Monogrenade

Monogrenade5-480horiz

Formed by Marianne Houle, François Lessard and Mathieu Collette, Monogrenade first saw the light of day when Jean-Michel Pigeon took a big step by unveiling his compositions. Author and composer since the very first days, it still took Jean-Michel a whole year and a half of playing guitar with Winter Gloves before he realized that his place was somewhere else, in the centre of his own musical inspirations. Composing a total of 8 songs together, in 2009, Monogrenade presented their first EP La saveur des fruits which was very well received by the critics and the public. Carefully produced but lively, varied arrangements… "Queb" industry, take note: this is how we make modern pop in 2009, exclaimed Nightlife Magazine, shortly after their discovery of the EP. Afterwards, Christophe Collette, Mathieu's brother, directed a breathtaking stop-motion video for the song Ce soir. The video became a viral hit and has gained over 175 000 views! Not bad for a first clip from an unknown band!

In 2010, the band signed a record deal with Bonsound Records and participated in Les Francouvertes where they reached third place. Taking advantage from the exposure of the contest, the band ended the year with a few concerts throughout the province, with a notable intimate FrancoFolies concert, on a starry night in front of an attentive and charmed crowd. In November of 2010, they took part in the M for Montreal event and gave an amazing performance. The French delegates who were present were completely blown away and the band received countless offers to play in France. Surprised and happy, the band pursued the recording of their first album which was released on March 1st on Bonsound Records.

Press quotes

Le mariage entre sonorités électroniques et arrangements de cordes a rarement été aussi harmonieux. [...] Tantale est un très très grand disque [...]
Cédric Queniart, J'ai tout lu tout vu tout bu, 18/02/2012 

C’est, mine de rien et on pèse nos mots, l’un des plus beaux groupes du moment.
Les Inrockuptibles, 16/12/2011 

Voix juste, batterie agressive, guitare juste assez coupante, la pop mélodique du groupe avait de l'aplomb. (FME)
Philippe Papineau, Le Devoir, 04/09/2011 

I do know that this album is deep and lush, and just incredibly pleasant to listen to.
Bearcules, 2011/06/25 

N'abusons pas des comparaisons, car avec sa délicate utilisation de l'électronique et la présence du violoncelle, le son de Monogrenade a sa propre niche.
Matthieu Petit, Voir Estrie

… Delicate, cyclical keyboard motifs intertwine with rootsy abstractions ("Ce soir"), spiky electro sparks ("Obsolete") and lush panoramas ("D'un autre oeil"). "M'en aller" demonstrates the scope of their inspiration, switching from gentle robo-narcosis to strings that ache and surge fiercely. 8/10
Rupert Bottenberg, Montreal Mirror, 2011/03/03

While it may be difficult for English speaking listeners to understand what they are saying, the lyrics are delivered in and almost whispering yet urgent manner. All these factors combine to create an album that feels well planned out and carefully executed. Each instrumental sound that may drift in and out of the songs has a purpose and is what makes this an attention grabbing album.
The Broken Speaker

Monogrenade : le son du groupe réussit à faire des carrés avec des ronds, son alchimie toute particulière parvient à transformer le kraut en or, les chansons raides et anguleuses sont des caresses mélodiques pour les synapses englués, d’une grande classe et visuellement impressionnant, le groupe est déjà très efficace et joliment habité sur scène. Vous en entendrez parler dans les prochains mois : aucun des délégués n’est resté indifférent à ce qui restera comme l’une des révélations du festival.
Thomas Burgel, Les Inrocks, critique M pour Montréal 2010

Monogrenade vous ravira avec son goût savoureux et raffiné...
Stéphanie Gagnon, Bande à Part

Des pointes post-rock abrasives, un folk fragile, des mélodies poignantes et, surtout, une pop francophone évocatrice et rafraîchissante...
Olivier Robillard-Laveaux, Voir

Réalisation soignée mais vivante, arrangements variés... Industrie queb, prend note: c’est comme ça qu’on fait de la pop moderne en 2009.
Nightlife Magazine

Selected press

Important shows

  • Printemps de Bourges (2012)
  • Festival de musique émergente (2011)
  • Francofolies de Montréal (2011, 2010)
  • Pop Montreal (2011)
  • CMW (2011)
  • Festival Génériq (France 2011)
  • MaMA (France 2011)
  • Bars en Trans (France 2011)
  • The ALL CAPS! Island Festival
 (2011)
  • Halifax Pop Explosion (2010)
  • Festival d'été de Québec (2010)
  • M for Montreal & M sur les quais (2010)
  • Francouvertes (2010) 

Awards

  • Nominated at the 11th Annual Independent Music Awards in the Indie/Alt. Rock Album category (2012)
  • Nominated at L'Autre Gala de l'ADISQ for Album of the year - Alternative (2011)
  • Nominated at GAMIQ for Indie Rock Album of the Year (2011), Breakthrough Artist of the Year (2010)
  • Nominated for Prix Félix-Leclerc de la chanson (2012, 2011)