Full Circle in Confetti: Charlotte Cardin’s Return to Victoria

While a résumé boasting two award-winning studio albums, four incredible EPs, and honours for both songwriting and fan choice awards is undeniably impressive, the experience of hearing Charlotte Cardin’s powerful, spellbinding voice live is something that continues to permeate my musical memory – even years after last seeing her perform in Victoria. Back in November 2023, Cardin took the stage at a packed Capital Ballroom. It was one of those nights where getting from one end of the venue to the other was nearly impossible, as the sold-out show overflowed with Victoria music fans ready to sing along to “Confetti” and belt out their love for Jim Carrey.

Before the show began, it was hard to hear anything over the wall of sound – a mix of crowd noise and the booming bass of the venue’s sound system. But the moment her voice reverberated through the diaphragm of the microphone, Cardin proved how someone could truly be loud in a quiet way. It’s difficult to recall a more on-point and impactful vocal performance in that room than hers that night.

The 30-year-old singer from Montreal, Quebec hasn’t wasted any time making ripples in the music industry since the debut of her bilingual EP Big Boy in 2016. She quickly earned nominations in both the English and French categories of the SOCAN Songwriting Prize. A year later, she stepped up her game with the release of her second EP, Main Girl, which earned her JUNO Award nominations for Breakthrough Artist of the Year and Songwriter of the Year. She continued working toward her debut studio album, Phoenix, which made her the most-nominated artist at the 2022 Junos. If by March 2023 you hadn’t already heard the name Charlotte Cardin, you likely got a proper introduction the following month with the release of “Confetti,” the first single from her massive second studio album, 99 Nights.

“Confetti” took the radio world by storm, topping the charts at both pop and alternative stations across Canada and the US. Just last year, the album won JUNOs for Album of the Year and Pop Album of the Year, and it was also shortlisted for the Polaris Music Prize. The only accomplishment that could possibly top those honours? A personal phone call from none other than Jim Carrey. On the day of the 99 Nights single release – a melodic marriage proposal to the actor himself – Carrey called Cardin to express his gratitude and appreciation for the message behind the song, which is about shedding one’s ego and embracing one’s true self.

It’s clear from her talent and accomplishments that this is a message Cardin lives by and it has guided her toward success. Last year, she became the first Canadian artist to be named Woman of the Year by Billboard at the inaugural Billboard Canada Women in Music celebration. And in March of this year, she was honoured as one of two Global Women of the Year in Los Angeles – an award previously given to artists such as Taylor Swift, Beyoncé, Madonna, Billie Eilish, SZA, and Karol G.

Cardin’s return to Victoria this fall feels like a full-circle moment for anyone who, like me, remembers the impact of that Capital Ballroom show. She never fails to bring her powerful voice, her edge, and her ever-evolving artistry to any stage – and she certainly won't disappoint on Rifflandia’s. I’m excited to once again experience her beautifully melodic (yet incredibly energetic) set – and for that experience to further permeate my musical memory. It’s experiences like these that will stay with me right up until the day you find my body fully covered in confetti.

- Bryan Capistrano. While Bryan Capistrano (a.k.a. DJ Boitano) can also be seen as a performer at this year’s Rifflandia Music Festival (playing on Sunday in the Dome), the role he loves most when it comes to the festival is that of a genuine music fan. A DJ, former broadcaster, and music programmer, Bryan has never missed a Riff. From vibing out to Jurassic 5 at Royal Athletic Park to the live impromptu Acres of Lions rock show in the middle of Discovery Street, Bryan has no shortage of Rifflandi-memories and stories.