Beast (Canadian band)

Lore & Background

Beast formed after Bonifassi and Goncalves first collaborated on a project for Ubisoft in 2006. Both were French expats active in the Montreal music scene for about 20 years. Bonifassi had worked with local musicians like François D'Amours, Champion, and Deweare, while Goncalves had produced albums for Quebec artists such as Pierre Lapointe, Jean-Pierre Ferland, Ariane Moffatt, and Daniel Bélanger, and played percussion for Dumas, Afrodizz, and Plaster. Their early sound was described as angrier than either was used to, with Bonifassi noting the message was about letting out the beast inside due to societal constraints on emotion.

The duo's first performance was on March 1, 2008, at the after-party for the Montreal International Music Initiative Awards. They performed at two venues during the 2008 NXNE festival in Toronto, receiving highest marks from Chart magazine. In late 2008, they toured with British Columbia band You Say Party! We Say Die! Their self-titled debut album was released internationally on iTunes on November 4, 2008, and the single 'Mr. Hurricane' was offered free as iTunes Single of the Week in six major markets. Bonifassi's vocals leaned toward rap and spoken-word, and Canadian singer-songwriter Simon Wilcox assisted with English lyrics.

In 2010, the video for 'Mr. Hurricane' was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Music Video but lost to The Black Eyed Peas. The song 'Satan' was used in the closing credits of an episode of HBO's Hung in 2010, and 'Mr. Hurricane' was used in a 2011 episode of The Good Wife. 'Satan' appeared in two episodes of The Good Wife in 2013. At the end of 2010, the duo announced an indefinite break, citing lagging album sales, frustration with the record industry, touring fatigue, and family commitments. Goncalves returned to Plaster, and Bonifassi performed at festivals in 2011.

Reader's Guide

Beast's significance lies in their brief but impactful fusion of electronic and rock elements, earning a Grammy nomination for a music video from their debut album. Their sound, described as 'trip rock,' bridged experimental hip hop and aggressive guitar-driven music, gaining international exposure through iTunes promotions and television placements. The duo's work reflects the creative energy of Montreal's music scene, with both members bringing extensive experience from collaborations with notable Quebec and international artists. Though their active period was short (2006–2010), their legacy includes a single that reached wide audiences and a video recognized by the Recording Academy. The dissolution, driven by industry frustrations and personal commitments, underscores the challenges faced by independent acts. Beast remains a notable example of cross-genre experimentation in Canadian electronic music.