The big deal in Montreal music this month is the always-incredible Pop Montreal. But since it doesn’t kick off until September 29, what are you and your ears to do until then? As always, the Montreal Buzz has you covered with a preview of some of the must-see shows this September.

Peelander-Z , September 4 @ Il Motore: Let’s start off the wonderfully bizarre and awesome Peelander-Z, a “Japanese Action Comic Punk band” who rock as cool a kid’s show as you’ll find anywhere. I mean, did Raffi ever play SXSW?

Kele, September 4 @ Sala Rossa: Kele Okereke, the lead singer of Bloc Party, took his solo debut in an electronic pop direction that manages to keep a healthy does of soul in the mix.

Vampire Weekend, September 8 @ Metropolis: Get tickets to this immediately, if not sooner. The African-influenced New York band Vampire Weekend have more than lived up to the considerable hype surrounding them at this point, while all openers Beach House did was release my favorite album of the last year.

Martha Wainwright, September 9 @ Theatre Outremont: As you can tell from the video below, we here at the Montreal Buzz love us some Martha. (PS- the beautiful Theatre Outremont is the perfect place to see her)

Billy Idol, September 12 @ Metropolis: Punk rock legend Billy Idol needs no more introduction than this song.

Jamie Lidell, September 13 @ Cabaret Juste Pour Rire : Jamie Lidell has explored soul, funk, electronica and more in his career. His latest album, Compass, features a huge range of collaborators including one of the members of Zeus, who are opening up the show.

Shakira, September 15 @ Bell Centre; Her hips don’t lie but her lyrics may sometimes confuse you.

Caribou, September 16 @ Le National : If you like a little brains with your electronic music, Caribou (aka Dan Snaith) is the man for you. Armed with a PhD in Mathmatics, a Polaris Music Prize win and another nomination this year, Caribou is also, it should be noted, a ton of fun live.

Gonzales, September 17 @ Cabaret du Mile End: If you’ve never seen Montreal ex-pat Gonzales in person, take this opportunity to do so. An incredibly engaging live performer.

M.I.A., September 21 @ Metropolis

If all the controversy and hype leading up to the release of M.I.A.’s latest album is any indication, this show will not go quietly into the night.

Polaris Music Prize, September 21^st: Yes, the gala for this event is being held in Toronto. But since I’m a member of the jury and nominees The Besnards Lakes, Karkwa and one half of Tegan and Sara hail from Montreal, we’ll make an exception. Plus you can listen to all of the performances award here and not even have to go to Toronto.

April Wine, September 25 @ Metropolis: I’m not including Canadian rock legends April Wine on here ironically; they’re awesome, full stop.

Best Coast, September 27 @ Sala Rossa: Call Best Coast surf pop, noise pop, chillwave or a 100 other names, they are as buzzy a band as there is out there right now.

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