The members of the group Les Shirley do not give in half measures and it is like their second album, More is More. ” If something excites them, they weigh on the gas, ”says Marie-Pierre Arthur, who is co-producing songs that are not hers for the first time.
Posted at 11:00 a.m.
At 11 a.m. in their rehearsal room — the same as a certain Céline Dion in another era — Raphaëlle Chouinard, Sarah Dion and Lisandre Bourdages are lit with the same ardent fire that ignites their music. “Their energy is in the mat”, could not say Marie-Pierre Arthur better.
In our terrific 60-minute interview with Les Shirley and their co-producer, of course we talked about the new album More is Morebut also the credits of 4 and a half…, the fun of being “tippy” and the pop of Aqua and Debbie Gibson. “What I like about them is that there is no discussion about whether something is done or not,” says Marie-Pierre Arthur. If something excites them, they weigh on the gas. »
PHOTO MARTIN CHAMBERLAND, THE PRESS
Marie Pierre Arthur
A pop song like Get a Grip ? Yes. Vocal harmonies inspired by Photograph by Def Leppard on Random Call ? Yes. Tell the journalist the genesis of the song No Tomorrow at a party under the influence in violation of curfew? Yes. “You had to hear the demo…”, says Marie-Pierre Arthur.
Raphaëlle Chouinard, Sarah Dion and Lisandre Bourdages were convinced that Marie-Pierre Arthur was a Shirley at heart before approaching her. “She is so easy and easy going. We have the same humor and the same vision of life and music,” says Lisandre.
To find out all about the qualities required to be a Shirley, see our interview with the trio for the release of their first album.
More vulnerability
If Marie-Pierre Arthur accepted a first directorship, it was because she was already a fan Shirley rock. “When I listen to their music, I feel at home. »
In this house, grunge, punk-rock, pop melodies and an assumed influence for the group Haim coexist. On More is More, The Shirleys, however, raise more existential questions. “The subjects are more deep “explains Lisandre.
Marie Pierre [Arthur] helped us remove the bark and be full vulnerable.
Sarah Dion, member of the Shirleys
As a lyricist, Raphaëlle affirms that certain pieces are “leaps into the void”. Especially the ballad On and Onwhich can recall Beach House before its epic finale, and which wants to be an outstretched hand to a loved one who has a lot on his conscience.
On American Boy, Raphaëlle is “coming in”. “She reveals to us that she once had feelings for a guy,” Sarah says.
“The only time in my life,” says Raphaëlle. It was super confronting for me. »
However, it is indeed a question of a girl on Cold Turkey… “It’s recent too! A fling vacation. Short and intense. »
Nostalgia nineties
On Random Call a spirit of sex, drugs and rock ‘n’ roll floats as heavy and nirvanesque guitar chords take us back to the decade nineties on Nothing Compares.
That’s a lot of nostalgia, Les Shirleys. We play the music we would have liked to hear when we were young. At the time, the narrative of pop-punk-rock was mostly from the point of view of the guys.
Raphaëlle Chouinard, member of the Shirleys
It is therefore with a feminist look that the trio revives the revolt of grunge. It’s evident in the song It’s Timewhich echoes #metoo.
Contagious enthusiasm
While the news coming out of the music industry is more bad than good these days, it’s a breath of fresh air to interview Les Shirley. When asked if it was frustrating to release a debut album in the midst of a pandemic in March 2021, they said they were rather pleased with the reception and the performances that followed.
Like Les Shirley, Marie-Pierre Arthur thrives on pop rock, but also on enthusiasm and emulation in the studio. “It’s easy to have ideas about good stock. The tunes gave me a lot of juice and the girls were always upbeat. »
Marie-Pierre Arthur should also share the stage with Les Shirley at the launch scheduled for Montreal on November 24 at the Fairmount Theater. This is without counting the two guitarists who will come to lend a hand to the trio given the denser and more constructed sound of More is More. “There will be seven of us on stage,” rejoices Sarah.
As long as to weigh on the gas…
In addition to the Shirleys…
In addition to their trio, the members of the Shirleys are called upon as freelancers in addition to evolving in several musical formations. Lisandre and Sarah are in NORBRO. The first is also part of Comment debord and she will be a percussionist at the Gala de l’ADISQ, while the second is touring with Émile Bilodeau and has just shared the stage with Daniel Bélanger. Sarah also plays in Bermuda with Raphaëlle who collaborates with Emma Beko.
Rock
More is More
The Shirleys
Independent