When we think of Canadian music, the stars of the industry, like Justin Beiber, Drake, and The Weekend come to mind immediately. But if we dig a little further, artists that have a smaller following but are just as talented hide beneath the surface. Explore this world with us!

Francophone music in Canada made its way onto the world stage with the help of Celine Dion’s unforgettable voice and Roch Voisine’s tender love songs. Highlighting the fact that the Canadian music industry, more specifically the francophone one, is overflowing with talent. However, we often forget how these artists found themselves, where they are today, or we simply forget that incredible francophone artists exist within the Canadian music industry. Discover Lou-Adriane Cassidy, winner of a Juno for her album Journal d’un loup-garou, Ariane Roy, a collaborator of Cassidy’s and an up-and-coming icon of Québecois pop, along with Roch Voisine and the unbelievable story of his road to stardom, and more!

Lou-Adriane Cassidy

Born on July 11, 1997, in Quebec City, Lou-Adriane Cassidy grew up surrounded by artists. Her father was a music professor at Laval University, and her mother was a composer and performer. Having participated in several music competitions, notably The Voice and Francouvertes, Lou-Adriane also earned a Diploma of College Studies in Pop/Jazz vocals at Campus Notre-Dame-de-Foy at a young age and later obtained a certificate in philosophy from the Université du Québec à Montréal.

During this time, Lou-Adriane began writing her own music, quickly finding success both as a performer and with the release of her debut album, C’est la fin du monde à tous les jours. Throughout her career, Lou-Adriane has highlighted artistic collaborations with other Quebec artists, including during her tour titled Le Roy, La Rose et Le Lou[p], with Ariane Roy and Thierry Larose. Today, Lou-Adriane Cassidy is recognized as one of the most original voices in contemporary Quebec music. A winner of numerous awards, including Félix Awards, a Juno Award, and the Polaris Music Prize, she continues to captivate audiences with her unique artistic vision.

Her award-winning album — gentle, luminous, and brimming with musical colour — offers a deeply sensory listening experience. Through orchestral flourishes, pop influences, and poetic lyrics, Lou-Adriane Cassidy creates a world that is theatrical, warm, and resolutely unique.

Our favourite songs:

Dis-moi dis-moi dis-moi

Ça va ça va

Valse frustrée

Cours, Cora, cours

Oui le serpent nous guette

Ariane Roy

Ariane Roy was born on March 19, 1997, in Quebec City, and, just like Lou-Adriane Cassidy, fell in love with music at a very young age. After studying music at Campus Notre-Dame-de-Foy, she specialized in jazz and pop vocals at Laval University. Following her studies, she devoted herself fully to her personal musical project and released her first solo song, Adèle.

She quickly gained attention through her participation in several music competitions, notably the Francouvertes and the Granby International Song Festival. In 2020, she released her first EP, AVALANCHE (n.f.), before launching her debut album, medium plaisir, in 2022. Critically acclaimed, this album earned her the Félix Award for Breakthrough Artist of the Year at the ADISQ Gala, cementing her place among the most promising artists on Quebec’s emerging music scene.

Ariane Roy’s music blends indie pop, alternative rock, and electronic elements. Driven by introspective lyrics and infectious stage energy, her songs explore human relationships, doubts, and the search for self with disarming authenticity. Her artistic world is at once sensitive, powerful, and resolutely modern.

Our favourite songs:

Adèle

Fille à porter

Ce n’est pas de la chance

Dogue

Ta main

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Photo credit: Sašo Tušar

Roch Voisine

A native of Saint-Basile, Joseph Armand Roch Voisine didn’t dream of becoming an artist, but — like most Canadians — of becoming a professional hockey player. As a bilingual English and French speaker, after his parents’ divorce, he and his father moved to Notre-Dame-du-Lac, where he joined the local team, the Quebec Remparts, which played in the Maritimes-Quebec Junior Hockey League.

Unfortunately, an injury cut short his career as a hockey player. While in college, he began writing music with his teammate Stéphane Lessard. In 1989, he achieved immense success with the song Hélène. After his success with Hélène, Voisine never looked back. Blending pop, rock, and romantic ballads, Roch Voisine is known for his warm voice and timeless melodies. Whether in French or English, his songs tell stories of love, nostalgia, and life’s great moments with simplicity and sincerity.

Hélène, the song and album that launched his career, is a thing of simple beauty. Its gentle yet love-filled lyrics have touched the hearts of thousands. If you love a rich voice and pop/rock elements that flow seamlessly between English and French, you’ll adore Roch Voisine!

Our favourite songs:

Hélène

Tant pis

I'll always be there

Darlin'

Avant de partir

Cœur de pirate

Born Béatrice Martin on September 22, 1989, in Montreal, Cœur de pirate is one of Canada’s most internationally recognized French-speaking artists. A musician from childhood, her love for the piano blossomed while she was attending music schools, including the Montreal Conservatory of Music, encouraged by her mother, a pianist and accompanist in her own right.

She released her self-titled debut album in 2008, propelled by the success of Comme des enfants, a song that has lost none of its charm to this day. Since then, she has released a string of acclaimed albums, embarked on international tours, and collaborated with other artists, making a name for herself thanks to her delicate voice and intimate style. With songs that blend love, melancholy, and hope, she now holds an important place in contemporary French-language music.

Her music is characterized by piano melodies, delicate pop arrangements, and deeply emotional songwriting. With her soft voice and lyrics steeped in nostalgia, Cœur de pirate transforms everyday emotions into touching songs that resonate with a wide audience.

Our favourite songs:

Comme des enfants

Adieu

Oublie-moi – Carry on

Terre inconnue

Somnambule

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Photo credit: Marius Masalar

Jean Leloup

Born Jean Leclerc on May 14, 1961, in Sainte-Foy, Jean Leloup is one of the most influential figures in Quebec rock. After spending part of his childhood in Africa — in Togo and Algeria — he returned to Quebec, where he developed a free-spirited, nonconformist musical style by teaching himself to play guitar while listening to the Rolling Stones and Jimi Hendrix. Though he was also influenced by French-speaking musical icons such as Jacques Dutronc and Serge Gainsbourg.

Since the 1980s, he has built a career marked by albums that have achieved cult status, including Le Dôme, and iconic songs such as 1990, Je joue de la guitare, and I Lost My Baby. Known for his rebellious spirit, humour, and creativity, Jean Leloup remains an essential figure in Quebec music.

Impossible to pigeonhole into a single genre, Jean Leloup blends rock, folk, blues, reggae, and alternative influences with remarkable freedom. His lyrics — sometimes poetic, sometimes absurd or provocative — are driven by a raw energy that makes each of his songs a unique experience.

Our favourite songs:

I Lost My Baby

Paradis City

Balade à Toronto

Je joue de la guitare

What about you? What’s your favourite French-language song? Canoo helps new Canadian citizens and permanent residents discover the best of what Canada has to offer through free access to museums, national parks, festivals, and more. Find out more with Canoo’s music partners and keep an eye on the Canoo app for free tickets to concerts and other fun events!