Summer Music Swimsuit Edition 2025

Our favourite Montreal artists put their best beach fits to test.

by RANGE

Photography: Loicia Samson | Assistant: Jade Garon
Hair and Makeup: Alexandra Gavrilescu

As visions of patios and cold drinks swirl through your sun-drenched brain—right alongside the riffs from this season’s hottest releases—RANGE is excited to present to you our annual summer music swimwear shoot. 

Armed with nothing but our iPhones and good vibes, we rounded up 30 of our favourite Montreal-based bands and artists and asked them to show off their best warm-weather fits. The results? Let’s just say you’ll want to see for yourself.

Order our Summer 2025 print edition here! 

LA SÉCURITÉ

La Sécurité blends riot grrrl energy, jagged art punk, and bilingual hooks into jittery dancefloor anthems. Their debut Stay Safe! earned acclaim for its chaotic charm and genre-defiant pulse, while wild live shows—equal parts performance art and punk catharsis—have brought them to SXSW, The Great Escape, and beyond.

What’s your certified summer jam?

Probably “Raspberry.”

Where can we find you in Montreal on a hot summer day?

In a park or by the pool if we’re in town!

What’s your most crushable summer drink?

Un Manu 😉

What’s the best patio in Montreal?

L’Esco.

Any notable summer releases or dates you want to plug?

Two free shows in MTL this summer: Plaza Palooza on July 10 and Dans le Village on August 7 (during Pride)

@la_securite_avant_tout

 

BELLS LARSEN

Toronto-born, Montreal-based Bells Larsen crafts intimate, genre-blurring folk and lo-fi indie music exploring identity, time, and transformation. On his sophomore album Blurring Time, he harmonizes his pre- and post-transition voices in a rare, deeply personal dialogue. Produced by Graham Ereaux, Larsen’s poetic storytelling and lush acoustic arrangements have drawn acclaim from NPR, The Guardian, and CBC.

What’s your certified summer jam? 

“Ventura Highway” by America.

Where can we find you in Montreal on a hot summer day? 

At the Parc Laurier pool with my friend James.

What’s your most crushable summer drink? 

Bellwoods Brewery’s non-alcoholic Jellyking.

What’s the best patio in Montreal? 

I think it’s a tie between Vice Versa and L’Entre-pots.

Any notable summer releases or dates you want to plug? 

I’m particularly looking forward to playing Hillside in July and heading to Nova Scotia with Tim Baker in August.

bellslarsen.com | @bellslarsen

 

LAYE

Montreal alt-pop artist laye blends shadowy aesthetics with unflinching vulnerability, crafting dark pop that’s equal parts glam and gut-punch. Inspired by poets, fashion icons, and failed Hinge dates, she pairs catchy melodies with candid explorations of sexuality, mental health, and identity—always aiming to disrupt expectations and connect through raw, resonant storytelling.

What’s your certified summer jam? 

It’s always changing, but I’m currently enjoying listening to “Moves” by Suki Waterhouse. Feels like the perfect late summer night tune to put on. 

Where can we find you in Montreal on a hot summer day? 

I need to be by a body of water. If I’m not, then having a cold beer with friends. Or playing volleyball (with said cold beer in hand). But honestly, it’s more likely you’ll find me in the studio.

What’s your most crushable summer drink? 

I love a good margarita.

What’s the best patio in Montreal? 

I’m a West Island girl, so I enjoy Ye Olde Orchard in Pointe Claire.  

Any notable summer releases or dates you want to plug?

I have a lot of new music and I’m just in the middle of wrapping it all up so that it can meet you and your ear holes very soon. xoxo

layemusic.com | @layemusic

 

SHUNK

Shunk blends post-punk, shoegaze, dreampop, and opera into something entirely their own. Fronted by shape-shifting vocalist Gabrielle Domingue, the band delivers intense, unpredictable shows powered by a rock-solid rhythm section and Peter Baylis’ shimmering guitar work. It’s raw, theatrical, and straight from Montreal’s genre-blurring underground.

What is your certified summer jam? 

The entire Maria Fumaça album by Banda Black Rio. (Gabby)

Mondo Tempo by Freak Heat Waves. My favourite track is “Endless.” (Julia)

Where can we find you in Montreal on a hot summer day? 

In one of the various parks around town, like Marquette or Laurier. (Gabby)

Usually with my friends, hanging out on Jack Moore’s roof patio, playing music and laughing until the sun goes down. (Julia) 

What is your most crushable summer drink? 

