Get stoked for Pouzza Fest: May 17-19, 2019
Montrealβs annual punk rock festival is a celebration music, inclusion, and respect within punk culture. In its ninth year, it features 175+ bands, and is heavily influenced by pizza, poutine, and beer. Get acquainted with some of the bands with Spill Magazineβs exclusive Q&A!
ARTIST: BAD COP/BAD COP
Friday May 17 β 8:15 pm @ Outdoor Beer Garden
Harmonious pop punk out of San Pedro, California.Β
How excited are you to play Pouzza?
Eleven.Β
Have you played the festival before? If so when, and how was your experience? If this is your first time, what do you expect?
We got to play Pouzza in 2017 (I think) and it was a ton of fun. As promised. We are expecting to have a great time again this year.
How far are you travelling to Pouzza and what kind of accommodations were you able get?
Weβll be coming from Toronto by way of the Midwest United States by way of Europe. So not far but far! We actually wonβt get to stay anywhere because we have to split π
What are the benefits of playing a festival versus a one-off show?
People! There are usually more of them because itβs a better sell for how many bands you get to see. Plus thereβs usually some additional excitement.Β Also thereβs a better chance of getting fed if youβre an artist haha.Β
What are three important things to bring when playing a festival besides instruments?
A Fanny pack or hands-free way of carrying a little extra stuff like hand sanitizer, glasses, sunscreen if itβs outside. If they let you bring a canteen for plastic free (and also money free water) a snack!!! I get pretty cranky if Iβm hungry. So nuts or a granola bar are handy.
How do you plan on preparing for your set?
We usually hold hands and spend a few minutes together. We do vocal warm ups and play guitars. Try to hang out for a bit together. Thereβs usually some stretching and push ups too ha.Β
What are your plans in Montreal when not playing?
Well BRUNCH if itβs possible! We have to leave though so thatβs kind of a bummer. Itβs such a fun place!
ARTIST: BIG D & THE KIDS TABLE
Saturday May 18 β 7:00 pm @ Outdoor Beer Garden
Legendary β90s ska punk band from Boston.
How excited are you to play Pouzza?
As a proper Bostonian says – We are wicked fuckinβ excited kid. Big D got its start in Canada and Montreal. We have a ton of close friends there. And I canβt wait for some Poutine.
Have you played the festival before? If so when, and how was your experience? If this is your first time, what do you expect?
We have and I donβt remember when because I have a terrible memory, but weβve played a few.
How far are you travelling to Pouzza and what kind of accommodations were you able to get?
We are traveling from Boston and we are not sure where we are staying yet.Β
What are the benefits of playing a festival versus a one-off show?
There is a greater chance you will be able to see, hang out, and laugh with friends from other bands that you havenβt see in a while.
What are three important things to bring when playing a festival besides instruments?
Merch, band mates, beers, a tent, a cooler, frisbee.
How do you plan on preparing for your set?
Oh I do everything⦠get the van and trailer tuned up, order new merch, rehearse with the band, try and write a setlist people will love, and help promote the festival itself.
What are your plans in Montreal when not playing?
Laughing with the Planet Smashers and Andrew W.K. and watching Be Like Max. Eating Poutine and bringing some curds home. And talking to nice people who like the band.
ARTIST: BOIDS
Saturday May 18 β 8:00 pm @ Foufs Garage
Self-proclaimed βweirdo-punkβ from Montreal.
How excited are you to play Pouzza?
On a level of 1 to 10, 1 being mashed alfalfa and 10 being a sweaty pizza⦠I will say a solid 10.
Have you played the festival before? If so when, and how was your experience? If this is your first time, what do you expect?
We have played the festival before, probably five or six timesβ¦ always awesome, of course there are a few years I canβt remember at all but usually that suggests a great experience.
How far are you travelling to Pouzza and what kind of accommodations were you able to get?
We will be travelling roughly 900 metres from our boiler room rehearsal space. We might take the bus, we might even cab, possibly even walk there⦠the benefit of playing a hometown festival is we can sleep in our own beds, or pass out on the lawn at Place des Festivals.
What are the benefits of playing a festival versus a one-off show?
This festival in particular has a laid back vibe, you chill, you hang, you catch up, you play a set, you go back to chillingβ¦ whereas sometimes a one-off seems very regimented: show up, unpack, set up, sound check, eat, get dressed, play, tear down, load out, sleepβ¦ which is fun as well, just different vibes. But I think Pouzza has a special energy about itβ¦ partly becauseΒ the band members are really integrated with the audience. ItΒ doesnβt feel like thereβs a separation… which is lovely.
