Karkwa is an acclaimed Canadian indie rock band hailing from Montreal, Quebec, celebrated for their intricately woven sounds and poetic French lyrics. Formed in 1998, the band is comprised of Louis-Jean Cormier (vocals, guitar), François Lafontaine (keyboards), Martin Lamontagne (bass), Julien Sagot (percussion, vocals), and Stéphane Bergeron (drums). Karkwa’s music is marked by an innovative blend of rock and progressive elements, often compared to the intricate styles of Radiohead and the melodic sensibilities of their fellow French-Canadian artists.

Over their active years, Karkwa's discography has been met with critical acclaim and a strong following in the Francophone music community. With notable releases such as "Les tremblements s'immobilisent" (2005), "Le Volume Du Vent" (2008), and "Les Chemins De Verre" (2010), which won the prestigious Polaris Music Prize in 2010, distinguishing them as the first Francophone band to do so. Albums like "Karkwa Live" capture the raw energy of their performances and further solidify their reputation as a dynamic live act. While the band announced an indefinite hiatus in 2012, their legacy continues to influence the Canadian music landscape, and their music has contributed significantly to the broader recognition of Francophone artists within Canadian indie rock.

Genres

Indie Quebecois

Rock Quebecois

Related Artists

Patrick Watson

Arcade Fire

The Barr Brothers

Half Moon Run

Soda Stereo

Los Fabulosos Cadillacs

The National

Fito Paez

Metric

Les Cowboys Fringants

Feist

The Tragically Hip

Latest Release

Dans la seconde

Karkwa

Album - 9 Tracks - Released September 8, 2023