Bonjour! Are you a new age funk lover? Well, keep reading because this is the band for you (with a bilingual twist). Canada-based group Jérémie & The Delicious Hounds is the French-English fusion band you didn’t know you needed. With their latest single “Stuck in Quarantine,” they explore romance and isolation all in one track. The song channels feelings of seclusion with funky soul-pop beats and melodies. No doubt “Stuck in Quarantine” is the ultimate theme song for all of the restless souls sick of FaceTime and ready for the real thing.

Let’s introduce the band members: Jérémie Brémault, the lead vocalist and guitarist, Ryan Toupin, lead guitarist, Nelson Sprout, bassist, and Diego Guzman, drummer. What makes this band different from all the others? They value and take into account all voices, ideas, and concepts from each band member. This inclusive mentality shines through on their debut LP, “Cruel,” and latest single alike. This interview covers the message behind “Stuck in Quarantine,” the creatives that came together to produce it, and the band’s experience sponsoring a child from World Vision. For our exclusive interview with Jérémie & The Delicious Hounds, please continue reading below!

Where are you based?
Winnipeg, MB Canada

What are the roles of each band member?
Diego Guzman - Drums, Nelson Sprout - Bass, Ryan Toupin - Lead guitar, Jérémie Brémault - Lead vocals and guitar.

Jérémie & The Delicious Hounds is a unique and amazing name... how did you come up with the name and what is the significance?

Little play on words. Say ‘’delicious sounds’’ very fast repeatedly.

How did you know music was your passion?
Born into it. Everyone in my family sings or plays an instrument.

When did the group officially come together?
2014.

Was music a norm in your childhood? Were you raised on music?
Very much so. At home, we mostly played some cassettes from bands like La Bottine Souriante and Mitsou. But I was at my cousin's place almost every day and there was always a Stevie Wonder record spinning. Was exposed to a lot of different genres.

If you had to live with one instrument for the rest of your life, what would it be and why?
Probably my guitar. It’s the instrument I can play best and is portable.

What genre would you like to describe your music if it fits into any?
Funky soul-pop.

You create songs in both English and French, do you believe there are enough musical platforms that offer such a selection?
Yes, I think so. There are quite a few options of platforms out there nowadays.

Do you believe your music is experimental?
Not really. I think it is pretty conventional but with our own twist. D’Angelo said it best, “imitation leads to creation.”

"Stuck in Quarantine" is your first single from your upcoming debut LP, Cruel, can you tell us the story behind this song?
It was born out of being in a pandemic-induced lockdown. Music helps in any difficult situation. My band and I were scheduled to record our first full album which was going to be recorded live off the floor. The lockdowns were put in place that very same week and we were forced to push back the album (still not recorded). I wanted to keep making music and had been dabbling with Garageband so here was my opportunity to do so. I had also been wanting to collaborate with Cityreal for some time and sent him a track that I had made. For me, it was my first time producing a track from start to finish and playing all of the instruments. After a few back and forths with Cityreal it was time to mix the tune and that is when Roman Clarke came into the picture. Originally, I was just thinking that he would mix the track but he ended up digging the song and doing a little pop remix of it. It was so good, I decided to combine both versions.

What feelings do you wish to evoke in your listeners? Do you feel many people will be able to relate?
Seclusion. Being worlds apart. But thanks to modern-day technology, we’re still able to have some sort of connection to others.

You call your newest single “a team effort”, who is a part of that team and why do you feel there is great importance in including or fusing everyone’s creative ideas while making music?
Cityreal, Roman Clarke, and myself (Jérémie Brémault). My two collaborators are such incredible musicians, I knew this song would automatically be better with their inputs.

What was it like putting out your first single during lockdown?
Brought a little excitement to a very dire situation.

"Stuck in Quarantine" is considered a romantic song, is there any relationship experience that you would like to share regarding this topic? Any tips for the listeners?
Unfortunately no tips. Not the greatest at them. Still learning.

Your band sponsors a child on World Vision, a humanitarian organization that fights against injustice and poverty, what is your specific role? Why was this important to you as a band?
We’re so damn lucky in Canada. We have more opportunities than most. Helping someone in need is the least we can do. Especially during a pandemic that affects everyone on this planet.

Can you tell us a little bit about the kid? Have they heard your new song?
We sponsored a child named Marietou that lives in Mali. She’s adorable and her favorite subject in school is music. She hasn’t heard our music yet but she will eventually!

How have you been affected by the pandemic? As a band and personally?
For me, the effects of the pandemic lockdowns have been bitter-sweet. It’s been a good time to reflect and slow down from my normal busy life, but I’m ready to get back on a stage and see people again. We are still in lockdown in Manitoba.

How have you stayed positive during the shelter in place?
Constantly reminding myself that there’s light at the end of the tunnel.