News: M for Montréal Announces 2026 First Wave Lineup

The 21st edition of M for Montréal presented by Billboard will take place from November 18, 2026 – November 21, 2026. Throughout its history, the festival and conference has established itself a premier meeting point, bringing together artist showcases panels and networking opportunities through its PRO Division. 

Last month, festival organizers announced the 28 artists they selected for its Official Showcases, a meticulous selection of Québécois and Canadian talents that organizers believe stand out for their originality and their strong potential to make an impact on the international scene.

The Official Selection’s indie and singer/songwriting programming will include: 

Lisa LeBlanc, who continues to deliver her signature blend of folk, rock, roots and swamp rock with her unique wit and humor. And if you’ve been frequenting this site for some time. you’d recall that she played a memorable set at 2022’s edition of the festival, which was followed up by a set at Groove the following December. 

Le Ren, Edwin Raphael, Dominique Way, and Lysandre, who all explore different shades of indie folk and indie pop, rooted in introspective songwriting. 

Geoffroy, who blends indie electro pop textures, organic instrumentation and refined pop songwriting into an immersive and emotionally driven sound. 

Gabriella Olivo, who blends Latin influences, electronic pop and cinematic atmospherics to create a universe that feels both nostalgic and forward-looking. 

Hélène Barbier, who has developed a singular avant-pop approach. 

Hawa B, who blends alt-soul, R&B and alt rock. I’ve caught the Canadian artist at FME back in 2024 — and she’ll be returning to Rouyn-Noranda for this year’s edition. 

Lou Val, who specializes in a contemporary vision of alternative R&B

Cherrykim, who specializes in a sound rooted in a blend of classic soul, neo-soul and contemporary R&B

Afrotonix, who blends Afro Tech, afro house and ampiano through an Afrofuturist lens, transforming Chadian musical heritage into a futuristic electronic experience 

The rock and alt rock pogromming highlight bold and experimental approaches with the following acts:

JOVM Mainstays Population II and Yoo Doo Right, two acts that explore psych rock, krautrock, post rock and experimental rock respectively 

Les Shirley, who I caught at 2022’s M for Montréal, as well as Mulch, Béton Armé and Faze all represent different facets of punk, hardcore and noise rock 

Babyteeth and Bye Parula both blend grunge, dream pop, indie rock and art pop, while reflecting the richness of the country’s evolving alternative rock scene

zouz, who I caught at FME’s 2024, specializes in a dense, uncompromising take on rock that blends elements of noise rock, post punk and prog rock. 

Regional scenes outside of Québec will also see representation in the Official Selection portion of the lineup, including blind commentary (SaskMusic), dead ex girlfriends (SaskMusic), cherry pick (MusicBC), Hillsboro (MusicBC), Lucette (Alberta Music), Sea of Lettuce(Alberta Music), and Virgo Rising (Manitoba Music), showcasing the strength and diversity of independent scenes across the country.

Official Selection showcases are reserved for PRO and PRO+ pass holders with a select number of events being open to the public as part of the festival’s general programming. PRO and PRO+ passes are available here.

Yesterday, the event announced the first wave of artists or the 2026 edition. Along with the Official Selection, the festival’s first wave lineup continues the event’s long-held reputation for eclecticism and for showcasing the best of Canada’s ever-evolving music scene — with a handful of acts from outside Canada.

First Wave Lineup

• A Good Year
• Balaclava
• blesse
• Born At Midnite
• Cosmic Dog Fog
• Emma Beko
• EZEZEZ
• Fine Food Market
• Irdens Exantus
• Kinji00
• LUCY (Cooper B. Handy)
• Marci
• Merina Gris
• Mrzabelle
• Papaya Noon
• Perceval
• Shunk
• Still Depths
• TVOD
• XLOWW
• and much more to come

The festival’s full lineup will be announced on September 2, 2026. Out of the first wave lineup, I wound up having a lovely conversation with Emma Beko, who I later caught at Club Soba during M for Montréal’s 2022 edition. Balaclava are New York stalwarts, who I’ve caught a few times at New Colossus Festival showcases — including a Summer Saturday back in 2024 and at last year’s holiday party. I caught TVOD at 2024’s FME and at a Show Brain show in Washington Square Park last year.

But in the meantime, the general public can get festival passes and individual show tickets here.

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