Electronic Press Kit

MAL FANTÔME | ELECTRONIC PRESS KIT

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Mal Fantome, an indie rock band based in Quebec City, was founded in 2010 by Charles Boivin and Jacques de Varennes. The band’s name refers to “the sensation of pain or other feeling felt where a limb was that has been amputated.” This poignant metaphor evokes feelings of nostalgia and loss, resonating deeply with the human experience. The choice of a French term also reflects the duo’s desire to honour their Quebecois heritage while offering a unique take on the concept of “Mal Fantome.”

FIRST ALBUM AND CHANGE OF PACE

Before Mal Fantome formed, Charles and Jacques were involved in a project called 21 Grams, which released an EP and performed at the Envol et Macadam festival, a premier music event in Quebec City. Their initial collaboration laid the foundation for what would become Mal Fantome. However, it was in October 2010 that they officially formed the band, starting as a duo before quickly expanding to a trio.

In search of a more rounded sound, they invited their friend DJ Emile Gauthier, known as E1000, to join them. This trio worked diligently, creating enough material for a debut album, Half Empty / Half Full, released in 2018.

By the time the album was released, Emile had left the band. Charles and Jacques experimented with several drummers, looking for someone who would align with their evolving musical direction. Finally, they contacted Ike Barsalou, a long-time friend and drummer living in Gaspé. Ike had played in various bands with Charles since the late 1980s, while Jacques was the bassist in the initial line-up of “Handful of Snowdrops,” a legendary band from the capital. After a session where everything seemed natural and the chemistry worked between the three, Ike officially joined Mal Fantome, thus consolidating the current line-up.

From left to right : Marc Rivest, Ike Barsalou, Jacques de Varennes and Charles Boivin

A UNIQUE SOUND AND VISUAL IDENTITY

With Ike on board, Mal Fantome began releasing a series of singles in 2019, marking a new chapter in their artistic journey. A defining feature of these releases is the accompanying music videos, each shot in striking black and white. This branding showcases their music while serving as engaging and easily identifiable background content, establishing a distinctive and unique identity within the independent scene.

VOLCANO

VOLCANO, NEARLY TWO MILLION LISTENINGS FOR THE 2ND ALBUM

In 2021, the band released their sophomore album, Volcano, which received positive acclaim despite having no promotional budget. With the band often being compared to David Bowie, Bloc Party, and Interpol, it captured the attention of many fans of the genre around the world. The album has since racked up over 900,000 streams on Spotify and nearly as many across Apple Music, Deezer, Tidal, and other platforms, demonstrating the band’s ability to connect with a wider audience. Among the standout songs, “Always More” gained notable recognition when it was featured in the film Spørre, directed by Montrealer Mark Aylward. This achievement is particularly impressive for an independent band with limited resources, highlighting their talent for creating impactful music.

As the band continued to evolve, they welcomed Marc Rivest as a second guitarist in 2022. His arrival added depth to their live performances, enhancing their sound and allowing for greater musical exploration. Additionally, in 2024, Olivier Caron joined the lineup, bringing keyboards, guitars, and a lap steel guitar, enriching the band’s sonic palette. With these additions, Mal Fantome was able to explore new creative territories, further expanding their artistic expression.

HELPING HAND FOR MENTAL HEALTH

In addition to their original work, Mal Fantome contributed to a tribute album for Doves in 2022, the acclaimed band from Manchester, UK. This project was intended to benefit MentalHealthUK and gave Mal Fantome the opportunity to represent the project on BBC Manchester, where they were featured twice. This exposure not only allowed them to showcase their musical talent, but also associated them with a cause that resonates with many.

LOST COVERS : A TRIBUTE TO THE MUSIC OF DOVES

DOWNLOAD | HIGH-RES PHOTOS AND BBC MANCHESTER EXTRACT

TWO BEERS ARE BETTER THAN ONE

In 2023, always on the lookout for original ideas to stand out, Mal Fantôme joined forces with the Brasserie de Madawaska to create two beers, a blonde and an amber.

Brewed in limited quantities, the two beers were launched in cans and on tap in June coinciding with the release of HOT, a four-song EP. The beers were available for a limited time in a few bars in the province and during the band’s shows.

THE ROOMS OF LOVE HOTEL

For VOLCANO’s follow-up, the band embarked on a thematic exploration centered around the concept of “Love Hotel.” Inspired by the complexities of love, desire, betrayal, and “anything that adds excitement to life,” they began crafting a series of songs that would culminate in two EPs—HOT (out in 2023, 475,000 streams) and VACANCY (out in June 2024, 235,000 streams)—as well as their highly anticipated third album, LOVE HOTEL, released on November 14, 2024.

The album promises to be a milestone for the band, featuring contributions from acclaimed musicians including Roger Joseph Manning Jr. (known for his work with Beck and Jellyfish), Ken Stringfellow (The Posies, R.E.M.), Bruce Kaphan (Talking Heads, David Byrne). Trent Williamson (Midnight Oil, Hunters and Collectors), up and coming artist Kaminski and Charles Imbeau (Les Colocs, Robert Charlebois)

The creative process behind LOVE HOTEL has allowed Mal Fantome to push the boundaries of their sound, collaborating with top musicians who bring their unique talents to the project. The inclusion of guest artists not only enriches the album, but also showcases the band’s ambition to reach new heights in their music.

To celebrate the release of LOVE HOTEL, Mal Fantome will perform a special concert at the Periscope Theatre on December 7, 2024. This performance will showcase their new material and mark a significant moment in their artistic journey, reflecting their growth as a band and their connection with their audience.

As they continue to explore the boundaries of creation and connect with listeners, Mal Fantome stands out as a unique voice in the indie-rock scene. With their deep-rooted sense of identity, innovative approach to music, and commitment to meaningful storytelling, they are poised for greater recognition and success in the years to come.

“A love hotel is a type of short-stay hotel found throughout the world
and operated primarily for the purpose of allowing guests
to have sexual intercourse in privacy.“

Wikipedia

THREE VIDEOS FROM LOVE HOTEL

Since 2019, Mal Fantôme has produced a video for each song released. All the tracks from VOLCANO (the second album) as well as the EPs HOT and VACANCY are available in video version.