I’m strongly considering this experience for the Montreal event since it’s both a visual and audio experience that’s pushing the boundaries of the arts.
Since it’s my first, is it worth it to get the week long pass? I won’t be getting the forum pass since I’m not at the level I want to be to network with folks for visual arts, though for a visual arts newb with no audio-reactivity work, would it be worth it?
What’s the day-to-day for the non-forum pass leading into the weekend?
What are transportation considerations and/or accommodations? Otherwise I’d probably rent a car since I want to travel both inside and out of the city. Any boutique hotels that offer packages for the week?
I’m trying to get a feel for how I should plan this trip. I’ll be flying to England to see Prodigy and then to Montreal for the festival.
I live a bit away from Montreal so I usually do weekend pass and free shows but the full pass is undeniably worth it. I played one year and got to take full advantage of it and it was a blast, they do put on interesting shows on weekdays to make it alluring, and the opening parties are usually really good. The A/Visions shows are usually great, and the free shows on l’Esplanade are a good way to get into it before the night begins, some of them have been amazing though it’s never quite a club feel. I have a love/hate thing with SAT, but it’s still usually where I’ll end up most nights.
Can’t speak much for accommodations as I usually crash with friends, parking is kinda rough around the festival, it is very much in a busy downtown area, going by metro is incredibly easy and I would recommend it even if you have rented a car.
I agree with you that it’s not quite worth it. Even as someone sometimes close to that space it’s only really worth it if you have a particular show, idea, concept that you would like to pitch. The networking can really work and has gotten friends gigs all over the world so it’s nothing to sneeze at but you need to be quite intentional and dedicated to get those results.
It’s usually where the best stuff is at night, but it can sound very boxy, without enough bass or volume (because of an history of noise complaints). Basically it kinda sounds like a big concrete box, which you think would be good for techno, but somehow warehouse raves always end up sounding better than SAT. Sometimes it’s a bit too quiet, I don’t want super loud shows but it tends to make people chatty, especially in a festival context. Chatter on the dancefloor is a big irritant for me.
The dome is great, but kind of awkward at the same time, also pretty weird sounding for anything except ambient, and uncomfortable to sit in imho.
It all feels a bit sterile, despite attempts at being and looking “cool”. Very ‘grown up’ and institutional which I don’t always love for electronic music. Serious places have a place in the ecosystem, but my heart will always lean towards more diy/grassroot happenings.
But I do love the place. It is truly amazing that Mutek has made it so that Montreal has a dedicated, govt funded venue for experimental and electronic music and visual arts. I’ve seen amazing artists and shows there that probalby wouldn’t have been possible without such a place.
Ahh ya, I can see how it kill the vibe of something where the sound is critically important to the connection with the visuals. I’m also not huge on institutionalizing electronic music–it just leads to too much beard stroking
I agree. The sweet spot is very narrow at the SAT. MTelus has a better sound.
What I would add :
Mutek is a great open crowd, not the usual Club crowd. You have a lot of connoisseurs and a lot of electronic music composers.
L’Esplanade Tranquille (outdoor free shows) is where it all starts. The line-ups are usually very good. Each year, I make a lot of good discoveries.
Usually : Friday > Techno night at MTelus.
If you have the time and are open to new discoveries, getting the pass for the whole Festival is worth it. I’ll be there.
Also, there’s a place called Le Central next to L’Esplanade Tranquille. This is where I go eat. It’s an indoor place where you have plenty of restaurants to choose from. A lot of people go there before partying.