For the past two months, the 21 participants in the Francoouvertes competition have been fighting a bitter battle. There are only three left who will face off in the grand final of those 27 on Mondaye Editing. Who are Jeanne Côté, Héron and Parazar? The newspaper asked these artists who make folk-pop, trad-pop and rap four questions.
How did your musical project begin?
Jeanne Cote: “When I was little, I wanted to write novels. It never let go of me, but in high school I wanted to try my hand at songwriting just to see it. […] I started doing this more seriously with my first band, Premier Toit, and then I took over my solo songs on my own behalf by participating in Ma première Place des Arts in 2018.”
Heron: “I moved to Montreal from Quebec during the pandemic. I was looking for a job and wanted to start a personal artistic project that would come as close as possible to me and my musical roots. I wanted to explore Queb folk music, which was the first genre of music that made me want to write songs. »
Parazar: “About three years ago I thought about getting into comedy. I went into the studio with the aim of making a song to accompany this project. That’s when I changed direction and discovered this hidden talent. Also, that’s why I’m called Parazar. »
Photo courtesy of Julio Alejandro
parazar
Why was that? important to you to participate in it Francouvertes This year ?
Jeanne Cote: “Competitions are often seen as a must for emerging artists in Quebec. […] Since 2014 I have tried almost all of them. The francouvertes were like the icing on the cake: I had tried it several times and thought it would be my last try this year, whatever the result… and it worked! »
Heron: “I wanted to attend the Francoouvertes because I thought it would be an incredible opportunity to do shows and launch Héron. I think I needed a concrete goal to get the project started even though an EP is already done and will be released soon. »
Parazar: “For the visibility that this showcase offers and also to gain a little more experience on stage. »
Photo provided by Sami Chaouki
heron
Is the competition over? as you imagined?
Jeanne Cote: “I hadn’t really imagined the competition, it’s often pointless to want to plan such things. I like doing shows and I like communicating with the audience, I am very well accompanied, I love my musicians: I embarked on it with the hope that this magical and difficult to describe love will be felt and with the desire to be myself discovering new people. Until then I am satisfied! »
Heron: “Not at all, in the sense that I really didn’t expect to be in the final. The preliminary rounds and semi-finals were also our first band shows, so I really had no expectations. That it went well and the public response is so positive really gives confidence in this project and the approach behind it. »
Parazar: “Yes and even better! The experience gained, the encounters through the Francoouvertes and the presence of the music industry were more present than I would have thought. »
How do you imagine that? the grand finale?
Jeanne Cote: “We do 25 to 30 minute shows. It blows over. I want to enjoy every second on stage. It’s super exciting to play at Club Soda, my biggest venue to date. I’ve seen a lot of shows there, it will be fun to find myself on the other side. Done there, I don’t worry about the competition part anymore. It will definitely be an emotional evening, I’m ready and can’t wait! »
Heron: “It’s going to be a big party first of all, I think! Les Francoouvertes is still a competition, so there is a certain amount of stress involved in this whole process. It will be cool to play Club Soda, the energy will be amazing and after that the stress will slowly subside. Regardless of the finale’s outcome, it will be a great moment of sharing with the band and the other finalists. I look forward to it! »
Parazar: “No matter what happens, for me I’ve already got the best of it, nice memories and nice moments that I’ve shared with the audience. My team and I are already very proud to have made it to the final! »
The Francoouvertes final will take place on Monday at 7:30 p.m. at Club Soda. The event will also be streamed online at thepointofsale.com