After five years of highlighting Ottawa’s underground art scene, Pique is now returning to the Ottawa Arts Court for its 20th edition on June 13.
This year, the program brings together returning collaborators and new voices to make for an exciting lineup, including Backxwash (pitured above), rising local stars and more.
Further, Topique, Pique’s symposium will return from June 12 to 13 with a series of artist talks, panel discussions, screenings and more. The symposium will cover topics such as navigating international touring, anti-oppressive curation, and global sound system cultures.
As always, Pique will prioritize admission equity, and tickets are on sale at a pay-what-you-can rate, with payments of $75 or more subsidizing a ticket for someone who can’t afford one. Check out Pique’s website for further information.
Backxwash
Montreal artist and producer Backxwash (a.k.a. Ashanti Mutinta) is known for her genre-crossing sounds, experimental artistry and lyrical verses that discuss anything from political issues to existentialism. She once told Exclaim!, “I like to treat albums like movies.” This is not an artist to miss.
CHXMERAS
A vibrant electronic duo, CHXMERAS (Paul Finlay and Jarrett Martineau) are known for their raw energy, dynamic techno, and music that is not only heard but felt. A focal point of their music is on the urban, and our relationships with the landscapes around us.
Emma Gabriel
An Ottawa native and a graduate of the city’s FRMULA artist development program, Gabriel has not only the album Crushed under her belt, but also two new singles, “Seasons” and “Hush Hush.” Known for her lyrical honesty and ethereal sounds, Gabriel will surely be an exciting addition to Pique.
HoneyDrip
A Montreal native, Honeydrip (a.k.a. Tiana McLaughlan) got her start at Concordia University’s radio station, CJLO, where she practiced mixing and mastering. Now, she stands out for the catchy lo-fi club tracks, reggae and dancehall sounds that make her a standout performer.
Raf Reza
A Toronto-based DJ and producer, Raf Reza finds a way to blend UK bass music with Bangladeshi folk, creating a sound completely his own: unbeatable, and impossible not to dance to.