Beer. (Gabby)

Gin drinks and kisses. (Julia)

Any notable summer releases or dates you want to plug?

Shunk is playing a summer kickoff show at the Van Horne Underpass on June 7 and we are releasing a single called “Partygirl” at some point.

shunkland.com | @shunkland 

 

KARNEEF

Karneef is a cosmic jazz soul alchemist whose new album, It’s How You Say It, explores funk, soul, and jazz through an interstellar lens. Backed by an elite crew of collaborators, Karneef crafts lush, mind-bending soundscapes where rhythm bends reality and every note feels like a message from another dimension.

What is your certified summer jam? 

In the summer we just had Anatole Muster. 

Where can we find you in Montreal on a hot summer day? 

Probably in a church basement.

What is your most crushable summer drink? 

Definitely President’s Choice sparkling water with added pure cranberry juice. 

What is the best patio in Montreal? 

St Joseph’s Oratory. 

Any notable summer releases or dates you want to plug?

My new album It’s How You Say It is out now.

karneef.com | @karneef

 

ADA LEA

Ada Lea (Alexandra Levy) is a multifaceted musician and visual artist known for her poetic, intimate songwriting and genre-blending sound rooted in folk and indie. A dedicated educator and creative explorer, she embraces imperfection and emotional honesty, weaving music and painting into a unique artistic practice that challenges industry norms and celebrates process over product.

What’s your certified summer jam? 

I’m looking forward to hearing more of Lorde’s new record.

Where can we find you in Montreal on a hot summer day? 

On the days when I’m not working, my ideal hot summer day is waking up, coffee, writing… reading—if I’m lucky. Walking to my art studio. Cooling down in front of the fan. Throwing down about art with whoever’s around… 

What’s your most crushable summer drink?
I like making homemade iced tea and also the President’s Choice frizzante water from Maxi.

What’s the best patio in Montreal?
The back balcony of my apartment. Lots of action with the neighbourhood cats and it’s quiet.

Any notable summer releases or dates you want to plug? 
Ada Lea LP3, when i paint my masterpiece, out August 8 on Next Door & Saddle Creek Records :-). Four years in the making. 

adaleamusic.com | @adaleamusic

 

BLOODSHOT BILL

Award-winning multi-instrumentalist Bloodshot Bill has spent 25+ years perfecting his raw, honky-tonk punk style. With a fiercely unique sound and unmistakable voice, the Montreal-based artist has released more than 20 albums and toured extensively around the world. Prolific and relentless, Bloodshot Bill keeps pushing his musical boundaries with every release and performance.

What’s your certified summer jam? 

Depending on mood, I like some slow instrumental music if I’m just relaxing in the heat…and something truly bangin’ if doing some adventurous activities.

Where can we find you in Montreal on a hot summer day? 

Prob in a pool or lake…or sleeping in until it’s cooler at night.

What’s your most crushable summer drink? 

Cold water…maybe a beer or two?

What’s the best patio in Montreal? 

Anywhere you can smoke and drink at same time. So probably my patio!

Any notable summer releases or dates you want to plug?

New album coming out soon.

bloodshotbill.com | @bloodshotbill

 

PRAYA

Praya blends rap, alt-pop, and grunge rock into a raw, emotionally charged sound. With tracks like “Amsterdam Baby” and “Champagne Romance,” he channels solitude and lost dreams through unfiltered lyrics and melodic grit. Think Louise Attaque meets Lil Peep; a voice for a restless generation, vulnerable yet fiercely independent — just like his pet dinosaur.

What’s your certified summer jam? 

“Love No Thotties” by Chief Keef. It makes me want to drink with my friends. That era of Chief Keef makes me nostalgic for the joyful 2010s beats I used to play during summer when I was a kid.

Where can we find you in Montreal on a hot summer day? 

In my room recording music, at Le Verre Bouteille drinking my second IPA, or on my balcony reading a book.

What’s your most crushable summer drink? 

The cheapest vodka with grape juice.

What’s the best patio in Montreal? 

When I have enough money, sometimes I enjoy having a pint alone on the Terrasse Nelligan at the Old Port of Montreal.

Any notable summer releases or dates you want to plug? 

My next album is coming out in June and will be my biggest release yet; 50 songs, and it’s called Moët et Chanson because every track tastes like champagne.

