Peter Peter
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Peter Peter

Montréal, Quebec, Canada | INDIE

Montréal, Quebec, Canada | INDIE
Solo Pop EDM

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"iTunes French Album of the Year"

iTunes Best OF 2012 : French Album of the Year - iTunes Canada


"iTunes French Album of the Year"

iTunes Best OF 2012 : French Album of the Year - iTunes Canada


"Un deuxième album qui séduit"

Ce second album contient dix petites perles dont la super chanson-titre de l’album, «Une version améliorée de la tristesse», qui nous offre claviers et synthétiseurs directement arrivés des années 80. 4/5 - La bible urbaine


"Les chemins de Peter Peter"

Gageons que le nouvel album de Peter Peter vous « tournera lui aussi dans la tête comme un carrousel qui ne s’arrête jamais », dans la noirceur des rues de Montréal comme aux lueurs de ses matins. - Les méconnus


"Album of the Week - 4.5/5"

On connaissait la propension de Peter Peter aux chansons à la moue affectée de son premier album. L’auteur-compositeur-interprète a fait ses devoirs puisqu’il fait ici place à une opulente réflexion indie pop. Oui, Peter Peter pige allègrement dans le sac des tendances hip anglo-saxonnes (claviers chillwave, solos de saxo, pistes vocales, etc.), mais, au-delà de l’esthétisme léché et des références manifestes, ses nouvelles compositions se font plus touffues (la pièce-titre en témoigne, d’ailleurs) et ses mélodies, plus fougueuses. Au final, on ne peut que saluer cette Version améliorée de la tristesse qui ancre solidement la chanson québécoise en 2012; probablement le premier artiste à y parvenir avec autant de poigne depuis des lunes. - Voir Montreal


"Peter Peter finds happiness in synths"

...his second release, the straightforwardly titled Une version améliorée de la tristesse, is packed with soaring synths, roaring saxophone solos and grabbing refrains. - Cult Mtl


"Noisemakers 2012"

Peter Peter’s “Homa” was named the best French song of 2011 by iTunes Canada. It’s the lead track on the Québécois singer-songwriter’s self-titled album, released last March. The song bears plaintive melodies, hushed tones, acoustic strums, electric peals and an accelerated heartbeat that instills a sense of urgency (a reflection, perhaps, on its titular reference to Hochelaga-Maisonneuve), and establishes Peter Peter as more than a rote folkie. Many Montrealers picked up on this last summer and fall, when he played a series of festivals, and with more and more local, stateside and ROC gigs in the making, word is spreading to the anglo sphere.

Born in Chicoutimi, Peter joined his first band in his late teens, during the decade when he lived in Quebec City. He was into grunge and American indie rock while his bandmates favoured metal.

“We were mixing our influences, and getting drunk before performing shows,” he recalls. “It wasn’t good at all, but it’s where I learned how to scream and to go crazy on stage, and I liked it, we had fun. I missed that when I started to play alone with my guitar.”

The other striking difference between his band and his current work is the language. Peter only began to write in French when he moved to Montreal in the mid-aughts, partly because he felt his English wasn’t good enough for rock, and because (with the exception of a handful of acts like Cœur de Pirate, who cameos on his record, and Malajube) he’s not a fan of French music. “French rock bands are corny, it’s always 10 years behind, and even French folk music—I’m always trying to escape cliché,” he explains. But it wasn’t easy.

“The first two years of my French songs sucked, but I went on a trip to France and when I got back, I restarted my life. I just decided to cancel everything: every single song I had at the time, my friends, the band. And then it worked.”

After moving to Montreal, Peter won a songwriting prize that awarded him a gig at Place des Arts, and a record deal with Audiogram wasn’t far behind. He recorded at Hotel2Tango with Howard Bilerman, who helped to alleviate some of Peter’s musiquefrancophobia by encouraging him to play electric guitar.

