I sat down with Alessandra Willsher of Indie Montreal the other day, and we chatted about the challenges faced by young bands in the music industry. Not an easy feat, trying to make a living in the world of indeptendent rock and pop in Canada. That's why I was so impressed with Indie's concept - they let their artists keep the proceeds of their merchandise sales, and they don't charge the bands any sneaky fees, no evil money-grab here. But they do form long-term relationships with their bands and promote the hell out of them. Awesome.

In the coming weeks you'll find some interviews with the musicians and bands playing at the up-coming concert series organized by Indie Montreal. Also, keep your eyes open for ticket contests on both the Art+Culture site and on our Art+Culture Montreal Facebook page.

In the meantime, mark your calendars for some rocking bands playing in Montreal this month:

Wednesday, July 21st, 2010 at les 3 Minots with Groove Attic and La Strada at 8:30pm

Thursday, July 22 2010 at Divan Orange with Five Alarm Funk and Bananafish  at 8:30pm

Friday July 23 2010 at 3 Minots with This Invention Matters and Royal Canoe at 8:30pm

Tuesday, July 27th 2010 at L’Escogriffe with Maylee Todd, Bent By Elephants and Hooded Fang

Thursday, July 29th, 2010 at Bar St Laurent with Old Crowns, Brett Caswell and The Marquee Rose and Guest at 8:30pm

Friday, July 30th, 2010 at Le Cagibi with Brittany Kwasnik at 8:00pm

For tickets, visit the Indie Montreal website at www.indiemontreal.ca