@prayamusique_

 

KARMA GLIDER

Montréal’s Karma Glider delivers a modern take on indie rock, blending shoegaze, post-punk, and noise pop. Led by Susil Sharma, their sound fuses Britpop textures, hip-hop sampling, and cavernous vocals to explore themes from love to addiction. The result: gritty yet uplifting tracks with a subtle punk spirit.

What’s your certified summer jam? 

“Finally” by CeCe Peniston. Because we survived the Canadian winter and it’s finally fucking summer baby!

Where can we find you in Montreal on a hot summer day? 

Escaping the heat with a matinee at Cinema du Parc

What’s your most crushable summer drink? 

Le Seltzer Orange Vanilla

What’s the best patio in Montreal? 

Caffe San Simeon.Can you really call yourself a Montrealer if you’ve never drank your Americano shoulder to shoulder with the old timers at this Little Italy cafe?

Any notable summer releases or dates you want to plug?

Our new album is out July 11. It’s called From the Haze of a Revved-Up Youth, and it’s a shoegaze infused look back on my raucous 20s. We’ve been working on it for almost five years so we’re very stoked for it to see the light of day. Release show in August. 

@karmaglider

 

THE DAMN TRUTH

Montreal’s The Damn Truth fuses classic rock spirit with modern grit. Known for their explosive live shows and produced by legend Bob Rock, the band has toured extensively across Europe and the UK, sharing stages with ZZ Top, Rival Sons, and more. Their raw, retro ethos and magnetic energy fuel a growing global fanbase.

What’s your certified summer jam?

“The Lemon Song” by Led Zeppelin. When it’s hot in the city and all the people are wearing as little as possible, there’s nothing like a good rock and roll song oozing with sex appeal. It’s the kind of song that makes you sweat, and your clothes fall off!

Where can we find you in Montreal on a hot summer day?

Sweating it out at Grandma’s house (our rehearsal studio).

What’s your most crushable summer drink?

Jack on the Rocks with a splash of our Truth Serum hot sauce.

What’s the best patio in Montreal?

The Burgundy Lion. We love their menu, especially the Scotch Egg. We often go there for drinks and food. We’ve even held numerous after-parties there!

Any notable summer releases or dates you want to plug?

We are playing a big summer blow-out party alongside the legendary Beach Boys on June 21 for Strangers in the Night Benefit Gala. Followed by a European tour. 

thedamntruth.com | @thedamntruth

 

SAMWOY

Montreal-based SamWoy (Sam Woywitka) crafts a genre-defying blend of post-punk, electronica, and hip-hop with raw energy and emotional depth. Known for his fuzzed-out guitars, textured production, and vivid storytelling, he channels chaos and beauty alike. His evolving collective delivers a high-wire live show and explores themes of pain, redemption, and self-actualization through innovative, boundary-pushing music.

What is your certified summer jam? 

J.J. Cale’s album Naturally front to back. This is definitely a cocktail late at night by a fire kind of vibe for me. Camping or on the beach looking up at the stars. 

Where can we find you in Montreal on a hot summer day? 

Probably in my studio with the AC cranked!! 

What is your most crushable summer drink? 

I’m a margarita boy. My fave summer drink 100 per cent. Here is the SAMWOY margarita recipe: 

2 shots tequila (I like gold)
1 shot Triple Sec
1 entire juice of lime (maybe 2 if they’re all crusty and dry)
Shit load of ice
Secret ingredient (top off with a splash of cheap beer)

What is the best patio in Montreal? 

My fave is Vices Versa! I like watching the basketball court while crushing some beers and a burger! 

Any notable summer releases or dates you want to plug? 

My new album Even Sad Boys Like to Have Fun is available everywhere! I hope everyone cranks it while they are at the lake, beach, park, or cruising to the BBQ! Catch me on tour with Motherhood in Western Canada as we head from Vancouver out to Sled Island. 

sam-woy.com | @sam.woy

 

HUA LI 化力

Montreal’s Hua Li 化力 works the tension between soft vulnerability and sharp political insight, mixing hazy R&B, jazz, rap, and electronic textures into fiercely personal soundscapes. A captivating performer and collaborator, she’s toured globally, DJed for Riit and Cadence Weapon, and dominated with ripe fruit falls but not in your mouth—a lush, unflinching exploration of identity, intimacy, and nightlife.

What is your certified summer jam? 

“Collect$$$Save” by Gayance, Magi Merlin and Funkywhat —  Three of the coolest people Montreal has to offer coming together for a banger for the ages. 

