Ghislain Poirier
The first time I saw Ghislain Poirier play was at Blim in Vancouver. I was blown away by the austerity of his super heavy hip hop beats and subsequently got totally into his album Breakupdown. It's got a great mix of instrumentals and incredible Montreal MC's like Seba and DJ Collage. He's been making a big name for himself recently on the strength of the album and his tours with Lady Sovereign, Vitamins For You and Montag. In Montreal he's the king of the hip-hop scene, hosting his legendary Bounce Le Gros nights at Zoobizarre. I had the good fortune to ask him some questions about the album, his progress as an artist and his hometown Montreal.
What's 'bounce le gros'?
Bounce le gros is a concept. I don’t play funky or groovy music. I play bounce music (in the large sense) with lots of bass. The expression “bounce le gros” was born on stage - my rapper Séba and I would use it during live shows to hype up the crowd. It’s also a nicer way of saying, “bounce your big ass”. Now the expression is pretty popular and it’s also the name of my monthly and irregular DJ night at Zoobizarre in Montréal. I’ll be doing a Bounce le Gros DJ tour soon…
”Té Wack” sounds like a joke - but my French isn't good enough to understand at who's expense - fake Montreal rappers or just the idea of fronting and street cred in rap in general or just good fun?
It’s making fun of the “real headz”, you know, the rappers who know what “real hip-hop” is. The skit ended up being pretty realistic - some people thought this actually happened! They felt sorry for me because I get dissed on my own album.
How do people respond to the French raps - it seems like people are wholeheartedly embracing alternatives to U.S. rap now, whereas I remember a time when French rap in Canada was very much relegated to Musique Plus and pretty much ignored by English Canada.
If the rappers have a good presence on the mic, if they have a good flow and if the beat is hot, people usually dig it whatever the language. For sure, the French rappers I worked with are pretty different than what’s on Musique Plus. I did many shows with French rappers in front of English crowds and everything was fine. I believe that it can be appreciated outside Québec by non-French people.
Do you have any fantasy collaborations or people you're hoping to someday work with?
I would like to do a track with Dizzee Rascal, Roots Manuva, Busta Rhymes, Missy Elliot, Madlib.
You started doing ambient music and now it's beat-driven hip-hop - do you see what you're doing now as a combination of the two - an evolution - or a distinct change in directions?
I’m still doing ambient music. I compose music for a young contemporary dance choreographer in Montréal, Dana Michel, and it’s pretty ambient. For sure, I’m pushing the hip-hop side to the public because I think it has more appeal for everybody, but in the meantime I just made another ambient album. Now I’m figuring out how to release it. I like to do music whatever the style - switching directions is healthy for creation.
Any other big changes in store for the next album - any new directions you're heading in for the future?
The main change is that I’m starting my own label Rebondir Records to release my stuff. The first release (on April 18th) is my new EP “Rebondir EP” and it’s big bass and tuff beats oriented. There are a couple of instrumental tracks and guest featuring by TTC, Omnikrom, Radioinactive and Nik Myo. I’m really happy with the results. I might do another release before the end of 2006. I’ll see how things go.
I saw your show here in Vancouver at Blim - man you were great - your music sounds SO good through a good sound system. What are some of your favourite clubs and cities to play?
I like playing in the States and in France. I never played in the UK but I feel like I would have a good time there too. The best live gig that I did recently was in Philly during the Lady Sovereign tour. I played at the Silk City and it was jam-packed. The audience was literally in my face, like one foot in front of me. I played loud and people danced like crazy! I have to say that the DJ gig that I did during the Francofolies 2005 in Montréal was insane! Also, props to the people who come to my monthly Bounce le Gros party in Montréal, because it’s one of the best crowds ever. They’re super receptive to new tracks and challenging music. They know how to bounce!
Photo ©Simon Couturier
Are you a vinyl purist?
I’m so not a vinyl purist. I just bought my first turntable last year. And I have way more CDs then vinyl. Music is good on every format for me.
Montreal is famous for breakfast - where do you go for breakfast in Montréal or is that a closely guarded secret?
To be honest, I didn’t know Montreal was famous for that… I never go out for breakfast because I have a toasting station at home and I can make lots of good toast.
Hey speaking of breakfast what's up with Montreal topless breakfast?
Never done it… Just seems bizarre to look at boobs while I’m eating greasy food and eggs. Personally, topless is better at night in a bar.
Have you checked out that awesome Tony Ezzy guy? We tried to see his show last time I was in montreal but the police busted up the party before he took the stage.
Yeah, I know him. Weird pop. I love weird pop. He’s a cool crazy dude! Lots of potential, even a real commercial potential I would say.
Who are some up and coming Montréal artists that you think we should know about?
Omnikrom, Séba (as Gatineau too), DNT, Numéro. I believe in these people, they’re building something really interesting.
Or just music in general that you're into...
Grime is hot. Just discovered dubstep and I feel a lot of Kode9 production. The Bug is always aweome too.
When you find fame and fortune can you see yourself leaving Montreal?
Ha ha ha! Fame? Fortune? Anyway, I’ll never leave this town. I love Montreal so much, it’s my city and I feel really at home and comfortable here. It’s a city just big enough to have many things happening but without any stress.
Do yourself a favor and check out Ghislain's brilliant Breakupdown on Chocolate Industries or the brand new Bounce Le Remix available from Ghislain's website.
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