JOVM mainstay Virginie B is a rising, Montréal-based self-taught singer/songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, producer, and self-described “extravagant mess” has long been influenced by a wide range of music, including experimental electronic music, classical, old-timey jazz, 90s R&B, art pop, art rock and more.
Her full-length debut, 2022’s INSULA was released to praise from ICI Première, Le Devoir, La Presse, Montreal Rocks!, and PAN M 360. The album also earned a GAMIQ. Pop Album of the Year nomination. And adding to a growing profile, the French Canadian artist has made a run of the provincial festival circuit, playing sets at Francofoiles de Montréal, Coup de Cœur Francophone, Le Phoque OFF, Santa Teresa Festival, Taverne Tour, 2022’s M for Montréal. She also played at SXSW back in 2023.
2024’s Astral 2000, which featured album opener and title track “Astral 2000” saw the Montréal-based artist releasing what may arguably be the province’s first hyper pop album. Since then she’s been busy collaborating with fellow JOVM mainstay Super Plage and a list of others.
Produced by long-time collaborator Louis Jeay-Beaulieau, “Chamaille,” the acclaimed JOVM mainstay’s first bit of new material since Astral 2000 is a high-octane bop that has become a staple of her live shows since she first played it on stage over a year ago. Live, the new single is often paired with her techno cover of “Lost Woods,” the iconic Koji Kondo-composed theme, which appears on the soundtrack of Nintendo’s The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. She typically blends both tunes seamlessly into one another during he live sets, culminating into one of her set’s most exhilarating moments.
Originally written on piano with French pop artist Mylène Farmer in mind, the new single may arguably be the most dance floor friendly and euphoric tunes of her growing catalog to date. Reportedly, the new single is a transitional track that’s meant to bridge the gap between 2024’s sophomore album and the next chapter of her career. Built around production featuring glistening synths and skittering beats, “Chamaille” is a hooky, club banger that seemingly blends elements of footwork and Euordance beneath the JOVM mainstay’s yearning delivery.
“I was thinking about those long, late nights spent sitting on the sidewalk outside the bar, confiding in strangers. Sharing the intensity of life—even in half-spoken words, even when it’s late, even if we’re hurting ourselves a little in the process—and pouring ourselves into the other person to forget the immensity of the surrounding chaos. Finding comfort in the now, courage in sharing, to face the next day—is it really so bad if it makes us feel better, even just a little?” The acclaimed Montréal-based artist says of the new song.
____
The Joy of Violent Movement is a completely independent and completely D.I.Y. media outlet. Over the course of this site’s 16 year history, I’ve used my fiercely independent stance to cover music with an eclectic and global perspective that a lot of other publications just don’t have — and will likely never have.
To that end, I could use your support to continue to keep bringing you my unique global perspective on music. There are a number of ways that you can support this work.
I’ve been told that some people would prefer to make a one-time donation because it’s easy and less of an obligation. So, if you’re able to make a one-time donation, there’s a donation box below.
Make a one-time donation
Choose an amount
Or enter a custom amount
Your contribution is appreciated.
If you can give more regularly, please feel free to check out my Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheJoyofViolentMovement.
Anything you can give is very much appreciated. It can and does make a real difference, y’all.
I know that a lot of folks are struggling to make ends meet in an uncertain and tumultuous economic climate. So there are other, non-financial ways in which you can support this work.
You can follow me on the following social platforms:
X/Twitter: @yankee32879 and @joyofviolent
Instagram: @william_ruben_helms
Threads: @william_ruben_helms
Bluesky: @williamrubenhelms.bsky.social
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheJoyofViolentMovement
As always, if there are posts that you dig, share them with your friends. The more eyeballs on my work, the better.
Discover more from The Joy of Violent Movement
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.