Élégie, Les Shirley and Apashe: Music News in Quebec for October 1, 2026

The Quebec music scene is buzzing with significant releases and bold collaborations. Élégie, the Quebec duo, returns with a new album, 'Le chaos et l'ordre', promising an evolution towards punk and emo sounds. This project, which releases tomorrow, marks an important step after the success of their debut album 'Romantisme'.

Les Shirley, a Montreal rock trio, unveil 'Hail Mary', an album that openly embraces a political dimension, addressing crucial contemporary themes. Meanwhile, Apashe teams up with the Orchestre symphonique de Montréal for an electrifying fusion, exploring new sounds as part of the OSM's Pop series.

Élégie: A More Punk Return with "Le chaos et l'ordre"

The Quebec duo Élégie, composed of Lawrence Villeneuve and Maxence Girard, is set to unveil their new album, "Le chaos et l'ordre", on October 2. This second opus promises a more punk and mature approach, marked by emo, loud, and energetic sounds. After two EPs and a debut album, "Romantisme", released in 2023 and praised with some nominations at the GAMIQ, the band returns with a more polished and coherent production, especially in terms of guitar, bass, vocals, and drums.

Lawrence Villeneuve, singer and guitarist of Élégie, confides that automatic writing remains at the heart of his creative process, addressing themes related to the transition from the twenties to the thirties. This period of personal and professional transformation, notably marked by their jobs as carpenter-joiners, is reflected in the new compositions. Maxence Girard, who traded his medical career for music, has also been highlighted in the documentary "La meilleure façon, c’est par d'accident", where his life between medicine, modeling, and the music scene is explored.

Source: Sors-tu.ca

Les Shirley Embrace Their Political Dimension with "Hail Mary"

The Montreal rock trio Les Shirley, composed of Raphaëlle Chouinard, Lisandre Bourdages, and Sarah Dion, returns to the forefront with their new album "Hail Mary". This third opus marks a turning point for the band, which has decided to fully embrace the political label that critics have attached to them since their beginnings. The album is a heartfelt cry in the face of contemporary issues, notably women's rights and LGBTQ+ rights, as well as climate anxiety.

Since their beginnings, Les Shirley have fought against the idea that they had to be political simply because they were three women playing rock. However, with "Hail Mary", they recognize the importance of this representation and openly engage in the fight for rights and social justice. The title of the album, "Hail Mary", symbolizes a desperate attempt to act before the world collapses, reflecting the urgency felt in the face of current sociopolitical crises.

Source: Le Devoir

POP Montréal 2026: A Memorable 25th Anniversary

The POP Montréal festival celebrated its 25th anniversary from September 23 to 27 by transforming Mile End into a true cultural crossroads. Avenue du Parc was the scene of musical excitement, attracting a crowd of festival-goers eager to discover local and international artists. Among the highlights, Sister Nancy's performance, a reggae and dancehall legend, left a lasting impression. At 65, she ignited the basement of the Rialto on September 26 with classics from her 1982 album, concluding with the must-hear "Bam Bam" in front of a packed house.

On September 25, Nardwuar, an iconic figure in Canadian cultural journalism, captivated the audience with his "Video Vault" at the Rialto. He shared exclusive excerpts from his interviews, offering a unique insight into his creative process. His presentation, punctuated by hilarious anecdotes, ended with a Q&A session, allowing fans to explore the fascinating universe of this singular character. This quarter-century of POP Montréal once again demonstrated the richness and diversity of the Montreal music scene.

Source: Sors-tu.ca

Vibrant Musical October in Montreal and Laval

The music scene in Montreal and Laval comes alive this month with a series of captivating concerts showcasing talents from here and abroad. The concert halls are set to welcome musicians of various styles, promising a sonic diversity for music lovers.

Although specific details of the concerts are not available, it is clear that October will be rich in musical performances. Quebec and Franco-Canadian artists are often in the spotlight at these events, providing a platform for emerging and established talents. Spectators can expect to discover new sounds and rediscover classics revisited by passionate artists.

Stay tuned for concert announcements so you don't miss these unique musical moments that contribute to the cultural richness of the region. The Montreal scene continues to be an epicenter of creativity and musical innovation, attracting renowned artists and fostering the emergence of new talents.

Source: La Presse

Damien Robitaille Shines Solo with Ultraviolet

The talented Franco-Ontarian singer Damien Robitaille continues his 'Ultraviolet' tour, this time in a solo format. After touring the country with his band, the artist has chosen to revisit this series of performances by focusing on a more personal and intimate show. This decision allows Robitaille to connect more closely with his audience while offering a new dimension to his songs.

