Apashe, Thierry Larose and Duu: Music News in Quebec for October 9, 2026

The Quebec music scene shines on this October 9 with significant events and captivating album releases. Apashe, in collaboration with the Orchestre symphonique de Montréal, kicked off a series of electro-classical concerts at the Maison symphonique, offering an unprecedented fusion of genres. The audience was able to appreciate the synergy between Apashe's electronic sounds and the orchestral virtuosity of the OSM musicians.

Meanwhile, Thierry Larose unveils "Le X du Y," his third album that explores new musical dimensions while paying tribute to Sylvain Lelièvre. For his part, Étienne Dupré, aka Duu, is set to release two albums inspired by Quebec's nature, 'Strobus' and 'Banksiana', each bringing a distinct and evocative sound ambiance.

Apashe and the OSM: Electro-Classical Fusion at the Maison symphonique

On Thursday night, the Maison symphonique de Montréal hosted the premiere of a series of three unique concerts, bringing together electro producer Apashe and the Orchestre symphonique de Montréal (OSM). Known for his integration of electronic and orchestral sounds, Apashe blended harmoniously with the symphonic ensemble, highlighting the musicians' virtuosity while enhancing his own compositions.

Nearly 150 artists, including OSM musicians and the Chœurs des Petits Chanteurs de Laval, participated in this large-scale event. Apashe, originally from Belgium but based in Montreal, chose a sober approach for this collaboration, contrasting with his past performances at the Jazz Festival. The concert mainly drew from his albums 'Renaissance' (2020), 'Antagonist' (2023), and the EP 'Hymns of Resilience'. 'Lacrimosa', a track from his mini-album 'Requiem' (2018), was also part of the program, alongside a musical interlude of Tchaikovsky played without electronic additions.

Seven guest artists featured on the albums enriched the show, adding an eclectic touch to the evening. The lighting effects and projections provided a captivating visual dimension while allowing space for the artists on stage. This performance offered an immersive experience, celebrating the meeting of classical and electronic music worlds.

Source: Sors-tu.ca

Thierry Larose: A New Musical Adventure with "Le X du Y"

Thierry Larose returns to the Quebec music scene with his third album, "Le X du Y," released on October 9. This opus marks a notable evolution in Larose's artistic journey, venturing into more experimental sounds. Songs like "Le X du Y," "Le X du Y 2," and "Monongahela" testify to this bold exploration, with a special collaboration on the latter with the late Sylvain Lelièvre. This new album retains Larose's sunny pop and gentle poetry while integrating new musical nuances.

On September 22, Larose organized a promotional day at the Knock-Out store, allowing fans to preview tracks from "Le X du Y". This meeting emphasized the importance of community for the artist, who created a friendly and intimate atmosphere. Since the release of his previous album, "Sprint!", Larose has gained confidence and recognition, encouraging him to push the boundaries of his creativity.

The album title, "Le X du Y", is a humorous reflection on the traditions of Quebec album titles, often constructed on the model of "something of something". Larose explains that this idea emerged from a game with his close ones, revealing an underlying story through the rhymes. This title choice illustrates the artist's ability to blend humor and critique while paying homage to a local musical tradition.

Source: Écoute donc

Interdit les chiens: When Improvisation Becomes Art

The Quebec trio Interdit les chiens, composed of Simon Trottier, Charles Blondeau, and Cédric Martel, has embarked on an unprecedented musical adventure. Without a pre-established plan, these seasoned musicians took over the Madame Wood studio in Montreal to create a unique project. The group, made up of members who have already proven themselves in bands such as Timber Timbre and Mauves, chose to create directly in the studio, skipping the traditional rehearsal space. For nine days, they explored the meanders of improvisation and spontaneous creation.

The punk rock and hardcore influences of the 1990s, which marked Simon Trottier's adolescence, are found in this new musical endeavor. With references to iconic bands like Bad Religion and NoFX, the sound of Interdit les chiens is a true ode to musical freedom. Charles Blondeau, co-owner of the studio, and Cédric Martel, known for his self-taught skills, each bring a unique touch to this project. Their collaboration, initially planned as a simple creation session, has evolved into an album that promises to captivate fans of unrestrained music.

Source: Sors-tu.ca

Duu: A Symphony in Two Parts for Quebec Nature

Étienne Dupré, the mind behind the musical project Duu, is set to unveil his second album, or rather his two albums, this Friday, October 9. Titled 'Strobus' and 'Banksiana', these distinct yet complementary works are inspired by white and gray pines, emblematic trees of Quebec's flora. Each album offers a unique ambiance: 'Strobus' presents a more folk and stripped sound, while 'Banksiana' adopts a bolder rock approach. This musical duality reflects Étienne Dupré's passion for nature and his desire to share this ecological heritage with the public.

The release of these albums will be celebrated at Club Pays, an independent cultural space located on Plaza St-Hubert in Montreal. The event promises an immersive experience with a multimedia installation combining music and conference. Étienne Dupré, also a member of the rock trio zouz, uses his Duu project to encourage a deeper connection with nature, which he sees as a strong identity element of Quebec. By listening to 'Strobus' and 'Banksiana', listeners are invited on a sonic journey that begins softly and ends on sharper notes, a musical path that well reflects the diversity and richness of Quebec's nature.

Source: Sors-tu.ca

GAMIQ 2026: Nominations Revealed for an Electrifying Gala

The Gala Alternatif de la Musique Indépendante du Québec (GAMIQ) is set to celebrate its 21st edition on November 29 at Foufounes Électriques. The event, hosted by Benoit Poirier, promises a tight competition with the recent publication of the nominations list. Unlike last year when Cassidy swept 12 awards, this time the distribution is more balanced. Eight projects stand out with three nominations each: Alphonse Bisaillon, Malaimé Soleil, Taxi Girls, Éléonore Dessureault, Marie Céleste, Douance, Afternoon Bike Ride, and Guhn Twei.

