Coeur de Pirate: The Indie Pop Voice of Quebec

Béatrice Martin, known professionally as Coeur de Pirate, is a French-Canadian singer-songwriter and pianist from Montreal, Quebec. Her self-titled debut album, released in 2008, became a massive commercial success, eventually achieving Diamond certification in Canada and propelling her to Francophone music stardom.

Early career

Born in 1989, Béatrice Martin began classical piano training at the age of three. Her early musical path was unconventional, as she played keyboards for the post-hardcore band December Strikes First before embarking on a solo career. She adopted the stage name Coeur de Pirate, meaning "Pirate's Heart," and her demos caught the attention of the independent label Grosse Boîte.

Breakthrough

Coeur de Pirate's breakthrough arrived swiftly with her 2008 debut album, "Coeur de Pirate." The lead single, Comme des enfants, became a viral hit in Francophone regions, leading to widespread acclaim. The album topped the charts in Quebec and France, selling over a million copies in Canada alone and earning a Diamond certification from Music Canada.

Key tracks

Comme des enfants — This charming piano-driven single was the viral hit that launched her career across the Francophone world.

Place de la République — A key track from her second album "Blonde," it showcased a more mature, orchestral pop sound and charted strongly in France.

Carry On — A notable English-language duet with the band July Talk, demonstrating her successful crossover appeal within the Canadian indie scene.

Oublie-moi — The lead single from her 2021 album "Impossible à aimer," marking a confident return to chart success in Quebec.

Following her explosive debut, Coeur de Pirate navigated international attention, including a 2011 performance on "The Late Show with David Letterman." Her sophomore album, 2011's "Blonde," debuted at number one on the Canadian Albums Chart and was certified Platinum. She has since expanded her repertoire, releasing albums like the English-language "Roses" in 2015 and collaborating with artists like Bedouin Soundclash and Pierre Lapointe. Her music has also been featured in television series such as "The O.C." and "Grey's Anatomy."

Fans of Coeur de Pirate's lyrical, piano-based indie pop may also enjoy other standout artists from the Canadian music scene. Charlotte Cardin shares a similar blend of pop sensibility and bilingual delivery. Les Soeurs Boulay offer the same heartfelt, story-driven songwriting within a folk-pop framework. Alexandra Stréliski creates similarly evocative and popular instrumental piano music. Patrick Watson crafts a comparable brand of cinematic and intimate indie pop.

Coeur de Pirate's catalog is a staple on many radio formats, particularly on Canadian adult contemporary stations, Francophone pop channels, and international indie music streams. Her enduring hits and newer releases receive consistent airplay, connecting her with a broad audience of loyal listeners.

You can hear the music of Coeur de Pirate on a variety of radio stations featured right here on onairium.com. Tune in to discover her poignant songs and follow her evolving career through our curated selection of online radio stations.