It’s only when being driven up to Rouyn-Noranda from Toronto that I realize the strangeness of this summer ending ritual that I’ve come to depend on. Being a part-time passenger on this third trip lets me focus less on the insanity of Ontarian drivers and more on the anticipation.
I have to confess that for me this weekend is equal parts reunion and festival. It’s only through close friendships with « the natives », that I ‘discovered’ FME.
In many ways these friendships provided much needed wind in my sails during extended music and cultural doldrums (of my own design).
You see, some five or six years ago, I became a victim of “The Ontarian Dream”. For some reason, having attained a stable relationship, a house and a good job, I felt it was time to settle. For everything. Everything was « good enough », so I should have been happy. So I was miserable.
One of the most depressing things that occurred was a diminished curiosity for new music. There’s nothing sadder that a 30 year old becoming nostalgic for tunes he listened to in high school. It’s right up there with watching 40+ year olds rush a wedding dance floor when « Old Time Rock and Roll », or « Don’t Stop Believing » comes on.
Enter, Disruptive Quebecer Influence (should be a punk band).
I’ll spare you the gory details, but in short order, I was down to « the good job » and up a bunch of new friends. I’ve since won back my sense of musical curiosity, and happiness abounds.
The only trouble with FME, is the conflict that arises between ones musical curiosity and FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out). I put in a lot of time pre-listening to some of the acts this year. As usual, the programmers did too good a job. Inevitably, the festival will demand some Sophie’s Choice moments from you. But that’s part of the fun.
Tonight for example. What will it be? Karim Ouellett or Besnard Lakes. Dammit, sometimes I think it would be easier picking your favourite child.

-Zeus