Le Vent Du Nord – A Musical Legacy

With over 2200 concerts, 12 albums and numerous awards, Le Vent Du Nord talk us through the thrills and challenges of their ever-changing musical landscape.

Formed in 2002, Le Vent du Nord are the highly acclaimed quintet leading Quebec’s francophone folk movement.

“We always keep in mind that we must stay connected with our traditional music, to keep it alive and nourish it with our present history and reflections, so that it persists in time as it is today – a reflection of our past history,” says André Brunet

This is the beauty in preserving traditional music; the folk movement naturally plays a crucial role in the retelling of history, but in doing so the musicians embed themselves within the narrative, as their own inspirations and musical direction subtly feeds into the art and becomes part of the history that gets retold. “We want to leave our mark in this tradition and we hope that everyone does the same.”

Le Vent Du Nord have clearly found a successful formula to keep a captive audience, whilst also maintaining their own joy and excitement along the way.

“20 years of existence is a real challenge for any band. Being on the road, glued to each other in vans, buses, trains, taxis, and even on a snowmobile at minus 40 degrees on the North of Québec with our instrument on our back… it’s really a great accomplishment for all of us.”

Managing to transform obstacles into motivation, and acknowledging difficulties as part the overall vision, is what has allowed this quintet to flourish and establish themselves as key figures in the current folk scene.

One of these obstacles was that Simon Beaudry announced last year that he wanted to leave the band.

“At first it was a shock but we immediately moved into solution mode. We decided to go with a seasoned musician, André/ Dédé, who brings a new energy to the band. We have done a few rehearsals which went exceptionally well. It will be a fresh perspective that will bring his personality into Le Vent du Nord.”

Le Vent du Nord have a busy schedule as they continue their touring and rehearse with their new line up. They will be on the road soon, in Canada and United-States, and subsequently in France, Belgium, UK and Scandinavia.

Le Vent Du Nord are known for their raw and energetic live shows, with crowd-participation, enchanting harmonies and dedicated story-telling.

In celebration of their 20 years as a band, the group put together a show called 20 Printemps (20 Springs). “This is the show we have been presenting on the road for the last 2 years,” says André Brunet. The show includes a mix of traditional and original tunes alike, and weaves in memories from the bands time together.

The band have toured 20 Printemps all over North America, UK and Europe, with raving reviews and standing ovations. “At each concert it is fun to see people’s reactions and to also get their comments after our shows,” says Réjean.

Combining the traditional with elements of the contemporary, Nicolas Boulerice, Olivier Demers, Réjean Brunet, André Brunet, and Dédé aka Andre Gagne look to the future of folk, as they set their sights on their upcoming shows and their new band arrangement. As a group that continues to rejuvenate itself with yearly world-wide tours and album after album, without losing momentum or integrity; it seems safe to assume that Le Vent du Nord are here to stay.

Visit https://leventdunord.com/en/ to keep up with new projects, band updates and upcoming events.