Heartstreets: The duo’s first appearance at the Montreal Jazz Fest

Posted on July 1, 2015. Written by Julie Santini

Heartstreets Jazz Fest 2015 photo Julie Santini

After feeling like a minor cell in the Montreal Jazz Festival sea of humans, I finally manage to manoeuvre my way to the Scène Bell where Heartstreets has just hit the stage for a free 10 p.m. outdoor performance.

Emma Beko and Gabrielle Godon make up Heartstreets, an electro/R&B duo from Montreal, which just released its follow up single, "Bubble of Joy"

heartstreets jazz fest 2015 photo Julie santini

Emma Beko and Gabrielle Godon make up Heartstreets, an electro/R&B duo from Montreal, which just released its follow up single, “Bubble of Joy.”

It is no surprise that these two are childhood friends. However, their sweet and authentic playfulness with one another on stage doesn’t hide their fierceness, so don’t be fooled. With passionate energy, they jump nearly their whole set with beaming smiles. The audience members at the front reach their arms up to the stage screaming, causing Heartstreets to be giddy.

It only takes seconds of seeing these gems on stage to realize that they’re rising stars. And they’re rising fast. They have already opened for Bran Van 3000, Radio, and played for POP Montreal.

The crowd chants “Heartstreets! Heartstreets! Heartstreets!” following the second song, which initially seems to take the girls by surprise. Seconds later, they encourage the chanting and take the opportunity to plug their website, along with ‘Bubble of Joy.’

heartstreets jazz fest 2015 photo Julie santini

Their upbeat music engages everyone. An audience comprised of men and women of all ages, several teens, and many families whip out their cellphones to make memories of what will soon be a hot ticket.

A bilingual show, “c’est notre premier show avec un band and it feels great!”, they let us know that this is their first show with live accompaniment.

One of their final songs proclaims, “and to everyone supporting us, I give my props!” That ‘everyone’ will only keep growing.

At the end of the set, the crowd goes wild which leaves Heartstreets smiling sweetly on stage through their thank yous. A wildness they should get used to.