La Déferlance

Together since 2018, Quebec City-based La Déferlance has been offering a refreshing and vibrant brand of traditional Quebecois music. The group takes its name from the French word ‘déferlante’ (meaning a crashing wave), capturing the unique energy and elemental force this band delivers onstage.

The band’s sound combines lively folk tunes and classic traditional songs arranged in its own style, with a substantial body of original compositions characterized by beautifully crafted vocal harmonies, call and response vocals, traditional Quebec foot percussion, fiddle, accordion, and modern instruments such as the electric bass, all blended with a Celtic edge.

Their energetic yet polished performances reflect the years of diverse musical experience of its members, particularly in jazz and classical music. Recipient of numerous nominations (Canadian Folk Music Awards, GAMIQ, OPUS, Heritage Award), the group released its second album, Âmes des bois (Souls of the Woods)  in 2025. The album explores the history and folklore of Québec with songs honouring the coureurs des bois (French-Canadian fur traders) and other unsung heroes, particularly women, from the province’s past. Looking both backwards and forwards, La Déferlance is at the forefront of Québec’s burgeoning trad revival. -EL

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