They started out in summer 2009 as a group of musicians meeting up in a Montreal park for informal jam sessions. Canailles (“Rascals”) officially became a band when they shifted their operation to the lead singer’s living room. Since then, the group has been travelling around with their instruments patched up with masking tape, enlivening many a whisky night with the infectious, freewheeling sound of their signature blend of bluegrass, zydeco and folk.

One rainy day in fall 2010, after performing a single “real” concert to test out their brand new songs, they retired to their friend Éric Villeneuve’s basement, where—fortified by Éric’s encouragement, a few cases of beer, and the support of their very first fan and honorary member, Bernard Adamus—they recorded their first EP, an unpretentious self-titled release buzzing with energy.

Soon after, the blended musical family, now eight members strong, hit the Quebec tour circuit. Audience response was immediate and fantastic—it was love at first sight, and the rounds of shots and bodysurfing episodes kept on coming. In spring and summer 2011 Canailles made it to the finals at the Francouvertes music festival, drove the crowds wild at the FrancoFolies de Montréal, and played to sold-out houses at the FME (Festival de musique émergente) in Rouyn-Noranda. They were the featured house band at the 2011 GAMIQ (Gala alternatif de la musiqué indépendante du Québec), where, besides performing some surprising arrangements of the nominees’ compositions, they were nominated in two categories (Show of the Year and New Artist with the Most Potential); the following year they won Show of the Year and Country Album of the Year. Following appearances at the 2011 M for Montreal music showcase, SXSW 2012 in Austin, TX, and the 2012 Festival International de Louisiane, and the 2012 release of their first CD, Manger du bois, Canailles have set their sights on China and the rest of the known and unknown world—to infinity and beyond!