REBELLE

Strombo's top 5 picks for Searchlight 2016, including Rebelle, Andrew Judah, Stegall, Loveland and Los Poetas.
cbcmusic.ca/searchlight - CBC Music

If you’re wondering what all the fuss is about, it takes no time to see why four-piece indie rock band Rebelle is the talk of the town: just moments into their new EP “Hide”, they firmly plant their hooks in you, and it’s a hold that lasts long past its three stunning tracks.

The energy that emanates from the Wakefield, QC band powers every second of “Hide”, and it’s both exceptionally contagious and completely undeniable. Without ever missing a single step or losing any momentum, it holds together just under eleven and a half minutes of non-stop rock insanity; it’s instantly easy to see how they’ve amassed a generous following social media, caught the eye of George Stroumboulopoulos, and been added by Spotify to several playlists. With infinitely singable lyrics, and its sophisticated, catchy riffs begging to be cranked to at least a 9, “Hide” is about to become your new favourite EP.

Rebelle is made up of brother/sister duo David (vocals, guitar) and Rylee Taggart (vocals, synth), along with Ryan Wiles (bass, guitar, vocals) and Joey Kane (drums). While three-quarters of this group stem from the now-defunct indie pop group The Strain, you wouldn’t know it from listening to them now: Rebelle is a definite departure from that previous sound, taking on a harder, sharper edge of serious rock within the new line-up. And while “Hide” demonstrates some influences of well-known groups, these four have developed a sound that is uniquely their own.

From the opening seconds of the title track, “Hide” starts out strong, giving you a brief but intense glimpse into the rock madness you’re about to delve into. The track has a natural flow, smooth and unforced, where instrumentation and timing are executed flawlessly. The manipulation of David’s vocals on this track are fascinating and fun, while the group as a whole maintains a delectably gritty and grungy feel.

This is the kind of boneshaking fervor that marks Rebelle’s live act, something in which they take intense pride. In a recent interview with Canadian Beats, Rebelle said, “That’s the most important thing to us: live music. We try to pack as much energy into our set, and try to connect with the people there, whether it be a packed room or three people.”

So there you have it, Ottawa: the bar has been raised. Grab a friend, grab your tickets, and head out to the Blacksheep Inn in Wakefield tonight at 8pm for Rebelle’s EP release party; you don’t want to miss this show.

You can hear these amazing tracks for yourself on their Soundcloud, and purchase them on iTunes.

Also be sure keep an eye on their website, Instagram, Twitter and Facebook for photos, news and upcoming shows, because Rebelle is just getting started. - Bytown Sound

QUEBEC-BASED FOURSOME SHARE THREE ENERGETIC SONGS

By dave Setton

Quebec indie-pop breakouts Rebelle are premiering their brand new EP Hide today via Indie88.

Rebelle are a family-fronted indie quartet from a Quebec, mixing elements of grunge, pop and indie into a tumultuous and energetic new sound. The group recently recorded their three new songs with Ian Davenport (Supergrass, July Talk) in Hamilton. Rebelle’s David Taggart gave Indie88 some insights about what brought about Hide, via email:

“The songs are inspired by things that were going on in my life at the time, as quirky as it can be. Grew up in the small town of Wakefield, Quebec, lots of odd balls (including myself) to draw inspiration from. Some of it is about nothing, complete nonsense. No real method for writing for me, just keep doing it.“

Taggart added what the recording process was like and how it shaped their sound:

“This was our first time recording as Rebelle. We drove to Jukasa studios in a snow storm last december. Didn’t see the light of day for a week after that. The studio has apartments so we would spend the whole time recording until the early morning. Sleep, eat, repeat. Loved working with Ian. We really wanted to capture the energy of our live show in these recordings. That’s where we thrive. Ian really kicked our ass to get us there. Absolutely loved it! Now we have something we are proud of, and excited to show people.“ - Indie88 Toronto

We had the chance to chat with Rebelle about their upcoming EP and what’s next for them. Check out what they said below!

