“True artistic freedom can only be attained by the suppression of all inhibitions getting in the way of creativity.” This is the motto of the Montreal-based songwriter, composer, producer and musician Louis Lafontaine. Determined to offer music which is austentatious yet accessible, he works through a vast range of genres, from blues to classical avant-garde. Louis carves himself a place in the québécois artistic sphere thanks to the multiple ensembles he creates, joins, and collaborates with.

It is first and foremost as the leader of Pourpre (formerly The Great Goose) that Louis makes himself known. Pourpre allows him the space to create his musical ideal, and deploys itself as a vintage fresco of heavy rock, poignant lyricism et excentricism. Following the release of the singles “Nébuleuse” and “Bojack”, the band releases a first album of seven tracks which carry the listener into a surprising dreamscape where the borders between today and yesterday are completely blurred. The album’s earthy, corrosive and tragic themes captures the media’s attention and earns Pourpre some airplay on SiriusXM, as well as a few festival spots. Their follow-up album is planned for 2026.

In 2018, he joins Rouge Tonic as a co-composer, arranger and guitarist. The electro rock ensemble lead by Paul Zakarivan (Rouge Tonic/Ce Qui Nous Traverse/Caprices) finds some success, notably following a tribute concert for the film Eldorado. Charles Binamé, director of this cult classic of the 90s, shouts out the band’s work at the concert.

At the dawn of 2020, following the dissolution of Rouge Tonic, the strong bond between Catherine Laurin (Cosmophone/Pourpre/Rouge Tonic/Caprices), Paul Zakarivan and Louis Lafontaine results in the band Caprices. A cross between modern pop and French chanson, and enhanced by magnetic poetics and delicate chord arrangements, Caprices captures the attention of Mungo Park Records and Bloc Notes Music Publishing. The record label and publishing house take the band under their wing by offering to produce a short project titled “Le commerce des sentiments”. The 5-track EP produced by Ariel Coulombe will find an audience in Québec as well as in Europe.

That same year, Louis begins a long and fruitful collaboration with the singer-songrwriter Maxime Galand (Maxime de Wilde) who charms through his writing which calls back to Leloup, Brassens et Dédé. Louis is credited as coproducer, cowriter, arranger and featured singer on “Mauvais Temps,” the artist’s first EP which is launched in March of 2022. Following a series of concerts to promote the project, Maxime and Louis join forces once more to work on a second album for which they obtain a bursary from the Canada Council for the Arts.

While Louis is primarily a creator, he is also known for his skills on the guitar; in addition to lending his musical talents to various bands and ensembles he joins or founds, he participates in multiple longer-term projects such as the development of a multidisciplinary concert in collaboration with Montreal’s École de danse contemporaine in 2015, and “Instruments Of Happiness”, an orchestra ensemble made up of over 100 guitarists directed by Tim Brady, for whom he will be made head of section in  2018.