Friday:

Hip Hop fans will undoubtedly be satiated with Canadian hero Classified as well as deep south artist Killer Mike, playing in support of this year’s critically acclaimed R.A.P. Music. Finally, as hype for The Weeknd reaches a critical mass, Abel Tesfaye (the group’s alter ego) will play late into the night.

Montreal locals Half Moon Run will also be playing early in the day, and are not to be missed. The young group’s unorthodox use of instrumentation is worth attending. In the same vein, check out Atlas Sounds’ set. Fronted by Deerhunter vocalist Bradford Cox, the side project will be a serene performance.

Finally, Osheaga’s opening night is graced with Post-Rock giants Sigur Ros. Supporting their latest album Valtari, (which I reviewed a few months ago), the group will likely be playing one of the loudest sets of the entire festival. Like any Post-Rock show, bringing earplugs is highly recommended.

Saturday:

Hip Hop will know a more accessible day on Saturday, provided by Snopp Dogg and recent breakthrough A$AP Rocky. The former, having headlined two years ago, is fixed to have the entire audience up in smoke within minutes. A$AP Rocky will have things no differently during his set, given the numerous odes to the Mary Jane in his breakthrough mixtape LIVE. LOVE. A$AP. While on the subject, 80s new wave act The Jesus and the Mary Chain have scheduled an anticipated re-appearance since their breakup in 1999. Don’t await the short, violent shows they were know for in the 80s, the group have calmed themselves since then.

Osheaga will welcome many local Montreal acts, including this year’s breakthrough artists Young the Giant and indie favorites Plants and Animals. Both will be well received in their hometown and will contribute to the festival’s tangible excitement. 

Saturday will feature progressive/psychedelic rock act Portugal. The Man, touring in support of 2011’s In the Mountain, in the Cloud. The band is worth catching if you’re into some off-kilter music, which seems to be a little light this year. The group’s take on psychedelic pop/rock will entice audience members, especially those who’ve partaken in chemical enhancement, if you catch my drift. Also atypical of Osheaga, ska-reggae group The Aggrolites are set to appear on Saturday. The Los Angeles group plays a startlingly powerful live performance, and is worth your attention if you’ve got time to spare.

Sunday:

2012 breakthrough artist M83 will be welcomed at Osheaga. The French group’s “Hurry Up, We’re Dreaming” held unparalleled success, and is eagerly anticipated.

Sunday’s hip hop section doesn’t let up one bit. Old-school legend Common makes an appearance towards the end of the festival, in support of his 2011 release “The Dreamer, The Believer”. Sunday afternoon will also see instrumental act Keys and Crates play an energetic set.

City and Colour will also be performing a spot late at night this year. With any luck, he will remain unimpeded by groups over-reaching their time limit for sets, as his was cut short last year due to an unwelcome overstay from Swedish indie act The Sounds.

The night is set to end with indie’s group of the hour, The Black Keys. The group’s extensive discography is sure to keep fans entertained throughout the night. Modern Rock’s hope for viability is the festival’s most highly anticipated act, and one that surely will not let down any audience members.