The Painters
Photo by Tess Roby
The Painters are an indie-rock group based in Tiohtià:ke / Montréal. A synergistic creative force, their self-produced tracks playfully refract a multitude of colourful influences – from hippie folk to synth pop to microtonal improvisations. Within the walls of their shared apartment-turned-DIY studio, they immerse themselves in practice, recording, and exploration.
At the core of the project lies Alex Bourque, whose introspective lyrics and approachable songwriting contrasts with the enigmatic sensibilities of co-producers and sonic architects Josh Boguski and Michael Halls. Boguski, known for his post-production work and his contributions to the alt-folk band Whitney K, adds a poppy yet hallucinogenic touch. Halls, a composer and improviser known for his work with post-punk groups Faux Fur and Telstar Drugs, infuses his uniquely emotional prowess into their aural vocabulary.
Completing the ensemble is drummer Alex Lavoie, a classically trained percussionist who draws on his experience with Telstar Drugs and Un Blonde to imbue the compositions with rhapsodic precision.
After years of nurturing Montreal’s cassette culture through their label, Egg Paper Factory, The Painters shared a dream to craft a polished and timeless album. A five-year hiatus allowed each member to refine their musicianship and production skills.
Anchoring their artistic voyage is a unique hybrid recording technique — an intricate choreography between analog tape and digital tools. With a meticulous focus on every detail, they merge these distinct dimensions to conjure mixed-fidelity ear candy, creating a tension between nostalgia and innovation that reflects the fluid nature of reality.
Now, their opus emerges; the group has released their debut LP. Prepare to surrender to their experimental folk-collage, and be transported to a realm where boundaries blur, and music becomes a reflection of the human spirit.
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