What do you imagine when you hear the concept of exploring a “virtual world” ?
Imagine navigating a vast network of 3D virtual worlds that are focused on creativity and establishing social connections. No longer existing solely in the realm of Sci-fi, gaining access can be facilitated by the use of virtual and augmented reality headsets. Millions of people around the world refer to these alternative realities as the Metaverse.
As the term “Metaverse” has been increasingly crossing people’s lips in the news, on social media and through word of mouth, more and more businesses, restaurants and now music festivals have decided to plug in to these virtual worlds that are revolutionizing the way we use the Internet
The 8th edition of Le Phoque OFF music festival, will run all of next week, worldwide, in the Metaverse!
(Inclusive, Alternative & Eclectic)
🗓️ Feb 21st – 25th
🦭http://phoqueoff.com
Attendees will have the chance to listen to AND party with their favorite artists in the NOWHERE #metaverse
From February 21st to the 25th , Quebec City’s premier alternative music festival, Le Phoque OFF, reinvents itself in groundbreaking fashion to present its eighth edition entirely in the NOWHERE metaverse.
Through showcases pre-recorded live on stage, music lovers will once again be able to discover the hidden gems of the Quebec and Franco-Canadian alternative music scenes, in addition to musical acts from Mexico and France.
For its eight edition, Le Phoque OFF has made it a mission to be more inclusive than ever and to further open its doors to diversity. As always, the lineup is an eclectic mix of alternative and groundbreaking artists, and this year is no different.
Here are some of the highlights of this year’s 8th edition :
- Le Phoque OFF is one of the world’s first ever music festivals to take place in the metaverse! Nothing can really replace an in-person experience, however the immersive, interactive, and social elements adds extra value to the virtual experience.
- Brooklyn-based metaverse masterminds NOWHERE have worked with Nine Inch Nails, SXSW, Red Bull Music Academy, Cash Money Records, etc.
- Known for breaking new acts (Hubert Lenoir first official show!), the line-up is looking great – stacked with up-and-coming Quebec / Canadian artists of all musical genres!
- The shows are all recorded live in Quebec City venues and will be hosted as live events in the metaverse, starting at 8pm every night from Feb 21 to 25.
- In addition to the evening gigs, the festival will also host a PRO experience for industry networking, panels, and more, during the day (in line with its mission to introduce tomorrow’s artists to today’s performing arts market professionals + to bring forth discussions on current issues affecting the alt. music industry.)
- The festival aims to be inclusive & affordable, with Day Passes at $10 a pop or an entire Festival Pass at only $28.
- On a funny note: The festival’s name provides unlimited potential for funny puns!
Here are some of the artists that will be present at this year’s 8th edition: An inclusive, eclectic and crazy program presenting artists ranging from pop to metal, rock, psyche and rap. Come and discover local and international talents here !
Malika Tirolien Originally from Guadeloupe and now based in Montreal, Malika Tirolien is an explosive mix of creativity and authenticity. Her neo-soul style shines in an electrifying performance on “Iʼm not the one”, a prime track on the Grammy-winning album Family Dinner by Snarky Puppy, and on her self-produced/composed/written debut album Sur La Voie Ensoleillée that reached #5 on the Canadian R&B/Soul iTunes charts. As the lead singer and co-leader of super group BOKANTÉ since its inception in 2016, the 9-piece band has toured in over 20 countries and released 2 critically-acclaimed albums, which includes a nomination for Best World Album at the Grammys in 2020. A mix of soul, r&b, funk, and touches of jazz, her most recent album Higher (2021) is inspired by cosmic elements, the air we breath, a sense of spirtituality and the path of a tender Black warrior woman. | Malika Tirolien on Spotify
worry Ontario-born singer-songwriter Kerry Samuels recently started officially working as worry. Based in Quebec City for the past two years, they released their first five-song EP, after something, in May 2021, recorded with Joey Proteau (Gaspard Eden) at Pantoum. Inspired by the sound of early 90’s alternative bands like Dinosaur Jr. and The Smashing Pumpkins, worry creates a whirlwind of emotions between heavy guitars and soothing sounds. A perfect mix of melodic guitars and driving rhythms, all covered by a softly sung, almost whispered voice. | worryqc.bandcamp.com
Solipsisme EP launch show. Formed in the winter of 2021, Solipsisme is composed of long-time friends based in Montreal and Quebec City. In its ranks, a who’s who of Quebec musicians; François Lemieux (Milanku, ex-Dark Circles) on vocals, guitar and keyboards; William Duguay-Drouin of Caravane on drums; Taylor William Fitzpatrick Johnson of White Nails on keyboards; Samuel Gadreau on guitar; and Maxime Doyer on bass and vocals. | Solipsisme on Spotify
To learn more about the complete program of the 8th edition of the PHOQUE OFF MUSIC fest running Feb 21st – 25th, 2022 please visit :
🦭http://phoqueoff.com
Enter for your chance to win a set of free festival passes that will allow you to have access to every show throughout the entire festival!
- Please write in the comment section below which type of events do you most look forward to participating in in the virtual Metaverse. Good luck !