IleSoniq Festival returns to the Parc Jean-Drapeau in Montreal on August 10th and 11th with a stacked lineup. The festival promises an unforgettable week filled with a various lineup going from EDM, Hip Hop and Pop music. The acclaimed annual two-day music festival will welcome Tiesto and DJ Snake as headliners promising an exceptional experience. We rounded up some of the best artists on the rise at the 2024 festival, you surely don’t want to miss out on these!
#1 Gims
When and Where They’re Playing: Saturday, August 10th at the Oasis Stage
Similar Artists: Dadju, Sexion d’Assault, Black M.
Listen: “Est-ce que tu m’aimes?” “Ambassadrice” “Spider”
Maitre Gims, born Gandhi Djuna on May 6, 1986, in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, is a renowned French singer, rapper, and songwriter. He initially gained prominence as a member of the French rap group Sexion d’Assaut, known for its unique blend of rap and urban music. Maitre Gims embarked on a solo career in 2013, and his debut album, Subliminal, was a major success, blending pop, rap, and R&B with French and African influences. The album included hits like “J’me tire” and “Bella,” which solidified his reputation as a versatile artist. He continued to build on his success with subsequent albums such as Mon Cœur Avait Raison (2015), which featured the hit single “Est-ce que tu m’aimes ?,” and Ceinture Noire (2018), showcasing his evolving sound and broad appeal. Maitre Gims is known for his distinctive voice and signature style, often characterized by his use of a mask in public appearances, adding an element of mystery to his persona. He is a significant figure in the French and international music scenes.
#2 Zedd
When and Where They’re Playing: Sunday, August 11th at the Oasis Stage
Similar Artists: Alesso, AfroJack, Galantis
Listen: “The Middle (feat. Marren Morris)” “Stay (feat. Alessia Cara)” “Clarity”
Zedd, born Anton Zaslavski on September 2, 1989, in Saratov, Russia, is a prominent German electronic music producer, DJ, and songwriter. He moved to Germany with his family at a young age and developed a passion for music early on, initially training as a classical pianist and later venturing into electronic music production. Zedd first gained significant attention in the early 2010s with his debut single “Shut Up and Dance,” but his breakthrough came with the release of his debut studio album, Clarity, in 2012. The album featured the hit single “Clarity,” which showcased his talent for crafting emotionally resonant and radio-friendly EDM tracks. The song, featuring Foxes, became a global hit and earned Zedd critical acclaim, including a Grammy Award nomination for Best Dance Recording. Zedd continued to build on his success with his 2015 album, True Colors, which included popular tracks like “I Want You to Know” (featuring Selena Gomez) and “Beautiful Now.” His ability to blend catchy melodies with electronic production has led to a series of successful collaborations with artists across various genres, including Ariana Grande, Liam Payne, and Maren Morris. Known for his energetic live performances and innovative production techniques, Zedd has established himself as a leading figure in the EDM scene. His work often combines elements of house, pop, and dance music, contributing to his reputation as a versatile and influential artist.
#3 Subtronics
When and Where They’re Playing: Saturday, August 10th at the Oasis Stage
Similar Artists: Wooli, SVDDEN DEATH, Calcium
Listen: “Puzzle Box” “Griztronics” “Black Out Days”
Subtronics, whose real name is Jesse Kardon, is an American electronic music producer and DJ known for his distinctive and energetic style within the bass music genre. Born on December 29, 1993, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Subtronics has made a significant impact on the dubstep and bass scene with his innovative sound design and high-energy performances. He began gaining attention in the mid-2010s with a series of successful releases on various bass music labels. Subtronics’ early tracks, such as “Griztronics,” a collaboration with GRiZ, showcased his ability to merge heavy bass with melodic elements, and this style quickly caught the ear of fans and critics alike. Subtronics’ debut album, Fractals, released in 2020, was well-received and solidified his place in the electronic music world. The album features a mix of aggressive dubstep and melodic, atmospheric tracks, highlighting his versatility as a producer. His subsequent work continues to push boundaries within the genre, blending complex sound design with a sense of fun and experimentation. In addition to his production work, Subtronics is known for his dynamic live performances and impressive DJ sets. His ability to create immersive and engaging experiences for his audience has earned him a dedicated fan base and slots at major music festivals and events. His contributions to the bass music scene have made him a prominent figure in modern electronic music.
#4 Lilly Palmer
When and Where They’re Playing: Sunday, August 11th at the Neon Stage
Similar Artists: Eli Brown, Space 92, Layton Giordani
Listen: “We Control” “Hare Ram” “Gasoline”
Lilly Palmer, born on July 24, 1990, in Switzerland, is a prominent electronic music DJ and producer known for her contributions to the techno and electronic dance music (EDM) scenes. Her career has been marked by a dedication to crafting powerful, driving techno beats that have garnered her recognition on both the local and international stages. Palmer’s music is characterized by its deep, pulsating rhythms and compelling melodies, which have made her a standout artist in the techno genre. She began gaining attention with her early releases and quickly established herself as a talented DJ with a keen sense of the dance floor. Her sets are known for their high energy and seamless flow, often incorporating a blend of her own tracks and carefully selected tunes from other artists. In addition to her DJing career, Lilly Palmer is an accomplished producer. Her work includes a range of tracks and remixes that showcase her skill in creating intricate, immersive soundscapes. Her releases have been featured on respected labels within the techno community, helping to solidify her reputation as a key player in the genre. Palmer’s contributions to the electronic music scene extend beyond her performances and productions. She has been involved in various projects and collaborations, further showcasing her versatility and commitment to pushing the boundaries of techno music. Her growing influence and dedication to her craft continue to make her a notable figure in the world of electronic dance music.
#5 Wooli
When and Where They’re Playing: Saturday, August 10th at the Neon Stage
Similar Artists: Kompany, Calcium, Ray Volpe
Listen: “Zombie (feat. Valerie Broussard)” “Another Me (feat. Dylan Matthew” “Titans”
Wooli, born Andrew Chen on May 12, 1992, is an American electronic music producer and DJ known for his energetic contributions to the bass music and dubstep scenes. Hailing from New York, Wooli has made a name for himself with his distinctive sound, characterized by heavy, aggressive basslines and intricate sound design. Wooli began gaining prominence in the late 2010s with a series of impactful releases and collaborations. His early tracks quickly resonated within the bass music community, showcasing his ability to blend powerful drops with melodic elements. His collaborations with prominent artists like Excision, Bear Grillz, and Virtual Riot helped elevate his profile in the electronic music world. One of Wooli’s notable achievements includes his work with the renowned dubstep producer Excision. Their collaboration on tracks such as “Brutal” has been well-received, further solidifying Wooli’s reputation as a leading figure in the genre. His debut album, Destiny, released in 2020, features a blend of high-energy tracks and bass-driven anthems that highlight his skill in crafting dynamic and immersive electronic music. Wooli is known for his high-octane live performances, which have garnered him a dedicated fan base and slots at major festivals like Electric Daisy Carnival (EDC) and Lost Lands. His ability to create intense, crowd-pleasing experiences has made him a standout artist in the bass music scene.
Check out our coverage of IleSoniq 2023 here.