Patrick Watson
Biography
Patrick Watson is a Canadian singer-songwriter born on October 8, 1979, in Lancaster, California, and raised in Hudson, Quebec. His musical journey began at a young age, singing in church choirs and studying classical and jazz piano. Before embarking on his solo career, Watson was a member of a high school ska band called Gangster Politics.
Musical Career
Watson's career took a significant turn after he graduated from Vanier College in Montreal, where he studied music. He initially gained attention for his 2001 release, Waterproof9, a collection of music designed to accompany a book of photography. In the early 2000s, he began collaborating with The Cinematic Orchestra, co-writing and performing on their 2007 album Ma Fleur, including the acclaimed track "To Build a Home".
The Band
In 2002, Patrick Watson formed a band which also goes by his name, featuring guitarist Simon Angell, bassist Mishka Stein, and percussionist Robbie Kuster. The group's blend of indie rock, classical music, and cabaret pop has drawn comparisons to artists like Jeff Buckley, Rufus Wainwright, and Pink Floyd. Their debut album, Just Another Ordinary Day, was released in 2003. However, it was their second album, Close to Paradise (2006), that brought them international acclaim, winning the Polaris Music Prize in 2007.
Discography Highlights
Following the success of Close to Paradise, the band released several critically and commercially successful albums. Wooden Arms (2009) was also shortlisted for the Polaris Music Prize. Their 2012 album, Adventures in Your Own Backyard, debuted at number two on the Canadian Albums Chart. Subsequent albums include Love Songs for Robots (2015), Wave (2019), and Better in the Shade (2022).
Musical Style and Film Scores
Patrick Watson is known for his distinctive falsetto voice and his experimental approach to music, which often incorporates unorthodox recording techniques and a blend of genres. His sound is often described as orchestral or cinematic pop. This cinematic quality has led him to compose numerous film scores. His work includes the soundtrack for the 2008 film It's Not Me, I Swear! and The 9th Life of Louis Drax (2016). He has also embarked on projects such as "Film Scores for No One," focusing on instrumental and electronic soundscapes.
Collaborations and Recognition
Throughout his career, Watson has toured and collaborated with a diverse range of artists, including James Brown, The Dears, Feist, and Philip Glass. He has received numerous accolades, including several Juno Award and Félix Award nominations. In 2024, he was honored with the inaugural Impact Award at the Canadian Sync Awards. One of his older songs, "Je te laisserai des mots," went viral on social media platforms in 2021, garnering hundreds of millions of streams.