Montreal’s Osheaga Music Festival is back this Friday, August 4th in celebration of its 16th anniversary. In anticipation of the festival, we picked 5 up-and-coming acts that you need to see. With a lineup of 80+ artists, we had a hard time choosing our Ones to Watch and wish we could feature each one. That being said, use this as a guide to plan out your Osheaga weekend. With long set times, it is more possible than ever to catch multiple artists playing during the same time frame. If you are not attending, use this guide as a reference for new artists to add to your playlists.
#1: HOLLY HUMBERSTONE
When and Where They’re Playing: Friday, 8/04 – Coors Light Stage @ 3:20-4:05pm
Similar Artists: Gracie Abrams, Olivia Rodrigo, Samia
Listen To: “Falling Asleep At The Wheel”, “Sleep Tight”, “Antichrist”
Holly Humberstone is an indie-pop singer-songwriter hailing from Grantham, UK. With her captivating voice and thoughtful songwriting, she has quickly gained attention in the music industry. From a young age, Humberstone began exploring her passion for music and started performing at local open mic nights. In 2018, she made waves with her debut single “Deep End,” which received significant airplay on BBC Radio 1. Since then, she has released two EPs, “Falling Asleep at the Wheel” and “Pale Rainbow,” showcasing her undeniable talent and setting the stage for a promising music career.
#2: THE BACKSEAT LOVERS
When and Where They’re Playing: Friday, 8/04 – Coors Light Stage @ 4:50-5:40pm
Similar Artists: Wallows, Peach Pit, Flipturn
Listen To: “Pool House,” “Kilby Girl,” “Snowbank Blues”
The Backseat Lovers are an indie rock band from Utah, known for their unique and daring sound that defies genre boundaries. The band, formed in their high school years, has grown and evolved both musically and personally. Their breakout hit, “Kilby Girl,” gained them recognition and paved the way for their success. With their vulnerable lyrics and instrumental talents, the Backseat Lovers continue to captivate audiences with their heartfelt and anthemic music.
#3: FLETCHER
When and Where They’re Playing: Saturday, 8/05 – Coors Light Stage @ 4:50-5:40pm
Similar Artists: King Princess, Hayley Kiyoko, The Aces
Listen To: “Bitter,” “Girls Girls Girls,” “Better Version”
FLETCHER is a singer-songwriter from New Jersey, NY, known for her queer point of view to craft her rock and electronic-tinged anthems. She first gained attention for “War Paint,” a digital single that went viral in the summer of 2015, before debuting on the Billboard pop genre charts in 2019 with “Undrunk” off her You Ruined New York City for Me EP. A second EP, The S(ex) Tapes, arrived in August 2020 and hit number 11 on Billboard’s Heatseekers Albums chart. In 2022, FLETCHER cracked the Top 20 of the Billboard 200 with her debut album, Girl of My Dreams.
#4: FRED AGAIN..
When and Where They’re Playing: Sunday, 8/06 – Coors Light Stage @ 8:00-9:00pm
Similar Artists: Bicep, Mild Minds, Tsha
Listen To: “Rumble,” “Marea (we’ve lost dancing),” “Turn On The Lights again.. (feat. Future)”
Fred Gibson, also known as Fred again.., is a highly talented DJ, producer, and electronic musician hailing from London. With an impressive background in producing music for renowned artists like Ed Sheeran and Stormzy, Fred has made a name for himself in the industry. However, he has recently embarked on a solo career, captivating audiences with his own unique sound. With his live performances gaining immense popularity, Fred’s music draws inspiration from social media samples and voice notes, resulting in a fresh and innovative musical experience.
#5: ARMANI WHITE
When and Where They’re Playing: Sunday, 8/06 – Coors Light Stage @ 4:00-4:45pm
Similar Artists: JID, Aminé, IDK
Listen To: “BILLIE EILISH.,” “GOATED (feat. Denzel Curry),” “Baazigar”
Armani White is a rising hip-hop artist from Philadelphia, known for his distinct style and thought-provoking lyrics. With a unique blend of introspection and social commentary, Armani’s music explores themes of identity, resilience, and personal growth. His captivating storytelling and dynamic flow have garnered him a dedicated following and critical acclaim. Armani White continues to push boundaries and make his mark in the music industry with his honest and compelling artistry.
You can still grab tickets to this year’s Osheaga Music Festival here. Stay tuned to our Instagram for coverage of this year’s festival.
