Five Minutes With: Montréal Blues-Rock Band Mr. Pinstripes

Mr. Pinstripes Band is a Montreal-based blues-rock group shaking up the local scene with a sound that’s both timeless and fiercely alive. Mixing vintage tones with modern grit, their music draws from blues, rock, and soul — blending sharp musicianship with a raw, joyful energy on stage.

Formed in June 2024, the band quickly found its stride through countless jam sessions and live shows across Montreal. Fronted by guitarist and vocalist Mathias Dallaire (aka Mr. Pinstripes), the group features Elvis Wu on drums and Will Shaw on bass, with Théo Bedez (guitar) and Juan Bautista (organ/keys) joining for expanded performances.

Though young, the members play with the confidence and chemistry of seasoned pros. Their live shows balance electrifying improvisation with deep respect for the blues tradition, often weaving in rock, country, and even metal influences. Each set is built to match the room’s energy — a living, breathing dialogue with the audience.

Currently working toward their debut album (set for 2026), Mr. Pinstripes Band continues to carve out a space where classic blues meets the restless pulse of a new generation.

Mr. Pinstripes

Name:

Mr. Pinstripes

Genre:

Blues-rooted with rock, soul, and R&B influences

Founded:

2024

Album:

On its way (2026)

Latest Single:

Oh Someday

Latest Video:

Just to Give a Glimpse

Favourite musician growing up:

Mr. Pinstripes: Stevie Ray Vaughan

Elvis Wu: Avenged Sevenfold

Will Shaw: The Killers — “Mr. Brightside” goes hard

Théo Bedez: Tyler Bryant & The Shakedown

Juan Bautista: Diomedes Díaz

Favourite musician now:

M. P.: McKinley James, Marcus King, Eddie 9V

E: Dream Theater

W: Led Zeppelin

T: Marcus King

J: Joey DeFrancesco

Guilty pleasure song:

M. P.: “Wanna Be Loved” – The Red Clay Strays

E: “Buddy Holly” – Weezer

W: “Your Love” – The Outfield

T: “Beautiful” – Christina Aguilera

J: “Kanpe Devanm” – 5Lan

Live show ritual:

M. P.: Making people dance and groove to the music

E: Paradiddle pattern warm-ups

W: Asking for a longer cable

T: Order a beer with Juan right before the show starts

J: Play baseball-stadium tunes & grab that pre-show beer with Théo

Favourite local musician:

M. P.: Tales of a Lifetime — a blend of blues, Appalachian music, and gunslinger folk stories

E: Simple Plan

W: Lost Boys, Dollhouse, and Samsara — all amazing local acts we’ve played with

T: Sir Louie or 1000 Joules

J: ACPM Vallenato

EP or LP?

All LP.

Early bird or night owl?

We’re all night owls.

Road or studio?

M. P.: We’ve been on the road a lot this summer, but can’t wait to lock in some studio time.

E: Road in summer, studio in winter.

W: Both have their magic.

T: Road — haven’t done much studio yet.

J: Mostly road so far, but ready for some recording soon.

Where can we follow you?

Website | Facebook | Instagram

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Rapid Fire Local Questions:

What is your favourite local restaurant?

M. P.: Smoke Meat Pete’s

E: Pizza Salvatore

W: Else’s

T: Au p’tit plateau

J: Backyard BBQs at my place

What is your favourite street in your city and why?

M. P.: Saint-Denis — great venues, restaurants, and parking!

E: Saint-Laurent — love the nightlife.

W: Saint-Denis — great Plateau energy.

T: De Bullion — my first apartment was there.

J: Saint-Denis.

What is your favourite park in your city and why?

M. P.: Jeanne-Mance

E: René-Lévesque

W: La Fontaine

T: Square Saint-Louis

J: Parc de la Cité

What is your favourite music venue in your city?

M. P.: L’Escogriffe

E: Place des Arts (Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier)

W: Foufounes Électriques

T: La Poudrière (Belfort, France)

J: Quai des Brumes

What is your favourite music store in your city?

M. P.: Beatnick — always find rare blues records there

E & W: Steve’s Music

T: Centre de Musique Diplomate

J: Facebook Marketplace.

 

About Emilea Semancik 196 Articles
Emilea Semancik was born in North Vancouver. Emilea has always always wanted to work as a freelance writer and currently writes for the Vancouver Guardian. Taking influence from journalism culture surrounding the great and late Anthony Bourdain, she is a recipe author working towards publishing her own series of books. You can find her food blog on Instagram: