The Shirley’s dream summer | The Press

There was of course the show opening for Foo Fighters, at the Verdun Auditorium, on July 10th. But since the beginning of the summer, the members of the group Les Shirley are on all the scenes. They are also the only element separating Dave Grohl from Patrick Norman. Explanations.

Less than 24 hours before participating in Cowansville at the same festival as Simple Plan, Raphaëlle Chouinard receives a text message from Quebec icons of pop punk. Does she know the words of jet lagthis 2010 song in duet with Marie-Mai?

“I said yes, but it was no longer no,” laughs the singer and guitarist of the Shirleys. Which brings us to the next question: what is true friendship? Answer: listen jet lag loop on the road separating Sherbrooke from Cowansville.

“I practiced it so much in the tank,” explains drummer Lisandre Bourdages, also laughing. She adds, full of tenderness, speaking directly to her friend: “And you did that very well. »

The risk of dreams come true

Be careful what you wish for. Raphaëlle, Lisandre and Sarah Dion (bassist) repeat this phrase to each other each time nervousness paralyzes them, like when they were about to open for Billy Talent and Weezer at the Festival d’été de Québec in front of 60,000 people, or when their schedules threaten to burst. They founded Les Shirley in 2018 for the pure pleasure of playing rock with friends, but have never put aside their flourishing careers as accompanists.

“The beginning of your summer was right insane “Exclaims Raphaëlle to Sarah, who, since the arrival of good weather, goes on stage three or four times a week. The Shirleys were all in different cities at the time of our visiojasette.

In addition to holding the four strings within the trio, Sarah Dion plays drums with the punk group NOBRO, as well as with Émile Bilodeau and Marilyne Léonard. She was also enthroned behind the cymbals during the big national holiday show in Quebec, in which Patrick Noman took part.

To the quiz question: “What is the link between the interpreter of When we are in love and Dave Grohl? you can now answer: Sarah Dion.

Lisandre Bourdages was part of Patrice Michaud’s summer caravan, in addition to being part of the NOBRO and Comment Debord roster. Raphaelle Chouinard? You can see him on guitar with Zoo Baby, Emma Beko, Thierry Larose and Micmac rapper Q052.

More Women on Stage. The message written on the t-shirt worn by Raphaëlle on July 10 in Verdun is clearly beginning to penetrate people’s minds. “A few years ago, we cried loud and clear: “Open your eyes, hire us, we are capable”, remembers Sarah. Whereas today, we are hired because it is known that we are good. »

get tripped up

How did the music from the two fabulous Shirley albums reach Dave Grohl’s ears? Theories diverge. But one thing is certain: the singer of Foo Fighters did his own research. ” I watched all your YouTube videos “, he launched to them when visiting them in their dressing room, at the Verdun Auditorium.

The no less legendary guitarist Pat Smear also showed up. Lisandre: “He came into our dressing room two minutes before we went on stage and he said: Hey, guys, can I take a picture with you? » He was so sweet. »

Last May, Sarah and Lisandre opened with NOBRO for Blink-182 in Toronto. Radically different experience. “That’s a stalker of big stars who think they’re stars,” laments Sarah, still a little bewildered. As soon as they move, everyone freeze. You hardly have the right to look them in the eye. It’s enjoyable for absolutely no one. »

“That’s what struck me the most with the Foo, continues Raphaëlle. Everyone was chatting in the corridors or around the open bar, it was relaxed. The guys still like and talk to each other. And musically, they love each other, it seems. That’s what I would like to stay forever between the three of us. »

Born into the last great era of MusiquePlus, Les Shirleys have known for a long time that they will make music their life. It was first on her older brother’s guitar that Sarah Dion got her start.

“Then at some point I asked my parents to play the drums. Until then, nothing interested me, I didn’t like other people, I didn’t have many friends, I didn’t go outside much. But when they saw that I was finally interested in something, they told me go. When I was 10, I had my drum lessons every Friday night and from then on, I never had a plan B again.”