The International Festival of Digital Creativity and Electronic Music MUTEK has unveiled the first artists confirmed for its 27th edition, set to take place August 25–30, 2026 in Montréal. The initial announcement introduces a lineup that brings together pioneering electronic musicians, influential contemporary figures, and emerging innovators, reflecting the festival’s longstanding commitment to pushing the boundaries of art, technology, and sound.
Spanning six days and six nights, the festival will once again gather the global electronic and creative community for a program dedicated to experimentation and forward-thinking performance. This first wave primarily highlights international artists, with a second announcement expected to reveal a strong contingent of Québec and Canadian talent.
A Citywide Festival Experience
As in previous years, MUTEK will unfold across multiple venues in Montréal’s Quartier des spectacles, with each location offering a distinct environment tailored to the performances it hosts. The free outdoor program will return to Esplanade Tranquille, immersive and experimental works will be presented at the Society for Arts and Technology (SAT), and club-focused night programming will take place at MTELUS.
For 2026, the festival introduces a new venue: Maison symphonique, a world-renowned concert hall celebrated for its exceptional acoustics. Additional intimate programming will also take place at the Atrium and Studio-Théâtre of Les Grands Ballets.
According to Alain Mongeau, Executive Co-director and Artistic Director of MUTEK, the new venue expands the festival’s sonic possibilities.
“The Maison symphonique opens up a new dimension for MUTEK: a monumental listening space where works take on an almost cinematic scale. This 27th edition places an even stronger emphasis on live performance and on a walkable festival circuit, allowing audiences to experience the festival as a true sonic exploration in the heart of the city.”
Pioneers Continuing to Innovate
Among the legendary artists confirmed is Detroit techno pioneer Jeff Mills, who will present the North American premiere of Stargate, an immersive performance inspired by his ongoing fascination with science fiction.
Elsewhere, Fennesz joins visual artist Lillevan to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the influential album Endless Summer, while Manchester acid house innovator A Guy Called Gerald performs his landmark 1995 jungle album Black Secret Technology.
Also returning to the festival after a 13-year absence, Matthew Herbert will debut a new socially engaged project exploring the theme of food insecurity—continuing his longstanding practice of merging music with social and political themes.
Rituals, Experimentation, and Radical Performance
Several performances at this year’s festival take the form of contemporary rituals, combining sound experimentation with immersive live presentation.
The Japanese collective ELECTRONICOS FANTASTICOS!, led by Ei Wada, will transform electronic waste such as televisions and fans into electromagnetic instruments in participatory performances that merge sound art with technological critique.
Experimental noise artist Evicshen will deliver an unpredictable performance using handmade instruments and unconventional sound devices, while Québec composer Florence-Delphine Roux premieres a new project developed in collaboration with the AVATAR center.
At Maison symphonique, composer Tristan Perich and organist James McVinnie will present Infinity Gradient, an immersive composition for organ and one hundred speakers that transforms the concert hall into a massive sonic instrument. Meanwhile, ambient techno duo Voices From The Lake return to the festival with their hypnotic sound, and Violent Magic Orchestra will blur the lines between rave, black metal, and audiovisual performance.
Global Electronic Voices
Continuing its tradition of spotlighting artists from diverse cultural backgrounds, MUTEK will also feature a wide range of international innovators shaping the future of electronic music.
Toronto-based Colombian producer chiquitamagic will showcase a hardware-driven performance blending techno, jazz, and Latin American influences, while Hong Kong artist gyrofield will present a world-premiere live show. The festival will also welcome Angolan producer Nazar, whose politically charged sound merges sculpted electronics with distorted R&B textures.
Club-focused highlights include Ben UFO, founder of Hessle Audio, and Barker, whose acclaimed album Stochastic Drift arrived in 2025 via Smalltown Supersound. Other artists pushing club music forward include Polygonia, JakoJako, Mia Koden, NVST, Purelink, and Dave Huismans, known for his projects 2562 and A Made Up Sound.
Canadian artists Honeydrip and Cleo Leigh will also present performances that push the limits of their electronic setups.
Music, Visuals, and Architecture
Interdisciplinary projects remain central to the MUTEK experience. Swiss composer Noémi Büchi will debut Exuvie, an audiovisual performance blending electroacoustic sound design with immersive visuals.
Rival Consoles will present a cinematic live AV show, while Sphaîra—a collaboration between vocalist Sara Persico and visual artist Mika Oki—draws inspiration from the acoustic architecture of Oscar Niemeyer’s dome in Tripoli, creating an experience where voice, light, and architecture intersect.
MUTEK Forum Expands in 2026
The MUTEK Forum, the festival’s platform for dialogue and professional exchange, will take place August 26–28 and expand to two major performing arts venues: the Atrium and Studio-Théâtre of Les Grands Ballets, and Agora de la Danse.
Programming will include talks, workshops, project presentations, and performance lectures exploring the evolving relationship between creativity and digital technology. Networking events throughout the week will also connect international curators, industry professionals, and local creators.
The MUTEK Market, dedicated to supporting Canadian artists and creative entrepreneurs, will return with its most ambitious edition yet, welcoming dozens of global decision-makers.
Full Forum programming will be announced in April.
Ticket Information
The Festival + Forum Passport, which grants access to the festival’s paid programming and all Forum activities, is currently available at an introductory price of $420.
The Festival Passport and Weekend Pass are also on sale for $270 and $200, respectively, before increasing to $320 and $235 (taxes and service fees not included).
The Forum Passport and individual tickets will be released in the coming months.
