Marc Neary
Singer. Drummer. Storyteller.
Singer · Drummer · Storyteller
Marc Neary
Cheticamp, Nova Scotia
Born in 1991 and raised on the sounds of Acadia, Marc Neary has spent his life between a drum kit and a microphone. His debut solo album Il est grand temps marks the moment he finally found his voice in his mother tongue.
The Story
A life lived in music.
Marc Neary was born in 1991, right before the local radio station CKJM went on the air in Cheticamp in 1995, meaning he has basically been exposed to Acadian music all his life. As a kid, he remembers staging concerts for his family, singing Le Cap-Rougien by Andre Aucoin. His musical tastes grew to be incredibly vast: he grew up on the Acadian music played by his aunts, his mother's favorite country tracks, and the classic rock his father played around the house and in the car.
On his own, he developed a deep love for Canadian rock icons like Great Big Sea and Bryan Adams, alongside the definitive pop-rock and modern country of his own generation. The first album he ever bought with his own money was Great Big Sea's Play at the Mayflower Mall in Sydney and he still has it today.
Though he got a drum kit for Christmas as a child and took lessons in grade 5 with Real Beaudry, Marc didn't play seriously again until September 2019. When COVID hit, he ended up playing every single day, sometimes for 3 to 4 hours at a time. In 2021, tired of playing alone, he invited friends to jam and Risin' Tide was born. They played their first show on July 17, 2021, and the band is still performing today.
As a songwriter, Marc had been writing original songs in English since 2002. The big shift to French happened when local legend Andre Aucoin passed away in December 2024. That spark unlocked a new creative direction, inspiring Marc to write actively in his native French Acadian and bring his debut solo album to life.
The Band
Risin' Tide
Est. 2021 · Cheticamp, NS
What started as a COVID-era jam session turned into one of Cape Breton's most energetic live acts. Risin' Tide played their first show on July 17, 2021 and have been bringing the house down ever since. The band is the backbone behind Autour de l'Acadie and continues to perform across Atlantic Canada.
Milestones
The Journey So Far
Born in Cheticamp, Nova Scotia
Raised on Acadian music, classic rock, and country. Grew up singing Le Cap-Rougien at family concerts before he could even read.
First Songs Written
Marc begins writing original songs in English at age 11. The songwriting bug never left.
Back Behind the Kit
After years away from the drums, Marc picks them back up seriously. COVID turns daily practice into a full-time obsession.
Le Samedi Party Live
Marc hosts 225 consecutive Saturdays of Le Samedi Party Live on CKJM radio, becoming a beloved voice in the Acadian community.
Risin' Tide is Born
A backyard jam session turns into a full band. Risin' Tide plays their first show on July 17, 2021 and never looks back.
The Spark
The passing of Acadian legend Andre Aucoin in December 2024 inspires Marc to write his first song in French. One song becomes an album.
Il est grand temps
Marc releases his debut solo album. 14 tracks. Fully in Acadian French. A moment that could wait no longer.
Hear the Music
Il est grand temps
Marc's debut solo album is out now. Lyrics, tracklist, and more.
The Story
Marc Neary was born in 1991, right before the local radio station CKJM went on the air in Chéticamp in 1995, meaning he has basically been exposed to Acadian music all his life.
As a kid, he remembers staging "concerts" for his family, singing Le Cap-Rougien by André Aucoin. His musical tastes grew to be incredibly vast: he grew up on the Acadian music played by his aunts, his mother's favorite country tracks, and the classic rock his father played around the house and in the car.
On his own, he developed a deep love for Canadian rock icons like Great Big Sea and Bryan Adams, alongside the definitive pop-rock and modern country of his own generation. The first album he ever bought with his own money was Great Big Sea's Play at the Mayflower Mall in Sydney and he still has it today.
Though he got a drum kit for Christmas as a child and took lessons in grade 5 with Réal Beaudry, Marc didn't play seriously again until September 2019. When COVID hit, he ended up playing every single day, sometimes for 3 to 4 hours at a time. In 2021, tired of playing alone, he invited friends to jam and Risin' Tide was born. They played their first show on July 17, 2021, and the band is still performing today.
As a songwriter, Marc had been writing original songs in English since 2002. The big shift to French happened when local legend André Aucoin passed away in December 2024. That spark unlocked a new creative direction, inspiring Marc to write actively in his native French Acadian and bring his debut solo album to life.
Risin' Tide, 2022
Hear the Music
Marc's debut solo album Il est grand temps is out now.