Paul Piché is a renowned singer-songwriter, environmentalist, political activist, and Quebec sovereigntist, born on September 5, 1953, in La Minerve, Quebec.
As a composer, Piché is known for his work on acoustic guitar, although he has also explored electronica sounds in his recent music. Many of his songs have become timeless classics in the Québécois repertoire, enjoyed at cabaret nights, parties, campfires, and especially during Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day celebrations.
Piché's educational background is in archaeology, which he studied at the Université de Montréal. He began his music career in the early 1970s, singing in Quebec colleges. His big break came in 1977 when keyboardist Robert Léger of Beau Dommage encouraged him to record his first LP, À qui appartient le beau temps, which sold over 100,000 copies.
In 1980, Piché released his second album, L'escalier, inspired by his trip down the staircase in René Lévesque Boulevard. He then collaborated with keyboardist Michel Hinton, and their single "Tous les vents" reached second place on the Radio-activité chart in August 1984. His album Nouvelles d'Europe won the Félix Award for best rock album of 1985.
Piché's subsequent albums, including Sur le chemin des incendies and Intégral, showcased his growth as a songwriter and his ability to explore new sounds and themes. He has performed at numerous festivals, including the Francofolies of Montreal and the Millénaire festival in Brussels.
Throughout his career, Piché has been committed to various causes, including workers' rights, environmentalism, and Quebec sovereignty. His songs often reflect his passion for social justice and his connection to the common man. Journalist Laurent Saulnier has praised Piché as a unique blend of French song, American rock, and Quebec folklore, likening him to a missing link between Bruce Springsteen and Jacques Brel.
In recent years, Piché has continued to perform and tour, sharing the stage with artists such as Triple Rock and Alexis Arbour. His legacy as a singer-songwriter and environmentalist continues to inspire and entertain audiences across Quebec and beyond.
