The nip in the air means two inevitabilities: the constant assault on our senses by pumpkin spice everything, as well as the last big festival of the season: CityFolk. Celebrating its 30th anniversary, this year’s edition features an eclectic mix of artists. Fear not, as we have you covered for all your festival needs.
Day 1: Wednesday, Sept. 11
Main Stage:
6:00: Päter
7:20: Softcult
8:45: The Beaches
Easing into the five day stretch, tonight’s festival lineup features just four artists, with the main stage devoted to Torontonian women at different stages of explosion on the music scene.
First is newcomer Päter, an emerging artist that has been making a strong first impression in all the showcases they’ve played, including NXNE last year and Pop Montreal in a few weeks, and now get to play their first show in Ottawa. Their breakthrough single “Dam, Damn” put them on the map, with subsequent releases stoking the anticipation for their debut album, 4-7 Company, which sees the frenetic singer’s energy focused into a slightly more pop direction, while remaining true to their indie roots. Produced by Howard Redekopp, the similarities with Tegan and Sara and Mother Mother come through on singles such as “Something // Way.” An artist clearly on the ascent.
Next is duo Softcult, twin siblings Phoenix and Mercedes Arn-Horn. The pair initially had success with their first band, With Courage My Love, but the contrast in sound with their new project clearly proves why a reset was necessary to move from the pop punk of their first band into this new direction. Mixing their initial influences with a deeper dive into the darker, murkier soundscapes you might find in shoegaze music, the combination of lush fuzzy guitar textures with their soft vocals makes for dreamy alt-pop with an edge. A winning combination at that, given their Juno award nomination last year for 2023’s See You In The Dark. Follow up EP Heaven builds on even further, and could easily earn the duo another nomination next year.
From emerging to beginning to establish themselves, we now move to the peak of growth with The Beaches. When we last chatted with the band in 2019, they were on their way to open for The Rolling Stones (along with The Glorious Sons), and clearly on the rise. The four-piece girl group have since garnered plenty of attention in Canada, culminating with their last album Blame My Ex having dominated 2023 and earning them their second Juno for Rock Album of the Year, and their first Group of the Year. While the band had released subsequent singles to their chart topper “Blame Brett,” the ‘ode’ to singer Jordan’s former beau (and member of the aforementioned Glorious Sons), took on a life of its own on TikTok, which finally brought the group much-deserved attention south of the border. They capitalized on this boost in popularity, collaborating with other established groups, including CityFolk headliner Milky Chance, and have caught the attention of key tastemakers to cement themselves on the global stage. Fans can expect to hear not only their well-known songs, but potentially their newest single “Takes One to Know One,” and yet-to-be-released song “Jocelyn,” debuted a few weeks ago at their hometown show.
The Beaches in 2020. Photo: Marc Lepage/Apt613
Fasken Stage:
7:30: Hawksley Workman
This year’s festival brings back the Fasken side stage tucked away behind the Aberdeen Pavilion. A light lineup for the opening night with just one performer, Hawksley Workman. Given his eclectic repertoire, all we can say is fans never know quite what to expect from a set from him. With 17 albums in his quarter century career, encompassing everything from radio-dominating alt-rock singles like “Striptease,” to recent retro synth covers of 80s seminal hits, like the bossa nova version of Crowded House’s “Don’t Dream It’s Over,” there’s no telling what his set will be comprised of. Gearing up for a run of shows in Europe before returning for the Festival of Small Halls followed by a tour out west this fall, the showman will undoubtedly make the most of his set as he launches into a busy stretch of shows.
Keep checking apt613.ca for all your festival news, daily previews and pics!
Ottawa CityFolk takes place from Sept. 11-15, on The Great Lawn at Lansdowne Park, behind TD Place. Passes available here.
As a reminder, parking is extremely limited, so make sure to use your festival pass for free OC Transpo rides to and from the site.
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