In Montreal's experimental music crucible, GEMINICRAB emerge as a testament to genre-defying ambition; a complete reinvention of what soul music can be.

Malika Tirolien and Caulder Nash's self-coined HighSoul comes with a backstory as layered as the music it describes. As Tirolien explains, "HighSoul is a term that was invented to describe and introduce the sound for my second solo album 'HIGHER' back in 2021. It was co-produced by GRAMMY-award-winning producer/musician Michael League, who's worked with Snarky Puppy and myself many times as part of Bokanté. We wanted to find a term that could combine soul, R&B, hip hop, jazz and psychedelic music and reflect the album's main theme, which was 'AIR'."

The term represents more than just a genre mashup, though, as Tirolien continues, "'HighSoul' felt perfectly adequate for that. It's also referring to one striving to reach a higher ground and eventually taking the high road. The one that makes you grow and elevate."

This pursuit of elevation permeates everything the up-and-coming pair create, with the project having emerged from a friendship and creative partnership that found its spark in experimental territory. "We've been friends for a long time and have previously collaborated on my solo projects as well as our work with Kalmunity," Tirolien shares. "However, the idea to start an actual band together came after we had a really cool time doing a residency at the PHI Center, trying out their binaural technology."

That technological element feels fitting for a duo adept at bridging analogue and digital realms. Nash observes: "Our childhood was analogue; meanwhile, our adulthood is very digital. We're a unique generation in that sense. We were exposed to so much media and all the styles of music - we had access to every sound. Growing up, we really got the sense that we could do anything and everything was an option."

This abundance of possibility has shaped both their creative approach. "I struggled to pick a lane because I felt bad leaving other avenues behind," Nash admits. "This ocean of choice I've found is both awe-inspiring and anxiety-inducing."

The duality Nash describes - between inspiration and anxiety, infinite possibility and paralysis of choice - emerges as a central tension in GEMINICRAB's work. Their music grapples with what it means to come of age in an era of unprecedented connectivity that somehow often leads to profound disconnection.

"This is the craziest time for humans to be alive," Nash reflects. "There's so much technology and information for us to react to, and we're exposed to so many people's realities. I love exploring those perspectives through music. Also of interest to me is how lonely we can feel despite being so connected to everything and everyone at the same time. It can really mess with our perception of reality."

The band's base in Montreal offers rich soil for artistic growth, but breaking through commercially with boundary-pushing music presents its own hurdles. "For a band like us, it's not easy," Tirolien acknowledges. "Montreal is great to create and try new things, but unfortunately, the mainstream industry doesn't push our kind of music. The artist community, however, is very tight, so that helps."

Nash echoes this sentiment while highlighting the city's supportive spirit: "Montreal is great for finding like-minded creatives, but you have to create your own opportunities and think outside the box if you want to emerge within the city." He adds, "Montreal is a great place because everyone is so supportive, and we celebrate each other's uniqueness. We have friends doing crazy things with their style and artistry; it inspires me to just be myself. I'm not really worried about fitting in."

This freedom from conventional constraints has allowed GEMINICRAB to develop their distinctive sound and approach. Their writing process remains open to inspiration from various sources, though always grounded in contemporary experience. "We like to write about anything interesting," Tirolien says. "On [recent EP] 'Gen Y Lens', we were more focused on painting a picture of the nuanced realities, dreams and struggles of millennials, but the new music we are currently writing is more of a reflection of the times we're living in."

The band's momentum continues to build, with significant performances on the horizon. They're set to play two showcases at The Great Escape Festival in Brighton - including one for Québec Spring, who are also hosting Ballsy, Alix Fernz, Sorry Girls, Geneviève Racette, Patche, zouz, The Franklin Electric, and Truck Violence over the coming weeks - followed by a London appearance at the Jazz Café supporting legendary Afro-rock collective Osibisa.

Summer will bring more high-profile opportunities, including what Tirolien describes as their "biggest show this year" at the Montreal Jazz Festival: "We are proud and honoured to be presenting our music to thousands of people on a big outdoor stage. It's going to be insane!"

