Beginnings

Denis has loved music since his infancy. His parents would constantly listen to the radio or play the latest records. Denis recalls: “I remember a childhood filled with music and loving every moment. I could remember songs and lyrics at a very young age. Music just affected me so much.”

This love for music led to the desire to play an instrument and he naturally was attracted to the drums. His path was set, after seeing a few of the popular rock bands of the time perform in his hometown of Ottawa. None had more of an effect than when he saw Tommy Lee from Motley Crue. Denis recalls: “I saw them during the Dr. Feelgood tour. The showmanship and the sound he was getting out of that kit blew me away.”   

He acquired his first kit at the age of 14 years old. Self-taught at the start, it wasn't long before Denis was taking over the drummer's chair of local bands. His high school years were filled with many local community shows, playing with various bands, and having his first taste of recording demos. Once he graduated high school, he decided to study privately with local drumming mentor Peter Beaudoin. Denis explains: “Peter’s playing was so smooth and relaxed. The total opposite of my heavy rock style. He just made me focus my energy on what to learn and how to hit the drum efficiently.” Peter also contributed to the next stage of his career, auditioning for jazz studies.

The formative years

In 1997, Denis auditioned for Cégep de Drummondville and Carleton University’s music programs. Both auditions were successful. The choice came down to Carleton University, where he studied under Chris McCann from McGill University. Chris was also the teacher for Johnny Fay of The Tragically Hip. Denis explains: “Chris taught me that practicing at slower tempos was the best way to master and hear the rhythms. I had never played jazz and other rhythms at such a slow pace. It was hard work, but it paid off. I felt more in control and had a better sense of time. Since then, I have been using this philosophy to come up with new ideas and to learn songs.” 

Always seeking a broader versatility, he studied with nationally respected teacher and author Chuck Borrows. Denis states: “Chuck seriously pushed my practicing discipline, as well as my views about the instrument. We studied everything: rudiments, funk, jazz, hi-hat patterns, linear rhythms, and the list continues. It was one of the greatest educational experiences I've ever had. I am so grateful. I'm still practicing his rudimental solo book to this day.”

Touring and recording

Eager to perform outside his hometown, Denis joined the renowned percussion group BAM Percussion in 2001. After a few local shows, they set off to Europe for a series of festivals. That summer was a real eye-opener. They performed on a variety of small stages, to a large-scale outdoor stage in Chassepierre. Regardless of the stage, the audience loved them.

2002 and 2003 were busy for BAM Percussion. They each included 4 months of performance at festivals across Europe that included Belgium, the Netherlands, Italy, Spain, the UK, and Denmark.

In 2004, Denis took a break from Bam Percussion to pursue his lifelong dream to create, record and play music in a band. It was at this point that he met an Ottawa-based songwriter, Daniel Jackson. Daniel was trying to set up a group that would combine his punk energy with his highly melodic and folk compositional style. That band became John Doe Reunion.

They recorded their first album with Dave Draves (Kathleen Edwards, The Skydiggers) at Little Bullhorn Studios. The recording was done live, doing takes as a band. The result was a raw, high-energy, melodic punk rock album titled, John Doe Reunion. The album gained attention. Kevin Jardine (Slaves on Dope) liked it and wanted to master the album. The group was invited to play live on local radio station CKCU FM 93.1 Afterwards, performing the album throughout the Ottawa-Toronto corridor of clubs and pubs to supportive crowds.

Denis finally got his first taste of rock and roll. And he was looking for more. John Doe Reunion is one of Denis’s favorite bands. Unfortunately, they didn’t perform as much as he desired.

To fulfill that quest, Denis then joined the band Tara Lee Combs in 2007. The band consisted of Cynthia Lacombe on bass/lead vocals and Aaron Deck on guitar. Their sound consisted of an interesting mix of Garage Rock, Psychobilly, Stoner Rock, and even Country. They recorded an album called Whether We Shall Repel and toured Canada and the United States in 2008. Denis recalls: “I loved that band and that tour. The band was one of the tightest, and the most fun trio's I have ever been part of. And our shows were some of the best I have ever performed.’’ Sadly, Tara Lee Combs would not release another record, and the members left to play with other bands. Denis would learn the lesson that rock bands can be fragile and require constant support. He then returned to BAM Percussion to continue performing around the globe in the following years.

