Andrea de Tour On Finding Her Groove
“It’s been a whirlwind but I’ve just gone with the flow the entire time.”
Music has always been the heartbeat of Montreal-based DJ Andrea de Tour's life, but her journey has taken some unexpected twists and turns. We sat down with Andrea to talk about her passion for music, her love for Montreal, and her excitement to be performing at Palomosa Festival in Montreal this September.
July 22, 2024 | Written by Sierra Madison
Andrea de Tour is a Montreal-based DJ and jazz vocalist, making waves as a sought-after performer across the vibrant Montreal club and festival scenes. In the midst of her busy summer, she makes time to chat with me over the phone.
As Andrea and I walk down memory lane over the phone, she reflects on her musical journey with an infectious enthusiasm that echoes her vibrant sets. With her diverse musical background, Andrea has carved a niche for herself in the city's dynamic club and festival scenes. Growing up as a jazz vocalist, she has a natural groove that’s deeply woven into her musical essence, inspiring her eclectic curation of house and techno sets. Andrea's journey began in the unlikeliest of places—a jazz club. "I was in Yorkville, just a kid, and I saw Molly Johnson performing," she recalls. "It was like an epiphany. From that moment on, I knew music was my calling."
Her passion for music seeped into every aspect of her life, prompting her to move from Toronto to Montreal to study music at McGill University, "I was always musical, but jazz was my first love," Andrea says. "I started singing jazz when I was 11 … then I taught myself guitar and started writing songs." Her heterogeneous musical background and natural inclination for rhythm have greatly influenced her current style. "Jazz taught me improvisation and the importance of rhythm, which are crucial in my DJ sets," she explains.
Photo fo Andrea spinning, which she sent me mid-set
After moving to Montreal she quickly immersed herself in the club and festival scenes, and in the process found herself DJing. "I was bored with just going out all the time," she says. "One of my friends was a DJ, and I thought, why not try it? It clicked instantly." What started off as simply taking over the AUX at parties (a highly sought-after role for any party-goer) evolved into a complete submersion into the world of DJing, “in Montreal, it was easier for me to get my foot in the door, I just showed people what I could do— honestly, I didn’t even know what I could do.”
She credits the city for the opportunity to really explore her new-found passion. Her love for Montreal, and the city’s growing music scene, is palpable over the phone. "Montreal is unmatched. It's my favourite city," she declares. "The music scene here is incredibly vibrant and supportive." The city's unwavering support has been the lifeblood fueling her artistic evolution, "I started DJing before COVID, and within three months, I was already playing at major venues. Montreal embraced me." And embraced her it has— she already has a myriad of high-profile gigs under her belt, including opening for Louie Vega at Piknic Electronik, DJ Boring and Claptone at Igloofest, and Kavinsky at New City Gas.
For Andrea, DJing isn’t just about playing tracks; it's about creating an immersive experience for the crowd. "When I'm behind the decks, I get lost in the music," she says. "It's like playing an instrument. You have to feel the crowd and build the energy." Every set she taps into the audience's vibe, channelling the collective energy, letting it pulse through her. "There's nothing like seeing a crowd completely absorbed in the music. It's magical."
Her sets are a blend of various genres, drawing from her manifold musical influences and love of jazz. "I play everything from techno to house to indie dance. It's all about the groove," she explains. "I love tracks with deep rhythm and nuanced sounds. Music that makes you want to dance all night."
Andrea de Tour performing at Piknic | Photo Credit: Sara Marks
“I know it sounds corny, but I was just born to do this.”
Radio has always played an influential role in the electric music industry, with Radio DJs being among the first to experiment with playing recorded music for audiences, paving the way for the modern DJ, an avenue that Andrea leans into. She hosts a monthly show on Montreal's international radio station, n10.as, and volunteers at Shift Radio. "Radio is such a powerful medium," she says. "It allows you to reach people in a different way. You can play tracks that you might not play in a club, and it gives you a chance to connect with listeners on a more personal level."
Her experience with radio has also taken her beyond Montreal. This past February she played on Rinse France and Djoon Radio in Paris, and Bloop Radio in London. "Playing on these stations was incredible. It opened my eyes to the global electronic music community," she says.
As she prepares for her upcoming performances at Piknic Electronik, where she’ll open for A-trak and Dom Dolla, she's also buzzing with excitement for the inaugural Palomosa Festival, where she’ll play alongside influential acts like Gessafelstein, Yung Lean, and Kali Uchis, to name a few. As I ask her what she’s most excited about, she tells me she’s "working on a project that incorporates my vocals and original music. I want to blend my jazz background with electronic music to create something truly unique."
Photo Credit: Ella Squirrel
As we start gushing about how she’s on the same bill as artists she’s looked up to for ages, we start talking about the intersection between high art and music; she shares her profound appreciation for artists who explore darker themes in their work, valuing the levels of emotional authenticity and raw expression that transcend commercial influences. "High art," Andrea explains, "is about connecting the tangible, whether it's a song or a painting, with sheer human emotion. It’s creating something so purely human that it stands apart from capitalist influences or ulterior motives". This philosophy on authenticity resonates deeply with her artistic vision, where the purity of expression is paramount.
She admires artists like Yung Lean, (who she’ll be performing alongside in September at Palomosa) who she believes embodies this connection between deep emotion and artistic output. "Yung Lean’s music is profoundly impactful because it doesn’t shy away from darker, more troubled themes," she notes. "He's someone who has created a new genre, blending Swedish and hip-hop influences, and people connect to him because he’s so authentic. His music is a raw reflection of his inner struggles, and that’s what makes it resonate so powerfully with his audience".
Her appreciation for artists who tackle darker themes extends beyond just their music; it’s about the vulnerability and honesty they bring to their art. "Artists like Yung Lean are crucial because they open themselves up completely, making their pain and emotions accessible to others. This vulnerability creates a powerful connection with listeners, who find comfort in knowing they are not alone in their experiences”.
For Andrea, this is the kind of artistry that’s driving genres to emerge and evolve, something she emulates in her musical approach— it’s about pushing boundaries and expressing the full spectrum of human emotion. "That’s what high art is – the stuff that isn’t influenced by success or commercial goals, but by a genuine need to express and connect on a deeply human level". As she begins producing original music, she aims to bring this level of authenticity and emotional depth to her projects and performances, striving to create art that resonates on a fundamental, human level.
Photo Credit: Sara Marks
It takes guts and courage to go after your dreams, and what separates someone great from a great, is their ability to pivot and adjust, two qualities that are the cornerstone of Andrea’s career. Despite her introduction to the music industry transpiring differently than originally imagined, Andrea has surrendered to her journey as a DJ, jumping on board and letting it take her wherever it wants. "I've never really thought about doing anything else," she admits. "Music is who I am. It's in my DNA." With her talent and determination, there is no doubt that Andrea de Tour is on the path to becoming one of the greats.
With her unyielding love for music guiding every step of her journey, from her humble beginnings with jazz to her rising stardom as a DJ, Andrea’s story is a fascinating blend of influences and experiences. As she continues to push the boundaries of her art and reach unprecedented heights, one thing remains clear: Andrea de Tour is a name to watch, and I can’t wait to see her perform at Palomosa.