Magazine

Independent, provocative, now! The CJLO Magazine is the resource for features, reviews, and interviews. Established in 2004, and run by dedicated CJLO volunteers, the magazine covers the latest and best in local and international music, art, theatre, film, festivals, and more!


Genesis Owusu @ Le Studio TD

How do you one-up yourself after a theatrical live debut, a sold-out orchestral show in Sydney, and an opening slot for Paramore? If you’re Genesis Owusu, you don’t. You reset, you go back to basics, proving your talent in a singular vision only an artist of your calibre can provide. On October 18, Montreal had the privilege of catching the genre-defying artist live on the STRUGGLER tour, supporting his acclaimed sophomore album of the same name. 


POP Montreal 2023: In Review

POP Montreal took over the city’s Plateau district from September 27th through October 1st, 2023. Oh, those halcyon days of two weeks ago, the nights were warmer, the world was maybe just a little bit less screwed up and the sound of music spilled out onto the sidewalks of our fair city.   


Nick Cave Delivers a Moving Performance in Montreal

Australian singer-songwriter Nick Cave played to a sold out crowd at the Sir Wilfred Pelletier theatre this past Thursday, putting an acoustic spin on his diverse repetoire.


Violent Femmes Deliver Angst and Excitement to MTELUS

October 12th, 2023 was a time capsule to teenage angst for the band, Violent Femmes, at the 40th-anniversary tour of their self-titled debut album at MTELUS.

This Folk Punk Band from Milwaukee, Wisconsin found critical acclaim in 1983, when this first record, filled with youthful yearning and anger, was released. The tracks, written by Gordon Gano, the lead singer and guitarist, at the young age of 18, explore themes of sexual expression, anger, love, lust, and wanting your dad to lend you his car. 


Devendra Banhart Brings the Groove to Theatre Beanfield

Venezuelan-American indie icon Devendra Banhart stopped by Montreal’s Theatre Beanfield on October 7th with his Flying Wig tour, showcasing his newfound dark and synth-filled sound. 


Two Eyes on Lil Yachty

In the ever-evolving music landscape, Lil Yachty has carved a unique mark for himself through his genre-bending, distinctly charismatic, and memorable sound. His boundless creativity translates not only through his music but through every aspect of his performance. Yachty’s vision was brought to life through engaging visuals, corresponding lighting, and breathtaking harmonies at MTELUS on September 27th in Montreal. 

Lil Yachty's new album Let’s Start Here is a radical departure from his previous musical style, introducing a psychedelic rock sound that has received critical acclaim. MTELUS welcomed Lil Yachty on his The Field Trip tour, creating a basically perfect concert.


Tiny Fest 2023 Day 2: A Captivating Showcase of Underground Music

Worst Dad Ever, a booking company that hosts DIY festivals and shows, presented Tiny Fest 2023 in collaboration with Casa Del Popolo in Montreal on October 6th and 7th. Despite the name, this year’s Tiny Fest #3 celebrated local singers, musicians, and bands of all genres, introducing Montrealers to new underground music. 


Tiny Fest 2023 Day 1: Diverse and Intimate Shows in the Heart of the Plateau

Tiny Fest 2023 kicked off Friday, October 6th across the Plateau venues Casa del Popolo, La Sala Rossa, and La Sotterenea. This year marked the third iteration of the micro-festival produced by Montreal booking agency Worst Dad Ever, sponsored by CJLO 1690 AM and Norla Hats. Despite the rainy weather and the first crisp evening air of fall, Montrealers packed into the three venues beside Boulevard Saint Joseph to watch short sets from beloved local artists plus more bands from across Canada and the United States. 


Bahamadia and Shabazz Palaces: Two Giants of the Jazz Rap Scene Grace POP Montreal 2023

There are very few things that can make hip hop lovers stop dead in their tracks and this year POP Montreal was definitely held responsible for a skipped heartbeat or two. Whether fans got the news from the posters plastered around the city or from having their thumbs come to a sudden halt from the usual continuous scrolling, the word was out. Two giants from the jazz rap scene, Bahamadia and Shabazz Palaces were playing together for POP. 


Wu-Tang Clan and Nas Bring a New York State of Mind to Montreal

The Wu-Tang Clan and Nas brought a fresh slice of New York City rap to Laval this Monday night, playing to a packed Place Bell crowd.

While the artists have been touring under their New York State of Mind bill since 2022, this year’s run of shows falls during the celebration of hip hop’s 50th anniversary. As the story goes, the genre itself was spawned at a party in the Bronx in the summer of 1973 - giving the tour’s New York State of Mind moniker extra stopping power.


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