Get stoked for Pouzza Fest: May 17-19, 2019.
Montreal’s 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 Magazine’s exclusive Q&A!
ARTIST: AUDIO VISCERAL
Saturday May 18 – 6:30 pm @ Foufounes Électriques
Upbeat garage punk from Vankleek Hill.
How excited are you to play Pouzza?
*eggplant emoji* x3
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’ve been fortunate to play quite a few now. Each one is better than the last.
How far are you travelling to Pouzza and what kind of accommodations were you able get?
We’re travelling a whole hour from Vankleek Hill! Airbnb shared with friends is the best way to go. It’s really only somewhere to sleep anyways. We’re not here to sleep! (C’mon Gary!)
What are the benefits of playing a festival versus a one-off show?
People who don’t know your band might discover you by accident just because they happen to be there. Organization tends to be quite good and appreciated. Beyond that, seeing so many rad bands playing in such close proximity over three days is a special opportunity. You also get to meet tons of new friends from all over, as well as reconnect with old friends.
What are three important things to bring when playing a festival besides instruments?
Money, phone, schedule.
How do you plan on preparing for your set?
Stretching is highly underrated and totally necessary past a certain age.
What are your plans in Montreal when not playing?
Sit in traffic, curse in French. Eat, drink, and watch friends have fun.
ARTIST: COPPER CROWN
Sunday May 19 – 9:45 pm @ Café Cléopâtre
Toronto indie/ska/soul/punk.
How excited are you to play Pouzza?
We are incredibly excited to play Pouzza again this year! It is one of our favourite festivals, and Montreal is such an incredible city to play. Always a fun time!
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 had the opportunity to play last year as well, and we had an amazing time. We’ll be playing the same venue, Café Cléopâtre this time around on Sunday night with a bunch of bands we love including Be Like Max, who we’ll also be playing with in Toronto on May 16, and The Readys.
How far are you travelling to Pouzza and what kind of accommodations were you able get?
We’re from Toronto, so we’ll be travelling a little ways to get there, but we’ll be playing a show in Ottawa on May 17 at Avant-Garde Bar, two days before Montreal so we won’t be going there directly. Luckily we were able to get an Airbnb fairly central to the festival for a decent price. When we’re on the road we always want to make sure we’re being cost-effective, so we’ve done the motel stay before too, but Airbnb is usually the best bet!
What are the benefits of playing a festival versus a one-off show?
Festivals are just WAY more fun all around. We get to see so many friends and bands we’ve played with over the years and meet tons of new people. Not every festival is quite like Pouzza though, this one is definitely special and brings out the best of everything.
What are three important things to bring when playing a festival besides instruments?
Well I can certainly say for Gabrielle, our singer, its water. Lots and LOTS of water. She always has a bottle handy to keep those luscious vocal chords hydrated. For our drummer Craig, its a change of clothes for after the set. The sweat is real with that one! But I think for all of us its a seriously reliable pair of shoes! We need them for dancing to the other bands and jumping around on stage.
How do you plan on preparing for your set?
We always do a pre-set warm up, whether that’s the day of or previous day. We always make sure we’re warmed up for the set we play onstage. Last year we did a quick warm-up in the ‘green room’ of Cléopâtre, which is an interesting place to say the least. You can spot some video of it in our recently released tour video from Pouzza last year.
What are your plans in Montreal when not playing?
We’ll be getting to Montreal Saturday afternoon so we look forward to catching up with a ton of bands playing that day. The Anti-Queens, who we love, are playing the outdoor stage that day so we’ll definitely be there to see them, and of course Strung Out and The Planet Smashers. Other than that, just our typical hijinks! Montreal is an absolutely amazing city to play in, there is no shortage of things to do and places to go.
ARTIST: DIRECT HIT!
Saturday May 18 – 5:55 pm @ Outdoor Beer Garden
Experimental pop punk from Milwaukee.
How excited are you to play Pouzza?
“This much.” That’s what I say when my three-year old asks how much I love them.
