CRi, also known as Christophe Dubé, quickly established himself in the Montreal electronic scene with his unique sonic palette marked by pulsating house synths, intricately layered syncopated snares and forward-thinking basslines. As a self-taught college dropout, CRi garnered attention with his first two EPs, Tell Her and Someone Else, released on TOKiMONSTA’s label, Young Art. In 2018, his breakthrough came with a Juno nomination for the Someone Else, which was soon followed by the release of the mini EP Me and My Friends. Notably, CRi collaborated with Charlotte Cardin on ‘Fous n’importe où,’ a reimagining of Daniel Bélanger’s timeless classic.
In 2019, CRi made his debut on legendary label Anjunadeep, captivating the ears of renowned figures like BBC Radio 1’s Pete Tong and Annie Mac with his track ‘Initial.’ The song also received recognition on KCRW through Jason Bentley’s support. CRi’s ascent within Montreal’s thriving music scene continued with the release of his debut album, Juvenile in 2020. Through Juvenile, CRi became the first electronic music act to win breakthrough artist at L’ADISQ in 2021 and to headline the mainstage of the prestigious Montreal International Jazz Festival the following year..
CRi emphasizes his connection to his environment by collaborating with many artists from Montreal or Quebec. This deliberate choice ensures that his debut album is an authentic product of his surroundings and reflects the vibrant musical landscape he emerged from.
CRi emphasizes his deep connection to his environment through collaborations with a diverse range of artists from Montreal and Quebec, ensuring that his music remains an authentic reflection of the vibrant musical landscape that shaped him. In addition to his local collaborations, CRi has also embarked on exciting international partnerships that have further expanded his artistic horizons.
One notable example is the remixed version of his debut album ‘Juvenile,’ featuring remixes by acclaimed artists such as DJ Boring and Yu Su. These collaborations bring fresh perspectives and interpretations to CRi’s original tracks, showcasing his willingness to embrace global talent and reimagine his sound.
CRi’s collaborative ventures extend beyond remixes. He has worked alongside notable artists like Lane 8 and Bob Moses, lending his unique touch to their music. In addition, an upcoming collaboration with Everyone You Know promises to deliver another captivating fusion of their respective styles.
By actively seeking out collaborations with artists both locally and internationally, CRi continues to push the boundaries of his own creativity while maintaining a strong connection to his roots. These diverse musical partnerships allow him to create a dynamic and ever-evolving body of work that resonates with audiences worldwide.
With a growing discography and critical acclaim, CRi is poised to make a major international breakthrough in the realm of indie-electronic music. His unique blend of energetic bass lines, captivating melodies, and collaborative efforts has garnered attention and a dedicated following. As he prepares to release his highly anticipated second album, Miracles, CRi’s artistic evolution continues to impress. The album features 11 tracks, including the previously released singles ‘Something About’ and ‘Losing My Mind’ (feat. Jesse Mac Cormack), which have already amassed an impressive 10 million listens.
CRi’s talent extends beyond his production skills as he showcases his singing debut on the track ‘I Can Make It,’ diverging from his usual focus on highlighting the voices of his collaborators. ‘Miracles’ promises to be an exhilarating and liberating experience, celebrating the extraordinary, the unexpected, and the act of letting go.
As CRi’s international profile grows, he remains deeply connected to his roots and continues to leave a lasting impression on the global music scene.
