The final day of FME (Festival De Musique Émergente) offered a blend of unexpected surprises and satisfying moments, wrapping up the festival with performances across a wide range of genres. My Sunday began with a surprise afternoon set by Montreal’s Gustafson at Guinguette chez Edmund. Their breezy French pop sound made for the perfect atmosphere to ease into the day, delivering a light, carefree energy.
The 5 à 7 shows brought a variety of flavors.
Strange Froots delivered an uplifting hip-hop set at Le Polonais Cocktail Bar, showcasing their powerful storytelling and dynamic presence.
At Les Mooses, I caught the last few songs from Erik Fines, whose alt-country rock performance felt raw and emotionally charged.
Following Fines was Li’l Andy, performing from The Complete Recordings of Hezekiah Procter (1925-1930).
This immersive experience felt like stepping back in time, with Li;l Andy blending history and folk traditions in a way that was both nostalgic and fresh.
Safia Nolin commanded a packed room at Café-Bar L’Abstracto, though the intimate venue seemed too small for the crowd she drew.
Her deeply personal performance would have resonated even more in a larger space, but it was still a highlight for many.
The night at Le Paramount capped off the festival perfectly.
Joe Grass set the mood with his alternative folk-rock set, easing the crowd into the evening.
However, the big highlight of the night was Mexico City’s Petite Amie, whose psychedelic pop-rock infused with French and Spanish lyrics brought an exciting energy that had the crowd swaying and singing along. Their multilingual and genre-blending performance made them the standout of the night.
Closing out the night was The Brooks, a Montreal band that brought fun, vibrant energy with their blend of funk, soul, and R&B. Their performance felt like a celebration, and they left the audience buzzing with good vibes, a perfect way to end an unforgettable festival.
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