Embrace the Polar Vortex with Igloofest’s Top Acts for 2015

Montreal is a city of vast elements. While you could argue forever about which Canadian city has the better party scene, one would be hard pressed to find more versatile weather than Montreal. The summers are hot, the winters are a frozen subzero tundra, and you can vividly experience the coming and going of four distinct seasons throughout the year.

One unique feature of Montreal's party culture is the avid endorsement of outdoor music events. Piknic Electronik reigns supreme during the summer, while the same team trades Aloha shirts for one-piece ski suits every winter. The reason? Montreal's world famous Igloofest.

While the team behind the festival does ensure variety in electronic genres, it's obvious that this particular 2015 mega-festival is all about techno. Never before has Igloofest dropped such a consistent lineup of techno A-Listers. From Dice to Dubfire, to Digweed, Paco, Luciano, and beyond. In no particular order, here is our official list of artists you can't miss at Igloofest 2015.

January 23 on Scene Sapporo Stage 

Hot off his 24 hour NYE odyssey at Space Miami, the German will certainly be ready to warm up his crowd of likely ten thousand plus. He rarely sets foot in la belle province, but there is always hype amid the underground whenever he does. The industry has christened his sound as the muscle car of techno, probably because of his full throttle approach behind the decks. His "How I Play" may make you reconsider your approach to DJing, but don't be fooled by his laidback swagger―Dice only fucks with the most relentless of techno. Last time he graced Montreal with his presence, alongside Richie Hawtin on the CNTRL tour, he brought the roof of SAT down with the signature track below. Expect much of the same, and likely even more, from the German powerhouse on January 23.

January 30 on Scene Sapporo Stage 

Casually throwing John Digweed into the middle of the lineup is testament to the prosperity of this festival. One of the true DJ icons of our generation, Digweed loves our underground scene here in Canada. He's a regular at the late, great, The Guvernment, which is highlighted by his recently released Live in Toronto. 500+ kilometres East, John is a Stereo Afterhours legend in Montreal. They even fashioned the Bedrock boss man a plaque for his eight-hour "Scareo" Halloween marathon. Check out his "Live in Toronto" mix for a taste of the genre blending progressive and techno sound that Digweed not only reps, but owns.

February 6 on Scene Sapporo Stage 

Dubfire needs no formal introduction. Coming off one of the most successful years of his tenured career in music―highlighted of course by the resurrection of Deep Dish―Montreal is anticipating Ali Shirazinia's return. He already owns a local crown from his legendary 2011 performance at Piknic Electronik, and with Paco in support, this SCI+TEC night might just be the jewel of Igloofest 2015. His most recent track "Exit" with Miss Kitten, has owned Beatport's Techno chart for months. SCI+TEC has also been surging as of late, with originals and remixes from Paul Ritch, Matador, Shaded, Carlo Lio, The Hacker, Brodinski and more.

February 7 on Scene Videotron Mobile Stage

Eekkoo is one of the only artists that deadmau5 has ever openly patted on the back. As of one Montreal's top rising stars, Jon Doyon will take his talents over to the Videotron Mobile Stage this winter. On February 5, he will be providing a well-deserved break from the main stage for those partygoers adventurous enough to wander off and explore. His sets are mixture of true progressive sounds―think deadmau5 but grittier―with deep house and techno, and are always littered with his own original productions. He's one of the top artists in the game to watch out for in 2015 and Igloofest will be just one more achievement on his belt by the time the year comes to a close.

February 8 on Scene Sapporo Stage

If you were at Digital Dreams, then this one is a no-brainer. The team that brought us DD defiantly answered the age-old question about the best DJ to close down a festival, and it seems like Igloofest listened. The good-natured, Swiss-Chilean house music master will take to the decks on the final Sunday installment of this year's Igloofest. And if last year's finale was any indication, then we are certainly in for a treat. Last year it was Mr. Adam Beyer who closed down the festival with a plethora of bonus production and a slightly extended set, compared to the time allotted to his colleagues. Expect a huge Sunday night as the Cadenza boss does his signature Cadenza dance to signal the slow transition back over to Piknic.

January 18 on Scene Sapporo Stage [Hosted by THUMP Canada]

The princes of #HDYNATION and some of the most sought-after touring DJs in the game right now are pretty much a guaranteed sellout wherever they play. Flosstradamus will provide the most classically 'turnt' night of Igloofest, relieving the predominantly underground lineup with a healthy dose of eclectic trap and a fine array of party music.

February 6 on Scene Sapporo 

Normally a headliner in his own right, Paco often opens up shop when there is a true heavy-hitter in his wake. In this case it's Dubfire, which is why we're highlighting their night as the potential pinnacle of the festival. Paco rides a fine line between heavy-tech house and dancefloor techno, and has recently released his latest EP on Richie Hawtin's Minus imprint. Place your bets now on if he'll be taking down his trademark lollipop during his set. One thing is for sure; it would be tough to find a more talented opener for the one and only Dubfire. ATOPE!

January 17 on Scene Sapporo Stage [Hosted by THUMP Canada]

What is Igloofest without its trademarked Dirtybird Records night? Last year it was label boss Claude Von Stroke who headlined, but this year he's passed the torch onto his right hand man Justin Martin. With J.Phlip opening, January 18 will be a Dirtybird family affair at its finest, and we're proud to be officially partnered on the night. Expect some west coast inspired deep house all night long when this crew takes over. Martin is responsible for one of the biggest remixes of 2014, which seems to still be getting plays every weekend around the world.

January 16 on Scene Sapporo Stage

The Brazilian maestro is no stranger to the festival circuit―although this time around he may be stepping outside of his tropical comfort zone. Tasked with the first headlining slot of Igloofest's opening night, Gui will likely perform one of his infamous, versatile journeyman sets. The first night is always one to remember as the Old Port lights up to ten thousand (usually drunk) partygoers. In this case, there's really no one better than Gui at the helm.

Igloofest is on Facebook // Twitter // Website

You can follow Zack on Twitter: @zackrota