Coeur de pirate

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 is releasing her eighth record, Cavale, today (September 26) — her first in four years, and already spawning radio hits. It shows off her emotional and intimate songwriting skills, imbuing every piano note with big, universal emotions you can feel.

Still under 40, Martin has become a role model that many in the industry 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 from founder Éli Bissonnette, who stepped down after being accused 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.