Tess Liautaud Unveils New Single ‘Jolie Louise’ + Announces Release Show
“Ma jolie, how do you do?” Franco-American, now Aotearoa’s folk-country sweetheart Tess Liautaud has released a new song, for the first time she showcases her two mother tongues in a bilingual ballad. For this feat Tess Liautaud chose to sing Jolie Louise written by French-Canadian singer and producer Daniel Lanois. Lanois’ version was released in the year of Liautaud’s birth, it crept into her subconscious and has followed her around ever since. Tess Liautaud’s own interpretation of Jolie Louise marks a significant personal and artistic milestone.
“I was born in Paris. I’ve sung in English on every record I’ve ever made, until this one. Jolie Louise felt like the right song to finally cross that line.” – Tess Liautaud
Written and originally recorded by Daniel Lanois in 1989, Jolie Louise draws on the Acadian and Québécois roots of its characters. It has since been recorded by Francis Cabrel, Maxime Le Forestier, Alain Souchon, and Isabelle Boulay, becoming a touchstone of francophone popular music.
Liautaud’s version is saturated in unbridled rawness and honesty, she leans into the song’s lyrical heartbreak while her band roll out a country romp featuring; Acadian-influenced fiddle, pedal steel, banjo, double bass and shimmering acoustic guitars. It is a song that moves along and carries your heart with it.
To celebrate the release of Jolie Louise, Liautaud has announced a special hometown show at Lyttelton Coffee Company, on June 27th. Tess will be accompanied by her band, an ever evolving alt-country ensemble featuring pedal steel, banjo, double bass, shadowy guitars and soaring harmonies. Don’t miss this last ditch show before Liautaud sails away to tour her songs throughout Europe (a follow up to her successful 2025 ‘Sleepless in Europe Tour’.)
TESS LIAUTAUD JOLIE LOUISE RELEASE SHOW
June 27 @ Lyttelton Coffee Company, Lyttelton
Tickets available from undertheradar.co.nz
