Montreal’s music scene has a new gem to offer: the Palomosa Festival. Organized by the same creative minds behind Piknic Électronik and Igloofest, Palomosa debuted this September at Parc Jean-Drapeau, promising an eclectic mix of pop, rock, R&B, Latin, and electronic music. What sets this festival apart from the city's usual crowded events is its intimate atmosphere—creating a space for music lovers who seek more than just a big show. Over three days, Palomosa delivered unforgettable performances in a cozy setting, reviving the spirit of small-scale festivals with a modern twist. Whether you were there to catch headliners like Gesaffelstein or explore new sounds, Palomosa was a musical journey that felt both exclusive and refreshing—a festival where the true essence of live music shone brightly.
words: mathieu parent
photography: mathieu parent
video: coralie daigneault
The Experience: A Festival for True Music Enthusiasts
From the moment I stepped onto the festival grounds, it was clear that Palomosa was different. The crowd was smaller than I expected, but it only enhanced the feeling of being part of something exclusive—something for music lovers who genuinely knew the artists or came to discover new ones. Attending the concerts of Gesaffelstein, Badbadnotgood, LSDXOXO, Shygirl, and Jai Paul felt like a rare opportunity to witness the craft of extraordinary performers up close.
Festivals like Osheaga are defined by massive crowds and high-energy performances, but Palomosa was almost the opposite—low-key, yet incredibly powerful. It felt like dancing in my living room with friends rather than at a large, overwhelming event. The festival had an inviting atmosphere and with summer gradually giving way to cooler evenings, the weather only added to the overall vibe.
Despite rain pouring down on Saturday, festival-goers were still present. It felt like a communal experience as if we were all going through a collective cleanse, with the music acting as a healing force. There was no rushing, no overwhelming sensation of trying to stay focused amid a large crowd. Instead, the performances resonated more deeply because we were all there for the same reason—to be moved by the music.
A Standout Lineup: Gesaffelstein and Jai Paul
One of the highlights of the festival for me was undoubtedly the Friday night performance of Gesaffelstein. Known for his dark, electro sound, Gesaffelstein’s set felt otherworldly. He played tracks from his discography, some throwbacks and some new ones. It was hypnotic, transporting us to a different realm for nearly two hours. One friend, Dana, who had listened to Gesaffelstein in high school, found the performance brought back a flood of memories—a testament to the power of music and its ability to reconnect us with the past.
Jai Paul’s set was THE unforgettable experience. As someone who doesn’t perform live often, his concert was one of a true artist with a defined vision. It was his first time performing in Canada, making it even more special for those of us lucky enough to be there. His ethereal sound, so influential in the early 2010s, translated beautifully on stage, blending discovery and nostalgia in a way that felt truly unique. Jai Paul’s performance was emotional, marking the end of his tour and giving us a sense that we had just witnessed something extraordinary.
Nostalgia and New Discoveries: The Essence of Palomosa
Palomosa also offered a perfect balance between nostalgia and discovery. LSDXOXO and Shygirl brought a club-like atmosphere to their sets, performing new material against the stunning backdrop of the Montreal skyline. The festival’s decision to use the space under the "Trois Disques" statue hinted back to the early days of Piknic Électronik.
For my friend Austin, visiting from Australia, Jai Paul’s performance was a revelation. He hadn’t heard of the artist before attending the festival, but by the end of the night, he was mesmerized. It was one of those rare moments when live music truly opens someone’s eyes to a whole new world. This spirit of discovery felt like the core of Palomosa—whether you were a fan of the headliners or there to explore new sounds, the festival created an environment where music felt fresh and transformative.
A New Energy for Montreal’s Festival Scene
Palomosa Festival brought something new to Montreal’s summer festival circuit—a sense of exclusivity, intimacy, and passion for music that felt refreshing. In a city known for its large-scale events, Palomosa carved out a space for true music lovers. There was no rush, no pressure to compete with overwhelming crowds. Instead, the festival created an atmosphere of shared experience and deep appreciation for the artists on stage.
Even with Kali Uchis cancelling her headlining performance, the weekend still felt full. Jai Paul’s closing set was the perfect conclusion to a festival that celebrated both artistry and community. Palomosa may be new, but it has already proven itself to be a special addition to Montreal’s music scene—a festival that, if you were there, you will remember for a long time.
This weekend left me feeling grateful. Not only for the chance to see world-class artists but also for the reminder of what makes live music so powerful. The festival was an emotional journey, a chance to rediscover why we connect with music in the first place.
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