Born and raised in Montreal, James Correa has long been a fixture of the city’s vibrant music scene. A singer, songwriter, performer, and multi-instrumentalist, he has graced nearly every major stage in his hometown—fronting his soulful folk-rock repertoire, lending his talents to countless artists, or even stepping into the spotlight as an anthem singer for the Montreal Canadiens.
As a recording artist, Correa has produced some of the most distinctive roots, folk, and soul music to emerge from Montreal. His 2003 debut, Ghosts in the Belly, earned praise from the Montreal Gazette and other notable publications. He went on to release Feelers, produced by Montreal stalwarts Éloi Painchaud (Salebarbes, Jonathan Painchaud) and Marc Bell (The Brooks); 2011’s The Heart’s Temple Choir, produced by Pascal Dufour (Les Respectables); and Off The Floor: A Live Video EP in 2013, captured live at Troublemakers Studio.
The youngest of seven children born to South-Asian immigrant parents, Correa grew up in a household where music was both tradition and rebellion. His mother, a self-taught musician, filled the home with classical music and Catholic hymns, while his older brothers pushed him toward raw rock and avant-garde pop. Though his mother’s influence led him to formal opera training, it was the modern, boundary-pushing sounds of his siblings that ultimately captured his imagination.
That early spark became a lifelong pursuit. “I don’t know what sells. I don’t pretend to know what will ‘work,’ whatever that means. I just know what I think is good,” Correa reflects. “I’ve never tried to write a particular kind of song or figure out how to make a hit. In fact, there are times I wish I could stop writing altogether because of how difficult the process can be. But the songs keep coming. Some faucets you just can’t turn off. I guess I’m lucky that way.”
Name:
James Correa
Genre:
Alt-folk / Adult Rock
Founded:
2003
# of Albums:
3 full-length, 2 EPs
Latest Album:
Bonny Park 2025
Latest Single:
Bonny Park
Latest Video:
Favourite musician growing up:
U2, John Lennon, Tears For Fears
Favourite musician now:
Wilco, Andrew Bird, Sufjan Stevens
Guilty pleasure song:
As It Was, Harry Styles
Favourite local musician:
Brad Barr
EP or LP?
BOTH!
Early bird or night owl?
Once was a night owl, have become an early bird.
Road or studio?
Live music is everything, but I’ve finally gotten comfortable in the studio, too.
Any shows or albums coming up?
My new album “Bonny Park” just came out last week!
Where can we follow you?
Website | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok
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Rapid Fire Local Questions:
What is your favourite local restaurant?
Street Monkeys in Wellington
What is your favourite street in your city and why?
St-Laurent Boulevard from the bottom to the top. Nothing you could possibly want or need that could not be found here.
What is your favourite park in your city and why?
Jarry Park. Sportsman’s paradise.
What is your favourite music venue in your city?
Love the beauty and sound of the Beanfield Theatre, but the green room’s too small.
What is your favourite music store in your city?
33 tours on Mont-Royal. Vinyl for miles! For gear, shout out to Jimi’s in NDG.
