One thing I miss more than anything else is live shows. I hope that someday soon we figure out how to go back to being able to experience music live, in all its glory. I was inspired to write this blog while reminiscing about the last show attended before COVID-19 transformed our reality.
Geoffroy has slowly become one of my favourite artists. Canadian born and bred, hailing from Montreal, Geoffroy is a rising star, and one artist that you won't regret adding to your music library. This was cemented for me a few months ago when I was able to see him live at an intimate concert at The Starlight Room and even have a quick chat with him after the show. For as much talent as he possesses, he is really down to earth and it's abundantly clear that he absolutely loves his craft.
This show was my first experience at Temple, the smaller stage at The Starlight Room. During the show, mid-concert, Geoffroy stated that he should be playing the bigger stage as tickets were sold out, even on a snowy February weekday. And while I wholeheartedly agree, I loved the experience of a smaller show. It felt like we were in someone's basement, super personal and chill (and yes, a little sweaty and grimey). But enough about my experience, you need to hear about his music!
Geoffroy currently has two albums out and I am constantly waffling back and forth on which I think is better. His vibe is very electronic in nature, more melodic than folk, containing driving rhythms you might find in rock, and downtempo beats you are accustomed to in hip-hop or R&B. His electro-pop style is purely his own.
Geoffroy's first album Coastline was released in 2017. It's crazy how full of striking and melodic songs this album is. The first time I heard this album, I knew that he was a master at crafting songs you can groove to. From the title track "Coastline" to "Sleeping On My Own" and "Trouble Child," the second the beat kicks in, you can't help but move.
I lost count of how many tracks and samples are used on "Trouble Child" but it all comes together beautifully. "Raised by Wolves" was featured in season 2 of the Marvel show Cloak and Dagger and showcases the unique sound of Geoffroy's voice and electro-pop style beautifully. It's likely my favourite track on the album, although it's a really tough choice.
Geoffroy's second album 1952 debuted late in 2019 and it feels like he picked up right where he left off. Except not quite. Theres a maturity and and a sense that he had been honing his craft. The songs are musically more refined, cleaner samples and catchier hooks, and there's a deeper substance to a lot of the songs. It's as if he went from writing in metaphor in his first album to channeling his experiences and emotions in his sophomore offering.
A big part of this is due to the fact that he tragically lost his mother in 2017. We get a picture of the loss he experienced through tracks like "Fear of Falling Apart" and "When Everything is Gone." Theres a brutal honesty in his lyrics that are refreshing and relatable.
"But my luck got stolen
Lost my mother to the devil
I'll get by, but lost a part of my soul
And I will find a way to recognize
And it feels like Im wandering off"
The bottom line is this: just check him out. He is too good not to be on rotation in your music roster. Plus, when he blows up, you can tell all your friends you heard it here first. As always, would love to hear from you. Love Geoffroy? Tell me! Is there an up and coming artist you love that I should check out? Let me know!
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