- Words Notion Staff
Spreading Canadian sunshine to our south coast, Quebec Spring will be hosting artists at The Great Escape Festival this week. Here are six on the project's roster you should know about.
Bringing talent from Montreal to creative scenes in the UK, Québec Spring champions new music from Canada, showcasing artists across various British festivals. Taking place between April 14th to May 13th, the events will tap the past, present and future of Québécois music, spotlighting a diverse roster of future international hitmakers. This week, the project will be in Brighton for The Great Escape Festival, bringing musicians from the Francophone province to the south coast of England.
To make your music discovery life easier, we’ve spotlighted six artists on the platform that you should keep an eye on for the rest of 2023.
Amassing over a million streams on her debut EP ‘For the Good Guys and the Bad Guys’, Hanorah explores themes of womanhood from a place of empowerment. The multidisciplinary artist journeys through her emotions, both past and present, packing productions with soulful balladry and R&B grooves.
How’s 2023 been going for you so far? Have you been up to anything exciting?
2023 has been the year of surprises. So many wild opportunities and situations have arisen that I couldn’t have predicted. Luckily, most of it had been positive.
How would you describe your own sound?
Soulful, joyous, nostalgic.
If people haven’t been introduced to your music yet, what should they listen to and why?
They should listen to “Skeletons”. That song is just me singing with a guitar, telling a story, nothing fancy. That is the core of what I do.
What’s on your career bucket list? Anything that would make you turn around and think, ‘Yeah, I’ve made it’?
I’d say I’m living it on this tour right now! It’s been a dream to tour overseas with such great people, and the UK is amazing. Everyone has been so nice. I’d love to sing with Joss Stone someday, too.
Finally, how are you feeling about playing your set at Quebec Spring?
Incredible, I bought a jumpsuit that looks like a circus tent just for the occasion. So grateful to be here, and we can’t wait to play!
A key component of Montreal’s music scene, Gayance recently released a new album on Rhythm Section Records: the internationally adored imprint founded by south London DJ Bradley Zero. ‘Mascarade’ meanders through a range of unforgettable sounds. Steeped in jazz shuffles and house flips, “Moon Rising” is a personal favourite, showcasing the Haitian-Canadian artist’s impressive vocal range.
How’s 2023 been going for you so far? Have you been up to anything exciting?
It’s been pretty amazing, I’m checking a lot of boxes from my goals and even unexpected things. I’ve been playing a lot of amazing shows and meeting my heroes.
How would you describe your own sound?
It’s alternative R&B, meets jazzy-house with some bossanova spices.
What’s on your career bucket list? Anything that would make you turn around and think, ‘Yeah, I’ve made it’?
When I got interviewed on BBC Radio 6 by Gilles Peterson, it was a big moment for me as a DJ / selector myself being recognized like this is pretty big. I will also play at the iconic Panorama bar in Berlin and Monteux Jazz Festival in Switzerland. This wasn’t on my list and I’m doing it. For me, I can say ”I’ve made it” because I’m living abroad and I’m doing what I like the most with almost no financial worries. It’s a blessing from all the hard work and sacrifices.
Finally, how are you feeling about playing your set at Quebec Spring?
I’m very excited about this line-up and I love London!
Opening for Masego at Montreal Jazz festival would be a daunting task for most artists, but it’s one Odreii has taken into her stride, proving her worth against some of contemporary music’s biggest names. The R&B/soul singer grew up in musical surroundings and became obsessed with making her dream come to life. Her debut album ‘Sweatin Gold’, was released in October 2021, instigating international tour dates and festival slots.
How’s 2023 been going for you so far? Have you been up to anything exciting?
2023 was a cold start, as expected living in Quebec, but full of inspiration. Working on minimalist lifestyle it’s starting to show in my art. I’m working on my next album which I’m testing this summer across Toronto. The opportunity to perform in London and Brighton for The Great Escape Festival is the highlight so far.
How would you describe your own sound?
Thoughtful and liberating lyrics and melodies. A rich mix of acoustic caribbean and latin infused sounds. For my next project I’m revisiting my first love: folk music.
If people haven’t been introduced to your music yet, what should they listen to and why?
“Gold for water”, cause it makes your mind travel, it’s a cry for freedom, triggers me revisiting my life choices and priorities. I love playing that song on stage. It always hits the right nerve. Then, “Runs in mi blood” single and the album ‘Sweatin’ gold’, perfect for summer side pool chilling, no skips.
What’s on your career bucket list? Anything that would make you turn around and think, ‘Yeah, I’ve made it’?
On my bucket list I have:
- Doing hundreds of shows a year around the world.
- Playing and writing with Tracy Chapman, Ed Sheeran, it’s a long list. Not sure I want to feel like “I’ve made it”, more like, “Yeah, another great one”. As long as I impact people and my music serves its purpose, I’ll feel good about the journey. And may it be an everlasting one.
Finally, how are you feeling about playing your set at Quebec Spring?
Yeah! “Another great one!”. And it’s representing home, putting Quebec and Montreal on the map. On aime ça!