What are three important things to bring when playing a festival besides instruments?
A flask, earplugs, and electrolytes.
How do you plan on preparing for your set?
We will prepare for our set by going down to our space, turning up the volume, then talking about Game of Thrones for 30 minutes.
What are your plans in Montreal when not playing?
Our plans in Montreal will be to check out some of our friendsβ bands, discover some new ones, and catch up with everyone … a yearly gathering of the family, for three days in a rowβ¦ ouch.
ARTIST: GALLOWS BOUND
Saturday May 18 β 10:30 pm @ CafΓ© ClΓ©opΓ’tre
Appalachian punk bluegrass from Winchester, VA.Β
How excited are you to play Pouzza?
We are so excited that we may physically explode.
Have you played the festival before? If so when, and how was your experience? If this is your first time, what do you expect?
This is our first time playing Pouzza! A few of us have been to the festival before and it was a total blast so weβre stoked to be a part of it this year. We expect it will be a very fun time.
Β How far are you travelling to Pouzza and what kind of accommodations were you able to get?
Weβll be driving 10 hours from our hometown of Winchester, VA, in our van named Merle, which is short for Merlin, who is a medieval wizard.Β And weβll be staying with some friends that live nearby.Β
What are the benefits of playing a festival versus a one-off show?
One of the coolest things about playing festivals is getting to see so many friends all in one place and meeting tons of new people. A lot of our friends we have met from touring so whenever we get to cross paths for a weekend and party itβs always exciting. Plus we get to run around and listen to cool bands and play in front of people that may have not heard us before.
Β What are three important things to bring when playing a festival besides instruments?
A tuner. Merch. Very cool sunglasses.Β
How do you plan on preparing for your set?
Weβll most likely do some extreme calisthenics while intoxicated to prepare for this sonic adventure.Β
What are your plans in Montreal when not playing?
Watching some rad bands as well as Aaronβs blood sugar from his near-crippling addiction to Tim Hortonβs honey crullers.
ARTIST: HVAL
Friday May 17 β 5:45 pm @ ThéÒtre Sainte-Catherine
Synth indie rock with dark pop vibes from Toronto.Β
How excited are you to play Pouzza?
It’s HVAL’s debut show at Pouzzafest so I’m super stoked!
Have you played the festival before? If so when, and how was your experience? If this is your first time, what do you expect?
I was lucky enough to be booked with my former punk band, Unbelievers, the first 2 years at Pouzza. I was booked again twice as a solo artist and have also attended as both a music writer and a volunteer (cuz it’s important to support your supporters). Being able to debut my newest project at Pouzza is an honor. The folks at Pouzza Fest have always been so supportive of me and all my music.
How far are you travelling to Pouzza and what kind of accommodations were you able to get?
We’re driving from Toronto and staying at a rad artist co-op near our venue. Montreal is my fave. Everyone is always so nice and generous.
What are the benefits of playing a festival versus a one-off show?
Pouzza is the only festival I’ve played. It’s rad being able to see so many different bands and artists crammed into a super fun long weekend.
What are three important things to bring when playing a festival besides instruments?
Sunscreen, water, and good vibes
How do you plan on preparing for your set?
Some deep lunges?
ARTIST: JULIUS SUMNER MILLER
Sunday May 19 β 6:30 pm @ Katacombes
Fast, catchy, melodic punk from Calgary.
How excited are you to play Pouzza?
Stoked beyond belief.Β Itβs always such an honour!
Have you played the festival before? If so when, and how was your experience? If this is your first time, what do you expect?
This is the fourth time JSM has played Pouzza. Every time is amazing, and it keeps on getting better and better
How far are you travelling to Pouzza and what kind of accommodations were you able to get?
We are arriving from Calgary, AB. Some of us are AirBnBing itβ¦ the rest are crashing on a budβs couch.
What are the benefits of playing a festival versus a one-off show?
One-off shows are fantastic, but playing a festival like Pouzza really allows you to see the city and catch and boatload of other rad bands.
What are three important things to bring when playing a festival besides instruments?
Drum sticks, a rested liver, and all kinds of charisma
How do you plan on preparing for your set?
Calisthenics and Labatt 50.
What are your plans in Montreal when not playing?
Breakfast and bagels, etc. Cheap beers and Foufs. Hanging with pals you donβt see often and checking out bands.
ARTIST: LOST LOVE
Friday May 17 β 7:15 pm @ Outdoor Beer Garden
Gruff and catchy punk with power pop influences from Montreal.
How excited are you to play Pouzza?
Very much. five on a scale of seven.
