Here, a simple visual scan around you allows you to see people from all walks of life. Diversity is at the forefront, through the musical styles presented, of course, but also through the physical expression of the festival-goers.
For the occasion, the site is presented in a reduced version, in comparison with the festivals that have taken place on the island of Saint Helena during the month of August. Two stages, fluid traffic.
Seeing all the tattoos and piercings, the brightly colored hair and the clothes from a crazy – sometimes daring – fashion, we feel that Palomosa is a welcoming space where being completely yourself is not only tolerated, but downright encouraged.
In front of the main stage, the visitors dance confidently. With an assumed nonchalance.
PHOTO DOMINICK GRAVEL, THE PRESS
The list of visual or clothing elements is long: colorful shirts, skirts, necklaces, metallic bracelets, fishnet clothing, fur boots, lace, outfits inspired by anime Japanese, Sparkling glitter, studied makeup… no one looks like their neighbor. In fact, there is no masculine or feminine code, each person presents themselves as they see fit.
The only synchronized wave in this motley sea is that of the arms swinging up and down in time with the nodding of the head.
On the musical side, some artists are identified with indie-pop, others with rock, then with hip-hop, electro… To put it simply, Palomosa casts its net wide. At first glance, this assembly may seem complex, even incoherent, but there is a logic behind it.
“What I want is to feel a little edgea singularity in the artist’s musical offering. We have this concern to unearth gems and present music that is sometimes less accessible,” explains Nicolas Cournoyer, co-founder of Palomosa, in an interview.
PHOTO DOMINICK GRAVEL, THE PRESS
Rapper Destroy Lonely on stage at Palomosa Friday night
This explains why the main artists who took to the stage on Friday had such different looks. From American rap with Yung Lean and Destroy Lonely to house From German artist horsegiirL to electronic productions by Frenchman Gesaffelstein, known for his hits with The Weeknd, it’s rare to see such a wide range of options.
What was otherwise more relaxed in the afternoon sun slowly mutated into a more energetic appreciation of the performances on stage, particularly as night fell.
But whatever the style, the priority remains the same: “We want the groove is the common thread running through all of this,” says Nicolas Cournoyer, also vice-president of public affairs and social responsibility at Multicolore.
Long term project
In this version, Palomosa is currently experiencing its very first edition. But it is in some ways a second life.
This new baby of the Montreal musical ecosystem is a bit like the new version of what was the MEG Festival since 1999, the last edition of which took place in 2023.
Multicolore, who also organizes Piknic Électronik and the Igloofest festival during the winter, is behind Palomosa’s new identity. And for the group, we are talking about a long-term project, which will establish itself as a beacon at the start of the university year.
The MEG rebranding project has been in the works since the pandemic. It took several years of reflection to implement this new format. Two conclusions emerged from this reflection.
First, the festival aims to be a highlight of the summer season, exploiting in particular the distinctive “cachet” of “light and [des] September sunsets”. Then, it particularly targets the student community formed by the four universities in Montreal.
PHOTO DOMINICK GRAVEL, THE PRESS
Nicolas Cournoyer, co-founder of Palomosa
You want to build on your reputation over several years. That’s the goal. Piknic, we’ve been doing this for 20 years, but at the beginning, it was 200 to 300 people per week.
Nicolas Cournoyer, co-founder of Palomosa
Judging by the youth of the crowd, mostly in their twenties, it’s safe to say that the target audience showed up, no doubt drawn by the message of open-mindedness and kindness that they were promised.
PHOTO DOMINICK GRAVEL, THE PRESS
On the other hand, we can’t say that the venue was sold out. Without being able to provide precise figures, Multicolore assures that even if the site was not sold out, ticket sales were successful this week. By eye, we can estimate that a few thousand people came on Friday. That’s more than respectable, but not mind-blowing.
The inaugural Palomosa continues this Saturday, featuring British musician Jai Paul. The original headliner, American singer Kali Uchis, cancelled her appearance at the last minute.
Barring any unforeseen circumstances, the festival will return in 2025 and for years to come.