If the Quebec music scene is currently going through such an exhilarating period, it is thanks to talented and versatile creators such as Félix Petit.
The Montreal-based saxophonist, keyboard player and producer (originally from Besançon, France) made a name for himself by working closely with some of the most brilliant Quebec artists of our time, including Les Louanges, Hubert Lenoir and Safia Nolin. He also works as a solo beatmaker and composer under the pseudonym FELP. His daring mix of hip-hop, jazz, soul and electronic music is a testament to his rich musical background.
As a teenager, Félix Petit studied classical percussion at the conservatory, but it wasn't long before he developed a keen interest in the saxophone, which quickly became his instrument of choice. At the age of 18, he moved to Montreal to attend a jazz performance program at university. There he met two fellow talented musicians, Gabriel Godbout-Castonguay and William Côté, with whom he worked on various artistic projects. Alongside another friend and brilliant musician (Jérémi Roy), he created Dondepiano, a project and collective with multiple branches, which is involved as much in the organization of shows and the production of albums as in the recording studio (his main vocation at the moment).
This versatile entity is the birthplace of Felix Petit's beatmaker alter ego. Inspired by some of the greatest sound makers of the last three decades (from Mr. Oizo to Flying Lotus, Aphex Twin and Mndsgn), FELP brilliantly showcases his craft on two self-produced EPs: Étendu jouer (2015) and Chocolop (2017).
Having taken on multiple projects with different artists within the Montreal alternative scene (Van Carton, Yokofeu, Bellflower), Petit experienced a defining year in 2018. In addition to accompanying Hubert Lenoir on stage and participating in the composition of an album by American soul singer Martha Wash, he produced one of the most notable québécois albums of recent years: La nuit une panthère by Les Louanges. The following year the album earned him the Félix award for Arrangements of the Year alongside Vincent Roberge.
From then on, Félix Petit became one of the most sought-after names in the Montréal music industry. Apart from touring with Les Louanges and Hubert Lenoir around the world - and assisting them in the production of their respective sophomore albums - the artist worked with Laurence-Anne, Safia Nolin, Hawa B, Barry Paquin Roberge, Robert Robert and Amaurie. He also created soundtracks for film and television (Les Fourchettes, Love & Lajoie, Jeune Juliette).
Bringing together a number of talented collaborators, FELP's debut full-length album will be released later this year on Bonsound.
