Doomed Confessionary: Cory Levesque (Grand Malheur)
Photos by @vancewm
Grand Malheur is a doom/sludge metal quartet from Ottawa, Canada.
The band just released their new EP »Sans Esprit« on July 16th, 2024. Available now on all major streaming platforms!
Grand Malheur are Laura Payne (bass, vocals), Vance McBride (drums), Luke Pearson (guitar) and Cory Levesque (guitar, vocals).
Can you say a few words about your band?
Grand Malheur is a stoner/doom/sludge band from Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. This band started as a recording project during the pandemic and took shape as a full band afterwards. We incorporate multimedia aspects with projections and sounds.
What was the biggest challenge for the band?
Although we’ve all played together in different bands and all together in an older band, this was our first time writing and playing this type of music. Tunings, song structures, new scene, have been “challenges” but were quickly overcome.
What can you be most proud of so far?
I’m personally very proud of my band mates for having quickly adapted to a style of music they’ve never played before. They’ve absolutely found their stride and this has all become a very organic function of creation. As a band we’re quite proud of the release of our EP »Sans Esprit« and the work we did on it.
What was your biggest regret?
I can’t think of any regrets really. We all wish we would have played more shows but that’s definitely not a regret. We all have pretty hectic schedules, so not every show that’s offered to us is doable unfortunately.
What was the best concert/tour so far and why?
As a newer band, we played Festival Lourd on the Quebec side and that was very defining for us. It was great for networking and making new friends and connections. Our band was very well received.
What was the biggest surprise on the music scene for you?
Rather than surprising, I’d say confirming. But, the scene has been incredibly welcoming and supportive. Both with the shows and our release this year. Having migrated from a completely different scene, the beginning of this journey felt a little isolated and foreign until we made our first connections and it all fell into place. Both in our immediate environment and online. We’re very thankful for that.
What is currently in your heavy musical rotation?
I will only speak for myself but on heavy rotation is: Full Of Hell, Nails, Bison, Fuck The Facts, Scorched Mind, Spirit Wild, Gatecreeper, ACxDC, Primitive Man. (Plenty more)
What was the best advice you’ve ever been given as a musician?
Never stop creating.
If you love it, you’ll always be doing it. ( I’ve been playing music for over 20 years in all different forms)
It’s not a race. Be present for all of it.
Build community.
I’m sure there way more, there’s been a lot of good advice over the years.
Can you say something more about the music scene in Ottawa / Ontario?
The scene here almost always needs to be recognized as the Ottawa/Gatineau scene (we’re just separated by a bridge). I found the metal scene here in high school and was absolutely formative for me. The metal scene in 2000s was absolutely unreal. Endless shows and tours coming through. I was able to discover so many bands and make a lot of friends because of it.
Although the flow of music and shows has shifted, the scene is still very much alive. It seems like there’s constantly new bands popping up and nothing makes me happier. To touch on what I’ve previously said, the scene is incredibly supportive and friendly.
Where can we see you live this year (concerts/tours)?
As of now, we will have one last show this year here in Ottawa at the end of September (info to come) and will be taking the winter off. We have shows planned for next spring/summer/fall.
What are your plans for the future as a band?
The plan is keep up the current pace, record some more material and get more shows under our belt. I think next year will solidify the plan for the coming years.
How can people best support your band?
To directly support us people can follow out stuff on our Bandcamp page: grandmalheur.bandcamp.com.
People can share our music with their friends and follow our band on Spotify, Instagram and Facebook.
Do you have any message for your listeners?
We just want to make sure to thank everyone for their current and future support.
Also, if you feel like you want to start a band, don’t hesitate. Start a band, do it because you love it. Share the noise.
Bojan Bidovc // music enthusiast, promoter, misanthrop and sometimes a journalist as well