Mastik was founded (originally as Mastikédigère) in Rockland, Ontario, by Simon Poirier Lachance and Chris Coshall. Experimenting with different sounds, from reggae to progressive rock, the group composed cynical observations on contemporary social and ecological issues. Despite their serious subject matter, they were sustained and inspired by hope.

In 2010 Mastik received the Réseau National des Galas de la Chanson award at the 2010 Ontario POP festival (now Rond Point) and made the semi-finals at the Granby International Song Festival. The following year the group was selected to represent Ontario’s Francophonie at the Festival de México (FMX) and at the Festival de la francophonie de México, and was nominated in three categories (Best Show for Young Audiences, Best Group, and Best Website) at the Trille Or awards gala. In 2012 Mastik was the hit of the Contact ontarois annual performing arts showcase, and took first prize at the Festival de l’Outaouais Émergent and the Granby International Song Festival.

The year 2012 also marked the release of their self-produced debut EP, Mille Morceaux, featuring seven original songs. The album received extensive press coverage and great listener reviews.

For the past two years, the group’s four members have been busy touring, participating in artist residencies, and performing at local, national and international Francophone cultural events. They are currently working on a full-length album, scheduled for release in 2014.