Have you played the festival before? If so when, and how was your experience? If this is your first time, what do you expect?
Yeah, we’ve played Pouzza a few times now. Always rad. We played at 1:00 am at Katacombes last time we were in town and the place was lit up.
How far are you travelling to Pouzza and what kind of accommodations were you able to get?
We’re flying from Chicago, Milwaukee, and Minneapolis. Usually a whole day of driving with a border stop, and nightmarish traffic in Chicago. Excited to be able to “relax” at an Airbnb with PEARS this year.
What are the benefits of playing a festival versus a one-off show?
Everyone you know all in the same place at the same time when you’re at a festival. They bring people together.
What are three important things to bring when playing a festival besides instruments?
Good judgment. A commitment to sleep. Soft surfaces to fall on.
How do you plan on preparing for your set?
Deep breathing. Cursing the heavens.
What are your plans in Montreal when not playing?
Poutine for days.
ARTIST: HEAVY PETTER
Saturday May 18 – 8:00 pm @ Turbo Haüs
Pro-fun punk rock from Barrie.
How excited are you to play Pouzza?
Pumped. Like, megalodon shark pumped.
Have you played the festival before? If so when, and how was your experience? If this is your first time, what do you expect?
First time playing. We attend every year though, some of us since day one, and we expect there to be just as much beer as last year.
How far are you travelling to Pouzza and what kind of accommodations were you able get?
We’re coming from Barrie, which is about a 6 hour drive from Montreal. We’re staying with a group of friends in the UQAM dorms downtown.
What are the benefits of playing a festival versus a one-off show?
Being able to discover a lot of new bands and spending the weekend meeting new friends. Plus all the odours.
What are three important things to bring when playing a festival besides instruments?
Antacid, monies, shades.
How do you plan on preparing for your set?
A shot of whisky and – go!
What are your plans in Montreal when not playing?
Record store hopping, craft beer tasting, watching our friends’ sets, and getting Jon-Jon his first Pouzza.
ARTIST: LES MAINS SALES
Friday May 17 – 7:15 pm @ Katacombes
Dark melodic punk from Montreal.
How excited are you to play Pouzza?
Very excited! This will be our first real show ever for this new band!
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’ve played with my band The Sainte Catherines before. It was amazing. Playing Montreal is always a bit stressful but so intense at the same time!?! Seeing all those familiar faces in front of you is always memorable.
How far are you travelling to Pouzza and what kind of accommodations were you able to get?
I live two minutes walking distance. My two kids and girlfriend will meet the band Hit the Switch, as we offered them a place to stay while they are here in Montreal.
What are the benefits of playing a festival versus a one-off show?
Seeing all those bands and meeting new peeps!
What are three important things to bring when playing a festival besides instruments?
Patience. Smile. Sunscreen. Clean socks.
How do you plan on preparing for your set?
Two beers and one puff of weed.
What are your plans in Montreal when not playing?
Walking around town with my friends and chillin’ with people I only see that time of the year at this specific festival! This is really great to hang out once a year and catch up with longtime friends from around the world!
ARTIST: SHIP OF FOOLS
Sunday May 19 – 11:15 pm @ Turbo Haüs
Gruff, thrashy Newmarket punk.
How excited are you to play Pouzza?
Beyond stoked! Pouzza Fest is pretty much our annual family vacation together, so each year we have the May long weekend marked down in our calendars.
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 played Pouzza 7 a couple of years ago and it was a blast! Just to be able to hit the stage with so many pals, whether playing or in attendance, is an incredible experience. The amount of love and support everyone gives each other is truly humbling!
How far are you travelling to Pouzza and what kind of accommodations were you able get?
We have a couple of dates prior to Pouzza weekend in Ottawa and Vankleek Hill, which will make the drive from Newmarket seem way shorter. We always rent an Airbnb as a band, and whoever comes with us.
What are the benefits of playing a festival versus a one-off show?
