If you are called a realistic singer, how do you react?
That suits me. I sing both committed texts like “La Jungle du capital” where I evoke the relationships between animals, ecology and the economy but also songs more focused on everyday life.
Five albums at 28 years old, that’s a nice achievement…
Oui, c&rsquo…
If you are called a realistic singer, how do you react?
That suits me. I sing both committed texts like “La Jungle du capital” where I evoke the relationships between animals, ecology and the economy but also songs more focused on everyday life.
Five albums at 28 years old, that’s a nice achievement…
Yes, that’s true. It was while listening to Félix Leclerc that I felt the need to express myself. In particular, to defend certain communities such as indigenous people but also women. Just after the health crisis, I participated in a festival. There were 13 groups, 13 groups of guys! It’s unbearable. In this, my job is great because we can get messages across.
What did young Émile listen to as a child?
Félix Leclerc, Beau Dommage, the Colocs, the Cowboys Fringants, Jean Leloup…
Could your latest album, “Au Bar des espoirs”, have been called “au bar désir”?
It’s obviously a play on words between hope and despair. On the one hand, I am devastated by certain decisions of the Quebec government that pays 7 million Canadian dollars to finance the arrival of a Californian hockey team to play a friendly match! While people are struggling to get treatment. But there is also hope with youth. I also sing hope but I’m tired of tunes [chansons en québécois, NDLR] who say “you’re beautiful, the sky is blue”!
I’m sick of tunes [chansons en québécois, NDLR] who say “you’re beautiful, the sky is blue”!
Listening to you, we say to ourselves that leaving childhood is not easy…
A few days ago, I sang for children near Lake Saint-Jean. In a society where you are expected to perform at work, in love and in sports, you can also be naive and remember that it is important to put your foot in the water. You have to stay in touch with your inner child.
Your song “Fleuve” is a magnificent ode to travel but also to the Saint-Laurent…
This river is directly linked to the history of Quebec. It is essential to me. I often go there to rest. For almost ten years, I have been playing everywhere, I have traveled the world, but I need to come back to my 400-year-old home, represented by the St. Lawrence.
You were very affected by the death last fall of Karl Tremblay, the singer of Cowboys Fringants. Have you planned a tribute on Thursday evening?
Yes, all Quebecers were devastated by the death of this very generous singer. I will sing “Tant qu’il y aura de l’amour” on Thursday in Saintes.
How many of you will be on stage?
I will be accompanied by Nathan Vanheuverouyn and Steve Lemay, we form a great trio.
What are your plans?
On June 28, 2025, I will give my last concert before a break of at least two years. I need to breathe, to see my family and friends. In October 2025, I will also release a live album recorded in the Magdalen Islands.
Thursday, August 22, starting at 7 p.m. at the Saint-Louis site in Saintes: Émile Bilodeau (Quebec); 8:15 p.m.: Gabi Hartman (France); 10 p.m.: Echoes of (France); 12:30 a.m.: Fakear (France). Admission: 35 euros.
