Jean Gardy is a hip-hop artist based in Montreal, Canada. The Haitian-Canadian performer had a lot to say about music, his childhood, and his creative process, and what to expect from him in time to come.
Kreyolicious: Tell us more about yourself, Jean Gardy.
I’m a rapper outside the box. Forget your definition of a rapper. I’ve come to change all the rules. My music is a mix of a bit of everything. I love culture and history—especially the culture and history of black folks. I often make references to them in my lyrics.
I spent a good part of my childhood playing in the forest. I love nature, and its mysteries. Even today, I go to the mountains to meditate and to write songs.
Kreyolicious: What drew you to music?
When I was a kid, it was sheer pleasure for me to watch the drums at the Protestant church I attended. Then they asked me if I wanted to learn how to play! I was proud to make the whole congregation dance. This helped me develop a musical ear, because I got to do harmonies with other musicians. These days, I feel this same pride when I get on the stage to perform and see how many people are touched by my music, and how many people dance to my music. I love the freedom to express my feelings and my vision to the whole world. Music is creating the ultimate state of purity. I love the whole process of creating…whether it’s a song or a music video.
Kreyolicious: What was it like growing up in Montreal?
In Montreal, it’s awfully cold. It’s taking the train. It’s eating porridge and playing hockey. But you always get to mingle with lots of Haitians. My childhood could be summed up by the three Haiti’s L’s: Lekòl, Lakay, Legliz [school, home, church]. Our parents never stopped remind us who we were, and where we came from. The most difficult thing for me was that at one point, we moved way outside Montreal at a section of Canada where there were practically no immigrants. For a long time, I was the only black person at my school. I had to endure a lot of racism…until that is hip-hop took over. From then on, I became really popular. Montreal is a great city to visit. The winter is pretty long and cold, but in the summer there’s all sorts of festivals. The architecture is really fabulous and very inspirations. The people are friendly!
Kreyolicious: What’s the music scene in Montreal like right now?
Montreal is full of talent! There, you find all the musical styles, due to cultural mixes. Unfortunately, Quebec society lack openness in [terms of] musical diversity. It’s always the same artists who are being pushed. This gives the impression that things are not moving, and discourages many. I know many excellent artists who’ve [left Canada] to [try their hand at] the [musical market in the] United States. But gradually, things are changing for the better. The most important thing is to believe in yourself and to always keep moving.!
Kreyolicious: How do you create your songs?
I start off with the melody, and then the lyrics. I can be inspired by any element that crosses my mind. A sound, a melody, a sound, an emotion and more! As I already mentioned, I love being in touch with nature when I write, especially on top of a mountain. I dream of melodies in dreams given to me, and [from there], I bring them to fruition.
Kreyolicious: What can your fans expect from you in the future, Jean Gardy?
They can look forward to many surprises! I’m constantly evolving, while keeping the same [musical] foundation. I’ll still be rocking poetic and metaphorical lyrics. My album comes out soon. I’ll have a bunch of guest artists that are sure to please them. I have a music video entitled “Journée d’angoisse”, which is on Youtube and [all over] TV. Got others are on the way. My world tour is in full organization. Haiti, I’m here! I’m also working on a series of lectures on various topics such as culture, history and motivation. I started a campaign to accelerate the process.
CLICK HERE TO VISIT JEAN GARDY ON YOUTUBE!
Check out the video for “Journée D’angoisse”, off of Jean Gardy’s upcoming album L’Ascension.