The flagship category, Artist of the Year, sees Marie Céleste, Malaimé Soleil, VioleTT Pi, Virginie B, and Gab Bouchard competing. The Revelation of the Year highlights emerging talents such as Alice Bro, Alphonse Bisaillon, Éléonore Dessureault, Thee Soreheads, and Luan Larobina, the latter having won the last Francouvertes competition. The GAMIQ, always looking to the future, also offers the Hope 2027 category with artists like Beluet, Cath Darbouz, and Chloé Jara-Buto.

Out of a total of 37 categories, 17 are dedicated to albums or EPs covering a wide range of musical genres, from rock to indie pop, hip-hop, and jazz. Finally, in the Media of the Year category, Sors-tu? and Canal auditif are vying for recognition. The complete list of nominees is available for those who wish to discover all the talents in the running this year.

Source: Sors-tu.ca

Romie Lacasse Addresses Mental Health with "Monstre"

Romie Lacasse, a young Quebec singer, unveils her new track titled "Monstre" today. This title marks an important personal and artistic step for the artist, who directly addresses her own anxiety disorders. With this song, Romie seeks to break the taboos surrounding mental health, a topic still too often overlooked in our society.

Romie's choice to tackle this delicate theme reflects her desire to raise public awareness of these issues while sharing an intimate part of her experience. "Monstre" aims to be a musical catharsis, providing both an outlet for herself and a source of identification for those experiencing similar situations. By releasing this new single, Romie Lacasse asserts herself not only as a committed artist but also as a voice carrying a message of openness and understanding.

Source: Journal de Montréal

Beatrice Deer Enchants the Palais Montcalm with Her Inuuk Music

The Palais Montcalm recently hosted the event Kwatriho’tat! – "Let's Listen, Everyone!", where Inuuk artist Beatrice Deer delivered a memorable performance in the Youville hall. Before an attentive audience, Deer presented a unique repertoire blending indie rock, lyrical flights, and throat singing. Her performance transported spectators to Quartaq, a village on the shores of Ungava Bay, through stories steeped in legends and Inuuk culture.

Accompanied by Jérôme Beaulieu on piano and keyboards, and Jordey Tucker on electric guitar, Beatrice Deer performed tracks from her various albums, including her latest opus, "Inuit Legend". She captivated the audience with tales of goddesses, giants, and magical animals, while paying tribute to her family with songs like the hymn of Quartaq, written by her father, and "Mother", dedicated to her mother. Deer, who made her stage outfit herself, also shared her handcrafted creations after the concert.

Nominated at the ADISQ gala for Indigenous Artist of the Year and Album of the Year in Indigenous Language, as well as at the GAMIQ for Indie Rock Album or EP, Beatrice Deer continues to make her mark on the Quebec music scene with her talent and authenticity.

Source: Écoute donc

Sandrine Masse Enchants Chez Madame Belley

On September 24, Sandrine Masse delivered a memorable performance at Palais Montcalm as part of the Kwatriho’tat! "Let's Listen, Everyone!" event. Hailing from Gaspésie and rooted in a cultural blend of Wendat and Quebecois, the singer captivated the audience with 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. She also gave a preview of her upcoming EP in October, "Les veilleuses".

Sandrine Masse, a graduate of the École nationale de la chanson, was accompanied by Renaud Berthelot on piano. Together, they performed pieces imbued with poetry, including "Les soufflées", an ode to autumn, and "L'autruche", a reflection on the end of the world. Berthelot also played his composition "Un Phenix dans la neige" while Sandrine played the viola, adding musical depth to the performance.

Sandrine's lyrics, rich in imagery and emotion, continue to resonate long after the show, captivating music lovers with their sincerity and beauty. This concert was a true celebration of Quebec music and cultural diversity, confirming Sandrine Masse as an artist to watch closely.

Source: Écoute donc

The GAMIQ 2026: Between Artistic Recognition and Popular Mobilization

The debate surrounding the Gala alternatif de la musique indépendante du Québec (GAMIQ) is intensifying with the announcement of a new voting formula for its 2026 edition. By giving equal weight to public votes and jury votes, the GAMIQ has sparked discussions about the relevance of this approach. Andrew Wells-Oberegger, an artist linked to La Nef musicale, criticizes this decision, calling it a "popularity contest" that could diminish the value of the awards given.

The GAMIQ organizers defend this method by stating that it aims to increase interest in the Quebec independent music scene. With only 4% of new music listened to on platforms, they believe it is essential to engage the public to ensure the discoverability of artists. The gala, which will take place at Foufounes Électriques on November 29, thus seeks to become a visibility engine for emerging talents while rewarding creative works.

Source: Sors-tu.ca

Kim Zombik Dazzles at Festival Flux with "Origin Stories"

The Festival Flux 2026 offered a unique experience to jazz and poetry lovers with the presentation of excerpts from "Origin Stories", a work in development by Kim Zombik. This performance, held at Sala Rossa, allowed the audience to dive into the autobiographical universe of the artist, blending jazz and oral poetry with remarkable intensity.

Although the work is not yet finished, the excerpts presented were praised for their depth and quality of interpretation. Kim Zombik, known for her innovative approach and ability to marry different artistic mediums, captivated the audience with a project that promises to materialize next spring.

This evening at Festival Flux was thus an opportunity to discover an artist in full exploration of her artistic identity, offering a privileged glimpse into her creative process. "Origin Stories" is set to become a significant work in the Quebec musical landscape, reflecting Kim Zombik's talent and ambition.

Source: Sors-tu.ca

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