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The Main Media Inc. 2026

✦ Built By Field Office
    The Main

    Montreal's Cultural Directory

    Help us improve! Share your thoughts on how we can make your experience better.

    Leave feedback

    For partnerships and collaborations:

    partnerships@themain.com

    Content

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    • All Guides
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    Explore Montreal

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    • Bars
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    • Shop
    • Advertise
    • Pitch us
    • RSS Feed

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    • Terms of service
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    • Privacy Policy
    Follow us
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    The Main Media Inc. 2026

    ✦ Built By Field Office
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      • Bar
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      Arts & Culture

      The Third Spaces of Montreal’s Music Scene That Keep the City Loud

      While iconic venues have disappeared over time, new ones are paving the way and giving what’s indie a pulse again.

      ByGladys Bonyad

      February 19, 2025 · 6 min read

      The third spaces of Montreal’s music scene that keep the city loud
      Photograph: Philippe Manh Nguyen / @philippemanh

      “Montreal is home to collectives and party series representing a wide array of communities, cultures, and identities. They are showing the world that there are still new sounds to be heard, and that people will always find a way to come together around music and dance—that if there are no third spaces, we'll make them,” says Oliver Philbin-Briscoe, co-founder of FANTOM (Fédération pour les Arts Nocturnes comprenant les Travailleur·euses et Organisateur·ices de Montréal).

      Montreal is home to an abundance of year-round festivals including the International Jazz Festival, Osheaga, Piknik Electronik, and MUTEK.

      But while these have become a defining part of our cultural scene, they are the product of the homegrown and independent talent, spaces, and opportunities that gives our city that element which distinguishes us from other major cities and has enabled artists and the scene to thrive.

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      Arts & Culture

      The Third Spaces of Montreal’s Music Scene That Keep the City Loud

      While iconic venues have disappeared over time, new ones are paving the way and giving what’s indie a pulse again.

      ByGladys Bonyad

      February 19, 2025 · 6 min read

      The third spaces of Montreal’s music scene that keep the city loud
      Photograph: Philippe Manh Nguyen / @philippemanh

      “Montreal is home to collectives and party series representing a wide array of communities, cultures, and identities. They are showing the world that there are still new sounds to be heard, and that people will always find a way to come together around music and dance—that if there are no third spaces, we'll make them,” says Oliver Philbin-Briscoe, co-founder of FANTOM (Fédération pour les Arts Nocturnes comprenant les Travailleur·euses et Organisateur·ices de Montréal).

      Montreal is home to an abundance of year-round festivals including the International Jazz Festival, Osheaga, Piknik Electronik, and MUTEK.

      But while these have become a defining part of our cultural scene, they are the product of the homegrown and independent talent, spaces, and opportunities that gives our city that element which distinguishes us from other major cities and has enabled artists and the scene to thrive.

      Free account required

      For readers who care about Montreal

      Create a free account to read this story and access 3 articles per month, plus our weekly Bulletin.

      Independent. Local. Reader-supported.

      or

      Already a member? Sign in

      The Main

      Comments

      Welcome to The Main's comments section!

      Share your thoughts and join the conversation. Please be respectful and constructive.

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