Ever since the release of her debut self-titled album in 2009, co-produced by François Lafontaine and Louis-Jean Cormier (both of Karkwa), singer-songwriter Marie-Pierre Arthur has become one of the key figures of the new chanson québécoise. Winner of the SPACQ's Prix André Dédé Fortin, handed out to the emerging singer-songwriter of the year and of the Prix de la Chanson populaire SOCAN for the song “Pourquoi,” she also received three nominations at l'ADISQ. With songs such as “Elle” and “Droit Devant” charting across Quebec, Marie-Pierre was in high demand, receiving invitations to perform at events such as Osheaga, Francofolies de Montréal, M for Montreal and the NCC Canada Day show in Gatineau. February 2012 marks her comeback with her second album Aux alentours, produced by François Lafontaine. Nominated on the long list for the 2012 Polaris Music Prize, Aux alentours was also released in France on Polydor last September. She won the Prix Félix-Leclerc de la chanson 2012 and has recently been nominated at ADISQ for Female Artist of the Year, Album of the Year - Pop, Songwriter of the Year, Album of the Year - Critic's Choice and Album Artwork of the Year.