TOP PROGRAMMERS: TOP 3 ALBUMS 2023 – Mikey B Rishwain, M for Montreal

PAN M 360 asked its partners to provide a list of the top 3 albums of 2023. Several artistic directors graciously agreed!

Mikey Bernard Rishwain has been programming director of the M FOR MONTREAL festival since 2007, and has also booked the Santa Teresa festival. He is also in the process of booking two venues in Oakland, California, the U.S. state where he grew up and spends a few months a year. In Stockton, not far from the Bay Area, he began working in the music business at the age of 17, as a music buyer and store manager for local record stores, as well as a booker for DIY projects. He also worked for The Militia Group (Juliette Lewis, The Appleseed Cast), an independent record label based in Long Beach. Mikey later settled in Montreal, his artistic affinity and loyalty to the city stemming from his part-Quebecois French roots. Today, Mikey is certainly one of the most gifted artistic directors for independent music on the Montreal festival scene.

Sufjan Stevens / Javelin / Asthmatic Kitty Records (indie folk)

Sufjan knows how to handle words and feelings. This record keeps me warm in an increasingly cold world. It reminds me that I have a soul and makes me feel things I can’t explain.

Ryan Celsius Sounds / Type 2 / Ryan Celsius Sounds (phonk, trap, hip-hop, breakbeat )

This album helps me concentrate and think. Modern lofi with vintage influence at its best. It’s easy to get lost in the mix.

Model / Actriz / Winnipesaukee (single) – Dogsbody (album) / True Panther / Virgin (post-punk, rock bruitiste)

Industrial psyche. It’s dark, intense and noisy. Their live performance is one of the best I’ve seen this year.

Bonus : +++ Crosses / Goodnight, God Bless, I Love U, Delete / Warner (post-punk)

Featuring Chino Moreno of the Deftones, the dark, sexy tone of this project is reminiscent of the Deftones but with more drum machines, making it a more modern experimental Deftones with an 80s twist.