“He said you have your own tone, you should trust yourself, and I did on a couple of songs,” says Peter, who continued to electrify his sound when he built up his band. “In our live performances, we play rock, and on the second album—well, you’ll see.” - Mirror


"Noisemakers 2012"

Peter Peter’s “Homa” was named the best French song of 2011 by iTunes Canada. It’s the lead track on the Québécois singer-songwriter’s self-titled album, released last March. The song bears plaintive melodies, hushed tones, acoustic strums, electric peals and an accelerated heartbeat that instills a sense of urgency (a reflection, perhaps, on its titular reference to Hochelaga-Maisonneuve), and establishes Peter Peter as more than a rote folkie. Many Montrealers picked up on this last summer and fall, when he played a series of festivals, and with more and more local, stateside and ROC gigs in the making, word is spreading to the anglo sphere.

Born in Chicoutimi, Peter joined his first band in his late teens, during the decade when he lived in Quebec City. He was into grunge and American indie rock while his bandmates favoured metal.

“We were mixing our influences, and getting drunk before performing shows,” he recalls. “It wasn’t good at all, but it’s where I learned how to scream and to go crazy on stage, and I liked it, we had fun. I missed that when I started to play alone with my guitar.”

The other striking difference between his band and his current work is the language. Peter only began to write in French when he moved to Montreal in the mid-aughts, partly because he felt his English wasn’t good enough for rock, and because (with the exception of a handful of acts like Cœur de Pirate, who cameos on his record, and Malajube) he’s not a fan of French music. “French rock bands are corny, it’s always 10 years behind, and even French folk music—I’m always trying to escape cliché,” he explains. But it wasn’t easy.

“The first two years of my French songs sucked, but I went on a trip to France and when I got back, I restarted my life. I just decided to cancel everything: every single song I had at the time, my friends, the band. And then it worked.”

After moving to Montreal, Peter won a songwriting prize that awarded him a gig at Place des Arts, and a record deal with Audiogram wasn’t far behind. He recorded at Hotel2Tango with Howard Bilerman, who helped to alleviate some of Peter’s musiquefrancophobia by encouraging him to play electric guitar.

“He said you have your own tone, you should trust yourself, and I did on a couple of songs,” says Peter, who continued to electrify his sound when he built up his band. “In our live performances, we play rock, and on the second album—well, you’ll see.” - Mirror


"Soulful and captivating"

Canadian indie-folk-pop musician, Peter Peter started his creative career writing poetry. And through his use of mounting metaphors, acute alliteration, and vivid imagination, Peter Peter has made beautifully melodic songs, sung in French.

In describing his creative process, Peter Peter said to Meets Obsession magazine, “I’m a very chaotic songwriter. It usually starts with a guitar riff and some vocalizing improvisations. After a few days the first words pop out. Lyricism is for me, is the hardest part to achieve. It’s beyond instinct. Words reveal who you are more than everything.”

Peter Peter’s songs, although sung in French, contain a universal sense of emotional charm. He sings of love, heartbreak, and the many trials of life and existence through allegorical lyrics and with an upbeat, tuneful vigor.

Inspired by diverse musical icons including Nirvana, Sonic Youth, and Postal Service, Peter Peter has recently collaborated with the ethereal, Béatrice Martin of fellow Canadian pop group Coeur de Pirate on his track “Tergiverse” from his debut self-titled album that was released in March 2011 on Audiogram.

“Tergiverse” melds Peter Peter’s expressive voice and Martin’s romantically whimsical words, and is soulful and captivating. Peter Peter’s passion for music and life resonates from beginning to end.

Music has always had a special place in his heart and soul. He declared profoundly, “I really do have trust in beauty. It dragged me out of the depths on many occasions.” - Meets Obsession


"Canadian indie pop magic"

Canadian indie pop magic
APC Fave Coeur de Pirate collaborated with Peter Peter
on a track for his debut album - Audio Porn Central


"CMJ Interview with Peter Peter"

Over the years the CMJ Music Marathon has turned into an annual proving ground for emerging artists. With all of the buzz surrounding the event and the multitude of industry professionals who descend on New York City for the week, it would be fair to say that the artists may feel a bit of pressure to make it one of their best performances.

