Doomed Confessionary: Frankie, Alex, Xavier & Ricky (GrÿmStoned)
GrÿmStoned is a rock band hailing from Quebec, Canada. A wholly original project drawing inspiration from stoner doom, progressive rock and hard rock, the four-piece is in their purest state, devoid of technological complexity. Due to the abundance of styles, GrÿmStoned have developed a diverse musica portfolio to ensure their authenticity.
The band has released their self-titled debut EP on May 26th, 2025. Available now on al major digital streaming platforms.
GrÿmStoned consists of Frankie Smith (vocals), Alex Sg (bass, backing vocals), Xavier Boudreau (guitar) and Ricky Cardinal (drums).
Can you please say a few words about your band?
We could describe the band as a huge musical influence ranging from grunge to stoner with touches of blues. A duality also with the two singers who have completely different registers. What also makes the project unique is that each musician is of different ages and likes their own musical style, which is reflected in the way they play their instrument. What makes our strength is that each song is unique, like the sound of the band.
What was the biggest challenge for the band?
Alex: I think our biggest challenge is and will always be the artwork used to represent the band. We all have preferences as musicians when it comes to genres, which makes us a strength when it comes to ideas, but less so when it comes to making shared decisions.
What can you be most proud of so far?
Xavier: I think it’s how much we’ve done in such little time. I joined this band about one year ago and since then we wrote 12 full songs, played 5 shows, made some t-shirts, released 4 songs to the public two of which were recorded live and the others in a professional studio. I find it incredible how much we have to look back on to, while having more to look forward to and I am beyond honored to be part of this.
What was your biggest regret?
Alex: Considering how far we’ve come in a year and a half, we have no regrets about our choices. We’re very concerned about what we want to present to the public in our music, and just like with our performances, our progress suits us. However, we would have loved to experience the festivals this summer, but we left it too late, so for now this is our only regret.
What was the best concert/tour so far and why?
Xavier: Our show at Le bateau de nuit was memorable for many reasons. First off, we’re from Lévis, which is like the boring neighbor of Quebec City, so needless to say playing our first show there was certainly a thrill for almost all of us (singer faced some technical issues with his gear). Second, of all our shows, no crowd had the energy Le bateau de nuit’s one had. I remember being into the bridge of our heaviest song, looking up and seeing an actual mosh pit, not just two drunken dudes pushing each other awkwardly but the whole venue getting into it which is a magnificent sight to behold as a performer.
What was the biggest surprise on the music scene for you?
Alex: Our biggest surprise and our motivation to give our best is the reception received by the crowd at our last shows and the comments received via digital platforms. Knowing that our compositions are loved by our close friends, as well as those outside Quebec, makes the adventure unforgettable. For example, doing an interview for you makes us proud and shows us that anything is possible.
What is currently in your heavy musical rotation?
Xavier: For me, it has mainly been Nine Inch Nail lately, especially their EP »Broken« and album »The Fragile« who are absolutely brilliant in their mix of aggression and emotion. Also, Gojira’s »From Mars To Sirius« has been a constant in my listening routine for how massive it sounds and is probably my favorite album of all time. I’d also like to mention I borrowed their famous pick scrape technique, also called whale raking for one of our songs. A nice little homage to the French monsters.
What was the best advice you’ve ever been given as a musician?
Alex: The best advice I’ve received is simply to have fun. Making music should remain a passion and a way to let off steam, in my opinion. I believe you also have to be authentic in what you do and know how to ignore the negative comments from those who don’t like your creations.
What are your guilty pleasures?
Xavier: I don’t particularly feel guilty about this because she’s genuinely a brilliant songwriter but her musically is so sonically far from what you’d expect someone like me to enjoy that I thought this still fit for an answer. Mitski it is for me.
Can you say something more about the current music scene in Lévis / Quebec?
We’re fortunate to have an incredible local scene for all non-commercial music, to be polite to those who are less keen on the action. However, for us who are from Lévis, it’s more difficult to play given the quiet crowd for our style. We’ll have to play in Quebec City and the surrounding areas in the future.
Where can we see you live this year (concerts/tours)?
Alex: You’ll be able to hear us online as we’re in the studio this summer working on a full-length album that will be released in September. We plan to play all over Quebec and are targeting festivals next summer. We usually announce our dates and important information on Facebook and Instagram. Like any good musician, we’re going to take the year to compose new songs for our next album, while also introducing our first album to live performances.
What are your plans for the future as a band?
Our plans are quite simple: to continue having fun creating songs but also performing them in front of audiences. We’d also like to release a vinyl album soon and continue the project’s growth.
How can people best support your band?
Alex: I think that, like any artist in the industry, the best way to be supported is to see new faces at shows. It’s obvious that buying the songs helps us continue the project. Knowing that people are talking about us and making their loved ones listen to our music, for me, demonstrates the most beautiful support.
Do you have any message for your listeners?
Thank you so much for listening to us via Bandcamp, Spotify, etc. We intend to stay true to our creations and have an incredible album for you soon. It’s been a year and a half since the project began, but now that we won’t be passing through, but will be there to share our passion with you.
Bojan Bidovc // music enthusiast, promoter, misanthrop and sometimes a journalist as well