Montreal singer-songwriter Maude Audet has released “Les joues usées,” the lead single from her upcoming sixth studio album, scheduled for spring 2026. The track represents a shift toward stripped-down folk arrangements after the orchestral textures that characterized her recent work.
Recorded live at Studio Madame Wood in Montreal, the song addresses emotional exhaustion through direct, conversational lyrics set against acoustic instrumentation. Audet worked again with keyboardist Mathieu Charbonneau, who co-produced the track alongside the artist. The recording features Simon Trottier on guitars and lapsteel, Charles Blondeau on drums, and bassist Philippe Charbonneau.
The production favours a clean, rhythmic approach. Guitar lines interweave with piano accents while Audet‘s vocals carry lyrics that describe weathering difficult periods. “Do you think the wind / Will change sides / Or follow me all the time? / My cheeks are worn out / From playing so much / Smiling for people,” she sings, depicting the fatigue that comes from maintaining appearances during low moments.
Audet, who studied fine arts, created the single’s artwork from one of her paintings. The image presents an abstract landscape where natural forms meet interior spaces, rendered in vivid colours.
The Montreal-based musician has built her catalogue over multiple releases, though this latest material marks a noticeable pivot toward simpler arrangements. Where previous efforts incorporated fuller orchestration, “Les joues usées” relies on the chemistry between long-time collaborators. The live recording method captures the musicians playing together in real time, lending the track an immediate quality.
Additional singles will appear before the album’s release next spring. Audet handled vocal recording herself while Sébastien Blais-Montpetit mixed the track at Trillium Sound Studio, where mastering also took place.
The single is currently available on streaming platforms and for digital download.
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