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Revision as of 17:33, 19 January 2025

André Vanderbiest, also known as André Vander or simply Vander, is a Belgian-born musician best known for his tenure as the bassist of the Quebec rock band Les Colocs. Born in Brussels, Belgium, Vanderbiest sold all his belongings and immigrated to Quebec in January 1996 at the invitation of André "Dédé" Fortin, the band's frontman.[1] He joined Les Colocs during a formative period in their history, contributing significantly to their critically acclaimed and commercially successful album, Dehors Novembre (1998).[1] His background in reggae and dub music helped shape the band's evolving sound.

Career

Les Colocs

Upon joining Les Colocs, Vanderbiest became an integral part of the band's creative process, particularly during the recording of Dehors Novembre.[2] He and Dédé Fortin worked closely together, embracing a meticulous approach to songwriting and production.[2] Many tracks on the album were reworked dozens of times, showcasing the band's dedication to their craft.[2] The album went on to sell over 200,000 copies, cementing its place as a classic in Quebec music history.[2]

"La Maladresse", sung by Vanderbiest on Dehors Novembre (1998), is a contemplative piece that explores themes of isolation and existential uncertainty through evocative metaphors.[3] The song’s subdued arrangement and introspective lyrics mark a departure from Les Colocs’ earlier, more exuberant style, reflecting the album’s overall shift toward a darker, more introspective tone.[3]

Following the tragic suicide of Dédé Fortin in May 2000, the future of Les Colocs was uncertain.[4] Vanderbiest, along with guitarist Mike Sawatzky, sifted through recordings and live performances to compile a posthumous album, Suite 2116 (2001).[4] The album was named after 2116 Saint-Laurent Boulevard, the address where Fortin founded the band in the early 1990s.[4] Vanderbiest described his role in this project as akin to that of a documentarian, aiming to preserve the band's legacy without exploiting Fortin’s passing.[4]

In 2005, Dehors Novembre was adapted into a Canadian animated short film by Patrick Bouchard, depicting themes of mortality set to the title track by Les Colocs.[5]

Solo career

After the disbandment of Les Colocs, Vanderbiest embarked on a solo career, embracing his reggae and dub influences while continuing to experiment with different styles.[2]

  • Vander et du beau monde (2002) – His first solo album, which he described as a logical continuation of his work with Les Colocs. It featured collaborations with the Diouf brothers, Loco Locass, and Polo of Les Frères à ch'val.
  • ReDub Chroniques (2003) – A reggae-inspired album featuring Richard Desjardins, Jim Corcoran, Marie-Jo Thério, Stefie Shock, Daniel Boucher, Martha Wainwright, and the McGarrigle sisters.
  • Mossman Meets Vander (2004) – A collaboration with DJ Mossman, using vintage Jamaican recording techniques.
  • Bass Ma Boom Vol. 1 (2007) – A reflection of his live dub performances in Montreal, featuring collaborations with European reggae artists.
  • La Comète (2009) – This project included a lost recording of Dédé Fortin, which Vanderbiest rediscovered and later entrusted to Fortin’s family.
  • French Toast et Peines Perdues (2011) – This album marked a turning point in Vanderbiest’s career, shifting away from his heavy reggae influences and embracing folk and chanson styles. It featured Amélie Laflamme and won the SOCAN Songwriting Prize for Y’a pas que at the Festival en chanson de Petite-Vallée.[6]

Dehors Novembre, theatrical documentary

In 2022, Vanderbiest co-created Dehors Novembre, a theatrical documentary that revisited the making of Les Colocs’ seminal album through his own memories.[7] Directed by Marilyn Bastien, the production focuses on Dédé Fortin’s poetry and humanity, rather than his tragic fate.[7] Alongside actor Hubert Proulx, Vanderbiest shared stories behind the album’s creation, highlighting the intense creative process and cultural influences that shaped its sound.[7] The production aimed to celebrate the music and collaborative spirit of Les Colocs, challenging the perception that Dehors Novembre was solely a dark and foreboding work.[7]

Personal life and influence

After years in Montreal, Vanderbiest relocated to Mont-Louis, seeking artistic renewal and a quieter life.[2] He described this move as a departure from the Montreal music scene, which he felt he had exhausted. In his later years, Vanderbiest focused on songwriting and production, continuing to blend his influences in folk, reggae, and chanson.[2]

Despite often being referred to as the "other Dédé of Les Colocs", Vanderbiest carved out his own path in Quebec’s music scene. His work remains an essential part of the Les Colocs legacy, and his solo career has earned critical praise for its introspective songwriting and innovative sound.

See also

  1. Culture of Quebec
  2. Music of Quebec
  3. Rock music of Canada

References

  1. ^ a b La Ferrière, Michèle (1996-07-09). "Le septième Coloc". BAnQ (in French). Le Soleil. p. A3. Retrieved 2025-01-19.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g Lévesque, Isabelle (2016-01-29). "L'ex-bassiste des Colocs : 20 ans entre Bruxelles et Mont-Louis". Radio-Canada (in French). Retrieved 2025-01-19.
  3. ^ a b La maladresse (Les Colocs) - Paroles et accords - La Boîte à chansons ♫ (in French), retrieved 2025-01-19
  4. ^ a b c d Laurence, Jean-Christophe (2000-10-11). "Fin de bail Les Colocs lancent un coffret vidéo et mijotent un album posthume". BAnQ (in French). La Presse (Montreal). p. 5 (C5). ISSN 0317-9249. Retrieved 2025-01-19.
  5. ^ Canada, National Film Board of. "Dehors novembre". National Film Board of Canada. Retrieved 2025-01-19.
  6. ^ Renaud, Philippe (2012-03-18). "André Dédé Vander: enfin compris". La Presse (Montreal) (in French). Retrieved 2025-01-19.
  7. ^ a b c d Valois-Nadeau, Benoit (2022-10-21). "Dédé selon Vander". Le Devoir (in French). Retrieved 2025-01-19.