Apashe, Charlebois and Larose: Music News in Quebec from October 8, 2026

The Quebec music scene is buzzing with a series of significant events. Apashe, a Belgian-born electro composer deeply rooted in Montreal, collaborates with the Orchestre symphonique de Montréal for three sold-out evenings, offering an unprecedented electro-symphonic fusion.

Meanwhile, Robert Charlebois, an iconic figure in Quebec music, unveils his project 'Charlebois symphonique', which reinvents his classics under a new orchestral dimension. Additionally, Thierry Larose returns with a third introspective album, 'Le X du Y', marking a personal turning point in his career.

Apashe and the OSM: A Sold-Out Electro-Symphonic Fusion

Electro composer Apashe, originally from Belgium but well established in the Montreal music scene, is about to undertake an unprecedented collaboration with the Orchestre symphonique de Montréal (OSM). This exceptional event will take place at the Maison symphonique de Montréal over three consecutive evenings, all of which are already sold out. This meeting between electro and symphonic music promises a unique sonic experience, merging two musical universes often perceived as opposites.

Apashe, known for his powerful and energetic compositions, joins forces with the OSM to deliver a performance that promises to push the boundaries of traditional music genres. This collaboration is an opportunity for the composer to reinterpret his works with a new orchestral dimension, thereby enriching his repertoire and that of the orchestra. The Montreal audience, always eager for new musical experiences, has responded enthusiastically, filling the hall for these three exceptional performances.

Source: La Presse

Robert Charlebois Unveils 'Charlebois symphonique'

Robert Charlebois, an emblematic figure in Quebec music, recently revealed the list of tracks that will make up his ambitious project, 'Charlebois symphonique'. This project will take the form of both a film and an album, offering a new dimension to his already rich repertoire. Admirers will be able to rediscover his classics reimagined with a symphonic touch, promising an unprecedented auditory experience.

While the specific details regarding the selected tracks remain to be confirmed, the announcement has generated great excitement among fans and symphonic music lovers. This project reflects Charlebois's ongoing innovation, as he is not afraid to explore new artistic horizons. The anticipation is palpable for this new work, which promises to mark a turning point in his already impressive career.

Source: Journal de Montréal

Thierry Larose Reveals 'Le X du Y'

Thierry Larose, the Quebec singer-songwriter, returns to the forefront with his third album titled 'Le X du Y'. Known for his tendency to hide behind characters in his previous works, Larose chooses this time for a more personal and direct approach. The album cover, featuring a close-up of him, already symbolizes this desire to present himself in a new light.

In this opus, Thierry Larose abandons the flowery language that characterized his earlier albums for more autobiographical lyrics. One song in particular, 'Brille encore', addresses the delicate theme of losing a friend, pushing the artist to write without emotional barriers. This piece, the most challenging to compose emotionally according to Larose, marks a turning point in his approach to musical writing.

The album 'Le X du Y' also marks a stage of maturity for Larose, who recognizes the importance of revealing himself and sharing his personal experiences. This introspective approach is the result of a shared reflection with Rachel Leblanc, known as Vanille, who has also chosen to present herself more authentically in her latest project. Together, they illustrate an artistic evolution that prioritizes honesty and vulnerability.

Source: Le Devoir

Gabriella Olivo: A Multifaceted Artist

Gabriella Olivo, a promising new voice in the Quebec music scene, makes her debut with an album that reflects her diverse cultural roots. Born in Stoneham to a Quebecois father and a Mexican mother, she fully embraces her dual identities through multilingual indie pop music. Her first album, sung in French, Spanish, and English, showcases her determination to make no compromises in her artistic expression.

Gabriella Olivo's album stands out for its ability to merge varied cultural influences while maintaining musical coherence. By juggling three languages, she offers a unique perspective on the Quebec music scene while paying homage to her Mexican roots. This personal and authentic project promises to captivate a diverse audience eager to discover an artist who refuses to limit herself to a single identity.

Source: La Presse

Sandrine Masse Enchants at Chez Madame Belley with Her Poetic Compositions

On September 24, Sandrine Masse delivered a captivating performance at the Palais Montcalm as part of the Kwatriho’tat! 'Let’s Listen, Everyone!'. Hailing from Gaspésie, this talented artist, born to a Wendat father and a Quebecois mother, presented pieces from her repertoire, including songs from her upcoming EP, 'Les veilleuses', set for release in October. She also revisited tracks from her first EP, 'L’ours noir', released in 2022, as well as from her album 'Là où la terre est', released in 2024.

Accompanied by Renaud Berthelot on piano, who performed his own composition 'Un Phenix dans la neige', Sandrine Masse managed to touch the audience with her sublime voice and her lyrics rich in poetic imagery. Among the standout pieces, 'Les soufflées' particularly resonated, an ode to autumn, the artist's favorite season. Other songs like 'L’autruche', which addresses the end of the world, and 'Les moutons', about insomnia, testify to the originality and depth of her writing. A graduate of the École nationale de la chanson, Sandrine Masse is an artist to watch closely on the Quebec scene.

Source: Écoute donc

Kim Zombik Unveils the First Glimpses of Origin Stories at the Flux Festival

On the seventh day of the Flux Festival, the audience was able to discover the first excerpts from a developing work, 'Origin Stories', by jazz musician and spoken word artist Kim Zombik. Presented at Sala Rossa, this multidisciplinary autobiographical creation is expected to be completed next spring. Zombik, inspired by her late encounter with her father, explores profound themes such as segregation and mixed identity through spoken word monologues and jazz compositions.

The project, created in collaboration with double bassist Nicolas Caloia, a member of the duo Silvervest, stands out for its ability to address complex subjects without falling into moralizing discourse. The excerpts presented allowed the audience to hear touching and authentic stories, such as that of a grandmother sharing her memories or young girls transforming a jump rope into a percussion instrument. Zombik's performance was praised for its accuracy, brilliantly embodying the various characters in her narrative.

Source: Sors-tu.ca

Thee Soreheads and Delilah Bon: Feminist Energy at L'Anti

On September 16, L'Anti Bar & Spectacles in Quebec City hosted a resolutely feminist and queer-friendly evening with Thee Soreheads and Delilah Bon. The Montreal quartet Thee Soreheads, composed of Maria, Ally, Hugh, and drummer seyjii, set the stage ablaze with their engaged garage punk. The band, which has already captivated audiences at the Cabaret Festif, delivered an intense performance, addressing themes such as consent and harassment, all with raw and uncompromising energy.

Their set included impactful tracks such as 'I'm Not Your Fucking Sex Doll' and 'No Means No!', reinforcing their feminist message. A music video is expected in November, funded by their grant from the Cabaret, and an album is planned for 2027. Meanwhile, Delilah Bon, on her Canadian tour, also made a memorable impression with her stage presence. The evening captivated a diverse audience, despite a few disruptors quickly removed by the intensity of the message and the music.

Source: Écoute donc

SOCAN Awards 2026: Peter Peter Honored

The SOCAN Awards 2026 celebrate this year renowned artists, including iconic figures from the Canadian and Quebec music scenes. Jessie Reyez and Drake, two heavyweights of the industry, will receive special honors for their lifetime achievements, highlighting their significant impact on music in Canada and internationally.

Quebec's Peter Peter stands out particularly by receiving the award '1 International Footprint'. This award highlights his ability to showcase Quebec music beyond borders. Known for his unique style that blends pop and electronic sounds, Peter Peter has made a name for himself on the international stage, and this award is a well-deserved recognition.

These awards reflect the diversity and richness of the Canadian music scene, where artists from different backgrounds continue to make an impact and assert themselves on the global stage.

Source: La Presse

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