Les Rencontres Trans Musicales #Trans2018

With the days getting shorter and the weather getting colder, there's no denying winter is on its way. And with the change of the season we're looking ahead to the big event in December - Les Rencontres Trans Musicales in Rennes.

2018 marks the 40th edition of the festival that acts as a major showcase for some of the best developing artists. There is always a well-curated selection of acts from around the world, but there's always a solid presence of French artists. For many, an appearance at the Trans Musicales is the first major step in a career.

Recent years have seen performances by Benjamin Clementine, Jeanne Added, Stromae and Grand Blanc.

Fourteen names were released earlier this month, but another major tranche of artists have been added to the bill.

Among the French acts this year are rapper Disiz, electro act Dombrance, Ouai Stéphane, RexRegis, The Psychotic Monks, The YD and Venice Club.

From Canada there are francophone artists Hubert Lenoir and  Les Louanges and further afield come Franco-Chilean duo Nova Materia.

Local acts from Rennes and elsewhere in Brittany include Initials Bouvier Bernois, Fleuves.

Already announced are Aloïse Sauvage, Praa, Ryder The Eagle and  La Fraicheur.

I'll feature some of these acts in more detail in coming weeks. There are likely to be some memorable live sets this year.

This year's poster was designed by US artist Brendan Monroe. It's got to be one of the best so far.

The festival runs from December 5 to Sunday December 9.