Five Minutes With: Folk-Pop Musician Geneviève Racette

Geneviève Racette has captivated audiences since her 2014 debut with ethereal vocals, vulnerable lyricism, and striking emotional depth. The internationally acclaimed Québécois folk-pop-americana artist creates music that is deeply personal yet universally resonant, earning a growing presence in both French and English-speaking music scenes.

Her breakthrough came with No Water, No Flowers (2019), which propelled her from Quebec recognition to national acclaim. The album earned a Canadian Folk Music Award, widespread media praise, and a standout performance with City and Colour at Osheaga. She continued her rise with Satellite (2022), featuring a celebrated duet with City and Colour and receiving acclaim from Rolling Stone, Exclaim!, CBC, Women of Americana, and SiriusXM.

In 2024, Geneviève released Golden, her most personal and powerful album to date. Exploring themes of healing, resilience, sobriety, and anger, the record debuted at #3 on the Folk Alliance International charts. Her song “The Reasons (I’ll Be Alright)” was featured on the hit series Heartland, introducing her music to an even wider audience, followed by a seven-week North American album release tour.

Geneviève has toured extensively throughout the United States and Canada, and in 2025 will tour France and the United Kingdom for the first time, continuing to grow her international audience.

Geneviève Racette

Name:

Geneviève Racette

Genre:

Folk/Pop/Americana

Founded:

2014

# of Albums:

4

Latest Album:

Golden (Deluxe)

Latest Single:

Common Denominator

Latest Video:

Favourite musician growing up:

City and Colour

Favourite musician now:

Kacey Musgraves

Guilty pleasure song:

Simple Plan’s entire discography. In the car. At high volume.

Live show ritual:

I know it might sound basic, but my hair and makeup time is important to me. It gives me confidence, helps me focus, and feels like a kind of superpower. Before a show, I really need my alone time to center myself and tune in. I still haven’t figured out whether I’m an introvert or an extrovert, but I do know this: that quiet space before stepping onstage is essential for me. After the show, though, I will have a crisp Diet Coke (9 years sober!) and eat whatever snacks are left in the green room!

Favourite local musician:

I love the Montreal music scene. Right now, I would have to say Ben Vallee, Vanwho and Claire Morrison.

EP or LP?

Oh my gosh… I’m an LP gal through and through. EPs are great for discovering new artists, but I’m always left wanting more. Like most millennials, I grew up with albums, sitting with a full body of work, letting it unfold over time. There’s something deeper and more immersive about an album, the way songs speak to each other and create a world you can return to again and again.

Early bird or night owl?

My bedtime is 11:00 pm at the latest, so let me tell you how exhausting touring is for me! Haha.

Road or studio?

I don’t like this question…it’s too hard! But if I absolutely have to choose… the studio. The studio, but with a tech, because I’m not great with technology. The magic of walking into a studio with just an idea and walking out with a fully formed song is my favourite thing in the world.

Any shows or albums coming up?

May 5 2026 – Green Note – London, UK
May 6 2026 – Kitchen Garden – Birmingham, UK
May 7 2026 – Cluny – Newcastle, UK
May 16 2026 – Outreau, FR
May 19 2026 – Paris, FR
May 23 2026 – Lesquin, FR

Also, I want to promote the Deluxe version of my record Golden.

“The addition of four tracks, including an a cappella version of “Golden”, an acoustic take on “My Thoughts Of You”, and two new tracks, “Common Denominator” and a cover of Nirvana’s “Come As You Are”. Reflecting Golden’s original premise of evolution, the creation of Racette’s deluxe version musically personifies her transformation, allowing the project to expand musically as she does herself.”

Where can we follow you?

Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | TikTok | Website

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Rapid Fire Local Questions:

What is your favourite local restaurant?

Bossa on Wellington in Verdun

What is your favourite street in your city and why?

Wellington in Verdun! I’ve been living in Verdun since 2013, and it’s truly home. I love the sense of community, the people, the restaurants, the cafés. Cabane Panache in the spring is a highlight and means so much to me. Verdun is truly special.

What is your favourite park in your city and why?

I have to say Parc Lafontaine. It’s where I had my first date with my boyfriend, on a very hot July afternoon…so very Montréal! It’s a place filled with memories for me, and it perfectly captures that mix of romance, summer heat, and everyday magic.

What is your favourite music venue in your city?

I love Théâtre Beanfield (Corona Theatre). It’s been around forever, and there’s something timeless about it. The old-theatre atmosphere makes it feel like you’ve stepped into another era when you’re watching live music there! You can feel the history! It’s one of those rooms where nights out just feels extra special.

What is your favourite music store in your city?

It used to be Archambault (RIP). Unfortunately, we don’t have that many options anymore. To buy records, I like going to Bons Débarras on Wellington in Verdun. They have a great selection of books and records, and the staff is incredibly friendly. (salut Denis!)

 

About Demian Vernieri 700 Articles
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