One might think that the possibility of no one in the crowd understanding a single word that you sing might add to those pressures, but for francophone singer-songwriter Peter Peter the thought didn’t even cross his mind, “Didn’t even think about it, thanks for bringing that up [laughs]. But, speaking for myself, and what I’ve experienced, pretending English is my first language would hinder my music from travelling way more than singing in French.”

Being in the audience for his set at Arlene’s Grocery we witnessed firsthand that Peter’s ability to connect with the crowd was not hindered whatsoever by any language barriers. Peter draws on his experiences of watching other artists as a basis for his live sets. For him a good live show is one that is, “A fine blend between promiscuity and irreverence. I always feel pleased when an artist succeeds at giving the best he can without making me believe I am his personal friend.”

Even with the pressure of CMJ, the objective was still the same– to deliver an engaging set and rock out just as hard as he does back home in Montreal. After the show Peter said of his CMJ experience that, “Since I started promoting my album, going outside Montreal always meant going smaller places. We were clearly more excited than usual when we got in the van to New York City, but it didn’t make any difference when we played. I tried to set the amp up as loud as I could to make sure the French wouldn’t be an issue [laughs].”

Peter’s debut self-titled album which was produced by Howard Bilerman (Arcade Fire, Godspeed You! Black Emperor) is available now, and I highly recommend that you pick up a copy. In our last question to Peter we asked what it was like to work with the legendary Bilerman– “I was so nervous… I thought to myself, what if the magic doesn’t show up? What if I screw the opportunity of a lifetime by doing bad in such a great place? It’s a normal feeling… I think… The magic did show up because Howard knew how to bring the songs back to their initial feelings when I got lost and confused. It happened all the time, I am lost all the time. God bless Bilerman!” - Maimed and Tamed


"Peter's voice is an enchantment to the ears"

French is known for being a romantic love language and for those reasons, we enjoy french films, french accents and french music. Sometimes nothing can be understood but that's okay because there is an undeniable charm.

Previously featured in our Daily 2% post, French songtress, Coeur de Pirate spoke the love language with Peter Peter in "Tergiverse".This folk collaboration has the sweetness of morning biscuits. Since I can only translate the lyrics of "Como sava"(how are you), Peter's voice is an enchantment to the ears. Find "Tergiverse"on Peter Peter's debut album via Audiogram and purchase it here. - EarMilk


"French is the most beautiful language on earth"

We all know that French is the most beautiful language on earth, so if you haven’t added it to your world playlist yet, here’s your chance. French Canadian folk artist Peter Peter hasn’t blown up in the U.S. and abroad just yet, but give him time. “Tergiverse” means to procrastinate. And I know that from my two semesters of high school French, but that’s all I can gather from this piece without google translate. Figure it out for yourself. Download below. - In Audio We Trust


"Demain c'est l'heure pour Peter Peter"

Son rock minimaliste porté par une voix pure, des mélodies tantôt mélancoliques [...] tantôt pop [...] et des textes autobiographiques chers à l‘artiste, transporte celui qui l’écoute dans un spleen quasi baudelairien. - Quartier Libre!


"Surprise!"

(4/5) Surprise ! Il reste de la place dans le cours d’existentialisme 101 aux murmures romantiques contemporains. Se déclarant ouvertement bipolaire, Peter Peter, jeune poète des temps modernes en provenance de la capitale nationale qu’est Québec, pond, telle une poule très couveuse, une galette de chansons fragiles et douloureuses sur l’étiquette Audiogram (Ariane Moffatt, Karkwa, Loco Locass).

Attachant dès le départ, Peter Peter, par son album sans titre, nous plonge littéralement dans un univers « cœur-de-piratien ». C’est intègre, doux, sensuel, charnel et le tout, conçu de sorte que l’on sent une énorme proximité avec le chanteur troublé. Tout ça pour notre grand plaisir, pour nous soulager le cœur l’espace de 12 pièces agréables autant pour notre âme que pour notre ouïe.

