Néo-trad

Néo-trad is a musical style from Quebec that arose around the turn of the 21st century. It can be considered a subgenre of Québécois Trad music. The term combines the Greek prefix neo, meaning new, and the contraction of the word traditionnelle, as in traditional music.

It basically constitutes modernized Quebec folklore music, usually with rock and/or electronica. Some notable néo-trad artists are Mes Aïeux, Les Cowboys Fringants and Mara Tremblay. Okoumé can also be considered a néo-trad precursor.

The expression can also encompass all Trad groups, modern times bands playing Québécois folklore (in a traditional way) like La Bottine Souriante, Les Charbonniers de l'enfer, La Volée d'Castors and Les Batinses. Inversely, the term Trad can encompass néo-trad groups.