During this period, BAM Percussion would continue to amass a staggering amount of shows.  Performing at renowned festivals, winning many cultural and public awards, and appearances on national television, in more than 4 continents, and more than 18 countries, in front of thousands of BAM fans, young and old.

In 2014, Denis would renew his chemistry with his bandmate Cynthia in a new band called Kid Sentiment. He was replacing their longtime drummer who had just stepped down. The first show of this new trio was in New York City! They were invited by the well-known musician Paul Collins (The Beat) who loved the band. Soon after, they recorded the album, Malandrins Bien Élevés in 2014 and toured parts of Québec. The band had critical acclaim and had a number #3 single with the song Toi qui attends dans le noir, on a french radio CIBL 101,5 FM.

It was also around 2014 that he met singer-songwriter Eric Gagné. Eric hired Denis to record his upcoming E.P., En eaux troubles at the famous Studio Le Hublot in Montreal. Denis describes that: “Eric’s songwriting is concise, very melodic, and full of emotion. I love his stuff. And he gives you the freedom to explore your ideas for the songs. I’m really lucky.”  Since then, Denis is the permanent live drummer for all of Eric's projects and the recording drummer for his side projects, such as 7183. The band tours all over Québec. Denis states that: “I’m blown away by his following at every show and the love for his music.’’

In 2016, BAM Percussion continued their activities with tours in California and Colorado. And in New York City, at the famous Symphony Space theater.  

2017 was a busy year with BAM Percussion. In January they returned to NYC to play the APAP Conference at New World Stages Theatre. In April, they toured China for a month. The tour included the cities of Chongqing, Beijing, Fuling, Shanghai, Jinan, and Shenyang. Denis summarizes his experience this way: “It was a fascinating and especially memorable experience. China as a culture is quite destabilizing. Many cultural differences can test a Canadian’s patience. Green spaces are rare and the noise is constant. But, the people themselves have a superb sense of fun and humor. It seemed to fit perfectly with our group. This made the show a success. It balanced out the chaos of everyday life. For example, the International Performing Festival held at Landmark Riverside Park in Chongqing gave us a 3-story audience and made us the festival's most popular group!’’

2018 saw BAM Percussion play in several states such as California, Indiana, Tennessee, and Texas. While in Memphis, Tennessee, they made an obligatory pilgrimage to the famous Sun Studios and Graceland. For Denis, this was a trip to remember. In addition, they returned to their roots and embarked on one of the longest and most intense school tours of Ontario from March to May. The stats are impressive! They totaled 92 shows, 62 hotels, 84 cities, and 20000 km. Denis remembers: “It was a crazy tour. Although it was a grueling schedule, we had fun playing for thousands of kids.”

In 2019, Denis took a break from touring and decided to take a year off. He states: “I needed some time off. I needed to take care of myself and recharge my batteries.’’  In 2020, covid would hit the world, and a new challenge would present itself.

2020-Present

Given that everything was closed due to COVID-19, a new project was necessary to stay alive artistically. His friend, Eric Boudreault (Cavalia, Studio), started a drumming podcast called Drumfills Kafé. The concept is quite simple. It is a virtual space for drummers and percussionists of all ages and experiences to discuss their profession. After a successful first season, Eric asked Denis to join him in the second season to do interviews and to be a founding member with Franck Camus. Denis states: “I knew nothing about doing interviews or podcasts. Yet, I was eager and learned my craft as I went. And in the end, it has given me the greatest gift; a sense of belonging to the community as I have never felt before.”

Nine seasons later, Drumfills Kafé has become one of Quebec and Canada's most popular drummer/ musician podcasts. Denis has interviewed many renowned artists such as Jeff Smallwood (Celine Dion, Roch Voisine), Mario Légaré (Octobre, Paul Piché)  Michel “Away” Langevin (Voivod), Andrei Malashenko (Orchestre Symphonique de Montréal - OSM), Domino Santantonio (Drumeo, Tik Tok) and Jeff Burrows (The Tea Party), just to name a few.

Now he is eager to experience more projects and further improve on the instrument. He currently lives in the Montreal Metropolitan Area, teaches privately, plays with local and national professional artists, records various projects, and continues to tour with BAM Percussion.

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