Chubby Hearts Club
... is more than just a band; it’s a musical movement that celebrates the richness and diversity of Montreal’s culture. With a modern indie sound that draws inspiration from the classics, they craft songs that are catchy, meaningful, and full of heart. Whether they sing about love, loss, or anything in between, they always stay true to their motto: ‘plus-sized music for Chubby Hearts’.
By producing their own music, they have the freedom to explore their creativity and express their emotions without compromise. Chubby Hearts Club invites you to join them on their journey of making music that matters and touches the soul.
“Won’t You Come Out” has an energetic pop-rock sound, distinguished by its spirited, happy melody, that motivates listeners to live in the moment and appreciate the positive side of life. Its lyrics are a homage to those dear friends who make our lives more enjoyable and amusing, creating a soundtrack for countless memorable experiences.
How did you form Chubby Hearts Club and who are the members of the band?
Chubby Hearts Club sprang from a desire to create a band without boundaries, defined by friendship and a shared passion for music, rather than industry molds. I’m the driving force, Guillaume, and I'm blessed to collaborate with my two sets of best friends.
In Vancouver, the band comprises Jordan Letawsky, Sam Merritt, and Max – a trio who brings their unique flair to our music. Over in Montreal, Sam Rae, Joseph Visseaux, Mai Nguyen, and Ariane Sloutsker add their eclectic mix to our sound. We're a diverse bunch united by our generous spirits and big hearts.
What are some of the musical influences that shape your sound and identity as a band?
Our namesake is an homage to The Beatles' iconic album Sgt Pepper's, hands down my favourite band. Our sound is a mishmash of our eclectic musical upbringings, while our collective format draws inspiration from Canadian heavyweights like Broken Social Scene, Feist, Bahamas and Born Ruffians. It's this blend that shapes our identity – a little vintage, a little new, but all heart.
Your song “Won’t You Come Out” is very catchy and original. How did you come up with the idea for it?
"Won’t You Come Out" started as a playful experiment with new Kontakt software, toying with chord progressions and a melody, The song unfolded quickly, the lyrics came out easily - as it does when you're having fun. At some point I realized the song was good and then spent the next year producing the track into something I'm proud of
How do you usually create your songs? What are the steps involved in your creative process?
I find Songwriting is like fine-tuning a radio; amidst static and noise, there's a clear signal waiting to be found. The secret to finding that clear signal is making time to write. Afterwards my process is hands-on and deeply personal — I handle all the production, stitching together lyrics, melodies & arrangements that resonate with the vibrance of our band.
What are the main difficulties that you encounter as a band in the current music industry?
We're riding the same struggle bus as many indie bands – getting noticed. With digital platforms being so saturated, it’s tough to break through the noise. We put a lot of energy into live shows and online presence, but the dream is to have our music heard on a larger scale.
How do you see the indie music scene in Montreal, especially for the kind of music that you make?
Montreal's indie scene is vibrant and very much alive, so many bands to see, never enough time. What makes Montreal unique is the massive presence of both french and english indie bands. Because of the wealth of great artists, it’s a challenge to stand out, especially with our style that has a throwback feel. We keep our edge by staying true to our sound and connecting with fans who dig what we do.
What are your plans and goals for the near future as a band?
The next chapter for Chubby Hearts Club includes festival lineups, a mini-tour, and new releases. But our grand vision? World domination through radical kindness. To make a mark using our hearts as a compass, collaborating with artists who share our ethos and expanding our club across the globe.