Have you played the festival before? If so when, and how was your experience? If this is your first time, what do you expect?
Yes, many times. Like, every year since 2013, so I guess this is my seventh year in a row. That must illegal or something right? My experience at Pouzza has always been really crazy. CRAY-ZEE.
How far are you travelling to Pouzza and what kind of accommodations were you able to get?
25 minutes walk. I live 25 minutes away from all the venues. So I don’t consider it being too far. Some bands are crashing at my place though just so the party can continue 24/7 but more like 24/3 since it’s three days in a row.
What are the benefits of playing a festival versus a one-off show?
There are more people from all over the globe that I’ve met at some point on the road.
It’s funny how all these acquaintances become my best friends during three days.
What are three important things to bring when playing a festival besides instruments?
Zinc cream, Advils, water.
How do you plan on preparing for your set?
I’ll probably drink a Beau’s beer, and then a Trou du Diable beer, and then I’ll put a pink Madonna t-shirt or something like that. I’ll probably talk about the theory of flow with whomever wants to hear it.
What are your plans in Montreal when not playing?
That’s top secret.
ARTIST: MOLLY RHYTHM
Sunday May 19 β 11:15 pm @ Katacombes
From Philadelphia, Molly Rhythm describe themselves as βcreepy alt-rock, blues, reggae, classic rock, hip-hop, and metal.β
How excited are you to play Pouzza?
It’s our favorite. So excited!
Have you played the festival before? If so when, and how was your experience? If this is your first time, what do you expect?
We have been lucky enough to be accepted for the last four Pouzzas. Every year is better than the last, and we get to see so many cool bands and old friends.
How far are you travelling to Pouzza and what kind of accommodations were you able to get?
We expect it to be about an eight-hour drive from Trenton, NJ. We stay in a hostel every year. It’s fun.
What are the benefits of playing a festival versus a one-off show?
With a festival like Pouzza, getting to explore Montreal and check out cool art, or play bike polo is a huge plus. Staying for the whole festival gives us more time for Friendship! We make friends and have sleepovers and drink alcohol and there is nowhere to drive at three am! With a one-off show a lot of the day is driving, loading and prepping or sleeping.
What are three important things to bring when playing a festival besides instruments?Β Acoustic instruments for playing around the streets or camp fire or hotel room. Games and toys for the down time. Bikes and skateboards.
How do you plan on preparing for your set?
We’re just going to wing it.
What are your plans in Montreal when not playing?
Smoke weed and drink and jam with our friends! Over the years we have met so many cool people playing in Quebec, and Pouzza acts as a great yearly meet up. There’s a ton of bands to check out, a city to wander, snacks to eat, and memories to make. Hopefully we can get some busking in too! Our hostel has a Jacuzzi so we have to fit that in somewhere. So many things.
ARTIST: PALE LIPS
Saturday May 18 β 1:00 am @ CafΓ© ClΓ©opΓ’tre
Montreal bubblegum punk/power pop/rock βnβ roll.
How excited are you to play Pouzza?
So excited weβre counting the days!!
Have you played the festival before? If so when, and how was your experience? If this is your first time, what do you expect?
We believe we played it two or perhaps three times and as always it’s always a fun festival, with a long list of bands. Itβs always a great time to discover some new ones!
How far are you travelling to Pouzza and what kind of accommodations were you able to get?
We get to prepare ourselves at home and not in a hotel. Aces!
What are the benefits of playing a festival versus a one-off show?
Itβs fun to have a variety of people come from all over the place and check your band out. Even if they don’t like your style, they just want to have fun. Festivals are great for this.
What are three important things to bring when playing a festival besides instruments?
A change of clothes, some lipstick, and Lynnβs banana is a must.
How do you plan on preparing for your set?
We have our secret rituals and weβre sticking to it.
What are your plans in Montreal when not playing?
To hang with some friends from out of town who are also playing Pouzza.
ARTIST: UNITED SNAKES
Saturday May 18 β 12:30 pm @ Foufounes Γlectriques
A collaborative acoustic group featuring Torontoβs Chuck Coles and worldwide musicians.
How excited are you to play Pouzza?
Our excitement is extreme. Not only are we playing but we are releasing our debut EP at Pouzza via Little Rocket Records so this is a big event for us.
Have you played the festival before? If so when, and how was your experience? If this is your first time, what do you expect?
