Canadian grunge-gaze duo Softcult opened the main stage at Meadows Music Festival on Saturday, marking a hometown-adjacent performance just down the road from their native Kitchener.
Mercedes Arn-Horn and Phoenix Arn-Horn spoke with SWOMP backstage following their set, reflecting on their debut full-length album When a Flower Doesn’t Grow and the band’s continued evolution since its release earlier this year via Easy Life Records.
Here are SWOMP’s photos from their set:
The performance brought the twin siblings back to familiar territory in southwestern Ontario, a region closely tied to their early development as musicians.
Softcult have built a reputation as a DIY-driven alternative indie-rock project blending grunge, shoegaze, dreampop and punk into what they describe as “music with a message.” The band has become associated with a modern extension of riot grrrl-era ideals, emphasizing feminism, social activism, creative independence and gender inclusivity, while taking a clear stance against sexism, racism, homophobia, transphobia and patriarchy.
Since forming in 2021, Softcult have released several EPs alongside their 2026 debut album, steadily growing a global fanbase through both recorded work and extensive touring. Their career has included sold-out headline shows in Bangkok, Tokyo, Manila, London and New York, as well as high-profile support slots, including touring with Incubus in the UK.
They head out on tour this week in South East Asia.
Follow them online, here.