All of the buds! All at once! It’s so incredibly tough to see all the bands you want to see at Pouzza, as schedules always conflict, however, if friends can’t see you play because they’re going to see other bands, it’s no sweat! Everyone always makes time to have a beer and hangout over the three days, and that’s definitely the most important part of it all.
What are three important things to bring when playing a festival besides instruments?
Definitely Beer. And a lot of it. Oh and weed. We try to also make sure we bring essential hygiene products. Which can definitely get overlooked (see above).
How do you plan on preparing for your set?
Normally, we like to stretch and get loose before a show. Have a drink, stay relatively sober, and joke around. That’s all out the window at Pouzza Fest. As long as we’re not knocking down the door to fetch one of us passed out, an hour before our set (again), we should be good!
What are your plans in Montreal when not playing?
We love Montreal, so just getting to be in the city, checking out great bands, and hanging out with friends, it’s all we need. It kind of has this incredible aura to it. We will definitely try our best to make time for Schwartz’s and Montreal bagels though.
ARTIST: THE CORPS
Saturday May 18 – 11:00 pm @ Turbo Haüs
Catchy Vancouver skate punk.
How excited are you to play Pouzza?
Twelve!
Have you played the festival before? If so when, and how was your experience? If this is your first time, what do you expect?
The Corps has not played Pouzza before. We’re very excited and expect a wholesome time. Fed and in bed by 8.
How far are you travelling to Pouzza and what kind of accommodations were you able get?
We’re coming 4911.3 kilometres from Vancouver, BC. We’re staying in a 1972 GMC suburban with a busted tail light that needs a new exhaust. Come say hi, bring beer.
What are the benefits of playing a festival versus a one-off show?
You get to see way more bands and meet up with old friends. And three days of punk rock versus just one is always great!
What are three important things to bring when playing a festival besides instruments?
A-game. Smiling faces. Winning attitudes! And number four would be at least four bags of chips. No dip though, that would go bad.
How do you plan on preparing for your set?
Studying Anne Murray videos on YouTube to make sure we get the moves down. And a brisk round of disk golf.
What are your plans in Montreal when not playing?
We’re going to hang out at the fest and watch Boids, Topsy Turvys, The Mahones, The Peelers, Pears, Bad Cop/Bad Cop and some band called the Peanut Smashers? And all the other great bands at this awesome fest!
ARTIST: THE PEELERS
Sunday May 19 – 2:45 pm @ Outdoor Beer Garden
Montreal Celtic punk since 1999.
How excited are you to play Pouzza?
We’re always excited to play Pouzza, for a few reasons: As a Montreal band, it’s in our backyard. It’s also a very well-run festival, with so many great people involved. And we’re working on a new album, so it’s a chance to work out some new material. Plus, we are on a bill this year with a whole bunch of close friends. That makes it even more special.
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 will be our third straight year playing Pouzza. We played the outdoor stage in 2017 and 2018, and it was brilliant. Our band is big – this year there will be eight of us – and therefore our sound is big, so it’s really conducive to the outdoor stage. We’ve also had the opportunity to share a bill with some amazing acts, like Lagwagon, Face to Face, Grimskunk, and this year Andrew W.K.
How far are you travelling to Pouzza and what kind of accommodations were you able get?
We don’t have to travel far, as most of the band is in Quebec. We have three members in Ontario, including myself, and they’re usually well taken care of by the local guys.
What are the benefits of playing a festival versus a one-off show?
There are a numerous benefits to playing a festival versus a one-off. The exposure is much greater in the festival setting, particularly because of what Pouzza has become over the years. So many people are interested, and there is so much coverage, and so many different bands with unique followings, that you get to expose your music to people who may not have heard you before. The opportunity is also there for us, as individuals, and music fans, to see and hear not only our friends, but also bands we don’t know. One-off shows generally tend to attract a certain segment of an audience, but Pouzza, particularly at the free outdoor shows, allows for a whole cross-section of the public.
What are three important things to bring when playing a festival besides instruments?
