How does the music of Quebec differ from that of continental France?
MC: Well, many of the traditional songs traveled from France to Quebec when the colonists came over. And there’s an exchange that continues to this day. I think it depends on the region of France. If you’re in Brittany, there’s a different rhythm and dialect. To me, the Quebec music sounds more dance-based. There’s lots of passion, and feet. It’s about foot percussion and step dancing. SD: Does the vibrancy of the music reflect the lifestyle of the people? MC: Yes. You work hard, and you play hard. SD: Do you think subsequent generations will enjoy similar cultural experiences to your own? MC: It survives in families that continue to speak French, and at jam sessions and festivals. As far as going to a local butcher that only speaks French, no. There was a lot of pressure for the Quebecois to speak English, and many of them changed their last names. A lot of them refused to teach the traditions to their kids, because they might not assimilate. And they wanted them to fit in. But at one
