Within the past five years, Montreal has revolutionized their music scene from being just the home of “pop sensation” Celine Dion to the hotbed exporter of indie acts everywhere. Among acts such as Stars, Arcade Fire and this year’s Polaris Prize recipient, Patrick Watson, we find a hidden gem under the name of Jade McNelis.
Ambitiously pursuing a career in music, Taiwan-born, Florida-native, McNelis migrated to the booming music scene of Montreal, Canada a couple of years ago, shortly after signing to Good Fences Records. With the helpful guidance of friends like The Dears’ Murray Lightburn and Stars’ Torquil Campbell and Chris Seligman, McNelis’ made a successfully smooth transition across the boarders and began recording tracks for what would become her debut EP, All the Fables. With friends, Seligman and Drew Malamud (The Dears, Stars, Death From Above 1979) taking over production aspects of the record, the recording process was a personal affair that also taught McNelis a lot. "I had never really recorded anything before or worked with other musicians so it was a learning experience" she says.
On All the Fables, we find intricate instrumentals from the classically trained pianist and violinist, accompanied by a uniquely soothing voice reminiscent of Chan Marshall. The record also delves into the realms of classical piano melodies, alternative rock and cabaret folk, as McNelis weave together with intriguing lyrics and her definitive vocals. Hypnotically endearing tracks such as “Christmas Eve” and the charming single, “Wins” will no doubt….well, win over audiences.
With spots at Toronto’s North by Northeast festival and an opening slot for Stars on night three of the Montreal indie-pop act’s four night sold-out marathon at the Phoenix, Jade McNelis has had no problem booking the big shows. Now it’s up for the world to embrace this diamond in the rough.
McNelis is currently in talks of recording her debut full length release with Do Make Say Think’s Charles Spearin and Ohad Benchetrit (Broken Social Scene).
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