The best of the 2024 scene

Instrumental music crossed a new frontier on July 8, when the charismatic pianist captivated the imposing crowd of festival-goers gathered on the Plains of Abraham. The composer was even entitled to a session of bodysurfing like a real rockstar! Equipped with carte blanche from the FEQ, she invited the rappers Loud and Sarahmée to write a few words of their own on her compositions, enhanced by the presence of 26 Quebec and European musicians. The superb direction by Marcella Grimaux contributed to the magic of this “great mass for the hypersensitive” which was preceded by a captivating performance by Elisapie. VM

The singer-songwriter, who is causing a sensation in France, showed what she's made of during her visit to Quebec this spring. His mix of electro and French songs had already charmed many ears, but now we discovered a real stage beast! In addition to assumed theatricality, the artist overflowed with charisma and contagious energy. Her background in dance made her particularly fascinating to watch. Zaho from Sagazan even came to dance in the crowd with the excited spectators. His music spoke as much to the heart as to the body during his time at the Impérial de Québec. VM

The Festivent program was particularly enticing this year! Hip-hop fans were served thanks to the generous performance of Black Eyed Peas preceded by Canadian rapper Haviah Mighty. It was the first time that the American group appeared on a Quebec stage with J Rey Sou who took Fergie's place in 2018. The 26-year-old singer proved that she had the makings of a superstar while will.i.am, Apl.de.ap and Taboo took the audience on a journey through their successesElephunk (2003) to Elevation (2022) in this festive evening full of love. Just before, Haviah Mighty had ignited the crowd with a fierce performance during which she took over every part of the stage and more. VM

There was something for all tastes and for all generations in this free show organized on the Plains of Abraham in honor of the 50th anniversary of the legendary performance given by Félix Leclerc, Gilles Vigneault and Robert Charlebois in 1974. The song Quebecois shone in all its splendor and diversity during this evening which had the feel of a National Holiday as the pride was strong and the deployment impressive. Pyrotechnics, choristers, dancers and acrobats enhanced unique collaborations between big names on the Quebec scene and its rising stars. These gave rise to performances as unexpected as they were successful, as when rap was invited into Jean-Pierre Ferland's song The cat from the artists' café, performed by Hubert Lenoir, Souldia, Marie-Pierre Arthur, Pierre Lapointe and others. VM

Sebastian Bach at the Capitol

The former leader of Skid Row surprised many with his high-pitched voice that is still effective at 56, and all without playback nor other jokes that make certain older singers seem to still sound on stage like they did on their first album (yes, yes, we saw some like that this year too!). Those who believed that the Ontarian born in the Bahamas was a has-been were nicely shut up. And the singer with a once, let's say unpredictable, character was generous and kind to his audience all evening. Be careful, however, because Bach has since lost control on social media after separating from his wife. For him and for his fans, we wish him serenity! IB

The Envol and Macadam menu was impressive even if the festival in place for almost 30 years saw the new Fono festival, launched by the Festival d'été de Québec, held on the same dates this year. Of the two nights, the one featuring garage punk band The Hives from Sweden was particularly strong. Not only did the Hives deliver a hell of a performance (I would almost dare to call it the show of the year in Quebec) with several pieces from their most recent, and excellent, album The Death of Randy Fitzsimmons without neglecting the classics, but New York hardcore pioneers Gorilla Biscuits, led by vocalist Anthony “Civ” Civarelli, really brought the house down with their furious hardcore. Two groups that we had seen very little, if at all, in Quebec. And the Bouncing Souls and the Real McKenzies to kick off the evening was a big bonus. Organizers will have a lot of work to do if they want to surpass that in 2025! IB

Okay, rapper Souldia's show at the Grand Théâtre de Québec in April was epic. The nearly 2,000 spectators who were there will agree. However, there was something special for this show given in June at L'Impérial by Souldia with his Montreal friend Jayson “Lost” Elombo to mark the launch of their album Portrait-Robot at the start of summer. The presence of Die-On, Souldia's acolyte from the start, that of the members of the 5sang14 collective, of which Lost is a part, and this frank camaraderie which reigned not only on stage, but also in the crowd, who knew the words of the pieces of the two rappers by heart, contributed to this atmosphere. We also really liked the opening act provided by Jay Baraka Malcom Amuli, aka Jay Jay, the 15-year-old rapper from the capital who continues to climb the ranks of the hip-hop planet. IB

For a debut on stage, it was quite one for Alexandre Aussant, aka the drag queen Mona from Grenoble, who launched his first solo comedy show in Quebec. Those who loved Mona after seeing her win the grand prize on Big Brother Celebrities were treated to a new dose of her salty humor and those who didn't know her had a pleasant surprise by discovering a comedian who rivals Mike Ward for humor trash which tickles the boundaries of vulgarity. For a first show, it's really successful since we laugh throughout the 90 minutes and we feel a certain experience and the artist's experience through the convincing performance of Mona, who whistles glasses of wine one after the other. We loved it and we want to return as soon as possible to the offbeat world of this angry, but very nice old aunt. IB

Billie Eilish begins her tour in Quebec

The madness around Billie Eilish may not have been as extreme as that which invaded Taylor Swift's admirers. But, the people of Quebec will still have a lot of excitement with the passage of the tour Hit Me Hard And Soft in the capital… And the lucky ones who managed to find tickets will not have regretted it. Even if it was the first show of a long tour which will last until the summer of 2025, the young 23-year-old singer performed on stage. Throughout the titles of her new album, Billie Eilish demonstrated all her talent, making her voice both soft and powerful resonate. LH

Everyone who followed Megan Brouillard on social networks, saw her in training or listened to her columns knew that she was funny… But, beyond talent and wit, the young comedian hit hard this year with Quackgrass. A well-crafted first solo show during which the audience travels to the “flower bed” where she was born. By proudly drawing on her Drummondville roots, she delivers an assertive and endearing performance which opens the door wide to her original universe. LH

Circus machine warmed up the first weeks of 2024 with its magnificent show Grand-Mess’. If the term “immersive experience” is used in all sauces today, it nevertheless suits this concept very well which cleverly used different religious codes… with a touch of irreverence. In a place as magnificent as the Saint-Charles church in Limoilou, the talent of the artists seemed to shine even more beautifully. LH

The too hot sun, the ambient frenzy, the closure of the Plains, the monster congestion in the city… We could remember a lot of things linked to Post Malone's appearance at the Quebec Summer Festival. But what will undoubtedly mark many minds is the generosity and humility of the popular American rapper, who delivered a long performance fueled by his many successes. With Post Malone, the FEQ has undoubtedly pulled off one of the best shots of its 2024 edition. LH