Dumas, Woody and 2120: Musical News from Quebec on October 2, 2026

The Quebec music scene is buzzing with significant releases and unexpected collaborations. Dumas returns with 'Marathon', an instrumental album that continues his bold sonic exploration. Meanwhile, Woody, a rising figure in Montreal rap, unveils 'STAFF MEAL', an EP that reflects his artistic evolution.

On the international stage, the Quebec trio 2120 is making waves in France, catching the attention of the legendary band The Beatles via TikTok. In parallel, the Orchestre symphonique de Montréal teams up with Apashe for a series of concerts that blend electronic and orchestral music. Finally, Gabriella Olivo enriches the scene with 'Reflexiones', an album influenced by Latin and electro sounds.

Dumas continues his musical journey with 'Marathon'

The prolific Quebec artist Dumas unveiled on Friday the second installment of his instrumental project titled 'Marathon'. This new album follows the continuity of his musical exploration initiated with the first part, offering an immersive and bold sonic experience. Known for his rich and atmospheric compositions, Dumas continues to push the boundaries of his art by focusing this time exclusively on instrumentals.

This project once again demonstrates Dumas's ability to reinvent himself and surprise his audience. By moving away from traditional song formats, he invites his listeners on an introspective journey through varied soundscapes. This new release confirms his prominent place in the Quebec music scene, where he remains an essential figure thanks to his creativity and passion for music.

Source: Journal de Montréal

Woody hits hard with his new EP 'STAFF MEAL'

Montreal rapper Woody, whose real name is Nathan Desager, has just released a new EP titled 'STAFF MEAL'. This project includes seven new songs that reflect a notable evolution in his artistic journey. Among these tracks, 'LA MIF DE LA MIF' stands out particularly for its sharp lyrics and impactful delivery. Woody addresses themes related to the restaurant world over a polished production by Benjamin Duplantie-Grenier.

This new release marks an important step for Woody, who seems to have gained maturity and confidence. He will also have the opportunity to showcase his work on stage as the opening act for Aswell's tour this fall. This project and tour promise to strengthen his presence on the Quebec music scene and expand his audience. The EP 'STAFF MEAL' is now available and is a must-listen for fans of Montreal rap.

Source: Le Canal Auditif

Bibi Club revisits Lhasa De Sela with 'J’arrive à la ville'

The Montreal duo Bibi Club, composed of Nicolas Basque and Adèle Trottier-Rivard, pays tribute to Lhasa De Sela by covering her iconic song 'J’arrive à la ville'. Released 23 years after the original version, this reinterpretation stands out with the duo's characteristic sound textures while gaining rhythm thanks to Adèle Trottier-Rivard's unique voice.

The lyrics of the song, which evoke the arrival of Lhasa's great-grandfather in Marseille after leaving Lebanon, resonate particularly with Bibi Club. In a global context where hostility towards immigrants is growing, the duo highlights the importance of this theme, especially in Quebec, where some political parties propagate racist discourse. This version was first presented during the concert 'La Route Chante: Hommage à Lhasa' in 2024, demonstrating the duo's commitment to keeping Lhasa De Sela's legacy alive.

Source: Le Canal Auditif

2120: The Quebec trio conquering France and catching the Beatles' attention

The Quebec band 2120, made up of a talented trio, is making headlines on the international stage. Indeed, the official TikTok account of the Beatles, the legendary Fab Four, recently shared a video featuring this emerging group. This unexpected gesture underscores the growing impact of 2120, who are set to release a new album in October.

Recognition from such an iconic group as the Beatles could propel 2120 to new heights, particularly in France, where they seem to be already winning over a growing audience. The sharing of their video on a platform as popular as TikTok could also help broaden their audience and strengthen their presence on the international stage. The release of their album this month comes at a perfect time to capitalize on this excitement.

Source: Journal de Montréal

Apashe and the OSM: An Electrifying Fusion

The Orchestre symphonique de Montréal (OSM) is hosting this week an unprecedented collaboration with electronic music producer Apashe, alias John de Buck. The concerts, taking place on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, mark a highlight of the OSM's Pop series. Apashe, known for his unique style that blends electronic, hip-hop, and orchestral influences, partners with the orchestra to offer an innovative and captivating sonic experience.

Originally from Belgium, Apashe moved to Montreal as a teenager, a city where he found fertile ground for his artistic explorations. His approach, which consists of merging seemingly incompatible musical elements, resonates particularly in this project with the OSM. This approach contrasts with that of his French counterpart Molécule, who favors experimental textures. Apashe, on the other hand, plays on contrasts to create an unprecedented harmony, a challenge he meets brilliantly alongside the Montreal orchestra.