For me, two of the three important things are abstract: patience (because I have none lol), and you never know what to expect in a festival setting. Enthusiasm, because there are so many great acts to enjoy, and being positive both onstage and off is key. The last important thing is self indulgent, and essential for a Celtic punk band, and that’s Irish whiskey. Lots of great beer with Beau’s and Trou du Diable, but I need a good whiskey, so a bottle of John Powers it is 😉.
How do you plan on preparing for your set?
We rehearse regularly, so it just comes down to determining a set list, working out the timing, and making sure we execute it efficiently. Our slot is half an hour, with a 15 minute changeover and line check, so we need to get up, go hard, and finish strong. We love having fun, but at the end of the day, it’s about being professional as well. Oh, and the whiskey… ha!
What are your plans in Montreal when not playing?
I know most of the band enjoys watching other acts, not only on our bill, but at other venues as well. Personally, I’ll be checking out our friends from back home in Audio Visceral, and our pals The Corps from Vancouver. I also like to visit some of my favorite haunts when I’m in town, conspire with close friends who I don’t see often enough, and if I’m lucky, maybe sit for some ink from my pal Arno Schultz. Montreal is the city of saints, and it’s my favorite city in the world. There’s always something going on!
ARTIST: THE READYS
Sunday May 19 – 8:15 pm @ Café Cléopâtre
Fast, loud Newmarket punk.
How excited are you to play Pouzza?
Pretty pumped, can’t wait to drink a lot of beer and forget everything that happened.
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, we played back in 2015 with some of our favorite bands and best friends.
How far are you travelling to Pouzza and what kind of accommodations were you able get?
We are traveling 565 kilometres from Newmarket, ON. We found an Airbnb that sleeps 12 people and we are pretty sure this place is haunted. SPOOKY!
What are the benefits of playing a festival versus a one-off show?
Being able to play a festival is such a plus – lots of friends come out and new friends are made. You can showcase your music to people who may have never heard of you before. Another amazing thing is the number of friends that we run into and get to play with. Also new friends to share beers with!
What are three important things to bring when playing a festival besides instruments?
Beer, beer, and more beer.
How do you plan on preparing for your set?
We have already been preparing: five beers each a practice, a show in Barrie, and a Pre-Pouzza show in Newmarket.
What are your plans in Montreal when not playing?
See a shit load of bands, drink beer, get Schwartz’s, eat Pouzza, and did we mention we are going to drink beer?
ARTIST: THESE FAST TIMES
Friday May 17 – 9:30 pm @ Théâtre Sainte-Catherine
Alternative pop punk from Montreal.
How excited are you to play Pouzza?
Super mega poop my pants excited! Is that a proper measurement of excitement? I’m sure it is… anyway, quite content at the fact the These Fast Times will participate in such an event.
Have you played the festival before? If so when, and how was your experience? If this is your first time, what do you expect?
Yup, played Pouzza three times with my old band W!nslow. The most recent was two years ago with DaggerMouth and Broad Way Calls… W!nslow did a reunion show for Pouzza. It was incredible, so much fun. Poop my pants kind of fun. Got to high five and drinks beers with old buds and relive our W!nslow days.
How far are you travelling to Pouzza and what kind of accommodations were you able get?
Just about 20 minutes… long ways away. I’ll be sleeping in an alley, my car, or if some how I make it home.
What are the benefits of playing a festival versus a one-off show?
Meeting new bands from across North America. Also, there’s something about a festival like Pouzza that makes you feel like you’re on vacation. Just hang out, drink, watch cool bands, and change venues whenever you’re bored. It’s perfect!
What are three important things to bring when playing a festival besides instruments?
Clean underwear. Three to four bottles of wine. Sweat towel.
How do you plan on preparing for your set?
Warm up with said bottles of wine. Make fun of Thomaz, Help Jeff find his always lost wires. Pre-game poop.
What are your plans in Montreal when not playing?
Try to catch as many bands as possible. Get drunk. Eat bad food. And repeat for all three days.
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
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