Osheaga 2014: CBC's top picks for acts you don't want to miss
CBC News | Posted: August 1, 2014 3:18 PM | Last Updated: August 1, 2014
CBC's Pierre Landry, Frank Opolko and Kristin Falcao suggest their bests of the fest
Frank Opolko's picks
1. Basia Bulat (Sunday, 6:30 p.m. Green Stage)
Bulat was born in Etobicoke, Ontario and attended Western University in London. On Sept. 30, 2013, Bulat released her third album Tall Tall Shadow worldwide via Secret City Records.
The album was nominated for a 2014 Juno Award in the Adult Alternative Album of the Year category, and is a shortlisted nominee for the 2014 Polaris Music Prize. My pick to take the Polaris this year.
2. Kodaline (Sunday. 6 p.m.)
This Dublin based band released In a Perfect World in 2013. They remind me of a poppy version of U2. Their feel good style make them a crowd-clapping favourite. You’ve probably heard their music on Grey's Anatomy. All I Want was released as part of the soundtrack for the film The Fault in Our Stars. In July, their songs Pray and High Hopes were featured in trailers for the upcoming films Horns and Love, Rosie.
3. Volcano Choir (Saturday, 4:25 p.m.)
An American indie rock band from Wisconsin, Volcano Choir formed in 2005.
The band began as a collaboration between Bon Iver's Justin Vernon and members of Collections of Colonies of Bees. Terrific musicality combined with Vernon’s ‘indecipherable’ lyrics add to the intrigue.
An American indie rock band from Wisconsin, Volcano Choir formed in 2005.
The band began as a collaboration between Bon Iver's Justin Vernon and members of Collections of Colonies of Bees. Terrific musicality combined with Vernon’s ‘indecipherable’ lyrics add to the intrigue.
4. Bleachers (Friday, 1:30 p.m.)
This American indie pop act based in New York City was formed by Jack Antonoff of Steel Train and Fun. Their first single, I Wanna Get Better, was released February 17, 2014. Just like the popular group Fun, this Osheaga performance will be rockin’.
5.Nick Cave and The Bad Seeds (Saturday, 8:05 p.m.)
Australian musician, songwriter, author, screenwriter, composer and occasional film actor, Nick Cave does it all. His music is reflective, even poetic and reminds me of Lou Reed, Leonard Cohen or even Portishead. His performance at Osheaga will be as frontman of the critically acclaimed rock band Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, established in 1983, a group known for its eclectic influences and musical styles.
Frank Opolko is an audio and video producer, blogger and music programmer at CBC. Follow him on Twitter at @FrankOpolko.
Kristin Falcao's picks
1. Le Trouble (Friday 1 p.m.)
An amazing band from Montreal. They’re these five guys, four from Quebec and their frontman is from Australia. They’ve only been together for three years and they’ve managed to squeeze their way into Osheaga.
2. Half Moon Run (Sunday 6:30 p.m.)
They’ve exploded on the Montreal scene over the past year so you should definitely check them out.
3. Lorde (Sunday) and 4. Foster the People
You can’t forget the headliners. Both of these acts are highly-anticipated so make sure to make your way to the stage early.
Kristin Falcao is an arts reporter with CBC Montreal. Follow her on Twitter @Kristin Falcao
Pierre Landry's picks
1. Motel Raphaël (Friday, 1:20 p.m.)
This Montreal-based pop band was added at the very last minute. They're really, really good and really nice girls.
2. Half Moon Run (Sunday, 6:30 p.m.)
Another great Montreal band. They've generated a huge buzz with their album Dark Eyes. They've toured all over the world — opened up for Mumford & Sons. This is probably one of the only shows they're doing this summer because they're working on a new album.
3. Jack White (Saturday, 9 p.m.)
Yes, he was with the White Stripes. He was with the Raconteurs. He's done so many different musical projects and because of that you never know what to expect with him. He just released a brand new album called Lazaretto. He can do country, he can do rock, he can do almost folk music at the same time. I think he'll be one of the standout acts this year.
Arts reporter Pierre Landry is hosting CBC's All in a Weekend for the summer. Follow him on Twitter @PierreLandry and tune in this weekend for all the latest on Osheaga.