B L A C K I E. His own words pretty much say it all: “NOISE/PUNK/RAP ASSAULT FROM HOUSTON TEXAS. GO HARD FOREVER.” Combining video game noise, pop-cult samples, U.K. grime, and aggressive rap, B L A C K I E promises to melt your brain. — CPN

Electro duo UN are Montreal's very own Cheshire Cat. Slinking synth-lines and soaring vocals alternating between playful and dangerous, seductive and festive, moody and upbeat — just like the cat himself. — JNDG

Alternating between French and English, Montréal’s own Jef Barbara plays a delicate and lovelorn style of synth pop. With fashion and sounds largely descended from the best of the '80s pop, Barbara manages to rise above pastiche and make something very much his own.

Rising from the ashes of Think About Life, Caila Thompson-Hannant busts out on the electro scene. Free in spirit, a little experimental, and a lot of ‘80s pop: Mozart’s Sister is like Prefab Sprout meets The Velvet Underground—for a rumble in the alleyways of Mile End. — NY

This quirky Halifax three piece have toured tirelessly and are back in the city for the fourth time this year. With their bright vibrato guitar and a knack for songwriting evoking David Byrne, Duzheknew should play their unique angular pop even more often. — GJ

Jennifer Castle makes timeless folk music and has lent her unmistakable voice to a diverse list of recordings—including albums by The Constantines, Fucked Up and Eric Chenaux. Castles' most recent album Castlemusic, released on Flemish Eye in 2011, is another great document of her haunting melodies and ageless finger plucking guitar technique. Trust us, her voice is is hypnotic and enchanting. Do not miss her!

My cousin Ben would be into this band. They're from Halifax and they play advanced music that's pretty and accessible, which Ben is into. My cousin Ryan might not be into this so much, but to be honest he has awful taste in music, so that's more of a compliment than anything. -- jt

The newest band on Montréal’s Arbutus Records, Tops make distinctly soft rock along the lines of Heart or Fleetwood Mac. With their catchy, deceptively intricate arrangements, Tops are definitely a band to watch. — RP