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Karkwa

Karkwa is a Canadian indie rock band from Montreal, Quebec, formed in 1998.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Karkwa is a Canadian indie rock band from Montreal, Quebec, formed in 1998. The band is known for French-language alternative rock and for winning the Polaris Music Prize for its album *Les Chemins de verre* in 2010, the first Francophone album to receive the award. After a long hiatus, Karkwa returned with the album *Dans la seconde* in 2023.

Career

Karkwa formed in 1998 and built a reputation in Quebec’s French-language music scene through the 2000s. The band’s profile widened after winning major critical recognition for *Les Chemins de verre*.

Discography

The band’s studio albums are *Le Pensionnat des établis* (2003), *Les Tremblements s’immobilisent* (2005), *Le Volume du vent* (2008), *Les Chemins de verre* (2010), and *Dans la seconde* (2023). It also released a live album, *Karkwa - Live* (2012).

Awards and recognition

Karkwa’s most prominent honour is the 2010 Polaris Music Prize for *Les Chemins de verre*. Sources describe the win as historically significant because it was the first time a Francophone album received the award.

Hiatus and reunion

After years of activity and an extended hiatus, the group reunited and released new music in 2023. Coverage of the reunion emphasized the band’s long absence and renewed recording activity.

Key facts

  • Karkwa formed in Montreal in 1998 and performs primarily in French.
  • The band won the 2010 Polaris Music Prize for *Les Chemins de verre*, the first Francophone album to do so.
  • Karkwa has released five studio albums and one live album.
  • After an extended hiatus, the band returned with *Dans la seconde* in 2023.
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Canadian context

Karkwa is a Quebec-based French-language band and a notable example of Canadian indie rock with national recognition through the Polaris Music Prize.

Frequently asked questions

What kind of band is Karkwa?
Karkwa is a Montreal-based Canadian indie rock and alternative rock band that performs primarily in French.
When was Karkwa formed?
Karkwa was formed in 1998 in Montreal, Quebec.
Who are the members of Karkwa?
The band consists of Louis-Jean Cormier, François Lafontaine, Martin Lamontagne, Julien Sagot, and Stéphane Bergeron.
What is Karkwa best known for?
Karkwa is best known for winning the 2010 Polaris Music Prize for *Les Chemins de verre*, making it the first Francophone album to win the award.
How many albums has Karkwa released?
The band has released five studio albums and one live album.
What does the name Karkwa mean?
The name is a phonetic rendering of *carquois*, the French word for a quiver of arrows.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karkwa
    Supports: Formation date, origin, band members, and name meaning.
  2. Wikipedia (French) — https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karkwa
    Supports: Discography and album list including the 2023 release.
  3. Georgia Straight — https://www.straight.com/music/karkwa-breaks-out-francophone-ghetto
    Supports: Polaris Prize win and name meaning.
  4. The Globe and Mail — https://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/music/who-is-karkwa-the-answer-will-be-clear-soon/article569746/
    Supports: Band description, Polaris Prize recognition, and Quebec context.
  5. CBC Arts — https://www.cbc.ca/arts/q/karkwa-s-fran%C3%A7ois-lafontaine-explains-where-the-heck-they-ve-been-for-the-last-13-years-1.6970673
    Supports: Hiatus and 2023 reunion album.