Between two upcoming dates for her gentle start to the “Airs de jeux” tour, Ariane Moffatt is juggling two significant yet very different commitments these days: her participation in the Grand National Celebration in Quebec City on Monday, June 23rd, and her role as a DJ at her two older sons’ elementary school graduation party — a celebration for Paul and Henri, both 12 years old.
The singer and mother has enjoyed teasing out her children’s musical preferences to create the perfect lively atmosphere for their year-end school party, she shared with a smile during our interview.
“I check out what they’re listening to. We even did a little survey!” Ariane laughed. “I was like, ‘Oh my God,’ they’re listening to good music! There are so many things I haven’t heard before. For example, edited versions of hip-hop songs — the less explicit ones, let’s say. I didn’t even know what ‘clean’ meant in this context, for censored music for kids! It’s so fun to see what the youth are into…”
Ariane Moffatt emphasizes that she loves involving her children in the creative process whenever they show an interest. Her youngest son, Georges, who is only 8, took a keen interest in the making of her latest album, Airs de jeux, which was released on March 23rd.
“When I was working on my album, my little one kept track of all the mock-ups and the evolution of the songs. Doing that with my kids is just… exciting,” she explained. “I really enjoy hearing their thoughts about my work and incorporating their perspectives.” She also pointed out that her youngest — in particular — has a very strong artistic streak.
It’s not just at home that Ariane, 46, captures the curiosity of the younger generation. Out in the public eye, the singer behind hits like Jouer, arguably one of the biggest radio hits of the summer, continues to reach broad audiences. And she feels a deep sense of pride and happiness about that.
“It’s funny what I’m experiencing right now: I see TikTok videos about Miami by 15- and 16-year-olds! Many young fans are returning to my shows after discovering my music with their parents. That’s what I love most about my career: the longevity and the ability to stay relevant across generations, riding different waves of music and culture.”
Ariane also invites fans of all ages to come and enjoy her upcoming performances over the next year. After performing at various festivals this summer, she plans to hit the theater circuit across Quebec this fall, including a concert at the MTELUS in Montreal on October 23rd. She is also scheduled to perform at the FrancoFolies festival in summer 2026. In the interview, she explained that with her new album Airs de jeux, she aimed to reconnect with the pop-electro vibe of some of her earlier work — emphasizing her signature inclusive, energetic style that makes people want to dance and feel alive.
“On this album, I wanted to bring a little light-heartedness to balance out the gloom around us. It’s not just a fun album; it’s also designed with the stage in mind…”
Meanwhile, at the Quebec City National Day celebration on the Plains of Abraham, on Monday, June 23rd, Ariane will share some special treats with live audiences and viewers tuning in from home, including her personal reinterpretation of Francine Raymond’s Souvenirs retrouvés on guitar, as well as a voice-and-piano version of Imparfaite, performed amidst the vast open space of the Plains.
Having previously co-hosted the National Day festivities with Pierre Lapointe in 2019 and 2020, both in Quebec City and Trois-Rivières, this year’s event carries even greater meaning. For Ariane, it’s about celebrating and reinforcing the collective resilience of Quebecers amid a world that continues to grow more complex and divided.
“We need to come together, to lift each other up. It’s important to pause the endless worries swirling in our minds — the hamster wheel that keeps spinning about everything happening in the world. We must remember that we’re part of a peaceful territory, privileged to enjoy a democratic political climate where we can be true to ourselves. That’s not always a given; it’s something we need to cherish. Quebec’s diversity, its many faces, this society — that’s what we should keep reflecting through events like this,” she emphasized.
The Grand National Celebration in Quebec City will be broadcast this Monday, June 23rd, starting at 9 p.m. on the Plains of Abraham and on Télé-Québec, beginning at 9:30 p.m.
