On March 14th,2024 Sun Freezing Cold launched their sophomore album At the Speed of Light; an itinerary consisting of 8 songs melding different musical genres. The duo, Chantal Ranger (lyrics/vocals) and Guy Pellerin (music/production) invite you to discover their unique take on words to music.
In April of 2022, Sun Freezing Cold presented their debut eponymous album which was highly appreciated by Canadian critics and radio stations alike: notably, Ottawa’s OLM Ottawalife magazine calls the duo a ‘Parts reggae group and parts dance-pop powerhouse’
and referring to the first album as a two-flavored album that really knows how to bring the
energy.’ Whereas the first album was upbeat and vivacious, the second opus offers a diversity of moods and emotions urging us to look at ourselves about others and the world
around us. The eclectic mix of musical styles incorporating elements of disco, pop, reggae,
funk, post-punk, and early rap music helps make every song of the album unique without
ever losing the common thread that runs between them. Together, they make up the style
and sound that is Sun Freezing Cold.
Sun Freezing Cold – At the Speed of Light now available on all platforms
Contacts:
Website: http://www.sunfreezingcold.com
For more information and/or requests please contact
Chantal Ranger
514.505.3743
ranlem@videotron.ca
SUN FREEZING COLD is…
An alternative pop/rock duo. Multi-layered beats, riffs, and pared-down lyrics are some of the elements that make up the sound of this musical pair. Sun Freezing Cold aspires to create stylized & exciting moods through lush chords/pads, ‘crunchy’ guitars, beats, and rhythm patterns of words to music in vocal performance.
Chantal Ranger (Lyrics / Vocals):
Native to Ontario, Chantal first came to Montreal to study theatre but fell head over heels in love with the last of the great Bohemian cities and so decided to make it her permanent home. Here she established her roots and began her formal training with the Latin jazz ensemble, 20 First Century Modern, as a back vocalist before making her debut as lead vocalist in musical acts such as Sun Freezing Cold, Big Bad Band, and Instead, all of which she contributed to and collaborated with as a writer. Over the years, she has explored and developed a deep appreciation and understanding of a wide range of musical genres from rock to funk and from pop to jazz. After years of writing, recording, and performing in various clubs and music venues in Montreal and beyond, she decided to further her musical education by studying sound design at Musitechnic, followed by Jazz Singing. She also studied two vital instruments: the guitar and percussion. As an outcome of all this diversity, Chantal fused her experience & education to create her own record label Makin’ Waves. She produced two albums on this label; her first self-titled CD in collaboration with guitarist /composer Sari Dajani and her sophomore album in collaboration with Francis Tétu and Christian Leclair. As luck would have it, she met up with an old writing partner Guy Pellerin of Sun Freezing Cold whose collaboration had always proven to be creative and prolific. Together they decided to revive the band and release their first album which came out in April of 2022. The album was well-received by both the public and critics. Since the creative juices were flowing, they decided to return to the studio right away and work on new material. Their sophomore album is due out end of Winter 2024.
Guy Pellerin (Music / Production):
Music has always played a vital part in Guy’s life. Coming from a family of musicians, that is only natural. He first started expressing his love for music as a DJ, playing various gigs such as weddings and parties then moving on to clubs and other venues. But spinning other artists’ tracks was not enough to fill his musical soul and he began experimenting with
beats and melodies. Drawing from his early influences including electronic bands like Kraftwerk and all those fabulous 80s and 90s alternative bands such as Depeche Mode, Soft Cell, New Order, and Blondie he started creating his own
music, his own sound. He first released a single that was rated top ten in college radio stations in and around Montreal. Guy met lyricist/singer Chantal Ranger through a mutual friend and the two formed the duo Sun Freezing Cold. Their collaboration was inspired and prolific in both the studio and in live performances for a few years before both moved
on to other projects. In between various musical endeavors such as the French band Bleu Noir, Guy opened a recording studio and produced other artists. But missing his love of music composition, he formed the band The Moment Music which is still active today. Then a twist of fate brought a chance encounter with former writing partner Chantal Ranger.
After years apart, the duo returned to the studio to see if the old magic was still there. As it turns out, it was! Sun Freezing Cold’s first album was released in April of 2022 and was very well received. Feeling inspired, they decided to go back to the studio to work on some new material. Their follow-up album is slated for the end of Winter 2024.
Interview by Tim Brown
1-When and why did you start playing?
Guy: started as a DJ and always wanted to do some music myself .. with the synth in the 80 becoming more and more popular and could do my own song without having 4 or 5 musicians
Chantal: I started singing at a very young age in the church choir, I guess that’s the reason I love harmonies so much! Then I studied theatre but always went back to music and writing..I kinda always wanted to do my own thing.
