Start Listening To: Geneviève Racette
The Montreal singer-songwriter opens up about her new album Golden, creative renewal, and finding light after the storm.
With her latest album Golden, Geneviève Racette invites listeners into a tender world shaped by love, loss, and self-discovery. In this Q&A, Racette reflects on the emotional journey that inspired the record, her collaborative process with producer François-Pierre Lue, and the deep personal honesty that fuels her songwriting.
Your latest album Golden feels like a deeply personal and reflective record. What emotional space were you in when you began writing it?
This record took many months to write, so the emotional space shifted over time. I often go with the flow when it comes to writing. I write what I need to write in the moment. It’s only once all the songs are there that I can step back and really analyze what they’re about, where the focal point lies. Looking back, I see that Golden was a record that saved me. I went through incredibly difficult times while making it. I’d shut the world off and escape into the studio as much as I could, using the creative process both to express myself and to hide from the pain a little bit.
Themes like sobriety, friendship breakups, and self-love run through the album. Was there a specific moment or experience that catalyzed this creative period?
It was definitely a mix of different heartbreaks. Moments where I felt like I had lost control whether it was over romantic relationships, friendships, or even my relationship with myself. I reached a point where I knew I needed to process those feelings, and writing was my way of doing that. There wasn’t one single moment it was more like a series of moments that added up and led me to the songs that became Golden.
You co-produced Golden with François-Pierre Lue. What was that collaborative process like, and how did it help shape the final sound?
Being in the studio with François-Pierre is honestly one of my favorite things in the world! The process was absolutely collaborative. I’d show up at his place with just a guitar and a voice: melody, chords, a raw song and we’d start from there. We’d track the main idea and then spend hours listening to music, experimenting, and trying new sounds. That’s the beauty of working in a home studio: you have the freedom to take your time and really explore ideas! It was so much fun and really allowed us to craft the sound of Golden together.
Songs like “Same Old Me” and “From Friends to Strangers” are intimate and raw. How do you navigate vulnerability when writing and performing?
I’ve always believed that vulnerability is my superpower. For me, it’s a gift. It’s how I create, and I think that’s why people connect with my music. When I’m writing or performing something deeply personal, I try to remind myself that there’s power in honesty that sharing my own struggles can help others feel seen.
“The Reasons (I’ll Be Alright)” was recently featured on Heartland. What was it like to have your music reach a whole new audience through TV?
That was honestly even cooler than I expected. Of course, when I first heard that my song was going to be in Heartland, I was thrilled. But the real moment was when I actually saw the scene. I was on tour in the U.S. for the Golden album release, and we had a couple of days off in Nashville. I watched the episode, and hearing my song play during such a beautiful scene really hit me! It was such a perfect match for the song, and it made me feel so proud. Proud that I was able to turn my pain into art. Proud that I could turn sorrow into something golden. ;)
You’ve been part of both the French and English music scenes in Canada. How do you approach songwriting across languages and audiences?
Honestly, I’m still figuring out how songwriting works. Of course, I can plan a writing session and prepare ideas, but sometimes the songs just come to me. Sometimes in French, sometimes in English. I don’t really control it. I do feel like my writing style shifts a bit depending on the language. In French, I tend to be more poetic and image driven, while in English, it’s more into storytelling, a country-folk style. Maybe it’s my musical influences. Art is weird like that!
You’ve performed at this year’s Quebec Spring in the UK. Can you give us a few words about Quebec Spring and what it means to be part of this year’s edition?
Oh my gosh, the UK was incredible. I miss it already. It’s such a gift to be able to fly halfway across the world with your team to share your art with new audiences. I feel so lucky. And the fans and friends I met there made it even more special.
What was the best part of performing in the UK?
Honestly, being able to play music for new audiences was incredible, but I’d be lying if I said I didn’t love being a tourist on my days off! I had never been to the UK before, so I walked everywhere, trying to see all the landmarks a tourist has to see. And the food… oh my gosh, the food was so good! I think I’ve officially raised my standards for Indian food and fish and chips.
What do you love right now?
SUNSHINE, OMG. After a long winter, it’s such a relief to finally feel the warmth and see blue skies. It feels like I’m waking up after hibernation.
What do you hate right now?
Hate is a strong word, but I really don’t like how skinny culture seems to be making a comeback. It’s so outdated…
Name an album you’re still listening to from when you were younger and why it’s still important to you.
So many! Just this week I was cruising down Montreal streets, blasting Simple Plan’s No Pads, No Helmets…Just Balls. This album just puts me in a good mood and it reminds me that my struggles aren’t always that serious, and life is fun. It makes me want to feel young, light, and full of fun, no matter how old I get!
What’s next for Geneviève Racette?
This summer and fall, I’m diving into writing mode for my next record! I always say that to write, I need to live first. So right now, I’m just going to… live. Travel, explore, meet new people, and soak up experiences. Then, I’ll put it all into the songs.
