Totalement Sublime, ambient pop, and synth infusion
To get the first showcase evening at Ausgang Plaza off to a strong start, M For Montréal gave the microphone to the French-speaking electro-pop group, Totalement Sublime. Previously a duo composed of Marc-Antoine Barbier and Élie Raymond, the formation is now a trio with Thomas Bruneau Faubert who joined over time. Élie plays the drums at the back of the stage, Marc-Antoine jumps on the guitar and even the saxophone while Thomas is in front of his synthesizer. Together, they create soaring music that quietly covers the walls of the room. The synth layers are very present and coat everything. Both original members mix their smooth vocals into the arrangements. Both use it as an instrument and it is sometimes difficult to hear them. Repetition is at the heart of their art and transports the audience into a sonic spiral. Distortion effects are heard here and there, then the audience applauds. There is no doubt, the trio knew how to charm the various observers present.
Kanen, promising young Innu Voice
Directly after the performance of Totalement Sublime, we change sides of the street and musical register to find ourselves at Ausgang to see Kanen, this young Innu singer-songwriter that everyone is talking about, on stage. A little over a week ago, the 24-year-old young artist was crowned “Revelation of the Year” and “Indigenous Artist of the Year” at the 45th ADISQ Gala. Let’s see what she comes up with!
Kanen transports his pop-folk in a beautiful way on stage and the rendering reveals a more assertive rock facet. The musicians who accompany him are excellent; drums and electric guitar are predominant. Originally from the community of Uashat Mak Mani-utenam near Sept-Îles, she alternates between the language of her ancestors and French. With her voice both soft and powerful, Kanen connects directly to her audience through the emotions she conveys. We quickly understand all the excitement about it.
Mattmac, resilience incarnate
With his white cane, Mattmac, real name Matthews Monias, comes on stage and is guided near the microphone. Originally from the Garden Hill First Nation in Manitoba, the 23-year-old rapper was born blind. What is quite impressive is that he creates almost all of his music from A to Z, without being held back a bit by his disability.
In recent years, he has won various awards and made his mark in the world of rap. His story is inspiring and his courage is transposed into his texts. His productions are hip-hop & R&B and influenced by American rap. Mattmac offers melodic rap with verses cut like clockwork. It’s during the choruses that he’s at his best and manages to get the crowd singing along. He ended his performance with “Rez,” his most popular song inspired by Akon’s “Ghetto.” Mattmac’s music is not revolutionary, but they are still quality rap songs and we salute the man’s immense resilience.
Photos by Camille Gladu Drouin
