We’ve been covering MUTEK for a few years now, an international festival that dedicates itself to the presentation of live electronic music acts and real-time audiovisual performances in Montreal, making it one of the rare outlets in North America for such innovations. Filled with cutting-edge talent from around the globe, a week of dancing and awe which we look forward to each year. In case you’re wondering what to catch during this 23rd edition of the festival, here’s a quick round-up of some of the events we recommend!
SPECTACLE: Max Cooper & Architecture Social Club presents Aether (UK)
We’re extremely excited for their return with an even greater and expanded version of Aether! A truly immersive audio and visual dedicated experience, this dazzling spectacle is a must-see of the festival. Mutek seems to be all in on this one and so should you.
> Tuesday, August 23, 2022, 21:00_22:30 @MTELUS
ALL-NIGHT: Nocturne 4
We don’t know where to begin with this stacked lineup… Running til 6 in the morning, a rare opportunity to dance all night in one of the city’s most iconic venues. We’re spoiled with talent: from global club circuit DJ and production veteran Afriqua (US), to unapologetic experimentalist Koreless (UK), from Loraine James’ (UK) deep melancholia of moody glitchy percussions wrapped in soothing pads, to Dauwd’s (UK/DE) phosphorescent midnight savannah rhythms. Last but not least, end the night on a cruise ship with Powder (JP), the eclectic taste of this greatly sought-after Deep House innovator makes us dream of skiing on fresh powder bathing in the pink light of sundown. One last ride down the mountain before we call it in.
> Saturday, August 27, 2022, 22:00_06:00 @MTELUS
LOCKED-IN: Planetary Assault Systems aka Luke Slater (UK)
Bring your most comfortable raving shoes for this heavy dose of techno. Leading the way since the 1990’s, expect to be hypnotized as this legendary English act closes Nocturne 3, a night featuring other heavy hitters such as Aquarian (CA/DE) and Cora Novoa (ES/CAT). In case you can’t make it, he’ll also be playing under his other moniker L.B Dub Corp at the free outdoor show Experience 3.
IMMERSION: A/Visions and Satosphere series
Craving for novelty and escape? These two separate series have you comfortably seated as you embark on an immersive journey. Creativity on full display, combining sight, sound and technology, these shows are some of the more visually spectacular audiovisual experiences of the festival.
BUCKETS: Piknic Électronik 12
Any true Montreal summer weekend plans must include Piknic Électronik, an outdoor rave under the sun, a festive gathering showcasing the city’s sexy cultural diversity. With Detroit legend Omar-S as headliner, watch as the sun sets over the city while you dance and share a bucket of booze with friends.
> Sunday, August 28, 2022, 14:00_21:30 @Parc Jean-Drapeau
EXPLORE: Play Series
These are some of the more particular portions of Mutek, where artists from all over the world come together to present some of their more experimental projects. Back-to-back exploration of some seriously creative ideas, you never know what to expect during these intimate nights. Heavily recommended series for the curious, for those who enjoy stepping out of their comfort zone.
ECLECTIC: Nicola Cruz, RAMZi, Korea Town Acid, and more…
The truth is that there are too many talented acts to recommend! So here’s Mutek’s official playlist to give you a little taste of everything the festival has to offer!
Check the full program, and box office (use BITS20 for 20% off on your tickets)
Text by Ash KG