Where can we find you in Montreal on a hot summer day? 

Jarry Pool if I’m trying to be relaxed and reasonable and Picnik Electronik if I’m looking to get lit and unhinged. There is no in-between in a Montreal summer. 

What is your most crushable summer drink? 

A couple years ago my boyf combined a Coco Rico and a Kufi coconut milk which is addictively delicious. And, like Samwoy, I also believe in the supremacy of the margarita. 

Any notable summer releases or dates you want to plug?

I have some fun and unexpected releases up my sleeve that I’ll be teasing in my DJ sets throughout the summer. I’m excited to hear upcoming records from Yawn, Nadah El Shazly and Debby Friday

hualimusic.com | @hualigram

 

NOBRO

NOBRO, led by Kathryn McCaughey and Karolane Carbonneau, channel raw energy into riotous, power-punk anthems. Their Juno Award-winning album Set Your Pussy Free is a defiant, celebratory blast of liberation and rebellion. Fuelled by urgency and joy, NOBRO spit in the face of modern pressures with fists raised and guitars blazing.

What’s your certified summer jam? 

“T-REX.”

Where can we find you in Montreal on a hot summer day? 

Parc Baldwin.

What’s your most crushable summer drink? 

Margaritas.

What’s the best patio in Montreal? 

Tara’s fire escape.

Any notable summer releases or dates you want to plug? 

Our big ol’ tour in the USA.

nobroband.com | @nobromusic

 

AVIV

AVIV’s style of vintage visuals and background distortion is like getting lost in an ambrosial daydream, and that’s exactly what she intends while co-producing each track. Using a combination of grade-school-inspired props and an array of instruments in her live set, her sound takes simple pop beats and layers them with breezy, well-developed vocals to create perfectly arranged, uncluttered ballads.

What’s your certified summer jam? 

“Alright” by Kitty Craft. 

Where can we find you in Montreal on a hot summer day? 

Elbows-deep in a garage sale probably run by someone’s sweet and stylish grandmother. 

What’s your most crushable summer drink? 

The juice from a watermelon bite, or a mango! 

What’s the best patio in Montreal? 

I absolutely adore Cafe Santropol.  

Any notable summer releases or dates you want to plug? 

“InKind,” my new single, comes out June 27, and I’m playing Riverfest in Elora on August 16.

itsaviv.com | @itsaviv

 

HRT

HRT is transgendered electronics from Montreal. Operating in the genre of EBM, their pulsating electronic rhythms and politically charged lyrics create a powerful soundscape that celebrates transgender identity with bombastic confrontation. Their Instagram page sums it up: it’s a “trans rage synthesized experience.” 

What’s your certified summer jam? 

Ana: New Skrillex, new PinkPantheress, new DJ Billybool.

Kirby: “Squeet” – peeve. 

Where can we find you in Montreal on a hot summer day? 

Ana: Jeanne-Mance on a blanket with a book and bluetooth speaker.

Kirby: Ideally you wouldn’t find me in the city.

What’s your most crushable summer drink? 

Ana: Vanilla soda mixed with cold brew.

Kirby: PBR Lemonade. 

What’s the best patio in Montreal? 

Ana: A friend’s second story apartment, St. Laurent patios with cars whizzing by is not a vibe!

Kirby: Biftek, but if Barfly had one..

Any notable summer releases or dates you want to plug?

Ana: We’re working on a record and a bunch of shows that haven’t been announced yet, but keep an eye on our IG to stay up to date 🙂 

@666_hrt_666

 

BIG SISSY

Big Sissy is a drag performer, producer, and singer-songwriter blending pop-rock, ’80s synths, and ’90s grunge to tackle social issues with camp flair. Her debut album Black Starr—featuring a collab with Backxwash—earned praise from Billboard and CBC. Pro-Black, pro-queer, and proudly freaky, the green-haired witch from Black Starr Planet is a force of bold, unapologetic expression.

What’s your certified summer jam? 

“Cake” by Big Sissy feat. Backxwash.

Where can we find you in Montreal on a hot summer day? 

In the closest body of water.

What’s your most crushable summer drink? 

The blood of my enemies on ice.

What’s the best patio in Montreal?

The one you pay rent to use.

Any notable summer releases or dates you want to plug? 

