Ottawa Bluesfest: 5 Acts You Need To See

Hang in Justin Trudeau’s backyard from July 7th-17th.

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Ottawa Bluesfest might be Canada’s most misleading festival name. Either that, or headliners Red Hot Chili Peppers, Future, Duran Duran, ScHoolboy Q, and The Lumineers are all heavily influenced by B.B. King and Howlin’ Wolf and we just didn’t notice. Clearly Ottawa Bluesfest has grown far beyond its moniker, offering a wide assortment of artists, both massive and underground, with no genre (or subgenre) off the table. Go with an open mind, and you might make a musical discovery or two.

Here are five acts you need to see at Ottawa Bluesfest 2016.

Ottawa Bluesfest is from July 7th-17th at Lebreton Flats in Ottawa, Ontario. Buy your tickets here.

Cashmere Cat

Norwegian producer Cashmere Cat has credits on songs by Kanye West, Ariana Grande, Tory Lanez, Miguel, Charli XCX and more, but the dreamy, downtempo, experimental production work featured in his solo material is transcendent. Get lost in the 28-year-old’s headlining set at the Black Sheep Stage on Saturday, July 16th at 9:30pm. 

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Alessia Cara

Alessia Cara is one of the most exciting young talents to emerge out of Canada in recent memory. The Brampton native cut her teeth posting acoustic covers on YouTube, and was quickly courted by Def Jam, leading to the release of breakout single “Here.” This is the voice of the future, and it just so happens to belong to a remarkably down-to-earth 19-year-old from the GTA. Catch her on Wednesday, July 13th at 7:00PM on the City Stage. 

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XXYYXX

xxyyxx may only be 20-years-old, but he creates vivid electronic masterpieces, all from his bedroom studio. This Orlando, Florida-based artist provides endless tranquil vibes. If you’re a fan of Clams Casino or Ryan Hemsworth, xxyyxx could be your new favourite producer. Don't miss his set at Ottawa Bluesfest on Wednesday, July 13th at 8:15pm on the Black Sheep Stage. 

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Coeur de Pirate

Coeur de Pirate is well-established in her native Quebec, but the Francophone singer-songwriter is starting to get some attention nationwide, after including some English-language songs on her latest album, Roses. Born Beatrice Martin, Coeur de Pirate crafts heartsick pop/indie crossover bangers, and regardless of any potential language barrier, her expressive voice always comes with emotional heft. Watch her set at Ottawa Bluesfest on July 8th at 7:00pm on the City Stage. 

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Son Little

Born to a preacher and a teacher in Los Angeles, Son Little is a self-taught musician with collaborations with RJD2 and The Roots under his belt. Currently residing in Philadelphia, Son Little’s music straddles R&B, folk, roots, hip-hop, and soul, with an infectious voice at the center of it all. Catch him at Ottawa Bluesfest on Thursday, July 7th at 8:15pm on The Black Sheep Stage. 

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