'I like the happy accidents': Jean-Michel Blais on capturing imperfection on his new album Dans ma main

Musician and composer Jean-Michel Blais was given the chance to live out his dream when he recorded his latest album. He was given access to Pianos Bolduc, a piano store with a huge showroom in Montreal, to record his music — but only when the store was closed.

As it turns out, Blais' late-night sessions recording in an empty store have paid off. His new album, Dans ma main, was shortlisted for this year's Polaris Music Prize, which recognizes the best Canadian album released in the past year.

Today, Blais joins guest host Ali Hassan live in the q studio to perform from his new album and tell us what it was like working away through those storefront recording sessions.

Dans ma main is out everywhere now. On Monday, September 17, tune into the Polaris Music Prize Gala, which will be streaming online at cbcmusic.ca/polaris.

Listen to the full performances and conversation with Jean-Michel Blais near the top of this page. 

— Produced by Mitch Pollock

Miss an episode of CBC q? Download our podcast here.