Following Kali Horse’s incredibly powerful performance, it was Montreal artist Miro Chino’s turn to take the stage on Friday in the back room of the Casa del Popolo. Born Miro Nguyen, the self-taught musician grew up on the streets of Montreal, a metropolis that lies at the heart of his work. In his songs, he authentically portrays what it means to live and grow older in this city: growing up there, working, loving, crying, and navigating the small and big moments of everyday life.
Named a Radio-Canada Revelation for 2024–2025 (alongside artists like Rau_Ze), Miro Chino was performing here for the first time, but for the second time in front of me. Over the course of these two years, the evolution of his artistic world is striking. At a listening party for his upcoming, as-yet-unreleased album that I was able to attend, the artist shared with me his desire to branch out, but also to innovate compared to the sounds of his previous project, Good Times Bad Times.
A true musical adventurer, Miro Chino navigates effortlessly between genres. Drawing on a wide range of influences—from Jean Leloup and Hubert Lenoir to international figures like Mac Miller—he constantly surprises, as evidenced by his recent collaboration with the talented Virginie B.
In front of a packed and enthusiastic audience—with his loved ones in the front row and a diverse crowd in the back—the artist took the stage with a touch of nervous excitement after several months away. True to his visual eccentricity, he made his entrance wearing an imposing fish-shaped puppet head, guitar in hand and, as usual, barefoot (or rather, in socks…).
For nearly an hour, the musician alternated between his classics and exclusive performances of new, unreleased tracks. Setting aside his mask halfway through the show to reveal his face, Miro took the time to interact with the crowd, emphasizing his desire to “spread love in Montreal” (which he also referred to as “little pustules of love… cute, right?”)
Musically unclassifiable, shifting between ska, rock, and hip-hop, his repertoire now features distinctly more electronic textures, tinged with house influences and inspired by the local and international club scene.
After Kali Horse’s grunge-fueled, high-energy set, Miro Chino managed to soothe the atmosphere with a warm musical vibe, gently and lovingly preparing the audience for the evening’s final performance. A luminous performance that confirms, once again, the richness and unpredictability of his talent.
