Osheaga 2024: An Unforgettable Debut Experience

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Osheaga 2024: An Unforgettable Debut Experience

Osheaga 2024 has wrapped up, and what an incredible experience it was being invited for our first time. As one of the most significant summer events in Montreal, Osheaga brings together some of the best in music for a jam-packed three days of festivities. The moment I arrived, one of the first notable things was the two stages set side by side, allowing for nonstop music without the usual wait times for changeovers. It created a continuous flow of energy that kept the excitement levels high throughout the festival.

The scale of the event was immense, and it took me a minute to take it all in and get my bearings on the sprawling grounds. Being there for Friday night, I was thrilled to catch massive headliners Noah Kahan (my wife was super jealous) and Melanie Martinez. Attending solo meant I couldn’t catch all the acts across the four stages, especially with the relentless heat bearing down on everyone. Yet, the excitement was palpable, and I was ready to immerse myself in the vibrant atmosphere of Osheaga 2024.

Wild Rivers: A Youthful Energy on the Bell River Stage

The first act for me was Wild Rivers on the Bell River Stage. This band, despite their young age, has been together for quite some time, showcasing an impressive level of cohesion and maturity on stage. Seeing such a youthful group command the big stage was both inspiring and refreshing. Their dynamic between band members and their presence on stage were remarkable, setting a high bar for the performances to follow.

Wild Rivers took the time to engage with the crowd, sharing stories about their journey and playing a mix of new music along with fan favorites. Opening a stage at a festival can be daunting, but this young group held their own, captivating the audience and getting everyone to sing and dance along. Despite the intense heat, they managed to create a memorable start to the festival, leaving fans eager for more.

Vincent Lima: A Cool Performance Amidst the Heat

Next up on the Coors Light Mountain Stage was Vincent Lima. My curiosity was piqued when I first saw a lady rocking a big standing bass on stage. With the stages positioned side by side, fans barely had to move to check out the next performance, making it a seamless transition. Vincent took center stage and showcased his talent with his trusty guitar, engaging the crowd with fun stories and a charismatic presence.

The second stage, with its extra shade provided by the main stage beside it, offered a bit of relief from the scorching sun. It was surprising to see how quickly the crowd filled up, even this early in the festival. Vincent Lima’s set was a cool respite amidst the heat, and his interaction with the audience created a warm and intimate atmosphere despite the blazing sun overhead.

Blonde Redhead: A Unique and Intriguing Set

Blonde Redhead was up next on the Bell River Stage. By this point, the heat was almost unbearable, and I considered skipping their set. However, curiosity got the better of me, and I decided to check out a portion of their performance. I had no prior knowledge of the band or their music, which made the experience even more intriguing. The trio had a unique look and an interesting stage presence that immediately caught my attention.

Their sound was distinct, and although I could only stay for a short while, I found myself drawn in by their music. The fans were clearly into it, as there was a large crowd gathered at the front, creating a lively and welcoming atmosphere for the band. Despite the oppressive heat, Blonde Redhead managed to deliver an engaging performance that left a lasting impression on me.

Mannequin Pussy: High-Energy Performance on the Coors Light Mountain Stage

Mannequin Pussy was a name that immediately caught my eye. As they prepared to rock the Coors Light Mountain Stage, the excitement among the fans was palpable. I even ran into DJ Noah from Live 88.5, who was practically jumping with anticipation to see them perform. The bright red dress of the lead singer stood out against the backdrop visuals for their “I Got Heaven” tour, adding a vibrant splash of color to their high-energy set.

The band cranked up the energy levels with their powerful sound, fast beats, and fun lyrics. They interacted with the crowd throughout the performance, and the fans were clearly loving every moment. Mannequin Pussy’s set was a highlight of the festival, turning up the excitement and setting the stage for an unforgettable night.

D4VD: A Last-Minute Addition with Maximum Impact

D4VD was a last-minute addition to the lineup, and he made a massive impact with his high-energy performance. Starting his set with impressive flips and boundless energy, he immediately captivated the audience. Although I missed part of his set due to the relentless heat, I managed to catch the fans singing along to every note, all while D4VD left everything on the stage.

