Montreal’s Osheaga Music Festival is back this Friday, August 2nd to August 4th in celebration of its 17th 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 Teddy Swims
When and Where They’re Playing: Friday, August 2nd at the Coors Light Stage
Similar Artists: Jessie Murph, Hozier, Dermott Kennedy.
Listen: “Loose Control” “The Door” “All That Really Matters”
Teddy Swims, born Jaten Dimsdale, is a rising star in the music industry, celebrated for his soulful voice and genre-bending style that fuses elements of pop, soul, and R&B. Hailing from Atlanta, Georgia, Teddy initially gained recognition through his YouTube channel, where he garnered a devoted following with his heartfelt covers of popular songs. His powerful vocal range and emotive interpretations set him apart, leading to the release of his debut EP, “Unlearning,” in 2020, which showcased his talent as both a singer and songwriter. Teddy Swims’ authenticity and ability to connect with listeners through his music have solidified his place as an artist to watch, promising an exciting future ahead as he continues to evolve and inspire with his unique musical journey.
#2 Chappel Roan
When and Where They’re Playing: Saturday, August 3rd at the Bell River Stage
Similar Artists: Boygenius, Reneé Rapp, MUNA.
Listen: “Hot To Go” “Good Luck, Babe!” “Pink Pony Club”
Chappell Roan, born Kayleigh Rose Amstutz, is a promising singer-songwriter known for her distinctive voice and introspective lyrics. Hailing from Willard, Missouri, her musical journey began with early influences in folk and pop, which she seamlessly blends into her own unique sound. Roan gained attention with her debut single “Good Hurt,” which showcased her emotive vocals and poignant songwriting. Her music often explores themes of love, heartache, and personal growth, resonating with listeners through its raw honesty and vulnerability. Signing with Atlantic Records in 2016, Roan continued to refine her craft, releasing singles and EPs that further solidified her presence in the alternative pop scene. Her EPs “School Nights” and “Pink Pony Club” received critical acclaim for their lyrical depth and captivating melodies. With a growing fan base and a distinct artistic vision, Chappell Roan continues to evolve as an artist, poised for a promising career ahead as she continues to share her unique voice and storytelling through her music.
#3 Elyanna
When and Where They’re Playing: Sunday, August 4th at the Green Stage
Similar Artists: zeyne, Saint Levant, Dana Salah.
Listen: “Sokkar” “Ana Lahale” “Callin’ U (Tamally Maak)”
Elyanna, also known as Elyanna Bader, is an emerging artist and songwriter celebrated for her dynamic blend of pop and Middle Eastern influences. Born in Nazareth, Elyanna’s multicultural background deeply influences her music, creating a unique fusion that sets her apart in the industry. Her journey into music began at a young age, inspired by her passion for both Western and Arabic musical traditions. Elyanna gained widespread recognition with one of her first single “Ana Lahale,” which showcased her powerful vocals and captivating storytelling. The song’s success led to collaborations with notable producers such as Massari and further exploration of her dual cultural identity through music. Her subsequent releases, including “Ghareeb Alay” and “Ala Bali,” have continued to garner attention for their infectious melodies and heartfelt lyrics. Known for her charismatic stage presence and ability to connect with audiences, Elyanna continues to push boundaries and evolve as an artist, determined to make a lasting impact with her compelling music and cultural fusion.
#4 Labrinth
When and Where They’re Playing: Saturday, August 3rd at the belairdirect Valley Stage
Similar Artists: Noah Cyrus, Willow, FINNEAS.
Listen: “Formula” “Mount Everest” “Never Felt So Alone”
Labrinth, born Timothy Lee McKenzie, is a British singer, songwriter, and record producer known for his eclectic style that spans across genres such as R&B, electronic, and pop. Hailing from Hackney, London, Labrinth began his career as a producer, crafting beats for various artists before stepping into the spotlight as a solo artist. His breakthrough came with the single “Let the Sun Shine” in 2010, which showcased his soulful vocals and innovative production techniques. Labrinth’s debut album, “Electronic Earth,” released in 2012, received critical acclaim for its experimental sound and lyrical depth. He continued to gain recognition with collaborations and features on tracks with prominent artists as well as collaborating on the soudtrack of HBO show ”Euphoria”, further establishing his versatility and creative prowess in the music industry. Known for his boundary-pushing creativity and ability to blend genres effortlessly, Labrinth has earned numerous awards and nominations throughout his career, including Ivor Novello Awards and BRIT Awards. His music is celebrated for its infectious energy, introspective lyrics, and distinctive production style, making him a respected figure in both mainstream and alternative music scenes.
#5 Hozier
When and Where They’re Playing: Sunday, August 4th at the Coors Light Stage
Similar Artists: The Lumineers, Vance Joy, Noah Kahan.
Listen: “Too Sweet” “Take Me To Church” “Work Song”
Hozier, born Andrew Hozier-Byrne, is an Irish singer-songwriter renowned for his soulful voice, poetic lyrics, and captivating blend of folk, blues, and rock influences. Raised in County Wicklow, Ireland, Hozier’s musical journey began with classical training in piano and later guitar, which shaped his early compositions. He gained international acclaim with his breakthrough single “Take Me to Church” in 2013, addressing social and political themes with powerful vocals and poignant storytelling. Hozier’s self-titled debut album, released in 2014, further solidified his reputation, receiving widespread praise for its emotive depth and musicality. The album included hits like “From Eden” and “Cherry Wine,” showcasing his ability to blend haunting melodies with thought-provoking lyrics. His distinct sound and introspective songwriting have earned him comparisons to artists like Van Morrison and Jeff Buckley. His sophomore album, “Wasteland, Baby!” released in 2019, debuted at number one on the Billboard 200, further cementing his status as a global artist. Known for his passionate performances and commitment to social justice, Hozier remains a celebrated figure in contemporary music, inspiring audiences with his powerful voice and poignant storytelling.
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.
Check out our coverage of the 2023 edition of Osheaga here.
Check out our coverage of the 2022 edition of Osheaga here.
