January 26-February 1
This week’s electronic scene runs from January 26 to February 1, with Igloofest’s Week 3 lineup bringing Hamza to the Old Port, Down2Techno holding down Wednesday nights at Red Room, and a pair of hockey games that double as pre‑game warm‑ups for the real nightlife.
Monday kicks off with “Monday’s Amiright?!” at McKibbin’s—a no‑cover stand‑up showcase where comics test raw material in a Crescent Street pub setting, perfect for low‑stakes laughs before the week ramps up.
Tuesday stacks the deck: Habs vs. Vegas Golden Knights at the Bell Centre (7 p.m.), plus Gregory Alan Isakov’s folk at Salle Wilfrid‑Pelletier and Jacob Banks’ soulful R&B at Théâtre Beanfield (both 8 p.m.).
Wednesday is techno central at Red Room with Down2Techno, a weekly series that books rising and international acts for 10 p.m.–3 a.m. sets in a sweaty basement—think fast, industrial techno where the sound system punches above its size. The same night, PWHL’s Montréal Victoire vs. Toronto Sceptres at Place Bell (6:30 p.m.) draws a different crowd.
Thursday is Igloofest’s big pull: Belgian rapper Hamza headlines from 9:30 p.m. on the Sapporo Stage (7:30 p.m. doors, 15+), backed by Manaré, High Klassified, and YAYA LA BAE. Hamza blends glossy trap, R&B melodies, and self‑produced beats—he started with mixtapes like H-24, broke through in France and Belgium, and now plays festivals worldwide; expect sing‑along hooks and club energy adapted to the snow. Habs vs. Avalanche fills the Bell Centre, while Jade LeMac opens Théâtre Beanfield.
Friday, January 30 ramps everything up at Igloofest (7:30 p.m.–12:30 a.m., Old Port): DJ Snake closes Sapporo at 11:10 p.m., delivering big‑room bangers after A‑Trak (9:10 p.m.) and Arielle Roberge (7:30 p.m.). Over on Vidéotron/Octov stage, BitterCaress takes 11 p.m., KORVN at 9:30 p.m., and Manolow at 8 p.m.—a mix of Montréal techno locals and heavier sets. GA tickets start at 49 CAD (+tx), VIP adds fast entry, heated terrace, and exclusive bars; Après‑Ski afters at New City Gas run 10 p.m.–3 a.m. with Levity and KAT2KAT.
Saturday, January 31 keeps the momentum (7:30 p.m.–12:30 a.m.): Lost Frequencies headlines Sapporo at 10:30 p.m., with Qrion at 9 p.m. and Jares at 7:30 p.m. Vidéotron features Guillaume Michaud at 11 p.m., Shirlee at 9:30 p.m., and Cirque Cosmique at 8 p.m. Lost Frequencies doubles up with New City Gas Après‑Ski (10 p.m.–3 a.m.) alongside Stef Agostino and KHAØS.
Sunday’s The Reset wellness pop‑up at Yoko Luna offers a daytime breather—yoga, panels, or vendors before the cycle restarts.
Top 3:
EsDeeKid – Théâtre Fairmount
Liverpool’s masked mystery EsDeeKid built a rabid following through viral TikTok freestyles and his debut Rebel, where tracks like “Phantom” and “LV Sandals” mix UK drill flows, cloud rap haze, and Scouse swagger over ominous, bass‑heavy production. He’s never shown his face live, always performing balaclava‑clad with hype man energy and crowd‑work that turns small rooms into frenzies—perfect for Fairmount’s gritty vibe.
DJ Snake – Igloofest
The French EDM titan who co‑created “Turn Down for What” and “Lean On” closes after Montréal legend A‑Trak’s turntable showcase and Arielle Roberge’s rising pop‑techno. Snake’s sets hit harder outdoors—massive drops from Carte Blanche and Enzo, plus festival rewrites of “Taki Taki”—with pyros lighting up Jacques‑Cartier Quay. Vidéotron stage counters with BitterCaress’ dark techno, KORVN’s raw basslines, and Manolow’s local hero set. GA from 49 CAD, VIP skips lines with heated terrace; New City Gas afters extend via Levity and KAT2KAT till 3 a.m.
Lost Frequencies – Igloofest / New City Gas afters
Belgium’s melodic house don—20+ billion streams on “Are You With Me” and “Reality”—delivers euphoric, vocal‑driven sets that bridge festival mainstages and club residencies. Sapporo support includes Qrion’s emotive techno and Jares’ high‑energy warm‑up, while Vidéotron brings Guillaume Michaud’s prog house, Shirlee’s bass workouts, and Cirque Cosmique’s theatrical openers. He doubles back for New City Gas’ Après‑Ski (10 p.m.–3 a.m.) with Stef Agostino’s deep grooves and KHAØS’ harder edge, letting you chase the weekend from snow to warehouse.