I later discovered that this young artist has an incredible following online, with an insane amount of streams. The crowd’s enthusiasm made perfect sense in this context. D4VD’s love for performing was evident, and he delivered a show that was both energetic and heartfelt. I’m definitely going to delve deeper into his music and see what more he has to offer.

Teezo Touchdown: An Interesting and Energetic Performance

Some members of my team insisted that I must see Teezo Touchdown, so I braved the heat and made my way to the far stages. Teezo’s style and energy were evident from the start, making him a fascinating artist to watch. His set was unique, with a bouquet of flowers housing his microphone, adding a distinctive visual element to his performance.

Despite the unconventional mic setup being a challenge for photography, Teezo’s set was intriguing and worthwhile. His music and stage presence were captivating, and even in the oppressive heat, I found his performance engaging. Teezo Touchdown certainly left a memorable impression, and I’m glad I made the effort to check him out.

Two Door Cinema Club: A Satisfying End to the Day

Two Door Cinema Club’s set coincided with Teezo Touchdown, but I managed to catch the end of their performance. Their sound was fantastic, and the fans’ enthusiasm was top-tier. The crowd sang and danced along, creating a vibrant and joyful atmosphere that was infectious.

I was glad to have the opportunity to experience their music live, and it was a satisfying way to close out the day. Two Door Cinema Club’s performance was a testament to their talent and the strong connection they have with their fans. I’m looking forward to seeing them again in the future.

Teddy Swims: A Personal Highlight on the Bell River Stage

Seeing Teddy Swims perform on the Bell River Stage was a personal highlight for me. As a long-time fan, getting to witness his live performance was a dream come true. Teddy’s unique look drew attention, and I was even asked multiple times if I was his brother, which I found amusing.

One of the best things about Teddy’s performance was that he sounded just as good live, if not better, than his recordings. His powerful vocals and engaging stage presence captivated the crowd. Teddy took the time to interact with fans, ensuring everyone was having a great time and staying safe. Despite a near mishap with his ankle, he delivered a flawless performance, playing all his hits, including my favorite, “Loose Control.”

Melanie Martinez: A Visually Stunning Performance

Closing out the Coors Light Mountain Stage was the immensely popular Melanie Martinez. Although I wasn’t familiar with her music, my niece is a big fan, and her excitement was contagious. From the moment Melanie took the stage, it was clear this was going to be a standout performance. Her visuals and storytelling were among the best I’ve ever seen, creating a captivating and immersive experience.

As she performed her fan favorites, Melanie kept the audience engaged with a blend of dancers, costumes, and stunning visuals. The climax of her set was spectacular, with fireworks, confetti cannons, and epic pyro displays that were a photographer’s dream. While her music might not be my usual preference, Melanie Martinez’s show was undeniably impressive and left a lasting impression.

Noah Kahan: A Perfect End to Friday Night

Closing out Friday at Osheaga was the one and only Noah Kahan. Having missed his last show in Ottawa, I was particularly excited for this performance, and my wife was both jealous and thrilled for me. Noah’s simple stage setup allowed his personality and music to shine, creating an intimate and engaging atmosphere.

Noah shared stories about his long-time admiration for Osheaga and his excitement about headlining for the first time. His performance took the fans on a musical journey, filled with heartfelt songs and fun interactions. The crowd sang and danced along, clearly enjoying every moment. Noah Kahan’s set was the perfect end to a fantastic day at Osheaga, and I left with a deeper appreciation for his talent.

Looking Forward to Osheaga 2025

As my time at Osheaga 2024 came to an end, I couldn’t help but feel excited for next year. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to attend one of Montreal’s premier events and experience such a diverse array of musical talent. From Noah Kahan’s heartfelt performance to Melanie Martinez’s visually stunning show, and the energy of Teddy Swims, each act brought something unique to the festival.

Despite the relentless heat, the festival was a fantastic experience, and I look forward to seeing what Osheaga 2025 has in store. This year’s festival has certainly left a lasting impression, and I can’t wait to return for more unforgettable music and memories. See you next year, Osheaga!

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