Thanks to a grant from the Government of Quebec’s Young Volunteers program, and months of hard work, the young artist’s first album was officially launched on Sept. 30.

Responsible for the entire development process and deployment of her work, Girard now travels to theatres in Greater Montreal, to the delight of the Quebec public.

Journey

Girard made her debut in music by singing in a choir, then in musical comedy at Georges-Vanier high school in Duvernay. She continued to gain experience by attending Cégep Marie-Victorin, and McGill University in jazz singing.

In addition to pursuing her musical career, the young woman is a music teacher, and works in the restaurant industry.

For Some Reason

The album has 13 songs and is titled like of of them. When asked why that name, Girard said “the album reflects [her] life”.

“I think we do things for some reason,” Girard said. “We don’t know how things will be received, what will happen, but we have to get started.”

The song also represents well the particular style of the artist because of the significant contrasts between the sections.

Highly influenced by United Kingdom’s (UK) jazz, Girard is also inspired by several aspects of her life when composing her melodies.

Language

Although Girard’s mother tongue is French, most of the songs of her first album are in English. Some are also bilingual, while her favourite melody is in French.

In addition to the fact the international fanbase mainly speaks English, that language also allows her to go further into introspection.

“[Performing in English] allows me to put myself in a bubble,” confessed the singer. “Sometimes, I find French very close to me. When I sing in French, I feel more exposed.”

Engaged Music

The Laval native’s goal isn’t necessarily to create committed music, but, because of her experience, several pieces are nonetheless.

It’s the case of the song “Graceful Earth”, which sends a very clear message related to climate change. In that song, the artist thanks the Earth, and apologizes for everything humans are doing to it.

translated by Alec Brideau

L’article A Laval Artist launches her First Jazz Album est apparu en premier sur Courrier Laval news.

Fully in English, the stand-up show, when in Laval, is held at the House of Jazz, in Chomedey. It takes place every last Tuesday of the month.

Charles Daghlian, organizer and host of the event, said comedians from everywhere want to come to Laval and perform at LAVAL’S GOT JOKES.

“Laval doesn’t have any of those comedy clubs,” Daghlian said. “To be able to offer it, and having people responding that way to the offer, it makes us want to do more. Many residents are coming back for every editions, and comedians who performed elsewhere are asking to have a stand-up in one of Laval’s events.”

Having people coming back for every show also makes Daghlian pick different comedians every month, in order to offer new faces and jokes to the public.

“That’s the fun part of it,” he said. “It’s nice to hear the feedbacks after. It’s never the same comedian who comes out as night’s favourite.”

Topics

A positive thing about that event is that despite having seven comedians performing last night, topics weren’t repetitive or similar.

Comedians were discussing love, school, religion, sex and drugs, dating apps, and even the House of Jazz.

One of the comedians last night was Michelle Forrester, Montreal native. She wasn’t afraid to talk about things people are often facing in life, but won’t necessarily discuss with others, especially in a funny way.

“I’m trying to make fun about topics that are normally more serious, or things that normally would make me sad,” Forrester said. “Sometimes when you’re writing a joke, and looking at it from the outside, you’re realizing that almost everything can be funny if you’re looking at it the right way. Also, by telling those jokes and stories to strangers, it detaches you a little bit from it since you’re seeing their reactions, and it feels like you’re talking about someone else’s story.”

The public gave a great round of applause to Andrew Khoury, who wasn’t afraid to discuss his homosexuality, in relation with his origins, for his stand-up.

Headliner of the night, Massimo Cannistraro concluded the event, making sure people would leave the place, still laughing.

L’article LAVAL’S GOT JOKES Offers Local Residents a Good Time est apparu en premier sur Courrier Laval news.