Paul Cargnello

Whether the music he creates is soaked in reggae-roots or dipped in a Louisiana slow-cooker, singer-songwriter Paul Cargnello delivers a sound that surprises and appeals with each offering. He has grown to become one of Montreal’s favorite prolific troubadors. Throughout his career, as frontman of The Vendettas, or numerous solo endeavors (Lightweight Romeo, Between Evils, Live Au Va et Vient, Bragging) Paul has always been able keep the critics on their toes, and the fans wanting more.

//// QUÉBEC BY STORM ////

His first French release, Brûler le Jour, sizzled with both critical and fan success. It sent his single “Une Rose Noire” to the top 20 charts and its video into The Montreal Museum of Contemporary Art. He was nominated for the prestigious Félix Leclerc Award and was a winner of Radio Canadas Sacré Talent. After numerous television appearances, radio interviews, memorable shows and festivals, Paul Cargnello has stayed true to his conviction: to weave together the intricate Quebec fabric one album at a time. In 2009, Paul's second French album, Bras Coupé, was inspired by the legend of a revolutionary slave, and the city of New Orleans garnering him critical acclaim across Canada and France.

//// NEW ALBUM: LA COURSE DES LOUPS////

Since the launch of Bras Coupé, Paul Cargnello has joined forces with Tacca, thrice toured throughout France, and found the time to prepare a third French opus: "La Course Des Loups”. The new album fuses roots with modernity, and explores more of Paul's rock side than we've seen in the past. Surrounded by his band The Frontline, the album is the result of an introspective and collective musical effort. Paul Cargnello has spent his career mixing perceptive lyrics with roots music, his newest effort confirms his new and always evolving maturity.

//// CONVICTION ////

Known for his honest lyricism, as much as for his urban connectiveness, his newest release serves up another measure of conviction, political activism, and ultimately a reflection of who we are.

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//// ALBUMS ////

La Course Des Loups (2010)

"Cargnello's highly personal flavour of politically adamant, grassroots rock-punk-reggae has kept the left loud and proud in both official languages for a decade..."
–Melora Koepke (Ottawa Xpress)

La Reine Contre Paul Cargnallo (2010)

"In True Indie style, Cargnello does not follow industry rules."
– Agata De Santis (La Corriere)

Bras Coupé (2009)

"...approaches melodic perfection."
– Rupert Bottenberg (Montreal Mirror)

Bragging (2008)

"...[Cargnello] has certainly earned his self-assurance, combining working-class roots rock with a seasoning of reggae and punk thrown in for good taste...."
– Chris Morin (Planet S, Saskatchewan)

"This ranks as one of his best"
– Jamie O'Meara (The Hour, Montreal)

Brûler Le Jour (2007)

"Musically, he's on top of his game, having possibly perfected the rebel reggae/rock/folk/blues blend that he's honed with each solo release."
– Lorraine Carpenter (Montreal Mirror)

Live Au Va Et Vient (2005)

"If he crosses over because of the American hype relating to Montreal these days, then the hype will have all been worth it."
– Richard Burnette (The Montreal Hour)

Between Evils (2004)

"[Cargnello] has one of those smokey, rough edged voices, and he can construct a fine arrangement. Acoustic and for the most part simple, [Between Evils] is collection of impressive catchy tunes that explore the territory of folk-punk, reggae, blues and rock."
– Elizebeth Bromstein (Now Toronto)

Lightweight Romeo (2002)

"Protest, for him, is more than just a musical fashion statement. He has broadened his artistic scope while proving that he is far from lightweight anything."
– Tcha Dunlevy (The Montreal Gazette)

" If there's one thing that ties Punk Rock and Folk music together, it's the voice of protest. Paul Cargnello knows this."
– Chuck Teed (The coast, Halifax)

The Vendettas – It's Happening To You (2000)

"Frontman Paul Cargnello's earnest delivery and provocative lyrics help keep things from being derivative."
– Erik Missio (Chart Magazine, Toronto)

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Paul Cargnello Has Shared The Stage With…
Garland Jeffries, Ari Up (The Slits), Billy Bragg, Zachary Richard, Michael Franti, Les Cowboys Fringants, Big Sugar.