Dominique Fils-Aimé is a Montréal-based singer and songwriter whose music blends soul, jazz, and relatable storytelling. This fall, she’s heading out on her first U.S. headlining tour, bringing songs from her live album recorded at the Montreal International Jazz Festival to new audiences. Recently featured on the cover of Rolling Stone Québec, she’s gaining wider attention while staying focused on making music that feels honest and connected.
How does it feel to be opening this fall in the U.S. with your headlining tour?
I am filled with gratitude for this upcoming tour, gratitude for my incredible team who made this possible, and gratitude for the audience willing to come meet us to spend this moment together.
Your live album captures a performance at the Montreal International Jazz Festival. What made you decide that this particular show deserved to be immortalized in that way?
I know my manager doesn’t want the spotlight (sorry, Kevin), but I cannot pretend it was my idea! We had talked about one day making a live album since the show is so different from the albums. Our sound engineer records every show we do, and after listening to the Montreal Jazz Fest recording, Kevin thought it would be a good enough performance to make our first live album with, not just because everyone performed so well, but also because this moment was such a memorable vibe, it deserved to be shared. I am glad we now have this magical moment on vinyl, honouring the jazz tradition of live albums.
You’ve spoken about moving through life with gratitude and following your inner intuition. How do those guiding principles influence your creative process, especially when performing live?
Intuition and gratitude are clearly my friends, on and off stage. When creating music or a show, there is an element of guided freedom that seems to take form, like the inner child and the universe meet and play together.
Making music at home was my first love, but I used to perform in a way that was more conventional (song, applause, talk a little, repeat); I hadn’t taken the time to let my intuition and my personal expression take over the social construct. When I let go of what a show was ‘supposed to be’ and began following what felt true to me, I was finally able to create something that felt like home. A show with way less applause, way more freedom, and a meditative space.
It reminded me to question EVERYTHING instead of doing what others do without thinking of the reason behind my actions.
To be more intentional.
You have mentioned resisting conventions in both industry practices and performance rituals. How do you see that tension playing out for artists today?
I have to admit I have no idea how it’s playing out with other artists, but this makes me want to ask them 🙂 For me personally, it feels like the only way to go.
One thing I do know is that protecting our freedom to create and express ourselves as artists is an essential part of protecting our freedoms as a society.
I believe the cliché “art holds up a mirror in society’s face” to be true, and I also believe it is important for that mirror to remain clear, untainted by the industry or conventions.
You’ve transitioned from studio albums to this live recording that emphasizes immediacy and presence. What did you learn from that experience about connecting with your audience?
The energy of the audience and our connection with them, captured in the album, is clearly something else. It’s like studio albums and live albums are just two different worlds that hold distinct purposes. The live experience is about ‘us, now,’ the studio experience is ‘me taking the time to craft a gift for whoever wants it.’ I cherish both for different reasons.
Gratitude appears as a recurring theme in your career, from the support of the Montreal International Jazz Festival to the path you’ve followed. How does reflecting on that support shape your commitment to your art?
Feeling the continued support from the Montreal International Jazz Festival and from the public who so kindly takes the time to send me messages feel like fuel. It also feels like a confirmation that a genuine connection is being built between my music and others. I feel privileged to deepen that bond with every album and show.
Since you’re exploring new creative directions now, how does this U.S. tour feel as an extension or evolution of the themes you originally explored on “Our Roots Run Deep”?
Meeting new people and discovering new cities and spaces is very much aligned with the themes of Our Roots Run Deep, since just like trees in a forest are communicating and exchanging thoughts through an underground network of roots we cannot see, we as humans have links that go way beyond what the eye can see. Every time I arrive somewhere new, the same old familiar feeling of human warmth and connection dominates. To me, this is proof that our original nature as humans is kind, seeking love and unity over anything else.
Beyond this tour and album release, what new areas of expression or experimentation are you excited to explore next? Is there a direction you haven’t yet traveled that you’re curious about?
I appreciate all forms of art, and one I have been thinking about lately is jewelry making because I enjoy manual art forms. The idea of putting time and good vibes into crafting an object people can wear makes sense to me. Metals and stones have frequencies I am drawn to, and the challenge of learning something new feels exciting.
(P.S.: This question reminded me it is something I’ve been wanting to do; thanks for that. See you soon! xx)
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