WNZ: You guys have recently released your new single “Hide.” How has the reception been so far?

The initial reception has been great. Fans are excited we are releasing our first material. We are thrilled to finally bring our music into the world, time to get busy.

WNZ: You guys are also about to release your new EP on November 15, Hide. Can you tell us a little bit about the EP?

Hide is our debut three song EP that we recorded with Ian Davenport (Band Of Skulls, Supergrass, July Talk). We flew Ian in from the U.K to Canada and recorded at Jukasa Studios in Oshweken Ontario just outside of Hamilton.

We chose to work with Ian because Ryan and I are really into those first two Skulls records so we decided to contact him. Sent Ian our tunes and he replied back, dug our sound. Another reason we chose Ian is because he’s just a really wicked person. Down to earth, really cared about what we wanted to achieve with our first release. Someone I didn’t feel awkward with talking on the phone, could shoot the shit effortlessly.

WNZ: What’s your writing and recording process like? Can you walk us through it?

I’ll usually come to rehearsal with a song, the bone structure. I’ll have an idea of where I want it to go and show the band. We’ll work on it together until something takes shape. It’ll usually change from the what I first envisioned but it’s always for the better, makes it exciting, gives us our sound. It’s really great working with these guys in Rebelle. We’re all writing savvy, we all grew up together. Knowing each other so well makes everything run smoothly. We can say what we mean. We don’t have to tip toe around each other’s feelings.

This was our first time recording as Rebelle. We drove to Jukasa studios in a snow storm last December. Didn’t see the light of day for a week after that. The studio has accommodations so we would spend the whole time recording until the wee hours of the morning. Sleep, eat, repeat. We had a great experience at Jukasa, beautiful studio. Loved working with Ian. We really wanted to capture the energy of our live show in these recordings. That’s where we thrive. Ian understood that, he really kicked our ass to get us there. It was great! Now we have something we are proud of, and excited to show people.


WNZ: What are some of the inspirations that you draw from when you’re writing and recording?

I tend write about my life, what I’m going through and how I deal with it at the time. Grew up in a small town which is good for inspiration. Many characters live there, I’ve experienced many fun/weird situations. Sometimes I write about nothing, complete nonsense. There’s no set in stone method for me, just push myself to keep writing.

I love the spontaneity of the recording process. Yes you’re well-rehearsed going in, but you tend to try new things out. Jukasa had lots of gear to play with which i really enjoyed. Just being in a different place in general, gets you into a different head space. I loved our power week at jukasa, nothing to think about except creating music. Loved every minute of it.

WNZ: Do you guys have any plans to tour in the upcoming months? Where can fans catch you?

We have dates coming up in November. Working on a a Canadian run of dates Jan-March 2018. Festival circuit this spring/summer.

November 4th | Le Minotaure | Hull Quebec

November 10th | Bar Le Magog | Sherbrooke Quebec

November 17th | Blacksheep | Wakefield Quebec (EP Release Party)

November 24th | Casa Del Popolo | Montreal Quebec

November 25th | Van Gogh’s Ear | Guelph Ontario


WNZ: Who are some of your musical influences? Do you feel like they translate onto your own music?

Each member of the band draw influence from different places but for me I’d have to say… Nirvana, Muse, METZ, Band Of Skulls, Foo Fighters, Oasis, Savages.

These translate onto our music for sure, I feel like that’s what happens. Our influences get blended up and spit back out as Rebelle I suppose.

WNZ: What’s next for you guys once the EP is out? What can fans expect?

Once our EP is out we want to be busy touring. Road warriors. That’s what we like best, playing shows and being on the road. That’s what it’s all about right? Especially in the music world these days. We have a second EP recorded and ready to go. Expect that sometime next year.

WNZ: What goals do you guys have for yourselves as a band? What is it that you’d like to accomplish?

