Pocket Rochelle is a Canadian indie rock band from Montreal, Quebec, formed in 2022. Led by singer-songwriter Rochelle de Lioncourt (piano, vocals), the band consists of Marie Nguyen (drums), Sophia Durand (violin), Julia O’Neill (bass), and Leah Martinez (guitar). Known for their politically charged lyrics, theatrical live performances, and de Lioncourt’s distinctive piano style, the band gained prominence following a viral video of de Lioncourt performing in the Montreal Metro.

History

Formation and Early Years

The band formed around de Lioncourt’s solo performances in the Montreal Metro system. Born to French and Vietnamese parents in Quebec City, de Lioncourt’s musical style draws from a diverse range of influences. Her childhood home exposed her to traditional Vietnamese ca trù and French chanson, particularly Édith Piaf. De Lioncourt began playing piano before she could reach the pedals, with her father assisting during practice sessions—a collaboration she has described as their “secret language.”

The band’s signature piano, a restored 1940s Heintzman, has followed de Lioncourt through multiple relocations and remains central to their sound. The instrument, known for its exposed hammers and distinctive tone, features prominently in their recordings. Though she uses a digital piano for live performances “for ease of transport” Rochelle has been quoted saying “nothing can replace the heart of an old analog piano. The stories in those keys leak around the seams of every song.”

Breakthrough

Pocket Rochelle gained national attention when a video of de Lioncourt performing Leonard Cohen’s “You Want It Darker” in the Montreal Metro went viral on social media. The footage, which captured commuters stopping to listen as her voice echoed through the underground tunnel, led to significant media attention and their first record deal with a small Montreal label. De Lioncourt has cited Cohen’s final album as instrumental in developing her own voice, particularly noting how his recording while bedridden added poignancy to the work.

Career and Activism

The band’s reputation grew through their politically charged performances and involvement in social activism, particularly in feminist and environmental movements. Their song “Hold the Line,” written in response to the 2024 Women’s March in Ottawa, became an unofficial anthem of the movement. The song gained additional prominence when de Lioncourt performed it on Parliament Hill.

Despite commercial success, de Lioncourt maintains connection with her roots, regularly returning to perform in the Montreal Metro station where she was discovered. She maintains relationships with the local busking community and advocates for street performers’ rights.

Musical Style and Influences

Pocket Rochelle’s sound combines classical piano, folk arrangements, and orchestral elements. De Lioncourt’s commanding piano work, complemented by Durand’s haunting violin, Martinez’s ethereal guitar lines, and the rhythm section of Nguyen and O'Neill, creates what critics have described as “thunderous” and “orchestral.” Her songwriting often addresses themes of social justice, spirituality, and apocalyptic imagery.

Critics have compared de Lioncourt’s vocal style to early Joni Mitchell, while her piano work draws comparisons to Fiona Apple. The band’s sound is notably influenced by Leonard Cohen, particularly in their approach to spiritual and apocalyptic themes, while Rochelle acknowledges an affinity for the early work of Alanis Morissette, admitting to spending hours in front of the mirror trying to imitate Morissette’s confidence.

Band Members

• Rochelle de Lioncourt – lead vocals, piano

• Marie Nguyen – drums

• Sophia Durand – violin

• Julia O’Neill – bass

• Leah Martinez – guitar

Discography

Albums

• The Path That Takes Us Home

  • Notable tracks include “Hold the Line,” “We Meant to Say Amen,” and the title track “The Path That Takes Us Home”

  • Produced by Jeff Wardell at Berczy Street Studios

Singles

• “Hold the Line”

  • Released following the Women’s March in Ottawa

  • Became an anthem for feminist activism across Canada

• “We Meant to Say Amen”

  • Explores themes of faith and modern spirituality

  • Contains references to Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah”

Notable Performances

• Pop Montreal Music Festival (2023) - Breakthrough performance at Casa del Popolo

• Montreal Jazz Festival (2024) - Performed on the TD Stage

• 2024 Women’s March on Parliament Hill, Ottawa

• Apocastock Festival, Thunder Bay (TBD) - Headlining performer

Press and Media Coverage

• “The Roaring Revolution of Pocket Rochelle” - feature in Blank Spaces Magazine (March 2025)

• “Montreal's New Voice of Resistance” - Exclaim! (January 2024)

• “40 Under 40: Artists Reshaping Canadian Music” - CBC Arts (December 2024)

• “Pocket Rochelle’s Hold the Line: The Unexpected Anthem of the Women’s March” - The Globe and Mail (February 2024)

• Featured in Elle Quebec’s “Artists to Watch” (September 2023)

• “From Metro Station to Main Stage” - Montreal Gazette (August 2023)

• Interview and live performance on Q with Tom Power, CBC Radio (November 2024)

• “De Lioncourt Brings Down the House at Pop Montreal” - Cult MTL (September 2023)

Cultural Impact

The band has become known for their stance on women’s rights and social justice issues. De Lioncourt’s statement that “that instinct to protect ourselves, to protect each other... that’s not hysteria, it’s wisdom” has been widely quoted in feminist discourse. Their music has become a staple at protest events across Canada, with “Hold the Line” particularly associated with women’s rights demonstrations.

Personal Life

De Lioncourt resides in Montreal’s Plateau neighbourhood, where she maintains a home studio. She is known for her commitment to artistic authenticity and community engagement. Her orange rescue cat, Bowie, has become a minor social media presence among fans.