La première pièce, Homa, parle des souffrances et difficultés du quartier à la dure réputation. La deuxième pièce semble moins accrocheuse mais le tout reprend son élan avec le duo qu’il réussit avec Béatrice Martin (Cœur de Pirate) sur la sublime pièce Tergiverse, qui se veut un véritable bijou en soi. Puis, telle une accolade tant attendue, nouveau genre, on entend une poésie poignante avec Montréal neige sale, une pièce profondément triste.

Malgré tout le côté obscur et déchirant que l’on peut ressentir sur l’album, on se sent attendri et protégé avec ses chansons aux nuances délicieuses. Je le recommande fortement aux nouvelles générations qui parfois, disons-le, pourraient arrêter leur galère et respirer un instant autour d’un disque comme celui-ci. Peter Peter, bienvenue à Montréal, tu fais maintenant parti de notre cœur. - Emoragei


"Surprise!"

(4/5) Surprise ! Il reste de la place dans le cours d’existentialisme 101 aux murmures romantiques contemporains. Se déclarant ouvertement bipolaire, Peter Peter, jeune poète des temps modernes en provenance de la capitale nationale qu’est Québec, pond, telle une poule très couveuse, une galette de chansons fragiles et douloureuses sur l’étiquette Audiogram (Ariane Moffatt, Karkwa, Loco Locass).

Attachant dès le départ, Peter Peter, par son album sans titre, nous plonge littéralement dans un univers « cœur-de-piratien ». C’est intègre, doux, sensuel, charnel et le tout, conçu de sorte que l’on sent une énorme proximité avec le chanteur troublé. Tout ça pour notre grand plaisir, pour nous soulager le cœur l’espace de 12 pièces agréables autant pour notre âme que pour notre ouïe.

La première pièce, Homa, parle des souffrances et difficultés du quartier à la dure réputation. La deuxième pièce semble moins accrocheuse mais le tout reprend son élan avec le duo qu’il réussit avec Béatrice Martin (Cœur de Pirate) sur la sublime pièce Tergiverse, qui se veut un véritable bijou en soi. Puis, telle une accolade tant attendue, nouveau genre, on entend une poésie poignante avec Montréal neige sale, une pièce profondément triste.

Malgré tout le côté obscur et déchirant que l’on peut ressentir sur l’album, on se sent attendri et protégé avec ses chansons aux nuances délicieuses. Je le recommande fortement aux nouvelles générations qui parfois, disons-le, pourraient arrêter leur galère et respirer un instant autour d’un disque comme celui-ci. Peter Peter, bienvenue à Montréal, tu fais maintenant parti de notre cœur. - Emoragei


"Super super"

Peter Peter présente un premier album impeccable. De ses pièces – pourtant souvent rythmées – se dégage une fragilité. Pas larmoyante et agaçante, mais belle et touchante. À la première écoute, on serait porté à faire des compa­rai­sons (pensez Dumas), mais on se ravise vite. Les paroles et les mélodies ont toutes une couleur et une texture particulière. Homa, Tergiver­se (avec Cœur de pirate) et Dring Dring Pow Pow nous restent en tête. Montréal neige sale nous berce. Magnifique. - Metro Montreal


"Voir review"

Premier album homonyme pour ce gagnant de Ma première Place des Arts en 2008, Peter Peter plonge l’auditeur dans une mélancolie indie pop teintée de bleu et de gris par quelques programmations électroniques et ce timbre de voix monotone. Or, si ses jolies compositions de jours de pluie dominent l’album, c’est surtout lorsque Peter Peter y met plus de muscle que ça décolle: la noisy Dring Dring Pow Pow (et son choeur d’enfants), la rapide Laurie (qui évoque Leloup) et Porte-bonheur, une composition lo-fi urgente quoique fort accessible. Au final, la plume inventive et les références anglo-saxonnes (Elliott Smith) de Peter Peter prouvent que la chanson québécoise moderne compte sur un nouveau joueur prometteur. - Voir Montreal