Our main goal is to keep progressing as a band. Keep writing, keep developing our live show and to push ourselves so we can keep doing what we love. We have been described as a stadium band in a small venue, we would like to reach that stadium. ;-) We have a long road ahead of us but we are ready to work our way towards it.

WNZ: Is there anything else you’d like to tell your fans?

Catch our EP everywhere music can be heard Wednesday, November 15th, 2017. Come see us live. - WHITE NOISE ZINE

1. How did you get started with music and how did you develop your sound? Who thought of the name “Rebelle” and is there any meaning behind it?

The name just kind of came to me one night, REBELLE… Stuck in my head. When we started working together, it was clear to all of us that this was something different, an entirely different animal. We toyed with other names, other ideas but they were bad. Kept coming back to REBELLE, Got to go with your gut. We are REBELLE.


2. What do you want people to take away from your "Hide" single and EP?

I think when people hear the "Hide" EP they will have a clear idea of what REBELLE is all about. Recording with Ian Davenport (Band Of Skulls, July Talk) was a great experience. Captured the essence of our sound and our live show. Down to earth guy, didn't try to change us... Just kicked our ass to get the best performance we could do. This is EP is REBELLE, we are proud of it, excited to release it into the world.


3. How would you describe your sound to the average listener?

We have been most recently described as "Quebec pop grungers". Not entirely sure what that means. We've also been compared to "if Nirvana played The Killers tunes".


4. Who are three bands you’d like to tour with?

MUSE, DFA 1979, and METZ.


5. What are your three desert island albums that you'd never get tired of listening to?

1: Nirvana - Nevermind 2: Muse - Origins Of Symmetry 3: The Beatles - Rubber Soul.


6. What’s your take on the current state of Indie Rock?

There's a lot of bands out there doing the same thing as everyone else, good and bad. I think what it comes down to is... Don't suck, have a good live show, work harder than your counterpart. But what do I know?


7. What’s the current music scene like there in Canada both locally and country wide?

Music scene is flourishing in Canada. Lots of bands coming up these days. Hard to get around though. Close knit scene with the biggest mass to travel haha.


8. What’s your take on legal/illegal music downloading?

I feel people are going to get whatever they want on the internet for free, if the intent is there. Streaming sites help a bit more. It's unfortunate that young artists lose money while already established artist thrive but these are the times we live in. We should do whatever we can to relieve the issue, but you've already heard this from everyone else.


9. What’s next for Rebelle?

We are releasing our debut EP "Hide" November 15, 2017. We already have another EP pretty much finished and ready to go. We want to keep busy doing what we like best, playing shows. Trying to get over to Europe next spring.


10. Any shoutouts?

Shoutout to Ian Davenport who helped us create this EP, taking the time to understand what Rebelle is all about. Also to Darren Magierowski and Jill Zimmerman at Jukasa Studios for helping out with this EP. Great people, pleasure working with them. - From The Depths Entertainment

Canadian Indie darlings Rebelle recently released their highly anticipated "Hide" EP. The title track from the EP created quite a bit of buzz and with two other tracks on the EP, let's see what more they have to offer. The lead single "Hide" opens up the EP with an anthem like riff that sounds like something Awolnation or White Stripes would churn out. The claps and riffs keep things interesting through the first chorus the highly infectious vocals take the forefront. The vocals are dynamic and help really showcase a fantastic kind of Indie Rock that's rarely heard nowadays. The instrumentation twists and turns as it knows when to mellow things out, crank things up and even escalates to a guitar solo later in the track. When the track ends, you'll be scrambling for the repeat button because it's over too quick. "Shoot Me Down" opens with a riff that adds a nice clap sound that grooves along quite nicely. The track builds and eventually breaks into a wall of Indie Rock goodness. The catchy appeal of the track is off the charts and the guitar solo later in the track takes it to even greater heights. "The Rapture" closes out the EP with a dirty little riff to start off. The overall tone of the track has shades of a high driving Rock sound that really sets it apart from the other tracks. It's a tad more heavy and really lays it all on the line. There's a slight Radiohead influence later in the track as well. The track chugs along at a steady clip and once it's done you'll be wondering when you'll be able to hear more music from the band. Top notch release from a high quality Rock band.

