POP Montreal's 25th edition celebrates music icons and next-gen talent

POP Montreal celebrated its 25th anniversary from September 23 to 27 with performances spanning music history, local legacy and emerging talent.

Uffie, performing at Piccolo Rialto's basement, proved why she's been ahead of her time throughout her career. She co-wrote "Nicole Kidman," which charted at number 22 on the Billboard Hot 100 during the festival week—though she didn't mention it during her set. When the sparse crowd spread out at the small venue, she instructed them to move closer: "Can you all come to the front? This is awkward." The audience that loved her in the late 2000s was just as eager to hear "Pop the Glock," and new tracks previewed suggest she's focused on creating new milestones rather than relying on past success.

Cherry Pick, a shoegazey Vancouver artist making her Montreal debut at Quai des Brumes on Wednesday, brought dreamy, sludgy guitar work with quiet-loud dynamics. Between sets, the band visited Schwartz's for the first time. "It was pretty good! But be honest, is it a tourist trap?" Cherry Pick asked the crowd.

Plants and Animals played the first of two sold-out shows Thursday at the old Divan Orange space, delivering a set loaded with nostalgia, quirky guitar work and 2000s indie spirit. Frontman Warren Spicer reflected on returning to the venue: "I think we were teenagers when we were here last." Guitarist Nico Basque's partner Adèle Trottier-Rivard joined for "Le Queens." The space, lacking air conditioning, made for sweaty but worthwhile dancing.

SAMWOY (Sam Woywitka) performed at Quai des Brumes with garage punk, shoegaze and post-punk influences, jumping between newer material and older favorites. Despite sound problems with his amp crackling from the start and frequent requests for more guitar and vocals, he pulled through with a captivating set that included "Goodbye Moonmen" from Rick and Morty—which was playing in the bar right before his performance.

Infinite Coles, performing at the festival's "Bizarre Ball" ballroom showcase, offered an exciting glimpse into what's next. The child of Wu-Tang Clan's Ghostface Killah, Coles is already an impressively formed artist. A 20-minute set showcased fantastical skills on stage.