We Told You So is a high-energy punk rock quartet from Trois-Rivières, Québec, formed in 2015. Made up of Jim Giguère (vocals, guitar), Mathieu Massicotte (guitar, backing vocals), Ambrosio O'Higgins (bass), and Dany Clément (drums), the band is known for its gritty yet melodic vocals and electrifying live performances.
Influenced by '90s skatepunk legends — Social Distortion, Bad Religion, Lagwagon, No Use For A Name — We Told You So has over 100 shows under their belt and appearances at Pouzza Fest, Rockaganza, and Festivoix.
After releasing Fairy Tales for Grown Ups (2018), the band dropped a series of hard-hitting singles: Civil Disobedience, Pabst Blue Ribbon, and Dead Inside (2024), Pas Besoin D'Toé (2025), then Anchor in the Storm and Time to Rise (2026). An EP, A New Frame of Mind, is in the works. These releases showcase a more mature sound while staying true to the band's punk DIY ethos — tackling themes of freedom, resilience, and mental health.
-Interview- (5/31/26)
1. How did you get started with music and how did you develop your sound?
We started like a lot of punk bands do: out of frustration, energy, and a need to say something louder than what was around us. It began in small spaces, garages, basements, DIY shows, figuring things out as we went. Our sound developed naturally through that process — loud, raw, and honest — influenced by punk rock, hardcore, and melodic punk rock. We never really tried to fit a mold; we just pushed what felt real for us.
2. What do you want people to take away from your music?
That it’s okay to feel too much, to be angry, lost, or out of place. And that those feelings can turn into something powerful instead of destructive. If someone listens and feels less alone or more ready to face their own reality, then we did what we needed to do.
3. How would you describe your sound to the average listener?
High-energy punk rock with melody, grit, and emotional weight. It sits somewhere between classic skate punk energy and more modern, aggressive tones. Fast when it needs to be, heavy when it counts, and always driven by emotion first.
4. Who are three bands you’d like to tour with?
Satanic surfers, flatliners, bouncing souls, propagandhi, bad religion. Each of them represents a different era and energy of punk that shaped how we see live shows — chaos, melody, and connection with the crowd.
5. What's your thoughts on AI generated music?
It’s a tool, but it doesn’t replace lived experience. Music hits differently when it comes from real moments, real mistakes, real people in a room together. AI can assist creatively, but it shouldn’t replace the human mess that makes music meaningful.
6. What’s your take on the current state of Punk Rock?
Punk is always changing, but the core is still there. Right now it’s more fragmented — some parts are super polished, some are still raw and underground. But that’s also what keeps it alive. As long as there are people creating outside of the system and speaking honestly, punk isn’t going anywhere.
7. What’s the current local music scene like there in QuebecK?
Quebec has a strong DIY backbone. There’s a real mix of hardcore, punk, indie, and experimental scenes happening in pockets — Montreal especially is full of energy and collaboration. It’s not always centralized, but that’s part of its strength: communities build their own spaces.
8. What’s your take on the royalties that streaming services pay out to artists?
It’s heavily unbalanced. Streaming made music accessible, but the compensation side hasn’t caught up. Most independent artists are relying on touring, merch, and direct fan support to survive. It’s a system that needs rethinking if we want sustainable music careers.
9. What’s next for We Told You So?
More music, more shows, and pushing things further visually and sonically. We’re building momentum toward bigger releases and stronger live experiences. The goal is to keep evolving without losing the raw energy that started it.
10. Any shoutouts?
Shoutout to everyone supporting independent music, the local scenes in Quebec and beyond, and every band grinding it out on the road or in basements. And to anyone listening — you’re part of this too.
