With her dark, folk-inspired songs, Safia Nolin wins over fans and critics alike, winning the Félix for Female Artist of the Year at the 2017 ADISQ Gala, one year after being named Breakthrough Artist of the Year at the same gala.
With her dark, folk-inspired songs, Safia Nolin wins over fans and critics alike. Whether singing her own songs or covering Quebecois classics, her voice guides us through her unique universe. With the release of her debut album, Limoilou (2015), the artist has experienced a dazzling rise, being named Breakthrough Artist of the Year at the 2016 ADISQ Gala, and winning the trophy for Female Artist of the Year the following year. She was also named SOCAN’s Breakthrough Artist, was awarded the prestigious Prix Félix-Leclerc de la chanson, and Limoilou was long-listed for the Polaris Music Prize. After releasing two covers albums and Dans le noir, her second LP of original songs, the singer-songwriter offered the Patrick Watson duet Mélancolie, a video for Dagues starring drag queen Verona Verushka, a headlining show on the Francos de Montréal’s main stage, as well as a breathtakingly gorgeous video for the bilingual track Lesbian Break-up Song (feat. La Force), in collaboration with Bien à vous and The Womanhood Project. On top of establishing a bridge between the Franco- and Anglo-Canadian music scenes, Safia has made waves in France, opening for Lou Doillon and Pomme, and gracing the pages of Les Inrockuptibles, Télérama and Libération. Safia is also committed to many causes. She was spokesperson for Lesbian Visibility Day in Montreal, and recently shaved her head as part of Leucan’s Shaved Head Challenge fundraising campaign. In 2020, she created Saint-Jeanne, an inclusive concert celebrating Quebec’s National Holiday (broadcast online for its first edition), with the goal of reflecting the Quebec of today and giving visibility to underrepresented artists.
Du folk fragile de naufragé, des chansons bouteilles à la mer auxquelles on a pu s’accrocher comme à des bouées.
Les InrocksThere’s a sensitivity that’s fantastic. It’s tough. It’s real. But melodically, it’s so strong that it brings you somewhere else altogether. I love this woman. She’s completely different from everyone else. And she’s super young.
Laurent Saulnier, Francos de Montréalun deuxième album étincelant […] treize chansons folk frappantes de vérité […] un album généreux, gorgé de chansons écorchées.
TSUGIDans le noir is a collection of scathing, no-holds-barred mostly stripped-down folky tunes that is anything but light, fluffy pop fare. It’s also pretty great. […] it’s a strong collection.
Brendan Kelly, The Montreal GazetteElle a un talent fou pour communiquer quelque chose de super intime qui se passe au fin fond d’elle-même […] une poésie super intéressante sur une musique très dépouillée, presque lo-fi, presque grunge.
Rebecca Makonnen, Esprit critiqueNolin has written 13 raw songs about failed relationships and self-image, her beautiful voice breaking your heart with each verse she finishes.
Holly Gordon, CBC Music