"Voir review"

Premier album homonyme pour ce gagnant de Ma première Place des Arts en 2008, Peter Peter plonge l’auditeur dans une mélancolie indie pop teintée de bleu et de gris par quelques programmations électroniques et ce timbre de voix monotone. Or, si ses jolies compositions de jours de pluie dominent l’album, c’est surtout lorsque Peter Peter y met plus de muscle que ça décolle: la noisy Dring Dring Pow Pow (et son choeur d’enfants), la rapide Laurie (qui évoque Leloup) et Porte-bonheur, une composition lo-fi urgente quoique fort accessible. Au final, la plume inventive et les références anglo-saxonnes (Elliott Smith) de Peter Peter prouvent que la chanson québécoise moderne compte sur un nouveau joueur prometteur. - Voir Montreal


"Peter Peter download"

Quebec folk rocker Peter Peter released his first album, self-titled, in March this year to great reviews.

He partnered up with Montreal Coeur de Pirate for the track Tergiverse which is available for free download here. It's a beautiful whispery song and if you don't know the artist, a great way to get into his music.

Here he is performing live for Pop Montreal on the Ubisoft roof. - Snap magazine


"More Music from the Inbox"

I hate to say it, but I usually can’t get into French Canadian music. It’s nothing personal it’s just the way the lyrics sound, there’s usually something so fromage about it. None-the-less, Peter Peter had my full attention. There is something so horribly cool about this man. I love to watch someone get into their performance this way. - Alan Cross


"DC Superstar Peter Peter!"

Our latest new discovery and obsession is French Canadian Peter Peter, a star-in-the-making! His irresistible self-titled release has already become an all-time favorite of ours! Maybe we're mad since we don't speak French, but overall this album's vibe rivals Elliot Smith's best without the depressed pained feel. His whispery sexy vocals draw you in and every last song is amazing! His sex appeal is simply a bonus! Being in French only adds an element of magic to it's effect on you. An absolutely beautiful cool Rock/Pop release! - Dead Cool


"DC Superstar Peter Peter!"

Our latest new discovery and obsession is French Canadian Peter Peter, a star-in-the-making! His irresistible self-titled release has already become an all-time favorite of ours! Maybe we're mad since we don't speak French, but overall this album's vibe rivals Elliot Smith's best without the depressed pained feel. His whispery sexy vocals draw you in and every last song is amazing! His sex appeal is simply a bonus! Being in French only adds an element of magic to it's effect on you. An absolutely beautiful cool Rock/Pop release! - Dead Cool


"Peter Peter - Tergiverse (feat. Coeur de pirate)"

Peter Peter is a rising star in the current French-Canadian folk scene. His debut album was released all the way in March, to quiet critical acclaim. ‘Tergiverse’ is the first single from the album, and features the beautifully wistful vocals of Béatrice Martin, otherwise known as Coeur de Pirate. This tender ballad is the stuff of dreams, and will capture the hearts of many, and put Peter Peter on plenty of ‘ones to watch’ lists in the new year. - Music Ninja


"Other Tongue"

Don’t judge Peter Peter by his tasteful and cute hipster style, but by the content of his eponymous album, recently issued by Audiogram. His exemplary indie pop compositions were recorded by one Howard Bilerman, whose talent has propelled some of this city’s best bands. Is Peter2 next? - Mirror


Discography

UNE VERSION AMÉLIORÉE DE LA TRISTESSE (2012)

iTunes BEST OF 2012 : French Album of the Year

2013 College radio campaign starting January 14th (the Syndicate)
Week 1 : #8 CMJ Top 200 ADDS
Week 2 : #54 CMJ Top 200 (new entry)
Week 4: #39 CMJ Top 200

SXSW 2013 : Official selection: 1 showcase
CMW 2013 : Official selection: 2 showcases

CISM 89.3 and CHYZ 94.3 top 5 albums of the year

Montreal Mirror "2012 Noisemakers" (artists to watch)

Album of the Week - Voir Montreal (4.5/5)

