Daniel Bélanger, a Québécois singer-songwriter, is recognized throughout the French-speaking world for his unbridled poetry and chiselled melodies. His art and his unique, personal perspective quickly seduced a wide audience and garnered him critical acclaim.
LES INCOUCHABLES
Cirque du Soleil's ninth residency at the Cogeco Amphitheatre will feature the Tribute Series, presented exclusively in Trois-Rivières, with LES INCOUCHABLES, a tribute to Daniel Bélanger.
Dive into a captivating acrobatic show celebrating the work of Daniel Bélanger, an iconic figure in Quebec's music scene. This new production is a cosmic road trip between dream and reality, transporting viewers into an immersive musical insomnia at the heart of his artistic universe.
Through striking performances, some of which are new to Quebec, the artist's poetic universe comes to life, exploring with finesse the deep themes that mark his journey. A vibrant tribute to the inexhaustible creativity of Daniel Bélanger, who continues to inspire and move us.
Cirque du Soleil arrives to Trois-Rivières
From July 16 to August 16 2025, celebrate Daniel Bélanger's music with Cirque du Soleil's acrobatic show Les Incouchables.
Biography
Private Life
Daniel Bélanger is a Québécois singer-songwriter born on December 26, 1961, in Montreal, Quebec. Although discreet about his personal life, Daniel Bélanger has often revealed the influence of his environment on his music. He grew up in a city rich in cultural diversity, which nurtured his artistic inspiration. The lively streets, cozy cafes, and cultural effervescence forged his unique musical universe.
Career and Beginnings
Daniel Bélanger began his musical career in 1983 when he founded the band Humphrey Salade, which never recorded an album due to a combination of circumstances. He went solo in 1992 with "Les Insomniaques s'amusent," an album that was an immediate hit and won him several awards.
Musical Influences
Daniel Bélanger's influences are varied, ranging from folk to pop to rock. In 2013, he released a rockabilly album inspired by his father's music, showcasing his ability to reinvent himself while staying true to his roots.
Latest Album
After several years of absence from the music scene, Daniel Bélanger made a remarkable comeback in 2022 with "Mercure en mai." This album explores themes such as wonder at everyday life, interpersonal relationships, and the passage of time.
"Mercure en mai" consists of ten tracks with rich sounds and introspective lyrics. One of the standout songs, "Dormir dans l'auto" evokes rebirth and hope. The album received excellent critical and public reception, confirming Daniel Bélanger's place among the major artists of the Quebec music scene.
Music
Daniel Bélanger's musical style is a mix of pop, rock, and folk. His songs are characterized by catchy melodies, poetic lyrics, and an emotional depth that appeals to a wide audience.
Discography
Since the 1990s, Daniel Bélanger has released several critically acclaimed albums. His first solo album, "Les Insomniaques s'amusent," released in 1992, won several Félix and ADISQ awards and sold 175,000 copies.
Daniel Bélanger is a Québécois singer-songwriter whose prolific career spans several decades. His musical work is rich and varied, with each album exploring distinct themes and offering a unique perspective on the human condition.
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Les Insomniaques s'amusent (1992)
His first solo album, which was an immediate success with chart-toppers such as "Opium." Themes include insomnia, the quest for meaning, and nocturnal reflections. -
Quatre saisons dans le désordre (1996)
This album explores the cycles of life and human emotions through metaphors of the seasons. Songs like "Les deux printemps" and "Sortez-moi de moi" illustrate this theme. -
Tricycle (1999)
A live album that captures the essence of his stage performances, offering an intimate perspective of his interaction with audiences. -
Rêver mieux (2001)
This album addresses the themes of love, dreams, and aspirations. The songs depict the dissolution of a romantic relationship and the rebirth that follows. -
Déflaboxe (2003)
A soundtrack for a play, this instrumental album highlights his ability to create evocative musical atmospheres. -
L'échec du matériel (2007)
An introspective album that deals with contemporary concerns, materialism, and the search for meaning in a consumerist society. -
Joli chaos (2008)
A compilation of his greatest hits, including unreleased songs, offering a retrospective of his career to date. -
Nous (2009)
This album focuses on human complicity and interpersonal relationships, celebrating the unexpected joys of life. -
Chic de ville (2013)
Inspired by rockabilly, this album pays tribute to the music of the 1950s, with themes of nostalgia and celebration of urban life. -
Paloma (2016)
An album exploring themes of freedom and escape, with an airy sound and poetic lyrics. -
Travelling (2020)
An instrumental album inspired by film soundtracks, reflecting his love for cinema and his ability to create evocative soundscapes. -
Mercure en mai (2022)
This album celebrates human complicity and unexpected joys, with lyrics that pay attention to life's surprises and impromptu moments.
Through these albums, Daniel Bélanger demonstrates a constant evolution, both musically and thematically, while maintaining an emotional depth and authenticity that touches a wide audience. Each of his albums offers a new dimension to his repertoire, exploring various styles and themes while maintaining a strong musical identity.
Popular Songs
Titles like "Opium" (which remained number one in Quebec for seven weeks), "Ensorcelée," and "Rêver mieux" are among his most iconic songs, still resonating in the hearts of the public.
Shows
Daniel Bélanger's concerts are immersive experiences where emotions and musical prowess blend together.
Tour and Dates
His tours attract thousands of spectators every year. Tickets for his shows are in high demand and can be purchased through online ticketing platforms.
Live Performances
His live performances are known for their intensity and authenticity, offering the public a total immersion in his musical universe.
Awards and Nominations
Daniel Bélanger is a prolific creator whose poetic lyrics and mesmerizing melodies continue to mark Quebec's music scene.
His talent has been recognized many times, with several ADISQ, Félix, and Juno awards.
ADISQ Gala
His album "Rêver mieux" won seven ADISQ awards, confirming his impact on the Quebec music scene. Daniel Bélanger has won a total of 27 Félix awards in various categories, a testament to his creative force throughout his career.
Juno Awards
Right from his first album, Daniel Bélanger was recognized on the Canadian music scene with a nomination for the best-selling French album in 1997. In 2003, he won the Juno Award for Francophone Album of the Year for "Rêver mieux," which also garnered two other nominations at the gala. Daniel Bélanger has received ten Juno nominations throughout his career, winning three times.
Quebec Cinema Gala
Daniel Bélanger has also contributed to film music, having won an Iris (formerly known as a Jutra) award for best music for "L'audition" in 2005.
A Monument of Quebec Music
With a rich and influential career spanning several decades, Daniel Bélanger has reinvented himself while remaining true to his artistic essence. From his debut with Les Insomniaques s'amusent to his most recent opus in 2022 with Mercure en mai, he has left an indelible mark on Québécois music. His unique style, influenced by pop, folk, and rock, as well as his poetic and introspective lyrics, continue to influence many artists.
Whether on stage, in the studio, or in collaboration with other artists, he remains a pillar of the Francophone music scene. His musical legacy is secure, and his influence will continue to inspire future generations to dream bigger.