Verdict:
Rebelle shoot for the stars with their new "Hide" EP. - From The Depths Entertainment

Award-winning Canadian pop-grungers REBELLE are set for the release of brand new single ‘Hide’.
Accompanying the release, the band has premiered an atmospheric music video, shot live at Capital Rehearsal Studios.
Led by the brother and sister tandem of David & Rylee Taggart, REBELLE will release homonymous EP, “Hide” on November 15th.
Watch the premiere via Idobi.
REBELLE is the musical evolution of Wakefield, Quebec based David Taggart, Rylee Taggart, Ryan Wiles and Joey Kane. REBELLE sound like Royal Blood playing The Killers tunes with anthemic hooks; alt rock drenched in emotion.
The title-track ‘Hide’ is enigmatic, groovy and establishes REBELLE’s larger than life musical personality quickly. Taggart’s vocals are powerful yet quirky, but always engaging. The electronic elements to the track accompany the heaviness of the guitars and drums perfectly. Thus fusing electro-pop and alt rock together to create a dramatic and exciting track which will appeal to rock lovers and electro-pop connoisseurs. - VENTS Magazine

For starters, what bands were you guys a part of prior to REBELLE? How long has the band been around?

We were all a part of bands from the same town… (Wakefield, Quebec) the same street even, comes to think of it. Involved in the same scene, played the same gigs, same venues. Rylee and myself being in a band called “The Strain”, while Joey and Ryan being in a band called “Farewell Davidson”. We were all young, figuring it out. REBELLE has been around for a year now.

What’s the origin of that name and have you changed the band’s name before?

The name just kind of came to me one night, REBELLE… Stuck in my head.

When we started working together, it was clear to all of us that this was something different, an entirely different animal. We toyed with other names, other ideas but they were bad. Kept coming back to REBELLE, seemed right. We are REBELLE.

Who writes your songs? What are the main themes or topics for most of your songs and do you think these topics will change over time?

I’ll usually come to rehearsal with a song idea, a skeleton. I’ll have some lyrics, a synth part, maybe a drum part. Drive Joey up the wall with my cryptic nonsense. He’s a champ; I’m not a drummer.

We’ll hammer the song out until it takes shape, whether it’s what I envisioned or it’s something completely different. All for the better, it’s exciting. That’s what I like about this band. We are all writing savvy. We all grew up together so we don’t have to tip toe around each other’s feelings so much.

Ryan and I are a good team. He’s a songwriter as well; we are on the same wavelength. We learned how to play and write music together. We both have our own strengths that we can blend together.

I write about my life. How I deal with it, what I’m going through. I write about where I grew up. Small towns are a good place for inspiration. Wakefield is quite quirky, lots of characters. Sometimes I write about nothing. I’m not going to lie and say I have some artistic approach. I have to push myself to write sometimes. I write what comes to mind so it doesn’t linger there. Sometimes it’s nonsense. I enjoy it.

What bands are currently inspiring the music that you’re making?

Nirvana, Muse, Death From Above 1979, Band Of Skulls, Foo Fighters, Oasis, Savages

Was there a particular band/artist or concert that inspired you to start a band?

When I was a little boy I went to a Green Day concert. The energy and the loud guitars gave me the itch. I thought to myself “This is it, this is what I have to do”. Been at it ever since.

What do you do to prepare for a show? Any flexing, exercises, etc …

We all have our own little things…

I get pretty quiet; try to keep myself out of my head. I’d be my own demise if I didn’t. The mind does silly things.

What has been the biggest highlight of the band’s career so far?

