We have devoted our recurring Wednesday social media video features to Francophone music throughout February, offering a mixture of new tunes and some not-so-new tunes. But while those selections are determined with plenty of advance notice, the flow of great new French language singles continues to make a splash!!! Here are a few cuts that we insist you seek out.
Cindy Bédard (ft. Patrice Michaud), “Stapleton”
Once again, another great musical discovery made due to tuning in to Racines musicales on the SXM dial – once this recent single (released August 2024) from Saint-Tite, QC country artist Cindy Bédard burst through the airwaves during an office commute, not only was I sold on the cool alt-country vibes, but was scrambling to determine the recognizable voice of her male vocal companion. Lo and behold, Patrice Michaud would be the name later discovered – making this one sweeter still.
Ariane Roy, “Âmes soeurs”
Not only did Quebec City alt-pop artist Ariane Roy save her latest teaser of new music for a Valentine’s Day release, but she also dropped a bonus track to further build anticipation for her long-awaited sophomore album out next month. With the accompanying music video for “Âmes soeurs” (“Soul mates”), Ariane creates a slumber party scene with friends – but deep down, there can only be one soul mate – one who makes an uncredited cameo appearance here (because every king needs a wolf, right?).
Maude Audet, “Blue Tears”
It seems that Ariane Roy was not alone in choosing Valentine’s Day to release new music, with Montréal’s Maude Audet opting for a similar strategy and revealing an EP of three new tunes. Tossing a curveball of her own, Maude surprises all by performing these songs in English (as opposed to French), sharing that the EP is a “collage of three love songs from different perspectives,” and adding that “Blue Tears evoke the one who just holds on to the memories and that we have to let go to be better.”
Avec pas d’casque, “D’autres messages suivront”
Compiling the GDW Top 20 Albums list last year was a daunting task! With an abundance of great Canadian albums, several contenders had to be cut – and in hindsight, “Cardinal,” from QC dream-folk band Avec pas d’casque really should have remained on that list. The band recently shared this fabulous illustrated and animated music video, and once again demonstrate how this seemingly laid-back collective easily draw you into their world through their amazing soft, melodic music.
The British guy that crossed the ocean and crash landed in central Pennsylvania (to quote Greg Keelor, “And I wonder what am I doing here?”). As the youngest of four siblings, exposure to music from a very early age nurtured my passion and appreciation for many musical genres. Continuing to discover some amazingly diverse and talented musicians based in Canada, I gravitate to live music experiences and remain devoted to spreading the word about such a vibrant music scene.
