Julie Gariépy knows Quebecois songs. She has worked at ADISQ for 25 years, including 10 years as producer of the prestigious gala. Each year it receives more than 200 new albums and works to give visibility to all styles to offer a celebration that reflects our musical and scenic Quebec. This year the gala celebrates its 45th anniversary. Louis-José Houde has been responsible for the organization for 18 yearse Year. Sunday will therefore be a day of celebration. Among them are Ginette Reno, FouKi, Alexandra Stréliski, Daniel Bélanger, Loud, Maten, Martine St-Clair, Salebarbes, Clay and Friends, Pierre Kwenders, Raccoon and Patrick Norman.
Julie Gariépy Photo provided by Laurence Labat
How do we approach a gala in 2023 when ratings are falling and the allocation of categories is being questioned?
We have to pay attention to everything and at the same time be the most attractive to the public. We all do the same work (compared to other galas), but our theme is different. We have music. It is an interesting material to create. We have eight blocks, eight services. Sometimes we present a performance as it is because people want to hear it, other times we create pairings and worlds that we don’t expect. It is a big task for the small artistic team and for the musical director. The strength of ADISQ is the team. Jocelyn Barnabé (director) and Chantal Lépine (producer) are in their 25th gala, David Laflèche (musical director) came like Louis-José 18 years ago. Freelancers, department heads and technicians also return every year, sometimes for 20 years. Everyone has a passion for music. Geneviève Dorion-Coupal will direct. A very humane woman who works with finesse and sensitivity and has a beautiful stylistic vision.
We often talk about diversity. We also talk about genres. The next generation appears ever more dynamic. How do you manage to create a beautiful balance?
The music illustrates diversity well and we make it our mission to show it. Since 2018, a Félix has been awarded to honor an indigenous artist. It was a game changer. The public, who mainly knew Florent Vollant, discovers at least five to six artists every year. We have added services. There are eight instead of six. It adds space. Our mission is to promote French-language songs. We do it equally. At the moment, ADISQ is introducing gender-specific categories (male and female performers). Parity in the industry is still fragile. As for the next generation, that’s fascinating, but I think there’s always a wind of renewal. Five years ago, Hubert Lenoir, Roxane Bruneau, Loud and Les Louanges were on the rise. It is certain that it is the emerging artists who have suffered the most from the pandemic. But since then they have exploded.
How would you describe Louis-José Houde as a host?
He is dedicated and loves local music very much. He is a musician himself and has great respect for artists. He enjoys thinking about numbers with artists. I’m thinking of the piano bar number with Ariane Moffatt. Louis-José is an excellent ambassador. When it comes to writing his opening number, he has great humorous intelligence.
Does the 45the Anniversary of the gala and the 18th animation by Louis-José Houde are highlighted?
We will celebrate each other. I can’t talk about the numbers so it won’t be a surprise, but there will be some amazing numbers. Every gala is a big challenge. In one year we received 262 albums across all genres and 75 shows were submitted across the 60 categories (there are three Galas: Industry Gala, Premier Gala and ADISQ Gala). The result of the nominations usually provides a good overview of the services to be offered.
What unforgettable moments from your time at the gala do you remember?
In my first year of production (2013) we formed a duo with Boogat and Marie-Mai, who sang in French and Spanish. From that moment on, I saw that we had the opportunity to do anything. I also remember the homage to René Angélil (in 2016). Céline Dion was present to receive the Félix. The team carefully asked her if she wanted to sing. She had accepted. It’s a magical moment. I think the roof of the Place des Arts has moved a little. For our 40th birthday, it was an artistic masterpiece to perform a medley of 40 songs in six minutes with Mario Pelchat, Guylaine Tanguay, Martine St-Clair and Maxime Landry. And the teaming up of Bruno Pelletier and Mario Pelchat last year was a great coup.
► ADISQ Gala, Sunday, November 5th, 8 p.m., HERE TV