Punk Trail Journeys Through Saguenay, Quebec, Leading to Pouzza Fest
Punk Unleashed: More Than Just Music - Empowering, Embracing, and Rebelling
Nicolas Côté, a teacher and the driving force behind Dogo Suicide, reflects the spirit of punk more than just playing music. This weekend, the Pouzza Fest in the Quartier des spectacles will witness the raw energy and camaraderie that punk embodies.
"Today's the big day! It's the end-of-year show for my students!" exclaims Nicolas, a musical visionary and the mastermind behind the punk-oriented pop and rock orchestra classes at Jeunes Musiciens du monde in Quebec City.
"All teachers approach music teaching differently, but my angle is punk," says Côté. His distinctive teaching method has led him to schools across the region that lack a traditional music program. "I aim to awaken that punk spirit in the young, making it easier for them to learn this accessible genre," he adds.
"I believe punk is about breaking free from musical boundaries," Nicolas says, summoning the raw spirit of the legendary Ramones. "We can just play power chords on a simple 4/4 rhythm to experience the exhilaration of jamming together," he continues. His teaching approach prioritizes the sensation and the importance of living the moment, creating an environment that fosters creativity and collaboration.
Dogo Suicide, Nicolas' punk rock trio, represents a broader interpretation of the genre by incorporating various rock influences. Their energetic performances garnered attention during the Francouvertes preliminaries, even though they couldn't advance to the next stage.
Formed during the pandemic, the group consists of childhood friends Nicolas and Emmanuel Canadian on bass, along with experienced drummer Richard-William Turcotte. Their first EP, Sexe pour les yeux, was independently released in the fall of 2021, and two more will follow shortly before their performance at the Pouzza Fest's Cabaret du MEM - Centre des mémoires montréalaises stage.
"We're proud to make music outside of Montreal, and we're planning to record our first album on the Soluté Records label, one of the few independent music structures operating outside of major centers," shares the group's singer.
Soluté Records, based in Saguenay, supports projects from diverse musical backgrounds. Founded by Vincent Bélisle, the label is excited to present the Internationale périphérique festival in L'Anse-Saint-Jean, where Dogo Suicide will share the stage with artists like PyPy, Isabelle Charlot, René Lussier, and La Sécurité.
As we delve into the world of punk music, we discover its importance as an educational tool. Simplified song structures, emphasis on rhythm and timing, encouraging expression, and workshops or jam sessions are fundamental in fostering a love for music among students.
Punk music, born in the mid-1970s, emerged as a reaction to mainstream rock, embracing a DIY ethos and rebellious spirits. Bands like The Ramones, The Sex Pistols, and The Clash defined the genre. Today, punk not only offers a platform for self-expression but also fosters a sense of community, boosts confidence, encourages creativity, and provides educational insights into social history and cultural movements.
So, as the Pouzza Fest takes over the Place des Festivals, don't just listen to the music - feel the rebellious spirit, the camaraderie, and the DIY ethos that defines punk. Whether it's the "yoga for punks" session, the children's programs, or both legendary and emerging artists like the Subhumans, Fucked Up, and Voivod, there's something for everyone at this free event. On Sunday, let the punk spirit inside you roar!
Nicolas, with his unique approach to music education, aims to instill the punk spirit in his students, empowering them to explore and learn the accessible genre.As Dogo Suicide takes the stage at Pouzza Fest, they embodies the diverse influences and DIY ethos that punk music stands for, offering a platform for self-expression and community building.
