As summer in Montreal heads to a close, we’re getting the most out of the sun and good weather. This weekend is Montreal’s annual Ribfest, a gathering of drool-inducing ribs and other BBQ goodness. Montrealers can unleash their BBQ love with some classic ribs or new cult arrivals, like the gigantic blooming onion. Best of all? Free admission, and all proceeds go towards the West Island Big Brothers Big Sisters program. So, know you’re digging in for a cause!

Montreal Ribfest isn’t just about discovering southern gastronomy, though. It’s packed with day-long musical entertainment. Most importantly, Canadian entertainment. We had a chance to talk with Rose Cora Perry of Rose Cora Perry & The Truth Untold, who will have their Montreal debut next Sunday at Ribfest, to discuss their sound and what they’re looking forward to the most this weekend.

1.Let’s start off with your music. Could you discuss your sound and where it all began?

In 2016, I was working on my sophomore solo album, doing singer songwriter things with an acoustic guitar, but it didn’t suit my personality. So, when working on this album I wanted to get a live act and put a band together. The original extended play record (EP) had a more acoustic singer songwriter style, so we took everything and made it ‘rockable’ for our performance. We decided to go into the studio this summer and will release our debut EP next month which is more of what we sound like during live performances. You can pre-order our forthcoming debut EP, “Other Side of the Story” here!

To describe my music, it would be hard rock, alternative, with 90’s influence, which is writing with a lot of dynamics. I’m a child of the 90’s, so my song writing style has a lot of build ups, and the lyrics are very raw and genuine.

2.Describe the Canadian rock music scene. Where do you see it going in the future?

It’s at an interesting place right now. We’re seeing a convergence in demographic shifts. My band usually play festivals, and we see a lot of support for cover bands that appeal to an older demographic. While that is fine and good, it’s happening at the disservice of original acts getting booked. For any venue, they want to book bands that appeal to a mass audience so that people can have a good time. I understand the business ethos, but I think it doesn’t allow giving new talent a chance. Just because you haven’t heard new music before, doesn’t mean you are going to like it. And just because you’ve heard the song before, doesn’t mean you’ll like it. I’d like to see more original music, but it also depends where you play. I don’t think it’s fair to paint the whole overall scene with a brush, but there is this general trend going on, there are pockets of hope where you go to perform, and you get amazing response when you didn’t expect it. There are places for rock and roll that are alive and well.

3.Why did you choose this festival as your Montreal debut?

We didn’t actually choose it; they gave us the opportunity and we said, ‘heck yes!’. Montreal reminds of us Europe with its own artistic flair, and it’s unique in its presentation of Canada. Montreal is our version of France, and I adore it. We’ve wanted to play in Montreal for a while, it’s been about the right time to align.

4.What are you looking forward to the most in your Montreal debut?

We’re looking forward to the opportunity to play for new ears. Every show is going to be a brand-new experience, we never know who’s going to be in the crowd.

5.What is the main message you want to get across in your music?

I think music is a universal language to break down barriers. As a writer, I strive to write in an authentic way, and to show that I’ve been through some dark times, and when others have been through dark times as well, they know that we’re in this together.

Welcoming the high energy powerhouse, The Truth Untold, featuring the talented Rose Cora Perry, drummist Tyler Randall and guest bassist Kait Howard this weekend! Check them out this Sunday on the mainstage at Montreal’s Ribfest at 2:00pm. Interested in their sound? Don’t forget to check out their music video for Easy Prey, their first music video for their EP coming out this summer!

Montreal Annual Ribfest runs from Friday, August 16th beginning at 11:00 am until Sunday August 18th at 9:00 pm at 13665 Boul de Pierrefonds, Pierrefonds, QC H9A 2Z4. All ages are welcome to attend, and admission is free.

By Kristal Lok