“Five Minutes With” Montréal Alternative / Pop musician Reno McCarthy

With the youthful sparkle of his 2019 debut album Counterglow, Montreal alternative pop artist Reno McCarthy quickly gained recognition for his strong songwriting and somewhat debonair quality as well as his band’s groove-heavy live shows.

Unexpected events led McCarthy to a surprising stopover in 2020. Following the loss of his father, the artist recorded a truly warm and personal EP. Moving, raw and of great profoundness, Angels Watching Us Dance saw the artist at his most stripped-down and strikingly sensitive.

McCarthy now returns with Run Up River. Gritty, timeless and adventurous, his second full-length record is a carefully-crafted yet unfiltered take on insecurity, frustration and comfort. In a time when irreverence and vulnerability are inevitable, Reno McCarthy’s songs are instantly relatable.

Reno McCarthy

Name: Reno McCarthy

Genre: Alternative pop?

Founded: 1995 AKA my birth

# of Albums: 2 LPs, 1EP, Couple of standalone singles

Latest Release: Run Up River

Latest Single: For a Moment

Latest Video: For a Moment

Favourite musician as a teenager:

Red Hot Chili Peppers

Favourite musician now:

The Beatles

Guilty Pleasure Song:

Taylor Swift – You Belong with Me, the video too!

Live Show Ritual:

It’s been so long I can’t remember. Probably playing pool if possible.

Favourite local artist:

BAAB, Bayta, Andromède, Jeanne Côté and many more

EP or LP?

LP

Early bird or night owl?

Very much night owl

Road or studio?

Both

Any shows or albums coming up?

The Montréal release show for Run Up River will take place at Le Ministère en November 2nd!

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Rapid Fire Qs from Montréal

Favourite local Restaurant:

Helm, a restaurant specializing in the food of alcohol.

Favourite Street?

St-Laurent, the boulevard of possibilities

Favourite Park?

Jarry, classic meeting spot

Favourite Music Venue?

Casa del popolo, small and convivial, or URSA

Favourite Montréal Staple?

Bagel St-Viateur

Where can we follow you?

Website | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | Spotify | Apple Music