2-Which famous musicians do you admire? Why?
Guy: David Bowie , is my favorite singer and musician but i am also a big fan of Kraftwerk , pioneers of electronic music , why Bowie , well he has it all .. looks lol ..album scenario music what can say more . Kraftwerk looks sound production feel amazing even today ..
Chantal: Like Guy, David Bowie is right up there with my favorites. I also love Pink Floyd for lyrics and a lot of country/folk artists write amazing lyrics…Leonard Cohen being one of my favorites. For vocals, I have to say Jazz artist Nina Simone (deep, dramatic, amazing tone & timing)
3-Were you influenced by old records & tapes? Which ones?
Guy: Definitely old records , love to spin them as a DJ and still love them today
Which ones : wow , my favorite 12 inch , Nag nag nag from Cabaret Voltaire .
album would say Depeche Mode ,Black celebration or Music for the masses as well
Chantal: Sure, yes..I remember being young, sitting alone at home in front of the stereo system with my sisters’ albums, listening to the whole album ( as you did in those days) admiring the artwork of the covers and ‘tripping’ out on the music…One comes to mind – Electric Light Orchestra ‘Eldorado’
4-Who are your favorite musicians? Groups? CD’s?
Guy: today i really love the New York vibe of yeah yeah yeahs … like also the muse , red hot .Santigold the electronic reggae sound is cool
Chantal: I love everything well made! There are too many to mention…Definitely Depeche Mode is right up there and Violent Femmes… But I would have to say, my all time favorite album is Miles Davis’ Doo Bop…speaking of New York vibe!!
5-Have you been in competitions? Fleadh’s? Any prizes?
Guy: nope i just don t think music should be a competition .. should be from the heart and what you wish to make as music and the prizes should be your listener and fan .. sorry
Chantal: Neither have I and I agree with Guy about the whole award/competition thing.
6-Do you perform in public?
Describe those occasions?
Concerts, radio, TV
Guy & Chantal: We did perform in public (during the first part of Sun Freezing Cold’ life..lol) We did shows in Montreal in different clubs & venues, such as Quai des Brûmes, The Swimming, Bleu & Noir, ect., Then the band broke up and we went our separate ways to explore new ventures. In 2021, we got back together and released 2 albums and a few singles.
Our music got some airplay on different radio stations; Indie Rock Montreal, Radio Canada 107fm, 105fm Brazil to name a few. To me, hearing our song played on Brazilian was the most thrilling! As far as television goes…never, I think Youtube is the preferred medium now.
7-What makes this kind of music “good” to you?
Guy: I made songs with Chantal from my heart and soul and all my background of influences that i have and specially had fun making it.
Chantal: Yes, heart & soul – most important ingredients!
8-Why did you choose to play this kind of music?
Guy: we have different styles of music in are album .. its hard to say (this kind of music)
Chantal: The second time we (Sun Freezing Cold) got back together, I was coming from a long haul in jazz music…and I think I was craving exciting, upbeat, synth based music…I think our music has many influences and musical styles.
9-Let’s Talk about your music and your last work…
Chantal: ok
10-How do you feel about the internet in the music business?
Guy: it s really hard lol , it s to get your song out there, get it out there on playlist Spotify ,apple .. you need to be a guru in computer media now.
Chantal: Definitely, it is an art in itself to know how to navigate the music business on-line. On the plus side, you get to run the show…on the down side…you get to run the whole show! You become entrepreneurs, no choice..being an artist is simply not enough anymore.
11-What are the plans for the future?
Guy , we are still young lol , hoping for a third album .i always have a saying . if you are having fun doing music , make it and share it
Chantal: I have no idea what the future holds! Maybe that’s a good thing ; )
12-How has your music evolved since you first began playing music?
Guy , we where a duo in the 90 and went on are own afterwards ,to explore different ways of making music .. i have embarked into different music projects ( made house and techno music ) different bands and also open a music studio ..
Chantal: As I mentioned before…I immersed myself in Jazz music & the whole Jazz’ scene. I studied jazz singing, produced two jazz/groove albums..and played live, a lot… every gig imaginable! And then one day, I had enough…I rarely look back, but I learned a lot and had a blast!
13-Could you briefly describe the music-making process?
Guy , i compose a riff or sratch song (demo) and send it out to Chantal and she comes back with wonderful lyrics , vocal ideas and we debate on the song . make other demo and afterwards just go in the studio and see what it sounds like
Chantal: Thanks Guy, that’s pretty much the best thing anyone can tell me!
Yes, Guy sends me a fabulous riff and melody line…a beat,ect. and I get inspired…write something and we built the song from there. We definitely ‘battle’ it out a bit…but maybe that’s our strength.
M.T.V.rock 