“What separates Madame Psychosis is their ability to seamlessly intertwine socially conscious lyrics with their signature alt-rock sound” – EARMILK

Hailing from Toronto, Madame Psychosis has been a steady presence in the city’s thriving music scene for a decade – no easy feat for any indie rock band. Their staying power is a result of their commitment to each other and remaining focused on their collective obsession: creating music with meaning. 

Madame Psychosis includes singer Michelle Mondesir, guitar players Bret McCaffrey and Paul Silvestri, drummer Jaina Tharakan, and bass player Giovanni Paola. The quintet came together in late 2014 after a conversation at a wedding, where a mutual friend of some of the eventual band members suggested a jam session. This very unlikely gathering resulted in what became Madame Psychosis.

Though their sound has been compared to Metric, Paramore and the Yeah, Yeah, Yeahs, the band cites a number of musical influences from an array of genres. These artists include Whitney Houston, Freddie Mercury, The Smiths, Arctic Monkeys, Spoon, Wilco, Pearl Jam, Smashing Pumpkins, Radiohead and The War on Drugs. Together, they create music that is both emotionally charged and musically sophisticated, showcasing a tight-knit chemistry that has been honed through years of collaboration.

The band’s long run is highlighted by several milestones, including appearances on national TV, and performances at iconic venues, such as the legendary Opera House and Horseshoe Tavern, and at several festivals, including NXNE, Toronto Pride, Indie Week and Canadian Music Week. 

And they were just getting started.

Their third studio album, MP3, marks their most ambitious project to date. It delves into themes of mental health, resilience, and social justice with a genre-blending sound. The band’s mix of alt-rock anthems and pop-rock gems mirrors the natural ebbs and flows of life, capturing the thematic essence of the record. Hard-hitting tracks such as “Charlie’s Story”, “Anywhere With You” and “Revolution” reflect the album’s anthemic power, while infectious pop-rock numbers like “Foxtail”, “Concrete Streets” and “Lucky”, bring a lighter, more upbeat energy. “Hopeless,” “Vulnerability,” and “Nightmares” round out MP3 with introspective moments that linger long after the music stops.

The five-piece outfit has garnered a loyal fanbase by keeping its promise to deliver music from the heart. With their third record now under their belt, Madame Psychosis invites fans old and new to join them as they soar to greater heights.

Photo credit: Tomas B Photography