5 reasons to get familiar with Montreal’s IleSoniq festival
Oh, Canada! One of The Great White North’s most in-demand music festivals, IleSoniq, returns for its second year to Montreal this weekend for a 2-day extravaganza loaded with some of the best acts in dance and hip hop. The event’s 2014 debut hosted household mainstage names such as Tiesto, Laidback Luke, Adventure Club, Seven Lions, Iggy Azalea, Dillon Francis and Cosmic Gate over three stages on Ile Ste-Hélène across the river from the bustling metropolis of Montreal. After the fest’s inaugural success, IleSoniq is stepping up its production and lineup for its sophomore resurgence and here are five reasons why you should add this international experience to your festival bucket list.
1. It’s location at Parc Jean-Drapeau is breathtakingly beautiful
Gazing out across the glimmering Le Fleuve Saint-Laurent from Montreal sits the pristine Parc Jean-Drapeau located on Ile Ste-Hélène where IleSoniq is held. Rolling hills, lush vegetation and an incredible backdrop of the Montreal skyline greet festival-goers to the weekend spectacle and boasts a large pool at the aquatic complex.
2. An insanely stacked music lineup
We thought last year’s roster of A-list acts was impressive but this go-around of music’s creme de la creme is so ridiculous it should be illegal. Kaskade, Deadmau5, Above & Beyond, Steve Angello, Die Antwoord, Flosstradamus, Tchami, Bakermat, Odesza – hold on, let’s catch our breath – Kiesza, Tritonal, Vic Mensa and Earl Sweatshirt are among the headliners set to perform this weekend. Representing the worlds of electronic/dance and hip hop, Ilesoniq has something for everyone but good luck planning out that festival schedule!
3. The pre- and after-parties are never-ending
It’s the worst feeling when the headlining act plays their final song and you have to depressively stumble back to the hotel – but not in Montreal! Starting Thursday, August 13 until the wee morning hours of Sunday, August 16 a variety of nightclubs and day parties will be continuing the rave outside of Ilesoniq. Venues like Stereo nightclub, Terrasses Bonsecours, Circus afterhours, Club Soda and more will bring festival talent including Deadmau5, SNBRN, Earl Sweatshirt and Busy P among others.
You can see the full list of parties and events here.
4. If you’re interested in performing, you can!
One of the most frequently asked questions for festival promoters is “how do I perform at your festival?” IleSoniq offers up-and-coming and local talent the opportunity to submit their music by a specified deadline for a shot at performing alongside some of the biggest names in music. While it’s too late to apply for this year, you’ll notice local artist and house producer Prince Club on the lineup poster after the Montreal native landed the opportunity of a lifetime to play at the Stingray Music Neon stage on Friday. If you’re looking for a shot, be sure to check the festival’s site frequently to submit next year.
5. 3 stages host an eclectic assortment of musical styles
Since the three music stages are nestled in the landscaping of the isle, it pays to get a front row spot against the railing because that’s where the shade is. With each offering its own array of styles and sounds, the Stingray Music Neon stage seems to cater more to house and techno fans with acts like Claude VonStroke, Green Velvet and Lane 8 while the Fido Oasis stage is home to varied mainstage performers like Kaskade, Above & Beyond, Deadmau5, DJ Snake and Showtek. That’s just a sliver of the musical spectrum, so if you’re unhappy with the lineup you may need to get your soul checked.
IleSoniq is an all-ages event that takes place at Parc Jean-Drapeau in Montreal on August 14-15. Children 10 and under are admitted free of charge when attending with an adult and the terrace and VIP levels are 18+ (legal drinking age in Quebec!). Tickets are available here.
Categories: Features