Osheaga 2014 Festival Preview and Band Recommendations (Montreal, August 1 to 3)

Last year, PeteHatesMusic attended our first Osheaga after years of neglecting it for its older brother, Lollapalooza. We enjoyed ourselves, and wrote some words on Day 1, Day 2, and Day 3 to prove it. The 2014 edition is upon us Friday, August 1 through Sunday, August 3, once again at Montreal’s Parc-Jean Drapeau on Ile Ste-Hélène. Who the heck should you spend your valuable eBay-earned dollars to see, and which bands should win out in those inevitable ‘schedule conflicts’?

If you’re lazy, mildly hungover, or both, then let us help. Here are 5 bands that you should be sure to see each day at Osheaga. We’ll be reviewing the whole thing, so follow us on Twitter @PeteHatesMusic and heck, we’ll even let you buy us a beer if we run into you in Montreal.

Friday August 1

Odesza – 2:05pm is a little bright to see this electronic band from Seattle that’ll make you dance, but it’s better than checking your hotel room bed with a black light, because that’s just freaky. Odesza got the Toronto crowd to move, and I suspect Montreal will do just as well.

London Grammar – We’ve been big fans of this London trio from the get go. See what the hype is about for the booming vocals and atmospheric backing band.

Flume – Another great act on the electronic stage, this Aussie took Toronto by storm at Time Festival a couple of weeks ago.

The Men – Brooklyn punk rockers have a late slot, reflective of their burst of releasing 5 albums over the past 5 years. Enjoy the pick up after London Grammar (which is not a knock against London Grammar).

Outkast – After an underwhelming reunion during weekend 1 of Coachella, the band have slowly been honing their live show, and should hopefully knock it out of the park with their genre-defining sounds of the past 10 to 15 years. As a bonus, having Andre 3000 with Big Boi at this year’s show is better than having a capable Big Boi sit on a throne at Osheaga due to a knee injury.

Saturday August 2

As tempted as I am to skip the afternoon and watch Toronto FC kick the stuffing out of the Montreal Impact, I’ll stay in the park and see some of the bands below.

Reuben and the Dark – This Calgary band have impressed us with tracks such as Rolling Stone and Bow and Arrow, and should make catching their early show worthwhile.

Local Natives – You’ll have to miss the end of the above recommended band to catch these indie poppers who have released a couple of solid albums.

Local Natives – Breakers

HAIM – They conflict with Canadian rocker Reignwolf, but come on – they’re HAIM. They will probably be the most fun band you see all weekend. Check them out to see pretty much every genre mashed together into tidy and fun pop songs.

Basia Bulat – A true talent, who recently made the Polaris Prize Shortlist with her recent release. The Toronto singer of Polish heritage does it all and plays it all, as noted in our 2013 interview with her. For the folk and soft pop fans among you.

Jack White – Fresh off the release of his 2nd solo album Lazeretto, Jack White has a large catalogue to pull tracks from, including The White Stripes, The Raconteurs, The Dead Weather, and The Kills. Although I doubt this will top seeing his album release party at a small venue in London, England, seeing White headline will be one of your weekend highlights.

Sunday August 3

The Kooks – Despite never matching the heights of their excellent debut album, the poppy English rockers can still get the crowd singing.

CHVRCHES – Yes, we’ve seen them 3 times and they only have 1 album out. But it’s sure been fun watching them grow, from our interview with them back in March 2013, to seeing Lauren’s stage presence evolve, and hearing the band crack jokes. This is where you want to be for catchy synth pop.

Half Moon Run – A hometown show for the Canadian indie rockers, who perfected their live show opening for Mumford & Sons. Check out their rock rhythms and unique tracks.

Lykke Li – The Swedish singer has released what I’d say is arguably the best album of the year. Full of heartbreak, the singer has the unfortunate position of going head to head with Arctic Monkeys on Sunday night. Good luck.

Arctic Monkeys – Lykke Li may have released my favourite album of 2014, but Arctic Monkeys definitely released my favourite album of 2013. The band redefined sexy, and finally became headliners on this side of the pond.

Arctic Monkeys – Do I Wanna Know

Did we miss the next Nirvana? Let us know not only that, but any tips for free beer, the best ice cream, and food to avoid. Post your thoughts in the comments or tweet us @PeteHatesMusic.