Chansonnons (Let’s Write a Song Together)

Can an original song be written in two hours by people who did not all know one another and who had different musical backgrounds? That was the challenge taken on by five members of Ottawa’s Francophone community, guided by Philippe Doucet and singer-songwriter Kaiday.

By bringing together their memories, impressions, and sometimes complex relationship with the capital, the group expressed a contemporary way of experiencing Francophone culture in Ottawa. From this encounter emerged Passerelle Corktown, a love song dedicated to the city.

The lyrics, melody, chords, and structure were developed collectively before the work was recorded in a studio and brought to life in a music video.

Passerelle Corktown music video

Ottawa: Between Attachment and a Desire for Change

Passerelle Corktown speaks about Ottawa as one might speak about a person they have loved for a long time. The city is familiar, filled with memories and happy moments, yet the relationship is not always simple.

Philippe Doucet guides the group as they bring together the ideas that will shape Passerelle Corktown.

During the workshop, participants discussed what connected them to the capital and the aspects they would like to see evolve. Rather than choosing between tribute and criticism, the group imagined a love relationship shaped by emotions that are sometimes contradictory.

The song conveys affection, closeness, frustration, and hope. Deeply rooted in Ottawa, it can also resonate with anyone who has a complex relationship with the city or region where they live.

Two Hours to Create Together

On April 29, 2026, the five community members gathered with Philippe Doucet and Kaiday at the Maison de la francophonie d’Ottawa. Some participants were discovering the songwriting process for the first time, while others already had artistic or musical experience.

Philippe Doucet and Kaiday provided guidance on lyrics, melody, chords, rhythm, and structure. They supported the group’s ideas and helped bring them together.

Each participant could contribute a word, an image, a memory, a musical idea, or a direction for the story. The small size of the group allowed everyone to contribute directly to the artistic decisions.

Kaiday Nguyen during the co-creation session for Passerelle Corktown, supporting the group in the musical development of the song.

The lyrics and music of Passerelle Corktown therefore reflect the contributions of everyone present, whose roles are acknowledged in the work’s credits.

From Workshop to Studio

Following the co-creation session, Passerelle Corktown was recorded on June 2, 2026, at Audio Valley Recording Studios.

Jensen Grant was responsible for music production, sound engineering, and recording. The instrumental performance features Jensen Grant on percussion, Simon Lebeau on bass, Kaiday Nguyen on guitar, and Philippe Doucet on piano and harmonica.

The studio work gave the song its final sound while preserving the lyrics, music, and direction developed collectively. Individual experiences of the capital were thus transformed into a shared work rooted in Ottawa’s Francophone community.

From Process to Final Work

A documentary video traces the journey of Chansonnons, from the first discussions to the final recording. It shows how ideas circulated among participants before becoming lyrics, a melody, and a complete song.

This behind-the-scenes look offers insight into the collective process behind Passerelle Corktown and helps viewers better understand the role each person played in its creation.