My EP Black Start Remixes just dropped on Bandcamp. You can catch me live at Pique in Ottawa on June 7 and at Suoni Per il Popolo in Montreal June 24.

dabigsissy.ca | @da_bigsissy

 

MEGGIE LENNON

Meggie Lennon weaves dreamy indie pop with soft rock to explore love, desire, and self-acceptance. Her acclaimed debut Sounds From Your Lips showcased her sultry, psychedelic style, and she’s back with Desire Days (out June 20), a lush follow-up featuring members of Patrick Watson and Teke::Teke. Her haunting vocals continue to captivate and evolve.

What’s your certified summer jam?
“Rollin’ In” by Sam Evian. Pure sun-drenched classic. 

Where can we find you in Montreal on a hot summer day?
Parc Lafontaine, playing pétanque with my boys!

What’s your most crushable summer drink?
Crisp Italian rosé frizzante. 

What’s the best patio in Montreal?
Cicchetti, hands down. Stellar staff, killer finger foods, and a sun-soaked vibe that turns every Aperol spritz into a moment.

Any notable summer releases or dates you want to plug?
My sophomore album Desire Days drops June 20 on Mothland. Catch me at the Montreal Jazz Festival on June 30 (free outdoor show!) and July 2 at MTelus, opening for Cat Empire. 

@meggielennonxox

 

HAWA B 

HAWA B makes music for twerking and crying—sometimes at the same time. Blending rock, R&B, jazz, and electro, she turns flaws into fire and feelings into anthems. After years backing stars, she stormed the spotlight with her fearless debut better sad than sorry in 2024. Get into it.

What’s your certified summer jam? 

“Consolations, S.172: No. 3 in D-Flat Major” by Franz Liszt.

Where can we find you in Montreal on a hot summer day? 

Next to a duck or two, or multiple ducks. Or geese.

What’s your most crushable summer drink? 

Negroni + soda water.

What’s the best patio in Montreal? 

At my friend Bazzart’s studio. 

Any notable summer releases or dates you want to plug?

July 12 FEQ, July 18 Le Festif! de Baie Saint-Paul and two singles coming up!

hawa-b.com | @hawa.b.music

 

VIRGINIE B 

Virginie B is a multi-instrumentalist, producer, and singer-songwriter known for her unique blend of hyperpop, nu-jazz, funk, and art pop. With a strong visual and conceptual identity, she explores femininity, technology, and psyche. Her debut album INSULA earned critical acclaim but it’s her follow up, Astral 2000, that we’ve had on repeat since it dropped. 

What’s your certified summer jam?

A whole playlist of cumbia rebajada, the one with the granny holding a revolver. That’s my main personality during summer. 

Where can we find you in Montreal on a hot summer day?

I’m on my balcony in my swimsuit, working on some music, with my computer, my dog, and a 2L of water.

What’s your most crushable summer drink?

I’m a spritz kind of gal. Anything spritz goes. But nothing in a can, homemade please.

What’s the best patio in Montreal?

Mine. Sorry everyone, I just love watching MTL from my balcony; there is nothing like it.

Any notable summer releases or dates you want to plug?

It’s Astral 2000‘s first Summer Festival Tour! There’s a good chance we’ll be in your favourite festival’s lineup this summer; Francos, La Noce, Festif, Tadoussac, to name a few. I just want everybody to have some sweating, exhilarating fun.

@virginiebbbbb

 

LAURENCE-ANNE

Laurence-Anne builds immersive dreamscapes from lush synths, ghostly melodies, and surreal lyricism. Blending dream pop, coldwave, and experimental textures, her acclaimed albums—including Oniromancie—have earned her Polaris recognition, international festival slots, and growing attention across Europe and Latin America. With a voice both comforting and uncanny, she channels the subconscious into songs that haunt and hypnotize.

What’s your certified summer jam?

“Seabird” by Alessi Brothers. No other song can make me feel that way. 

Where can we find you in Montreal on a hot summer day?

At the Crèmerie Meu Meu with a two-scoop ice cream cone. 

What’s your most crushable summer drink?

I’m a big fan of Palomas (Tequila, Soda, Grapefruit).

What’s the best patio in Montreal?

The Poincaré’s rooftop. It’s got good vibes, good wine, good food. 

Any notable summer releases or dates you want to plug?

