So here we are. It’s May, the temperature is consistently above 0 degrees, and Montrealers are desperate for some shorts weather. We’ve paid our dues by dancing countless nights away indoors (and a few times outdoors at igloofest), and we’re ready for summer.

CAPSULE OFFICIELLE | PIKNIC ÉLECTRONIK 2018

1er dimanche sans vous depuis un bail, on est émotifs. Merci pour les plus beaux souvenirs d'été 💘-1st Sunday without you guys, we're super emotional. Thank you for the best summer memories 💘Tag ta crew Piknic! / Tag your Piknic crew! 👯

Publicado por Piknic Électronik Montréal en Domingo, 7 de octubre de 2018

Yesterday, as I was thawing away at home whilst dreaming of festivals and direct sunlight, I received a notification. The Piknic Electronik Line Up was. Released. We were all on the edge of our seats for months, and finally, we know what to expect from here until September.

Piknic has seen the likes of Electronic music’s biggest names visit Parc Jean-Drapeau. Whether under the Calder statue or at the new location, Piknic never fails to bring international and local names together in celebration of everything Montreal. For its 2019 season, Montreal’s beloved weekend festival is bringing its biggest, most diverse lineup yet.

With so much top talent from near and far, I’m not quite sure where to start breaking it all down for you. So, here are a few highlights and thoughts about about this summer’s artist roster, and what we can expect for Piknic’s biggest season to date.

Give it up for our locals

What I truly didn’t expect, and what I was so happy to see, were the number of Montreal artists on this summer’s bill. Our local DJ’s and producers are what make our city’s many electronic music scene so vibrant and fresh. Seeing them perform among some of the world’s greats in celebration of their crafts and the beauty summer is something so many of us take joy in. Front Rite, Husa Sounds, XYZ, Radio N10.as, OCTOV, and so many other top notch local initiatives will be represented a Parc Jean-Drapeau this summer. So this one is for you locals – keep it up!  You guys rock.

Sometimes, it’s just more comfortable to stick with what you know. I myself can get caught up in House and Techno tunnel vision, even when I’d like to expose myself to artists who represent all kinds of genres. This summer, Piknic is taking many of us out of our comfort zone, and is presenting artists outside of the House and Techno spectrum. Visits from Gramatik on June 29th and Destination: Ile Soniq on June 15th (just to name a few), will be taking Piknicers on a journey through dubstep, hip-hop, rap, and so much more.

I was happy to see some familiar names on the line up upon its release. Progressive House Maestro Hernan Cattaneo will be making his Piknic debut, HOSH will be bringing the same amazing sound from the Abandoned series last May to Piknic’s main stage, and Anjunadeep is set to wow us with their label’s showcase on the 25th…and I’m still only just touching the surface.

In the world of Techno, we’re being visited by some of the industry’s top artists. Ben Klock and Ellen Allien will bring some serious Berghain energy this September, if their shows at Stereo and Expose Noir last April and May were any indication. If you haven’t seen Octave One yet, this summer is your chance. Their complex live sets are nothing like you’ve ever heard.

Detroit legends, Octave One

Detroit legends, Octave One

Publicado por Techno Station en Martes, 26 de marzo de 2019

Speaking of which, electro master KiNK will be closing off Piknic with what will surely prove to be a mind blowing live set. Dubfire and Johnny Trika, Loco Dice, Deborah de Luca, Misstress Barbara…our techno favorites are pouring into Piknic by the boatloads. This isn’t a summer on the island to miss!

Kudos to the organizers of Montreal’s weekend crown jewel, and to all of the artists I didn’t get the chance to mention above. The amount of top drawer music and artistry at piknic is overwhelming, and out of this world. If you haven’t yet, consider buying a season pass and tickets here!

As for now, I’ll see you at the opening of Piknic for Husa Sounds’ 7th Anniversary! Come see Mike, Tony y Not, and Adam kick off the 2019 season before one of All Day I Dream‘s finest, Oona Dahl.

Until we meet on the dance floor x

Hunter