Discovery | The apprenticeship of Marie Céleste

The Marie Céleste band presents itself to the world with Fires of joy, first lyrical album whose influences wander between Harmonium and Karkwa. First meeting with a group of happily ambitious friends.

The course

Marie Céleste is the story of five friends who attend the same high school in Alma, some of whom have known each other since elementary school: Simon Duchesne, Philippe Plourde, Olivier Tremblay, Zachary Tremblay and Guillaume Sliger. “We had all had musical projects elsewhere, but it was when we presented ourselves at Secondary in show It’s been six years since we set the first milestone for the group,” says Simon. They then cut their teeth in their region with a few shows per year, but they believe that they became more serious in their intentions two years ago. “What changed the dynamic was when we received feedback that was not positive,” recalls Philippe. In 2022, we sent an application to Francouvertes, which was refused. It gave us a more realistic view of the facts. Afterwards, a bit of ego came on board…” Olivier completes. “And from this ego came the desire to perfect ourselves in our art and our abilities as musicians! » Their application was accepted the following year by the Francouvertes, and the group advanced to the semi-finals of the competition.

The group

The five musicians have worked hard to “professionalize” themselves for two years, with the significant contribution of sound engineer Amaury Pluvinage, who became their artistic director. It was he who had the idea of ​​integrating Étienne Coppée into the co-production of the album. “Étienne helped us a lot with the texts, the interpretation, the structure,” explains Simon, who shares the role of songwriter with Philippe. Now aged 22 to 24, the five musicians have moved to Montreal – a somewhat difficult time for Philippe, lead singer of the group, who to fill his schedule participated in The voice, alongside the Francouvertes. Recruited into Marjo’s team, he made it as far as direct, but there is no question of trying his luck solo. “I like the slow pace of creation with the group. » “And we must not forget that we are friends above all,” said Zachary. Simon, who also has a career as a comedian and actor, agrees. “I see art as something 100% collective. » And he still can’t believe that Marjo went to see them perform at the Francouvertes. “That was sick!” »

The music

The five musicians all draw on the same references, rock from the 1960s, prog from the 1970s, alternative rock from the 1990s and 2000s. “But we all have something specific that we like more,” explains Simon. Between folk, psychedelic and jazz, if we made a Venn diagram, there would certainly emerge a love for rock, but not just any rock. “What interests us is the pinnacle of the evolution of a rock band,” says Philippe. They also have in common a dislike of repetition, Zachary adds, which is why the album offers a range of influences. “We wanted to give a taste of all the directions we can go. Each song has a different vibe,” explains Simon. We hear as many references to Harmonium as to Karkwa – “It’s in our DNA, we can’t deny it” – but they also want to move away from it, so as to “not repeat what was done” . They have their ears wide open to what is happening elsewhere and dream of spreading to other countries, like Hubert Lenoir or Corridor. “We have the ambition to do something with an international quality seal,” says Philippe.

Language

“If music becomes more international, the Quebec contribution will be in the language,” believes Simon. That of Philippe B and Fred Fortin, who, because they sing in French, “speaks about them, but also about us,” adds Philippe. Several of the songs on the album date from their adolescence and the two authors still consider themselves “novices” when it comes to writing. “There is one called War, which has disappeared… and that’s so much the better! », laughs Simon. Zachary emphasizes the humility of his colleagues. “They really take care of what they write! I saw them reworking texts for weeks. » In contrast to a more “personal” style of writing, Marie Céleste demonstrates a certain taste for lyricism, epic stories and poetic images. “As a group, for us to identify, we have to be more open, in the big,” explains Philippe. Simon still wants to be “a more concrete step” in his next songs – the excellent On the hand is a good example – a question of talking more about our times. But one thing will not change, and that is the desire to tell stories. ” Yes ! In Quebec, we have roots as storytellers. »

The following

The group is preparing for its launch shows in Montreal and Quebec, and hopes to tour in the summer. “We hope to play… and we will play! », says Simon. “We have the knife between our teeth,” adds Philippe. And we want to get out of the Quebec-Montreal-Alma corridor, to have a network everywhere. What is strong in Quebec is word of mouth, small venues. It will be a year of provincial influence! » While they released the album independently, but supported by the “à la carte services” of Maison Bonbonbon – press relations, radio tracking – they continued to learn the ropes of their profession and felt privileged of the welcome they receive. “We feel a little less intruder. » Their goal: to release an album in the fall, especially since they already have plenty of songs in the bank and there is no shortage of inspiration. “We still have a lot of game and juice. »

Rock

Fires of joy

Marie Celeste

Independent