Photo : Maddi Berger

Aldor Emerging Artist Award winning guitarist and singer François-Félix Roy (Festival Trad Montréal 2022) is a new and refreshing rising star in the Québécois traditional music scene. His unique approach combines the liveliness of traditional music with the nuance and subtlety folksingers are known for. From spirited war songs to introspective laments, his skillful guitar playing is empowered by the vibrancy of typical French-Canadian foot percussion. His concerts also feature instrumental reels and waltzes, reimagined through delicate fingerstyle arrangements.

François-Félix launched his debut album Peines perdues in 2023, produced by Éric Beaudry (De temps antan, La bottine souriante). Its success has carried him to a variety of reputable venues, including the National Theater of Genova in Italy and the Musik over Præstø Fjord in Denmark. His music has earned prizes in Canada and in the USA, where juries have lauded his instrumental mastery as well as the genuineness of his enthralling performances. He has shared the stage with many renowned artists such as Italian virtuoso Beppe Gambetta and Oji-Cree songwriter Aysanabee.

François-Félix is currently working on a second solo album in which he traces his maternal family and roots on the Côte-Nord region, close to the Atlantic Ocean. The album is scheduled for release in early 2027.

He is also the guitarist for the Irish-Quebecois trio Grosse Isle in addition to being the instigator and one of the mentors of the Ensemble Trad Jeunesse, a Montreal-based trad music teenage orchestra. François-Félix is also co-founder of Montreal traditional dance night series called Les Veillées Urbaines.

Distinctions :

  • Nominated for the Canadian Folk Music Award For Traditional Singer of the Year
  • Nominated for the GAMIQ Award for theTrad album of the year Award For Peines perdues
  • Aldor Emerging Award of Festival Trad Montréal
    Awarded in recognition of the commitment and achievements of key players in Quebec's traditional culture community.
  • Nominee for the Télé-Québec emerging artist award of Culture Montérégie

For a selection of past concerts, click here.