Here's ...
Montreal
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As far as I can remember, I think the first few minimal events I've seen in Montreal started in 1996. I hear a few people spinning some Plastikman and Richie's Concept in a few lounges (Yoda Den). I could go before that and talk about The Orb in 93 or Mad Professor way before but I'm not sure it relates. I think the first time I hear some Basic Channel was in a chill out of a rave...
But I think things got serious in 1998 when Richie Hawtin played as Plastikman, with tons of gimmicks, gear and turntables. That special night, part of an event named Medialounge (pre-Mutek), had everyone I know who produce minimal now and we all went insane! After that, in mid 1999, we had Pole, Porter Ricks, G-man (that I booked) and Neotropic.
Mutek started in 2000 to become what we know. I think it is the main element of the minimal scene throughout the year. Out of Mutek events don't do that good and a lot of people think Montreal has an amazing scene, but it's not that true. There's some sparsed events but only a few people attend.
Other events we saw minimal music happen (in the last 5 years): Elektra, MEG (among with plenty of ecclectic PA), Label Risquée events, Oral events, random events at SAT... I'm sure I'm forgetting a few.
Bars and venues where we can listen to minimal:
- Laika
- Billy Kun
- Casa Del Popollo: mainly more experimental events and post-rock.
- Les Folies
Usual DJs:
- Vincent Lemieux: probably the busiest minimal DJ.
- Deadbeat
- Mossa
- The Mole
- Ernesto
There's parallel scenes, I'm sure some people can complete my report. It's kinda isolated, which is sad but sometimes our scene have crosspoints.
Who's next?
