Daughter of mathematics teachers, Letarte grew up in St-Hyacinthe (Quebec). From early childhood, she began learning the piano. As a teenager, she discovered Sartre, Camus, Nietzsche ... guitar, rock, groups ... and begins to write her own songs. After 10 years of private study in classical piano, she joined the St-Laurent College, to get a diploma in classical piano and a diploma in jazz composition and arrangements. While pursuing her studies in classical piano at McGill University with master Marc Durand (Louis Lortie), Letarte realizes the importance of her parallel world: songwriting. Then she refuses the scholarship offered by McGill, opts for the singer-songwriter profession that she's passionate about more than anything and flies to Los Angeles in order to complete her training.

"She's an accomplished arranger, director, musician, composer.
She incorporates all sorts of elements of classic pop ..."
(Alain Brunet, Radio-Canada)

«DES PAS DANS LA NEIGE» THE 2008 SUCCES STORY IN QUEBEC

The story began in December 2007 when Maryse released Ô traîneau dans le ciel (Ô sleigh in the sky), a song she had specially written in the Christmas spirit. In 2008 and Inspired by this theme, the singer-songwriter released Des pas dans la neige (Footsteps in the Snow), critically acclaimed holiday themed album featuring ten original Christmas songs, which Maryse Letarte wrote (music and lyrics), arranged and produced.

Des pas dans la neige conjures beautiful and poetic imageries, with Letarte’s soft, melancholic voice sometimes reminiscent of a Christmas angel whispering in our ears. The album features the infectious and irresistible Boom Boom, in which Maryse easily moves from French to English, the bouncy Gloria, the glamourous violins of Entre Noël et le Jour de l’An (Between Christmas and New Year's Day) and many nods to retro sounds and ballroom music throughout the album. The album also offers a beautiful musical soundscape for today’s modern Holiday celebrations, with instrumental tracks like Le mendiant de Noël (The Christmas hobo) and L’automobiliste et le blizzard (The driver and the blizzard). For Des pas dans la neige, Letarte surrounded herself with a choir of four female singers, a string octet, as well as an excellent roster of musicians such as Nemo Venba on trumpet, Justin Allard on drums and Maxime Lepage on bass.

The album «Des pas dans la neige» was the most beautiful 2008 year-end surprise in Quebec music industry. Even the "Grintchier ones" have been seduced by this audacious album, admitting they have been reconciled with the Christmas Spirit. With the unanimous reviews already crowning it a Christmas season classic, Maryse Letarte's album has remained among the best sellers throughout the holidays.

"A Miracle for Christmas!
Look no further: this Holiday season’s most original and refreshing album is Letarte’s.”
(Philippe Rezzonico, Journal de Montréal)

“Boom Boom is this Holiday season’s prettiest Christmas song...
All of these songs are destined to become classics.”
(Francine Grimaldi, Radio-Canada)

"An audaciously creative, modern and refreshing Christmas album…”
(Marie Côté, Executive Director, ARTV)

"Des pas dans la neige is an ambitious and refined Christmas offering…”
(Alain Brunet, La Presse)

"What a talent! Everyone falls in love with Des pas dans la neige…"
(Martine Côté, Radio-Canada)

A NEW ALBUM HIGHLY EXPECTED IN 2010

With her haunting voice and the unusual light she poses to the world Maryse Letarte signs a modern pop both moving and original. The young woman has opened the door to a universe in subtleties and emotions. She now returns to the production of a new album she had started before "Des pas dans la neige." During 2008, both projects had, at some point, lived together in the singer-songwriter-producer's studio for several months. Eagerly awaited this new album should be released in february 2010.