***

THANYA IYER
Montreal, QC
set time: 9:30-10:15pm

Thanya Iyer is an enigmatic songwriter whose sparkling, experimental pop music embraces mindfulness, aesthetic beauty, and the interconnectedness of all things. Iyer’s 2025 release, TIDE/TIED, expands on the future-folk of their 2020 Polaris long-listed album, KIND. With washes of jazz-inflected pop and ensemble ambience courtesy of Daniel Gélinas’ meditative drumming, Pompey’s adventurous multi-instrumentalism, and the celestial harp of Emilie Kahn, Thanya Iyer builds a layered musical world that Pitchfork described as “a lucid daydream that’s constantly melting at its edges.

***

JULIA FINNEGAN
Kingston, ON
set time: 8:50-9:20pm

Singer-songwriter Julia Finnegan is, at her core, a compelling storyteller. She finds catharsis in the profound interplay of words, forging intimate connections with her audience. Based in Kingston, she has cultivated her musical journey from an early age, captivating audiences throughout Ontario for over a decade. In 2015, Julia released her debut EP, "Thoughts Collide," resonating from coast to coast with widespread radio play on CBC Radio. Having shared the stage with admired artists like Justin Rutledge, Rose Cousins, The Weather Station, Ombiigizi, Gord Sinclair (The Tragically Hip) and more, Julia released her debut record, "Listen to the Wallflowers," in December 2020. “Listen to the Wallflowers” was recorded at Port William Sound (Andy Shauf, Helena Deland, Tokyo Police Club), produced and engineered by Jonas Bonnetta (Evening Hymns), mixed by James Bunton (Donovan Woods, Wild Rivers) and mastered by João Carvalho (Lights, Arkells, Rose Cousins).

***

POMPEY
Montreal, QC
set time: 8:10-8:40pm

Based out of Montreal, Pompey has become something of a fixture in the city’s music scene, playing bass for the likes of Thanya Iyer, Corey Gulkin, Paper Beat Scissors and more. While working on other people’s music, Pompey has also been exploring his own music in his band, come solo project, come duo working under this own name. After a handful of EPs and a large ensemble album of improvisations based on his songs, Pompey recently shared his latest offering Overwhelmed, which he describes as his, “third debut album (it’s a joke but also not).”

***

CLARA SMALLMAN
Kingston, ON
set time: 7:30-8:00pm

Clara Smallman is an independent singer-songwriter currently based in Toronto, Ontario. Clara’s music is characterized by delicate guitar progressions and intricate harmonies, delving into introspective themes in her songwriting. She has a growing audience from posting snippets of her original songs as well as singing covers. Her original music was highly anticipated amongst her enthusiastic audience, her debut single “Spill My Wine” released in July 2025. She draws inspiration from artists like Sarah McLachlan and Lizzy McAlpine, and her performances resonate with and captivate audiences with their depth and sincerity, sealing her mark in the indie music landscape.

***

This show is our 2026 POP Montreal showcase! Each year, we work with our pals at Pop to showcase emerging Montreal/Pop Montreal bands at Spring Reverb. Then, in September, we send a few emerging Kingston bands to Montreal to play Pop. Thanks to Pop Montreal for their ongoing collaboration and support!

POP Montreal International Music Festival is an annual not-for-profit curated cultural event that champions independence in the arts by presenting emerging and celebrated artistic talents from around the world. Some of the highlighted artists that have performed at the festival over the years include Alanis Obomsawin, Patti Smith, Mavis Staples, Grimes, Patrick Watson, Kaytranada and SOPHIE.