I’d say being able to record our new EP with producer Ian Davenport. (Band Of Skulls, July Talk) He’s recorded with a lot of artists that we listen to and have drawn inspiration from. It was a pretty surreal experience to work alongside him. He understood what we were going for, down to earth guy. He really kicked our ass performance wise during the sessions, got the best out of us that he could. Loved it. Now we have something we are proud of, and excited to release.

If you could tour with any bands, past or present, who would they be and why?

I’d love to tour with Muse. Just saw them at Reading Festival this year. Their live show is like none other. Very inspiring. Big rock sound for three guys.

Another band that comes to mind is The Stills. Had the chance to see them before they split. Loved them.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Come see us live. - Kill The Music

Quebec pop-grunge outfit Rebelle have premiered their new single “Hide”, along with the accompanying atmospheric music video, shot live at Capital Rehearsal Studios. Led by the brother and sister tandem of David and Rylee Taggart, the band is set to release their new EP Hide on November 15th.

The title-track “Hide” is enigmatic, groovy and establishes Rebelle’s larger than life musical personality quickly. Taggart’s vocals are powerful yet quirky, but always engaging. The electronic elements to the track accompany the heaviness of the guitars and drums perfectly. Thus fusing electro-pop and alt rock together to create a dramatic and exciting track which will appeal to rock lovers and electro-pop connoisseurs. - Soundfiction

Care to introduce yourself to our readers?

We are Rebelle, a 4-piece pop-grunge group, based out of the small town Wakefield, QC.

Tell us a bit about your music and writing style.

Our music draws from styles of bands we all grew up listening to but with our own spin on it. I’ve always enjoyed guitar-driven bands that can write choruses and kick-ass live. I write about my life, how I deal with it, what I’m going through. A lot of inspiration comes from growing up in a small town. It’s a pretty quirky place, a lot of characters. Sometimes I write about nothing in particular.

Do you have any upcoming shows? For someone who has yet to see you live, how would you explain your live performance?

We definitely pride ourselves in our live show. That’s the most important thing to us, live music. We try to pack as much energy into our set, and try to connect with the people there, whether it be a packed room or three people. Here are our upcoming shows:

September 29, Guelph, ON @ DSTRCT
September 30, Wakefield, QC @ Moonlight River Run
November 4, Gatineau, QC @ Le Minotaure
November 10, Sherbrooke, QC
November 17, Wakefield, QC (EP Release @ Blacksheep Inn)
November 24, Montreal, QC

More dates and info will be on our website and social media.

If you were asked to suggest only one of your songs for someone to hear, which would it be?

Our first single, Hide. It’s got a little hint of everything we do.

Canadian Beats is all about Canadian music, so who are your current favourite Canadian bands/ artists?

METZ, Death from Above, and our buddies in Bond Girls. - Canadian Beats

Canada Indie Rock outfit Rebelle has been described as Nirvana covering The Killers. Let's see if that's an accurate statement with a review of their newest single "Hide". "Hide" opens up with an anthem like riff that sounds like something Awolnation or White Stripes would churn out. The claps and riffs keep things interesting through the first chorus the highly infectious vocals take the forefront. The vocals are dynamic and help really showcase a fantastic kind of Indie Rock that's rarely heard nowadays. The instrumentation twists and turns as it knows when to mellow things out, crank things up and even escalates to a guitar solo later in the track. When the track ends, you'll be scrambling for the repeat button because it's over too quick.

Verdict:
Rebelle's "Hide" is an Indie Rock single for the ages. - From The Depths Entertainment

With this invigorating new track, the indie/grunge band from Canada, REBELLE wants to win your loud heart. "The Rapture" is part of the group's upcoming EP, "Hide" that wil be available on November 15th.
Check out the song below and let us know if you liked it! - Loudlight News

'Hide' was added to New Music Friday Canada on Spotify November 10, 2017 - Spotify