#1 on CISM 89,3 (Montreal), CHYZ 94,3 (Québec City), CFOU 89,1 (Trois-Rivières), CIBL 101,5 (Montreal), CKRL 89,1 (Quebec)

8,2/10 – Violent Success

3 nominations at the prestigious ADISQ gala:
- Alternative album of the year
- Album of the year - critics' choice
- Videoclip of the year

PETER PETER (2011)
iTunes Rewind 2011 - Best French song of the year "Homa"
#1 on CISM 89,3 (Montreal), CHYZ 94,3 (Québec City), CFOU 89,1 (Trois-Rivières)
Top 5 on CIBL 101,5 (Montreal), CKRL
Top 25 on CBC Radio 3
Top 15 on MusiquePlus

Photos

Bio


Peter Peter grew up with an imagination fed by the movies of his childhood ; for ever so long he dreamed of being Bruce Willis above all, the Bruce Willis of Die Hard 1, 2 and 3. This was followed in his teens by a vivid passion for poetry, music and pretty girls. Combining the three meant putting all his energies into a new goal: to be Jim Morrison.

He soon took to the stage with an alternative rock band in which he would amuse himself by singing in English and breaking guitars (and sometimes mics). Peter then migrated to Montreal and quit this first project in order to work solo on the French lyrics that would go on, among other things, to win the Ma premire Place des Arts honors in the singer-songwriter category of 2008.

A year later, he was signed to Audiogram and focusing on writing and composing. In the summer of 2010, at the hotel2tango studios, he dedicated himself to the recording of twelve new songs with producer Howard Bilerman (Godspeed You ! Black Emperor, Arcade Fire, Grant Hart) and last March, at Sala Rossa, launched his first album.

Peter Peter self-titled first record made an impression in both anglo and francophone music scenes with its modern lo-fi vibe and moody lyrics. Its single Homa was awarded the title of best francophone song of the year 2011, and the international media turned their attention to this interesting newcomer. Peter Peter quickly made a name for itself by participating in many prestigious events such as the Francofolies, Pop Montreal, M for Montreal, Coup de Coeur francophone and Osheaga. He impressed international delegates in New York City during CMJ Music Marathon, and seduced new fans in Europe during a short tour of France.
On tour, Peter Peter nurses a love-hate relationship with keyboards and learns to master them during his frequent bouts of insomnia. The instrument evolves within him and becomes the centerpiece used to create his second album which moves away from folk and towards a misty world of saxophones and synths. Launched at the end of summer 2012, Une version amliore de la tristesse is a voluptuous study in the life of Montreal at nighttime and follows helpless melancholic as they fight their own demons under the starts and into the streets.
Produced by the artist with the support of multi-instrumentalist Emmanuel thier (Coeur de Pirate, Jimmy Hunt) and Pascal Shefteshy, this second record also includes the participation of saxophonist Adam Kinner, guitarist Grgory Paquet (ex-the Stills), and drummer Francis Mineau (Malajube ).

What they said:
Ever pick up an album, have no clue about the artist and dig the record completely? Thats what happened when I picked up Peter Peters latest release Une Version amliore de la tristesse Lana Gay, Radio 3

sexy, saxy, synthy Culture Map Austin

The keys on this song are so damn good makes me want to hang my head and dance barefoot on the wood floor. Plus, it doesnt matter if you speak a lick of French, this songs a repeater. Alan Cross

Peter Peter at his best evokes the soft pop of Air and M83, rolling his Rs through the mesmerizing chorus of the albums title track The Fader

The melancholic synth-pop of Peter Peters Une version amliore de la tristesse (An improvised version of sadness) serves as a densely textured background to the mans gorgeous vocals SNAP! Magazine

anachronistic synth, gorgeous French vocals, and a slight sense of melancholy 8,2/10 Violent Success

anthemic, synth-soaked pop-rock National Post

Seductive and melancholic, Peter Peters second album is a hauntingly poetic affair Sputnik Music

#18 best song of 2012 Maimed and Tamed