Following a nationwide call for submissions that drew a record number of over 600 applications, the M for Montreal selection committee brought together the very best of the emerging scene, from indie pop and alternative rock to rap and folk artists. Today, the names of the 28 artists making up the final selection are revealed, marking the unveiling of the entire 2023 Official Selection.
This year’s francophone lineup will be particularly strong, with young critics’ muses Arielle Soucy and blesse joining some of the leading names on the local scene: Lou-Adriane Cassidy, LaF, Thierry Larose and VioleTT Pi. Also on the program: Frais Dispo, the French-language iteration of Foreign Diplomats, the duo Totalement Sublime and Innu artist Kanen, one of five Indigenous artists selected this year. With zouz and Super Plage, this year’s programming has something for everyone.
On the Anglophone side, Montreal is in the spotlight. The trio Afternoon Bike Ride, already announced as part of the MARATHON, joins the Official Selection. They will be joined by the music of Bells Larsen and HAWA B, as well as the mixed rap of Wendat singer Joseph Sarenhes. Les Shirley, who recently opened for Weezer and Foo Fighters, and La Sécurité, a supergroup featuring members of Laurence-Anne and Choses Sauvages, will also be on stage. Finally, already well-known local singer Elliot Maginot completes the lineup.
The Canadian music scene will once again be well represented in this 2023 cohort, with artists Boy Golden and Mattmac, two media sensations from Manitoba, Dump Babes and Ellen Froese from Saskatchewan, Teon Gibbs and Winona Forever from British Columbia, Miesha and The Spanks and 36? from Alberta, and finally promising young artists AVIV and Billianne from Ontario.
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Many of the Official Selection showcases are open only to PRO badge holders. However, some showcases will also be part of the MARATHON festival open to the general public and presented by M for Montreal. Stay tuned for the announcement of all MARATHON artists, and get the pass that’s right for you!
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Electro-pop duo Banx & Ranx, dance-punk band Choses Sauvages and nonchalant psych-rock band Hippie Hourrah have been added to the lineup for the MARATHON festival presented by M for Montreal.
A wild evening presented by Costume Records in collaboration with Range is scheduled for November 16, when Choses Sauvages will take to the stage at the legendary venue Foufounes Électriques, at 11:00 p.m. In collaboration with M for Montreal, 31 East, Universal Music Canada and îLESONIQ will present BANX & RANX’s SOUND SYSTEM & BLOCK PARTY at Club Soda on November 18, at 9:00 p.m. On the same day, Hippie Hourrah will perform at Ausgang Plaza at 8:30 p.m., with multi-instrumentalist Alix Fernz opening the evening presented by Simone Records.
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An exclusive evening of the Official Selection presented by CISM will take place at Ausgang Plaza as part of the MARATHON festival on November 15. Frais Dispo, Mattmac, Totalement Sublime and Boy Golden will be sharing the stage in a showcase format open to the general public. Now’s the time to get your tickets!

The MARATHON festival is an opportunity to discover new talent and a real sporting challenge open to the general public. From November 15 to 18, 30 shows featuring over 80 artists will take to the stage in some 15 venues across the city of Montreal.
The MARATHON lineup already includes Robert Robert, Marie Davidson and Philippe Brach, announced earlier this summer. Stay tuned in the upcoming weeks to discover all the other artists who will be part of the MARATHON festival!
In the meantime, tie up your sneakers, listen to the official playlist our team has curated for you, and get your itinerary ready!
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We would like to thank our media partners: Also Cool Mag, CHOQ, CISM, CJLO, CULT Mtl, Exclaim!, Feu à volonté, Ic3y Mag, Le Canal Auditif, PanM 360, RANGE, Sors-tu et trèfor club.
The music programming of the MARATHON festival is made possible by our major partner SiriusXM and our programming partners: 31 East, Arts & Crafts, Bravo Musique, Costume Records, Disques Dure Vie, Duprince, Fire Feu Fuego, Heavy Trip, îLESONIQ, Indica Records, Indie Montréal, Kartel Musik, L’Ours Label & Tournées, La Maison Fauve, Lighter Than Air, Lisbon Lux Records, Mothland, popop, School Night, Simone Records, Six Shooter Records and Universal Music.
M for Montreal is a major springboard for musical artists on their way to a national and international career.
Alongside its annual international circuit of events and meetings, M for Montreal has also been organizing an annual rendez-vous in Montreal for the past 18 years. Each year, the event brings together over 500 local, national and international delegates for 4 days of showcases, conferences and networking activities.
M for Montreal is a catalyser of real business opportunities between artists and industry professionals. It contributes to the promotion and export of the selected artists, as well as positioning Montreal as an essential city on the music scene.
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