Our first experience with Pouzza was quite magical, quite enchanting, an emotional whirlwind of endings and new beginnings. Our banjo/steel wizard aka Justin had befriended a troubled pigeon that flew onto his shoulder before our Sunday brunch performance at Katacombes. We named him Scranton and he stuck by our side until we hit the patio stage. He was a little off, he flew a little sideways and we felt that. We tried to ask him to watch merch while we played but he didnβt play by anyone elseβs rules. Everything was going pretty well, the sun was shining and the crowd was pleasantly hungover as we sang to them. We assumed Scranton was waiting for us patiently and pigeonly. However, unbeknownst to us, while Chuck was singing his hauntingly beautiful rendition of βHallelujahβ, our dear pigeon flew directly into a Montreal city transit bus. We donβt know if it was a murder or a suicide, but it was not a pretty sight to see upon ending our set. This was also the first time we had ever played music together in front of people. Itβs where we met Graeme from Little Rocket Records who is now releasing our music and was also a friend of Scranton the pigeon. Now we will return to Pouzza, for love and friendship and the ever-changing beauty of life, and to release our EP, but ultimatelyβ¦ we do it for Scranton.
How far are you travelling to Pouzza and what kind of accommodations were you able to get?
In some ways we have traveled our whole lives just to get to Montreal on Saturday May 18 at the Acoustic Barbecue. We donβt know exactly how far that is, but it seems to be the crickets way possible.
What are the benefits of playing a festival versus a one-off show?
We love to mingle and jingle around and festivals provide a wonderful opportunity to do just that.
What are three important things to bring when playing a festival besides instruments?
Turkish Delight. Chicken Noodles. A few Bellydancing Draculas.
How do you plan on preparing for your set?
We have spoken to our spiritual guide to give us the exact answers for this. Unfortunately we cannot divulge such magicry through technology but letβs just say we will be doing some pretty weird shit leading up to the acoustic BBQ.
What are your plans in Montreal when not playing?
We will be watching Rules and Gallows Bound and catching up with our families from far away lands. We will also be having a modest candlelight vigil in the payphone booth by Katakombes in memory of Scranton.
ARTIST: WAR ON WOMEN
Friday May 17 β 12:00 am @ Foufounes Γlectriques
Co-ed feminist hardcore punk/rock/metal/thrash band from Baltimore, MD.
How excited are you to play Pouzza?
Quite.
Have you played the festival before? If so when, and how was your experience? If this is your first time, what do you expect?
We were lucky enough to play last year at the outdoor stage before Anti-Flag. It felt magical, really. The sun had just set, the lights came up, and there was a sea of people bopping their heads to our songs. I loved it!
How far are you travelling to Pouzza and what kind of accommodations were you able to get?
We’re lucky to be on tour, so we’ll only be in the van a couple hours that day. I am definitely not telling you where we are sleeping that night, nosey.
What are the benefits of playing a festival versus a one-off show?
Free beer. And the food. And a bunch of people giving you high-fives!
What are three important things to bring when playing a festival besides instruments?
Sunscreen, refillable water bottle, sneakers. And CASH.
How do you plan on preparing for your set?
Did you ever watch “Married…with Children”? I’ll warm up my voice and then get a “Woah, Bundy!” from the band.
What are your plans in Montreal when not playing?
Giving a quick lesson in bystander intervention to attendees! That way, if they see anyone being harassed, they can step in like a (safe) badass! That will be right after the panel discussion: Harassment Intervention seminar [Friday at 4 pm.]
Did you party with us last year? Here’s a recap video from Pouzza 7 while we wait a few more days before #Pouzza8!
Don’t miss our 8th edition on May 18-19-20, get your pass today at pouzzafest.com/tickets 🎫
Full lineup is also available at pouzzafest.com/bands 📅
Presented by Beau’s All Natural Brewing Co., Le Trou du diable – Microbrasserie, Boutique et Salon, and Sailor Jerry
(Music by The Penske File)
Posted by Pouzza FEST on Thursday, May 10, 2018
Festival Links
SPILL FEATURE: READY TO SAY FAREWELL – A CONVERSATION WITH SAXOPHONIST PAT CAREY OF THE DOWNCHILD BLUES BAND
SPILL FEATURE: EXPERIMENTING AND HAVING FUN…AGAIN – A CONVERSATION WITH GUITARIST TIM BOVACONTI
SPILL FEATURE: REAL BANDSβ¦WELL, THEY PLAY MUSIC AND THEY RECORD ALBUMS – A CONVERSATION WITH JOEY SANTIAGO & DAVID LOVERING OF THEΒ PIXIES
SPILL FEATURE: YACHT ROCKERS CHART NEW WATERS – A CONVERSATION WITH NICK NIESPODZIANI OF YACHT ROCK REVUE
