The beauty of a festival lies in its ability to transport attendees both physically and emotionally, creating a space where they feel free to explore new sounds from both seasoned and emerging artists.
While each festival has its unique charm and execution, immersing yourself in its world can feel truly magical.
The Festival de Musique Émergente (FME) in Rouyn-Noranda, Quebec, perfectly captures this sentiment.
Located approximately 375 miles (600 kilometers) and about 7 hours by car from Montreal, it attracts international guests and dedicated locals year after year, and for good reason. As the festival celebrates its 22nd year, it continues to captivate a diverse audience with its unique small-town charm.
This year’s festival featured a range of stages, from intimate settings like Café L’Abstracto and the dive bar Cabaret de la Dernière Chance to mid-sized venues such as Petit Théâtre du Vieux-Noranda. The festival’s centerpiece was the expansive Scène Extérieure, constructed in the heart of Rouyn-Noranda’s 7th Street.
After experiencing a range of performances and sampling what this year’s lineup had to offer, here are my top picks from the festival. In no particular order, these artists distinguished themselves with captivating performances, magnetic stage presence, and infectious grooves that had the crowd swaying and dancing along.
Each brought something unique to the stage, creating an unforgettable experience.
Bodega
Genre: Punk Rock, Post-Punk
Heading into the festival, I anticipated a strong lineup of punk-centered acts, and Bodega from New York City was a standout. Their performance captured the essence of ’80s punk, with the lead singer in a vibrant pink dress, singing while tapping a high hat, and maintaining a high energy throughout. The show opened with provocative audio clips blaring, stating, “There are only two kinds of people: the brand and the branded.”
Their set was a bold, high-energy experience that proved so captivating that even those who avid punk fans, myself included, found it engaging and enjoyable.
Marie Davidson
Genre: Electronic, Synth-Pop
Montreal’s Marie Davidson was truly captivating to watch. Performing both behind and in front of her DJ booth, she seamlessly transitioned between singing and playing her beats, making room for both aspects of her artistry.
Davidson sang her lyrics with intense emotion and danced energetically while delivering her staccato melodies. This dynamic approach created an unforgettable performance that resonated deeply with the dance-hungry crowd, who loved every facet of her show.
Her set was reminiscent of a high-energy nightclub in Berlin, with booming beats, pulsating lights synchronizing with every bass note and 808, and her losing herself in the music well past the 45-minute mark while the ecstatic crowd danced on.
I felt privileged to witness her performance, especially as she continues to rise in the Canadian music scene.
Ada Oda
Genre: Post-Punk
Hailing from Belgium, Ada Oda brought a vibrant party energy to the stage.
Led by César Laloux (The Tellers, BRNS, Italian Boyfriend), Ada Oda presented itself as a seasoned post-punk band despite having only started making music in 2019.
What was even more impressive was that, although lead singer Victoria Barracato sang in Italian, the primarily Canadian French-speaking audience danced along with fervor.
They proved that you don’t need to understand every word to appreciate a band’s talent and dance along. Each band member danced while playing their instruments, sometimes switching places. It was clear they were all friends, enjoying the moment as much as the audience.
Even when a minor sound issue arose—one not caused by them—they handled it professionally, smiling and restarting the song as the supportive crowd cheered them on.
Petite Amie
Genre: Psychedelic Pop
Hailing from Mexico City, Petite Amie was a true delight to watch.
Their performance was nothing short of incredible, transforming audience members who knew little about the band into devoted fans, evident as many bought their vinyl records at the merch table. When you can turn a crowd into followers, you know you’re onto something special.
Singing in both French and Spanish, their set featured dynamic breaks where the band danced and played simple chords while the audience chanted along, maintaining high energy as they prepared for the next song. The band consistently engaged with the audience, keeping the atmosphere electric.
One of the lead singers, Isabel Dosal, leapt into the crowd with her tambourine, dancing and singing with her hair flowing, evoking the spirit of a young Stevie Nicks lost in the music.
Rau_Ze
Genre: Experimental Neo-Soul, Alt R&B
From the moment Rau_Ze stepped on stage, they had the crowd in the palm of their hands. As the festival’s only neo-soul band, hailing from Montreal, they stood out with their unique sound. The audience eagerly embraced the fresh vibe, responding enthusiastically to their in-the-pocket grooves that were undeniably sway-worthy.
Even though they performed at 3 p.m. on a sunny Sunday afternoon, the easy-breezy weather complemented the soulful vocals of lead singer Rose Perron.
Currently touring their latest album, Virer nos vies, Rau_Ze’s performance was a highlight of the festival.
Final Thoughts
Compiling this list wasn’t easy, given the many great performances that stood out for their setlists and interactions with the audience.
Honorable mentions go to artists like PyPy, Félix Dyotte, Slash Need, and Karkwa, who were also mesmerizing to watch.
Although Rouyn-Noranda is a small mining town with early-closing restaurants—save for the ever-reliable poutine spots—it provided the perfect backdrop for an ear-opening festival. I now see why so many festivalgoers return year after year.
Connect with the artists: Bodega | Marie Davidson | Ada Oda | Petite Amie | Rau_Ze