Source: Le Devoir

Gabriella Olivo: A Musical Bloom with 'Reflexiones'

Gabriella Olivo, a Montreal artist of Mexican-Quebec origin, unveils her first full-length album, 'Reflexiones', a work that showcases a bold fusion of electro pop and Latin rhythms. After captivating audiences with her microalbums 'A todos mis amores' in 2024 and 'Sola' in 2022, she returns with a renewed sound and varied influences ranging from house to trance, as evidenced by the hypnotic track 'Time'. Her music, sung in Spanish, French, and English, stands out for its thorough sound exploration, a characteristic that Gabriella passionately embraces.

For 'Reflexiones', Gabriella surrounded herself with Christian Sean, a multi-instrumentalist and co-producer of the album. Their collaboration began with the song 'Ya sé ya sé' and has strengthened throughout the album's creation. Together, they have integrated a multitude of instruments, such as the saxophone, bass clarinet, and even a choir, the Petits Chanteurs de Charlesbourg, for the piece 'Vale la pena'. This multidimensional approach gives the album a unique sonic richness, confirming Gabriella Olivo as a distinctive figure in the Quebec music scene.

Source: Le Devoir

Élégie: A Breath of Punk Maturity 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 project, described as 'emo, loud, energetic', marks a notable evolution in the band's discography formed in the mid-2010s. After two EPs and a debut album, 'Romantisme', released in 2023 and praised with nominations at the GAMIQ, Élégie returns with a more mature and cohesive production.

Lawrence Villeneuve, the band's singer and guitarist, explains that the writing of this album was done through reflection on the transition from twenties to thirties. The themes addressed include youth, responsibility, and changes in social circles. The creation process was marked by a stronger recording, with particular attention paid to the tones of the instruments and the cohesion of the tracks.

Outside of music, Lawrence and Maxence work as carpenters-joiners, a contrast to Maxence's triple life, previously a doctor and model, presented in the documentary 'La meilleure façon, c’est par d’accident'. This duality between professional and artistic life is reflected in their music, where raw authenticity meets a new maturity.

Source: Sors-tu.ca

WAG ignites the Centre: Hub Créatif with an explosive launch

On September 19, the Quebec music scene was buzzing with numerous captivating events. Among them, the launch of the debut album by the post-hardcore band WAG particularly caught attention at the Centre: Hub Créatif. This band, which has distinguished itself with its unique and evolving style, presented their album titled 'The Whimsical And Glorious Show' to an enthusiastic audience.

The evening began with the Bellechasse trio Bardasse, who delivered an energetic garage punk performance. Despite a name that suggested French lyrics, the band surprised with a primarily English repertoire. This first impression was striking, laying the groundwork for a promising career for the group. Next, Brainfuzz took the stage, showcasing a beautiful evolution since their beginnings. The singer Laurie Constantin captivated the audience with her stage presence, while guitarist Steven Ouellet delivered an intense performance.

WAG closed the evening with a performance that confirmed their status as a leading band in the Quebec post-hardcore scene. Their inspired yet distinct sound won over the audience, particularly thanks to the overflowing energy of the mosh pit, animated by the Baboune crew. This album launch undeniably marked a turning point for WAG, consolidating their place in the Quebec music landscape.

Source: Écoute donc

A 922-kilometer run for Céline Dion

Caroline Branaa, a French influencer, recently accomplished a remarkable feat by running 922 kilometers to attend a Céline Dion concert in Paris. This challenge, which she completed in three weeks, showcases her determination and admiration for the famous Quebec singer.

This impressive journey has certainly attracted the attention of Céline Dion's fans, who is an iconic figure in the Quebec and international music scene. Although the event took place in Paris, it highlights the global impact of the artist and the passion she inspires in her admirers, even thousands of kilometers away from her native Quebec.

Source: Journal de Montréal

The Grapes of Wrath: Acoustic Return at Théâtre Petit Champlain

Kevin Kane and Tom Hooper, emblematic figures of the Canadian band The Grapes of Wrath, recently enchanted the Théâtre Petit Champlain with an acoustic performance that captivated music lovers from the 1980s and 1990s. By relying on guitars and vocal harmonies, the duo revisited several of their hits, immersing the audience in an intimate and nostalgic atmosphere. The choice of this acoustic format allowed for a rediscovery of classics such as 'Peace of Mind' and 'All the Things I Wasn’t', bringing spectators back to a time when the band was at its peak.

In the warm setting of Old Quebec, Kane and Hooper shared personal anecdotes, adding a touch of authenticity to their performance. The audience, composed of nostalgic fans, was able to appreciate stripped-down versions of lesser-known songs, as well as significant hits from the band's repertoire. The relaxing ambiance, enhanced by a light rain outside and the presence of curious tourists, contributed to making this evening a memorable moment for all fans of the 'Canadian Sound'. This return to roots demonstrated that the timeless music of The Grapes of Wrath continues to move and resonate, even decades after their heyday.

Source: Sors-tu.ca

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