I’ll be playing at PlazaPalooza on Saint-Hubert street on July 10. I’m also playing with La Sécurité on the same stage later that day. Double trouble!

laurence-anne.com | @violansss

 

POOLGIRL

Poolgirl is a Montreal-based alt-rock band blending riot grrrl punk and melodic indie rock. Their high-energy shows, filled with mosh pits and sing-alongs, channel both aggression and joy. With scathing lyrics, upbeat riffs, and occasional screams, their shows consistently bring out crowds of friends to dance, mosh and sing (or scream) along. 

What’s your certified summer jam?

Anything off Ribbon Skirt‘s new album, Bite Down.

Where can we find you in Montreal on a hot summer day?

In our jam space, riding our bikes/skateboards around the city, or in the park collaging! If it’s the evening, probably at (or outside) a show.

What’s your most crushable summer drink?

Strawberry lemonade or Arizona iced tea.

What’s the best patio in Montreal?

We spend more time in parks than on patios, but Cafe Nocturne is a nice spot to study, and they have a really yummy pistachio latte.

Any notable summer releases or dates you want to plug?

We are currently working on our second EP, but we just released our single “Triple A,” which we’re really proud of!

@poolgirlband

 

ALICIA CLARA & CHRIS STEWARD 

Swiss-Canadian singer-songwriter Alicia Clara, based in Montreal, emerged during the pandemic with two acclaimed EPs blending introspective lyrics and dreamy indie rock. Her soft, velvety vocals are paired with layered, effect-driven guitars produced by Chris Steward (Bodywash). Exploring themes of connection and solitude, she’s been praised by CBC and Exclaim! and performed at SXSW and Montreux Jazz Festival.

What’s your certified summer jam? 

“Vogue” by Madonna. (Alicia)
“The One to Wait” by CCFX. (Chris)

Where can we find you in Montreal on a hot summer day?
Inside by the AC… or in the shade on my balcony. (Alicia)
Cool basement rehearsal space. (Chris)

What’s your most crushable summer drink?

Mint & lime mate libre. (Alicia)
Gatorade. (Chris)

What’s the best patio in Montreal?
Cicchetti. (Alicia)
Poincaré Chinatown. (Chris)

Any notable summer releases or dates you want to plug?

A single in August, and an album release on Sept. 5 – which is still officially summer! (Alicia)
Bodywash at Spring Reverb Festival May 31 in Kingston. (Chris)

aliciaclara.com | @_aliciaclara | @bodywashmtl

 

DJ YUKI

Yuki is a DJ, producer, and musician. Known for her sets rooted in post-punk, new wave, and electro, she’s also a member of rock band YOCTO and Jesuslesfilles.

What’s your certified summer jam? 

“Tiny Bikini” by Amyl and the Sniffers. 

Where can we find you in Montreal on a hot summer day? 

In a park with my friends.

What’s your most crushable summer drink? 

A very cold beer that tastes like sparkling water. That’s what being in your 30s is all about.

What’s the best patio in Montreal? 

I don’t go out much — the only patio I truly enjoy is l’Esco’s, because I work there and I know the staff.

Any notable summer releases or dates you want to plug?

I’ll be playing at La Noce with my band Jesuslesfilles on the 4th of July. Otherwise, you can catch me DJing around town! I also have some remixes in the works that’ll be out in the wild soon.

@yuki.b

 

DVTR

DVTR is a Francophone punk duo wreaking havoc across the globe with chaotic live shows and razor-sharp hooks. In just two years, they’ve toured five continents and swept multiple GAMIQ awards. Loud, fast, and even fiercely political at times, DVTR is here to mess things up while making you dance in the process.

What is your certified summer jam?

DL: “Coco Jamba” from Mr. President is my jam to drink pina coladas.

JD: “QYURRUS” by The Voidz.

Where can we find you in Montreal on a hot summer day?  

Heat slows us down and we love being fast. So you’ll find us anywhere with AC. 

What is your most crushable summer drink? 

Rum + coke + MDMA.

Any notable summer releases or live dates you want to plug? 

We’re playing non stop in Quebec and France, but we’re quite happy to have some shows in Ontario, especially Toronto and London, in July!

dvtr.ca | @dvtr.band

 

FIREBALL KID

Fireball Kid, a Saint John-born party poet turned Montreal’s smoothest indie rocker, blends synth-laced pop and punk to soundtrack joy, heartbreak, and foggy-night regrets. Alongside collaborator Ura Star, he’s moved from his idealist pop trilogy into moodier terrain—capturing the bleary aftermath of endless kitchen parties with gritty charm and the best rat tail in the city.

What’s your certified summer jam?

