SXSW has such a palpable hedonism. It is a parade of acts, a carnival of different kinds of food, sunshine, and music heard in every street. Though I guess I am 'here to work,' I would love to experience this festival, as a performer, responsibility free (am I a diva?).

I admit it. I was going to be coming to SXSW for the weather -- out of a Montreal winter into the warmth and sunlight. I expected to be exhausted and turned off by the clamoring of egos and skinny jeans (I own a few pairs) and throngs of people everywhere. It was a great reminder for us about what is important about playing live and it was a short set so we had to find the magic fast. The crowd made that happen.

In the early- to mid-2000s, propelled by the global successes of Arcade Fire, The Dears, Stars and The Stills, Montreal became considered among the wo...

When it came time for Montreal's Young Galaxy to record their follow-up to 2011's Shapeshifting, the band was determined to finally take a trip to Swe...