M for Montreal hits the ground running

Jamie O'Meara, hour.ca,November 6th, 2008

M for Montreal pulls on Winter Gloves

The third instalment of popular Montreal music showcase M for Montreal has announced its dates for 2008: Nov. 20 to 22. Founded by Glastonbury Festival programmer Martin Elbourne (who also co-founded the long-running WOMAD Festival with Peter Gabriel) and Sébastien Nasra of Avalanche Productions, M for Montreal describes itself as an "export and network" showcase that brings together about 50 hand-picked international delegates representing buyers, journalists and other music industry players for the purpose of promoting Montreal music and artists. It also has a talent for selecting the best and brightest of Montreal's expansive independent music scene for its live music showcases.

The final lineup of bands selected to play at this year's M for Montreal is as follows: Winter Gloves, Duchess Says, Beast, Pas Chic Chic, Radio Radio, Chinatown, The National Parcs, Les Dales Hawerchuk, Arkells, Woodhands, CLAASS, Gatineau and Red Mass. Also, playing at the closing party titled M for Métropolis are big names Karkwa, We Are Wolves and Pierre Lapointe (with still others to be named soon).

Delegates representing NME, XFM, The Guardian, Spiegel Online, Dour Festival, Central Park Summer Stage and the Coachella and Glastonbury Festivals, among many others, will be invited to two industry panels: one "exploring the work of music supervisors," and the other "discussing the state of the French live show industry." Ticket and other information may be found at www.mformontreal.com.