The headliner for this year’s uOShow on September 7 — the main Welcome Week event — is renowned Canadian DJ PAQS a.k.a. Phil Paquette, a uOttawa alumnus (BSocSc ’21).
Known for his intoxicating blend of beats and the ability to create musical euphoria, DJ PAQS is a 28-year-old producer and performer who has swiftly ascended to the pinnacle of the Canadian dance music scene.
“My musical journey started around the same time as I entered university. I started cooking up music and making songs around 2013, 2012,” Phil says. “My uOttawa years were fantastic! I met so many great people and learned a lot from the fantastic teachers. I also learned how to party responsibly. I’m so grateful to be coming back to headline the uOShow this year.”
PAQS’s meteoric rise to fame, fuelled by his genre-bending performances and massive hits, has cemented his place in Canada’s music landscape. He’s mesmerized audiences at festivals and venues across the country, from Escapade and Riverside to Lake Louise and Muzique Montreal.
But PAQS isn’t just a DJ — he’s a veritable force of nature. He and his brother Nick made TV history as the first sibling duo to win the reality TV show Big Brother Canada. A man of many talents, PAQS has been involved in collaborations with big-name brands such as Coors Light, Absolut Vodka, Red Bull and more, further proving his versatility.
So, what’s the secret behind his riveting performances? Raw, soulful talent and an ability to weave music together, building tension before delivering an exhilarating drop that leaves audiences speechless.
“I would say my style musically, artistically, within the dance music umbrella, is around progressive techno,” Phil said. “I love to work with energies that are captivating, pulling me in and bringing me deeper and deeper into myself. I’ve kind of experimented with so many different sounds and styles. I just love dance music and the culture so much.”
If you’re not already one of PAQS’s 130,000 active online fans, be sure to follow @paqsofficial on Instagram, Facebook, Soundcloud and Spotify. Read our rapid-fire Q&A to get to know PAQS better.
But wait there’s more!
Some stellar acts will be hotting up the crowd before PAQS: STYLO, otherwise known as Sam Hamilton (BHSc ’23), will be sharing the 9 p.m. to 10 p.m. time slot with Matty, otherwise known as Matthieu Poirier. Sam started an electronic dance club (now defunct) at uOttawa at age 18, while studying health sciences.
Montreal-based DJ KidCrayola, the “VibeBender,” is sure to get the crowd moving from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m. with her infectious sound.
And don’t miss opening act Nic Gignac, a mentalist/illusionist, from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.
So be sure to mark your calendars and get ready to dance the night away at uOShow. With this huge variety of fun and DJ PAQS headlining, it’s bound to be an unforgettable night. We’re happy you’re here! Throwing a big party is our way of welcoming you with open arms.
Discover more Welcome Week events.