Bibi Club, the project of real-life lovers Adèle Trottier-Rivard and Nicolas Basque, make living room party music. Channelling shimmery 80s synths with sun-kissed bilingualism, the duo leaves a profound mark on their listeners, inspiring everyone to be honest with themselves and open with others. Influenced by artists as disparate as Stereolab and Tirzah, there’s an unpredictability in their productions that leaves us keenly listening out for what might come next.
How’s 2023 been going for you so far? Have you been up to anything exciting?
It’s been busy. We’ve played in São Paulo, France, USA, Germany, UK. And we’ve been working on a new record. We also started our garden and we are growing some weed this year and habanero and gorria peppers.
How would you describe your own sound?
Our sound triggers some melancholy, some joy, some nostalgia. It’s somewhere between Suicide, Alice Coltrane, Tirzah, Marine Girls, Stereolab and many other influences.
If people haven’t been introduced to your music yet, what should they listen to and why?
“Femme-Lady” is a good song to introduce yourself to our band. It’s alive, it’s simple but brings some complex emotions. It’s fast but soft and warm at the same time.
What’s on your career bucket list? Anything that would make you turn around and think, ‘Yeah, I’ve made it’?
Some collaborations with artists we admire would be nice. Laetitia Sadier of Stereolab has always been around our musical life.
Finally, how are you feeling about playing your set at Quebec Spring?
Excited to play live. Playing live with Bibi Club is like tightrope without a net, it takes energy and we can fall anytime but the vulnerability is beautiful and compelling.
Combining melodious hip-hop and psychedelic soul, Fernie’s developed an eclectic sound that gets stronger with every release. Standout single “New Beginnings” analyses the beauty in making mistakes and letting yourself be open to new experiences.
How’s 2023 been going for you so far? Have you been up to anything exciting?
2023 has been such a surprising time full of different opportunities and adventures. I’ve recently been travelling to places where I don’t only perform but am able to communicate with people away as well (Brazil, France, Germany, UK). I speak multiple languages (German, Portuguese, English, France) so I’ve been very fortunate to perform in certain countries where I’m able to communicate those said languages. It makes the shows and travels way more special especially on a personal level! Being able to communicate and grow through interactions are things that I find very important.
How would you describe your own sound?
I feel as though I haven’t really found my sound just yet. I feel as though I’m evolving with every consecutive project, finding different parts of me I didn’t know before and really digging into my subconscious in order to tell the stories I want to tell. The sound changes with the stories I have to share. I try to pull most of my inspirations through experiences I’ve lived or experiences my friends have gone through. I think sound really changes the way emotions do as well! It’ll never be linear.
If people haven’t been introduced to your music yet, what should they listen to and why?
I would have them listen to either “Westchester” or “Dolla Bill”. “Westchester” is one of the most profound honest and in depth song I’ve written thus far! It’s about a friendship that met a very harsh and devastating end! It was the first time where I really felt I had poured my heart and soul into a song. I feel as though the best emotional songs come from somewhere where so much pain resides! It also just felt like a gateway towards stronger transparency within emotions that we usually tend to set aside. “DOLLA BILL” was the first collab that felt like a celebration. There’s such a contrast between both songs! It ranges from the lowest of lows (Westchester) to the highest of highs (Dolla Bill). It really highlights my versatility as well.
What’s on your career bucket list? Anything that would make you turn around and think, ‘Yeah, I’ve made it’?
I would love for one of my songs to be incorporated in a feature film or television series (Hopefully HBO or BBC). I’m a film and TV buff so having that happen would probably just make my life!
Finally, how are you feeling about playing your set at Quebec Spring?
I’m so excited, Every opportunity is a privilege I cherish. The idea that I’m in Europe doing shows because of my artistry is already such a big compliment within itself! I feel like such a winner because I’m fulfilling a longtime dream that my younger self had been chasing and anticipating for so long.
Forming over a mutual love for lo-fi indie music, Ivytide’s undeniable chemistry is at the beating heart of their success. Hailing from Montreal, the three-piece met at a recording studio, where they sewed the initial seeds of what would become a fruitful musical career, defined by their intricate songwriting and catchy melodies.
How’s 2023 been going for you so far? Have you been up to anything exciting?
2023 has been an amazing year so far. We’ve released two singles and we’re beginning a European tour, to be followed by a Canadian tour.
How would you describe your own sound?
We make indie music that’s inspired by folk, alternative, hip hop and experimental music. It depends on the song, but it’s usually a mix of a few of those elements.
If people haven’t been introduced to your music yet, what should they listen to and why?
Depends what you like! We’re super proud of our diverse discography. If you’re more into folky music, check out “overgrown” or “flood lines”, if you like acoustic pop check out “extra” or if you’re looking for something with indie rock vibes then check out “moving song”.
What’s on your career bucket list? Anything that would make you turn around and think, ‘Yeah, I’ve made it’?
We’re honestly so grateful for every step along the way so far. From songs streaming millions of times, to selling out shows in Canada to our first tour across Europe, every moment has been special and we’re so fortunate for all of it. Something that would be awesome in the future would be playing a festival show in Canada or elsewhere!
Finally, how are you feeling about playing your set at Quebec Spring?
We are pumped! So excited to be playing alongside some amazing Quebec and Canadian artists, and to meet cool people in the UK. It’s going to be a blast!
Find out more about Quebec Spring here.