The Trailblazer Award honours an artist who acts as a music industry pioneer by using her platform to spotlight unheard voices and break ground for future generations of performers. Quebec singer-songwriter and international star Coeur de pirate encapsulates everything the award represents.

Born Béatrice Martin, Coeur de pirate has become a mainstay in music, with dedicated fan bases in Canada and Europe. Martin has just released her eighth record, Cavale — her first in four years, and is already spawning radio hits. It shows off her emotional and intimate songwriting skills, imbuing every piano note with big, universal emotions you can't help but feel deeply.

Still under 40, Martin has become a role model for many in the industry to look up to. She serves as president and artistic director of Montreal-based independent record label Bravo Musique — previously known as Dare to Care Records. In 2021, Martin bought the label when a musician on the label faced allegations of sexual misconduct and domestic violence and the label head stepped down amidst accusations of fostering a toxic work environment.

Now, she’s committed to making it a positive home for artists, including many talented young women like Laraw, Naomi, Lou-Adriane Cassidy and many more. It's one of many ways she's changing the music industry for the better.