Biography
Salebarbes is a Canadian band formed in 2019 by brothers Jonathan Painchaud (born September 17, 1974, in Iles de la Madeleine, Quebec) and Éloi Painchaud, both experienced musicians from the Quebec music scene. Jonathan, a former member of the group Okoumé, has released solo albums including Qu'on se lève (2007), La dernière des arcades (2010), Mon cœur collé au tien (2013), and La tête haute (2016), while Éloi, son of Alcide Painchaud—a founding member of the Madelinois band Suroît—previously collaborated with his brother on a duo album in 2002 and served as a multi-instrumentalist and producer. The band, described as a Montreal-based Acadian supergroup, blends traditional Acadian, French-Canadian, Cajun, and Louisiana influences with modern rock and folk elements, creating a hybrid style often called 'folky rock 'n' roll trad.'[1][2][3][4][5][7]
Salebarbes quickly gained prominence with their debut live album Live au Pas Perdus (2019), capturing covers of Louisiana songs performed at a Magdalen Islands venue, followed by Gin à l'eau salée (2021) and À boire deboutte (2023), the latter recorded in just six weeks at Studio B-12 in Valcourt, Quebec. Their energetic live shows, featuring high-energy performances of tracks like 'Marcher l'plancher,' 'Chat par la cheu,' and 'Gagner sa vie,' have sold out venues such as MTelus, Le Capitole de Quebec, and festivals including the Montreal International Jazz Festival and Festival International Nuits d'Afrique. The band won the Félix Award for Group of the Year at the 44th Félix Awards in 2022 and Francophone Artist of the Year at the 2025 Canadian Country Music Association Awards.[1][2][3][4][6]
Salebarbes' legacy lies in revitalizing Acadian and Cajun traditions with a contemporary twist, adding 'maple syrup flavor' to the 'gumbo' of Louisiana music, as described by Jonathan. Their jubilant, celebratory shows foster deep audience connections, positioning them as one of Quebec's most sought-after acts with upcoming collaborations like performances with the Orchestre symphonique de Montréal (OSM) and guests such as Hay Babies, Zachary Richard, and a brass section at the Festival d'été de Québec in 2025.[3][4][6][7][9]
Fun Facts
- Jonathan Painchaud named his dog Belton after Cajun musician Belton Richard, reflecting the band's deep passion for Louisiana music.
- The album À boire deboutte was written and recorded in just six weeks at Studio B-12 in Valcourt, Quebec—a dream timeline for experimentation as described by Éloi Painchaud.
- Éloi Painchaud had a strong Îles-de-la-Madeleine accent until age 15, tying into the band's authentic Acadian roots.
- Nearly all of Salebarbes' 2024 shows in Montreal sold out, making tickets hard to find for this rapidly rising Quebec act.
Members
- George Belliveau
- Jean‐François Breau
- Kevin McIntyre
- Éloi Painchaud
- Jonathan Painchaud
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Alcide Painchaud - Father of Éloi Painchaud and leader of Madelinois band Suroît, whose song 'Disco fait dodo' (written by Bruce Daigrepont) Salebarbes often covers live (Suroît band) [pre-2019]
Key Collaborators
- Jonathan Painchaud - Co-founder, brother of Éloi, lead singer-songwriter and former Okoumé member (All albums including Live au Pas Perdus (2019), Gin à l'eau salée (2021), À boire deboutte (2023)) [2019-present]
- Éloi Painchaud - Co-founder, multi-instrumentalist, producer, ex-Okoumé member (All albums; produced À boire deboutte) [2019-present]
- Jean-François Breau - Band member, described as a pillar for his enthusiasm and generosity (À boire deboutte (2023) and touring) [pre-2023-present]
- Lisa LeBlanc - Guest collaborator on Cajun cover ('Bonsoir Moreau') [pre-2023]
- Hay Babies - Guest performers (Festival d'été de Québec show (2025)) [2025]
- Zachary Richard - Guest performer (Festival d'été de Québec show (2025)) [2025]
- Orchestre symphonique de Montréal (OSM) - Orchestral collaboration (Salebarbes meets the OSM (October)) [2024]
Connection Network
External Links
References
Heard on WWOZ
salebarbes has been played 1 time on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.
| Date | Time | Title | Show | Spotify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 4, 2026 | 13:13 | Pourquoi T'es pas dans mes brasfrom Gin a Leau salee | Cajun and Zydecow/ Charles Laborde or Jim Hobbs |