Men I Trust
Biography
Men I Trust is a Canadian indie band from Montreal, Quebec, formed in 2014. The group consists of Emmanuelle "Emma" Proulx (vocals, guitar), Jessy Caron (guitar, bass), and Dragos Chiriac (keyboards). They are known for their dreamy and jazzy sound, which blends elements of indie pop, dream pop, and electropop. The band has self-released all of their music.
History
Formation and Early Years (2014-2016)
Men I Trust was founded in 2014 by high school friends Jessy Caron and Dragos Chiriac, who reconnected in the music department at Université Laval. They released a self-titled debut album in 2014 and their second album, Headroom, in 2015, which featured various vocalists. Emmanuelle Proulx joined the band as the full-time lead singer and guitarist in March 2016 after the founders saw a video of her singing around a campfire.
Rise to Prominence and Oncle Jazz (2017-2020)
The band gained wider recognition with the release of singles like "I Hope to Be Around" (2017) and "Show Me How" (2018). They embarked on a North American tour in 2018 and performed at major music festivals, including Coachella and Lollapalooza in 2019. Their third studio album, Oncle Jazz, was released on September 13, 2019. The 24-track album was praised for its immersive and moody atmosphere and was long-listed for the 2020 Polaris Music Prize. In 2020, they released a live album titled Forever Live Sessions.
Untourable Album and Recent Activities (2021-Present)
On August 25, 2021, Men I Trust released their fourth studio album, Untourable Album. As the title suggests, it was written during the COVID-19 pandemic with the assumption that they wouldn't be able to tour. The album features a more concise and meticulously produced sound. Despite its name, the band did tour in support of the album. They have since released several non-album singles and continue to tour internationally. The band has announced they will be working on a fifth album in 2024.
Musical Style
Men I Trust's music is often described as dream pop, electropop, and indie. Their sound is characterized by hypnotic melodies, smooth bass lines, and Proulx's captivating vocals. They incorporate elements of jazz, R&B, and funk into their music, creating a lush and dreamy atmosphere. The band prides itself on creating music with a sense of longevity, avoiding trends and focusing on a unique, self-taught production style.
Studio Albums
- Men I Trust (2014)
- Headroom (2015)
- Oncle Jazz (2019)
- Untourable Album (2021)
Live Albums
- Forever Live Sessions (2020)