The 'Ultraviolet' tour continues the momentum for Robitaille's musical universe, known for his catchy melodies and touching lyrics. Solo, he promises a unique experience where his voice and instruments take center stage. This bold choice highlights his ability to reinvent himself and surprise his fans while staying true to the essence of his music.

Source: La Presse

L'Orchestre Hochelaga: A Symphonic Premiere for Indigenous Musicians

L'Orchestre Hochelaga, a unique ensemble founded by Indigenous musicians, is set to make its debut at the Centre Sanaaq in Montreal this Tuesday. This event marks the culmination of three decades of work for Roger Twance, an Ojibwe trumpeter and conductor. His ambition was to create a space where Indigenous artists from Turtle Island could express themselves and feel at home. This inaugural concert is thus not only a first for the orchestra but also a historic moment for the Indigenous music community.

The Centre Sanaaq, which hosts this concert, thus becomes a symbol of recognition and celebration of Indigenous talents. L'Orchestre Hochelaga stands out for its unique composition and its commitment to promoting Indigenous music in a symphonic setting. Music lovers from Montreal and beyond will have the opportunity to discover a repertoire that combines tradition and innovation, performed by musicians determined to make their voices heard on the Quebec music scene.

Source: La Presse

Apashe and the OSM: An Electrifying Fusion

The Orchestre symphonique de Montréal (OSM) welcomes this week a bold collaboration with Apashe, a leading figure in electronic and hip-hop music. This concert, taking place Thursday, Friday, and Saturday as part of the OSM's Pop series, promises to explore new sonic dimensions by blending Apashe's electronic textures with traditional orchestral sounds.

John de Buck, aka Apashe, has distinguished himself with his unique approach that integrates orchestral elements into his electronic creations. Originally from Belgium, Apashe settled in Montreal as a teenager, finding fertile ground for his artistic ambitions in this city. His journey reflects a desire to break musical conventions by seeking to harmonize elements that, at first glance, seem incompatible.

This initiative by the OSM fits into a broader trend of fusion between electronic and orchestral music, reminiscent of a similar project led by Molécule with the Orchestre national de Lille. Although initially unfamiliar with his colleague's work, Apashe stands out for an approach that emphasizes contrasts, seeking to make seemingly dissonant musical elements coexist.

Source: Le Devoir

Faber Drive Revisits Its Past at Foufounes Électriques

The Canadian band Faber Drive chose the legendary Foufounes Électriques in Montreal to celebrate an unconventional anniversary: the 19 3/4 years of their album 'Seven Second Surgery'. This atypical date choice did not prevent fans from gathering in large numbers to relive the hits that marked the early 2000s.

The event was immortalized by photographer Marie-Claire, who captured the energy and nostalgia of the evening. The Foufounes Électriques, known for their electric atmosphere and support for alternative music, provided an ideal stage for this throwback. 'Seven Second Surgery', initially released in 2007, allowed Faber Drive to make a name for themselves on the Canadian pop-rock scene.

This concert was an opportunity for the band to reconnect with its roots and share intense moments with its audience. Spectators were able to enjoy live the tracks that forged Faber Drive's musical identity, confirming the important place this album occupies in the hearts of fans.

Source: Sors-tu.ca

Boy Harsher Enchants MTELUS with "Get Mean"

The American coldwave duo Boy Harsher enchanted the Montreal audience during their performance at MTELUS, just two weeks after the release of their album "Get Mean" on September 18. The band, consisting of singer Jae Matthews and keyboardist Augustus Muller, captivated the audience with an 80-minute performance, playing 13 tracks followed by two encore songs. Half of the pieces performed came from their new opus, demonstrating a harmonious integration with their previous hits, much to the delight of the audience present.

The staging was carefully orchestrated, with Jae and Augustus occupying each side of the stage, a CRT television between them, and two large screens in the background. The visual effects, including lights and strobes, were perfectly synchronized with the pieces played, enhancing the electrifying atmosphere of the evening. Jae Matthews, charismatic, maintained constant eye contact with the audience, even sharing a moment of collective singing on "Pain". Her performance on "Faulty", which she revealed to be her favorite song, added a personal touch to an already memorable evening.

Source: Sors-tu.ca

To not miss the latest music news, tune in to KracRadio for in-depth analyses and unique sound discoveries.