Their previous European experiences have already yielded memorable moments. "There's been so many highlights!" Tirolien enthuses. "As a nomad at heart, touring is always my favourite thing to do. Doing it as a part of GeminiCrab is so special because I love this music so much. A big highlight for me was our first European tour towards the end of last year. We were playing in Hannover and the place sold out with a very attentive crowd who gave us so much confidence."

For Nash, the rewards of touring extend beyond the performances themselves: "The touring makes it all worth it: meeting other musicians, chopping it up with them and hearing acts that we would otherwise never hear in Montreal. In Germany, we were on the same bill as Cecile McLaurin Salvant, and she, alongside her band, took us on a journey I'll never forget."

As GEMINICRAB continue to evolve, they remain committed to their artistic vision while welcoming others to join them in the HighSoul movement. As Tirolien puts it, "I would love for other artists to adopt this term for their music if they feel like they fall into the description." It's an invitation that speaks to the generous spirit of their project.

The remaining QUÉBEC SPRING schedule is as follows:
 
MAY 12
Québec Showcase x 20 years of M for Montreal! 
Ballsy @ Old Blue Last (London) – TBC
Alix Fernz @ Old Blue Last (London) – TBC
 
MAY 13
On Tour
Canadian Showcase
Geneviève Racette @ Strongroom (London) - Starts at 16:00

MAY 14
The Great Escape Festival
Alix Fernz @ Hope and Ruin (Downstairs) (Brighton) - 17:45

On Tour
Bibi Club @ ICA (London) (Circuit des Yeux Support) - Doors 19:30
Patche @ Shacklewell Arms (London) – 21:00

MAY 15
The Great Escape Festival x M for Montreal Showcase
Cheers To 20 Years Reception @ Patterns Upstairs (Brighton) - 12:00 (RSVP only)
Sorry Girls @ Patterns Upstairs (Brighton)
Patche @ Patterns Upstairs (Brighton)
Truck Violence @ Patterns Upstairs (Brighton)
Alix Fernz @ Patterns (Upstairs) (Brighton)

The Great Escape Festival
Malika Tirolien & Caulder Nash GEMINICRAB @ Canada House at Green Door Store (Brighton) - 13:35
Malika Tirolien & Caulder Nash GEMINICRAB @ One Church (Brighton) - 19:45
zouz @ Tree Wise Cats (Brighton) – 21:30

May 16
The Great Escape Festival
Sorry Girls @ Waterbear (Brighton) - 01:30 (night of May 15th / early morning May 16th)
zouz @ Canada House at Green Door Store (Brighton) – 14:15
Geneviève Racette @ Queens (Brighton) - 22:15

On Tour
Alix Fernz @ The Lexington (London) (Insecure Men Support) - Doors 19:00

MAY 17
The Great Escape Festival
Patche @ Dust (Brighton) – 00:15 (night of May 16th / early morning May 17th)
Geneviève Racette @ Canada House at Green Door Store (Brighton) - 12:55
Patche @ Komedia (Brighton) - 12:30

On Tour
Malika Tirolien & Caulder Nash GEMINICRAB @ The Jazz Café (London) (Osibisa Support) - Doors 19:00
Patche @ Heist Brewery (Sheffield) (Get Together Festival) - 20:15

MAY 18
On Tour
The Franklin Electric @ Thekla (Bristol) (Amistat Support) - Doors 19:00
Sorry Girls @ The George Tavern (London) - Doors 19:00

MAY 19
On Tour
The Franklin Electric @ Rescue Rooms (Nottingham) (Amistat Support) - Doors 19:30

MAY 20
On Tour
The Franklin Electric @ Club Academy (Manchester) (Amistat Support) - Doors 19:30

MAY 22
On Tour
Sorry Girls @ Glad Cafe (Glasgow) - Doors at 19:30

MAY 24
On Tour
Sorry Girls @ Bristol Goes Pop (Bristol) - Doors at 13:00
The Franklin Electric @ Oran Mor (Glasgow) (Amistat Support) - Doors 19:00

MAY 25
On Tour
The Franklin Electric @ The Wardrobe (Leeds) (Amistat Support) - Doors 19:30

MAY 26
On Tour
The Franklin Electric @ Scala (London) (Amistat Support) - Doors 19:00

MAY 27
On Tour
Sorry Girls @ YES Basement (Manchester) - Doors 19:30