Maritime singer-songwriter Kristen Martell released her first French-language album on March 28, marking both a creative and cultural milestone in her career.
For a singer who grew up in a bilingual household in northern New Brunswick, the new album, titled Allume Mon Courage — or Ignite My Courage — represents a return to her roots.
“I’ve been living in Nova Scotia for over 20 years, and I lost a lot of my confidence with the language,” Martell said. “A few years ago, I decided to rediscover it, mostly inspired by my children. I wanted them to learn French, and I felt like I had to take the first step.”
What began as a personal goal became a full-length record, but Martell said the journey wasn’t easy.
“Rhyming in French is a whole other challenge,” she said. “I couldn’t just translate — I had to start thinking in French again. That took some effort.”
The result is a rich and reflective album that explores themes of fear and hope, darkness and light. One lyric, which translates to “I’ll leave my footsteps in the melting snow — it’s time for me to thaw a bit,” encapsulates the album’s arc of transformation and self-discovery.
Martell recorded the album at The Guest Room studio with producer and fellow Francophone artist Laura Rae. Rae, who also has roots in northern New Brunswick, released her own French album last year and was thrilled to collaborate on Allume Mon Courage.
“When she asked me to produce it, I was flabbergasted and so excited,” Rae said. “This was the first full record I’ve ever produced for someone else, and it was really meaningful to be part of something that connects so deeply with our shared heritage.”
The album has received support from French-language radio stations and listeners across Atlantic Canada since its release.
“I’m hearing from people that the songs sound different, softer. It’s beautiful to sing in French — I really enjoy it,” Martell said.
Martell will bring the music to her hometown with an album release show in Campbellton, N.B., on May 31 at Société culturelle de la Baie-des-Chaleurs.
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