About

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Canadian-born and based in Germany, Joannie Labelle is a vocalist, percussionist and producer whose music moves between electronic, jazz and alternative pop. Shaped by international travels and encounters with different musical cultures, her sound combines intricate rhythms, atmospheric production and expressive melodies. As an artist, she moves between the physicality of live percussion, the intimacy of songwriting and the creative possibilities of electronic sound design.

 

Joannie has been writing songs since 2008, transforming personal experiences into music that feels both intimate and universal. Her debut album, Debut (2016), introduced her as an independent songwriter and sound sculptor, with an entirely self-written and independently realized collection of songs. With her second album, Lotus (2022), she expanded her musical vocabulary, bringing together complex rhythmic structures, electronic textures and intimate vocals. Again self-written and co-produced with Nicolas Börger, known for his collaborations with Nneka and Kontra K, the album marked an important step in her artistic development, exploring a more expansive approach to contemporary songwriting.

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Her musical identity has been shaped by a life between countries and cultures. Originally from Canada and now living in Germany, Joannie draws inspiration from the experiences and perspectives that come with living abroad. Her travels, particularly to Cuba and India, have further broadened her musical horizons. Rather than belonging to a particular tradition, she approaches music as an open dialogue between influences, allowing different rhythmic languages and contemporary sounds to meet in a personal and evolving expression.

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At the foundation of her musical practice lies an extensive background in percussion. Over the years, she has studied with internationally renowned musicians including Alain "Chepito" Labrosse, Luc Boivin, Paul Picard, Giovanni Hidalgo and Harouna Dembélé. In Havana, she deepened her knowledge of Afro-Cuban music with Raúl Lali Brito González of Clave y Guaguancó, Alberto Villareal of the Conjunto Folklórico Nacional de Cuba and Roland Salgado Palacio of the Afro-Cuban All Stars. These encounters gave her a profound understanding of rhythmic traditions and their cultural contexts, while shaping the distinctive groove that characterizes her musical work.

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For Joannie, percussion is not confined to its traditional role as a rhythmic foundation. In her own productions, acoustic instruments, samples and electronic beats become elements of a broader sonic architecture. She is particularly interested in the meeting point between organic and synthetic sounds, where the spontaneity of a live performance can coexist with the precision and freedom of studio production. Her approach to crossover music draws equally from electronic music, pop and jazz, without being limited by the conventions of any one genre.

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Her voice is another essential element of this musical language. As a singer, she explores the relationship between melody, rhythm and emotion, treating the voice as both an expressive instrument and a vehicle for storytelling. The combination of singing and percussion gives her performances a distinctive character, allowing her to move fluidly between the microphone and her instruments.

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Her career as a live musician has taken her to stages across Montreal, Berlin, Hamburg, Bari and Kolkata. She has accompanied and performed alongside internationally acclaimed artists including Lara Fabian, Silbermond, No Angels, Johannes Oerding and Mousse T. Equally at home in large-scale concert productions and television settings, she has developed extensive stage experience and an adaptability that allows her to navigate a wide range of musical environments. Since settling in Hamburg in 2020, Joannie has become an active presence in Germany's music and television landscape. She regularly performs on the popular television show Wer stiehlt mir die Show?, hosted by Joko Winterscheidt.

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Having completed her forthcoming EP, Joannie is entering a new chapter in her artistic evolution. Building on the foundations of Debut and Lotus, the new material further explores her distinctive combination of percussive innovation, electronic atmosphere and melodic clarity. It reflects an artist continuing to develop her own sound while remaining open to new influences and creative possibilities.​​​

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Press

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“A captivating take on electro-pop with a mellow vibe"

Boulimique de Musique, Canada

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"Ein spannendes und fesselndes Repertoire"

Frontstage Magazine, Germany 

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"Her unique voice and her handling of electronics, make her music captivating"

Tinnist, USA

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"From the very first notes of her album, I was mesmerized by the atmosphere the artist creates"

PAN360, Canada

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Upcoming Shows

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​13.01.2026 NICA Jazz Club, Hamburg (guest at San Glaser's Mixtape)