This year my frontrunner summer jam is “Forever and Ever, Amen” by Randy Travis, but my lifelong summer jam is, naturally, “Summer Girls” by LFO. 

Where can we find you in Montreal on a hot summer day? 

Ping-Pong Park aka Park Lhase-De Sela (across the street from Wario Park) is my traditional stomping ground but I’m also liable to take a wee dip in Jarry Pool or hold court at Dante Park. 

What’s your most crushable summer drink?

We’re starting with one (1) radler, followed by a long series of Moose Lights, and when we get in from the sun and need to find our second wind, it’s straight to the vodka tap waters, ice, and lemon optional. I’ve been envisioning this as my summer of Long Island Iced Teas but I’m yet to have one. I’ll get there. 

What’s the best patio in Montreal?

On an exceptionally difficult Saturday or Sunday morning it’s a bench outside of Capitol in the Jean Talon Market with a bag of cheese curds and a sneaky lemonade. I’m actually very inclined towards the La Carreta patio for pupusas and yummy drinks. I also lowkey love going to Sparrows patio for oyster happy hour.

Any notable summer releases or dates you want to plug?

This summer I’m putting out the first Can’t Believe album, aptly titled Can’t Believe, with my other band Can’t Believe! Also looking forward to the first few singles from my next Fireball Kid album, Deer Path Turn To A Shortcut. Both records I’m crazy proud of. I’m also going to be throwing a weird party in August with Shunk, Born at Midnite and Wicked Easy, so keep your eyes peeled for that. Finally I’m playing drums on the Mantourage cassette that’s coming in a sec, and those songs are amazing!! 

@fireball_kid

 

MAKY LAVENDER

Maky Lavender blends rap, dance, and visual art to craft an authentic world rooted in love, mental health, and Black youth in Quebec. His debut album …At Least My Mom Loves Me earned over a million streams, with “Bloom” winning Video of the Year at Gala Dynastie. A festival regular, he’s also collaborated with some top Quebec artists.

What’s your certified summer jam? 

“SummerTime” by Vybz Kartel.

Where can we find you in Montreal on a hot summer day? 

At Parc Jarry, skating or having a picnic. 

What’s your most crushable summer drink?  

Coconut water.

What’s the best patio in Montreal? 

There is a wine bar called Lundis au soleil near the Jarry metro. That street has been animated for as long as I can remember. You can go skate at the Jarry Park and then get on your bike and go chill on their patio.

Any notable summer releases or dates you want to plug? 

My album titled Merci will be available at the end of summer, around late August – early September.

@makylavender

 

PRESSURE PIN

Pressure Pin is the Montreal egg-punk project of Kenny Smith (La Sécurité), fusing frantic rhythms, fuzzed-out guitars, and synth-fried chaos. Their sophomore EP Polyurethane is a jagged joyride through modern malaise—equal parts pogo party and existential rant. Think Devo on a caffeine bender, soundtracking the collapse with a smirk.

What’s your certified summer jam? 

“One More Red Nightmare” by King Crimson.

Where can we find you in Montreal on a hot summer day? 

Probably recording demos in my apartment, or working the busy shifts in a hot, greasy kitchen.

What’s your most crushable summer drink? 

I would say BuzzBallz, but I won’t be back in the States for a while. Water it is, then.

What’s the best patio in Montreal? 

I’m probably not a great judge of that, but let’s just say L’Escogriffe because I like the bar, and the staff. 

Any notable summer releases or dates you want to plug? 

We’re playing Sled Island in June. Should be an exciting gig. Then we have a ton of local shows in Montreal scattered throughout the summer. No releases for a while, but rest assured, we’re working on one.

@pressurepin

 

RACHELLA WRED

West Coast-born and Montreal-based, Rachella Wred crafts delicate folk songs that shimmer with emotional clarity. Her debut album Leave The Light On blends personal storytelling with natural imagery, capturing heartbreak, solitude, and self-discovery. With soaring melodies and poetic honesty, she invites listeners into a world of quiet transformation.

What is your certified summer jam? 

“The Swimming Song” by Loudon Wainwright III

Where can we find you in Montreal on a hot summer day? 

Either biking to Parc Desmarchais along the St. Lawrence for a river swim or a day trip to Val-David for 1001 Pots.

What is your most crushable summer drink? 

Tbh….water?

Any notable summer releases or live dates you want to plug?

Stay tuned for some summer shows in Montreal!

rachellawred.com@rachellawred