elle Barbara's Bosom Confidante Spectacle de Variétés, an original event that Elle Barbara describes as a variety talk show on the subject of sex and music!

Let's not forget Koriass who will present his new album "La Nuit des Longs Couteaux" at MTelus, accompanied by Fouki andZach Zoya.

This year's edition will also include showcases by some of the best independent Canadian labels, including Secret City Records, Ghost Club Records, Dare to Care, Paper Bag Records, Royal Mountain, and more.

Film POP

Film POP's new curator Adam Abouaccar has programmed a wealth of illuminating portraits, including films about feminist icons Betty Davis, Lena Platonos, and Joan Jett, as well as the younger but equally consequential Silvana Imam, and many more.Film POP will take place from September 26th to September 30th at the newly launched Cinema Moderne.

POP Symposium
POP Symposium has curated a wide range of talks, panels, and workshops covering everything from adapting to fast-paced music tech developments to navigating mental health and burnout in the arts. With special guests like SOPHIE, Leanne Betasamosake Simpson, and Wanda Jackson sharing their unique viewpoints during their highly coveted artist talks, and the author of "Meet Me In The Bathroom" (on the New York post 2000s rock revival), Lizzy Goodman, the 2018 edition is sure to evoke and inspire the underground artistic community of Montreal and beyond. All events are free and open to the public!

Art POP

New Art POP curators Terrance and Hugo-also the duo behind the Celine Bureau residency-have put together an exciting program of more than 70 artists for this year's edition, with works that explore identity, heritage, narrative, class, and culture. Art POP is taking over the entire 3rd floor of the Rialto Complex with solo and group shows within Studio Rialto and smaller surprises all throughout the building. Studio Rialto will also be home to live performances, including an electrifying evening of original dance and movement by renowned New York duo FlucT and an independent writers reading event presented with Expozine. Art POP will also include several satellite exhibitions at Espace POP, Oboro, Centre Clark, Ellephant, and Pied Carré. All Art POP exhibitions are free and open to the public.

Kids POP

Rediscover the family oriented segment of POP Montreal, Kids POP, on Saturday, September 29th and Sunday, September 30th with new curators Sonya Stefan & Sasha Kleinplatz. This year, the kids have the power and most activities will be centered around providing children of all ages a platform to be themselves. All activities are free and will take place at venues in Montreal's Mile End, including Cinema Moderne and the Rialto Complex.

Puces POP:

Puces POP is the largest independent artisanal fair in Montreal since 2004. Puces POP has carved out a unique niche in the busy Montreal craft scene by remaining true to its mission to promote and celebrate the very best emerging designers, artisans, and artists that Montreal has to offer. At Puces POP, there's something for everyone, no matter the budget!

Record Fair :

Heads up crate-diggers! Flip the wax and drop a needle on POP Montreal's decennial edition of the Record Fair. This is your chance to pick up new, used, and rare albums on LP, CD, and everything in between.

About POP Montreal

POP Montreal International Music Festival is an annual non-profit curated cultural event that champions independence in the arts by presenting emerging and celebrated artistic talents from around the world. Launched by friends and colleagues in 2002 from the collective impulse to create a meaningful and vibrant cultural festival, POP Montreal is now entering its 17th year as a permanent fixture on the international music circuit and the Montreal festival map. popmontreal.com