In the world of Canadian music, a standout act emerging from the small town of Antigonish, Nova Scotia, is Andre Pettipas and The Giants.
This four-piece rock band has faced its fair share of challenges, but through sheer determination and raw talent, they’ve begun to carve a name for themselves on the national music scene.
The band, which formed in 2014, is deeply rooted in a story of resilience. Lead vocalist and guitarist Andre Pettipas overcame a near-fatal case of encephalitis, a life-threatening brain inflammation, which gave him a newfound perspective on life.
“Given that second chance at life, my brother Travis came back from working in Alberta, and we also teamed up with Mark to form a group,” Pettipas recalls.
This personal ordeal inspired him to seize the opportunity to pursue his musical dreams with renewed passion.
With the addition of McDonald, the band was complete, and they soon coined their sound as “Grease Coast Rock ‘N Roll.” The band prides itself on its high-energy live performances, where, as Pettipas points out, “No two performances are ever the same.” They are dedicated to keeping the spirit of classic rock alive, delivering it with a modern twist that resonates with both traditional rock fans and new listeners alike.
Their debut album, Stay Gold, was released in 2015, but their breakthrough moment came two years later. The band entered their track “A Long Way From Home” into a talent contest hosted by Q-104 Radio in Halifax.
The song, featuring the renowned fiddler Ashley MacIsaac, earned them first place and $15,000 worth of prizes. This victory, which included recording time and new instruments, gave the band the resources and confidence to elevate their career to new heights.
A prolific songwriter, Pettipas went on to compose 13 tracks for their second album, No Fools No Fun. The album also benefited from collaboration with some of Canada’s rock royalty. Trews’ John Angus Macdonald and Arkells’ Max Kerman produced tracks for the release, adding further credibility to the band’s growing reputation.
Initially launched as an EP in 2018, No Fools No Fun was expanded to a full-length album in 2021, solidifying their place in Canada’s rock scene. Along the way, Andre Pettipas and The Giants toured the country and even performed internationally at the Heart Festival in Örebro, Sweden.
However, like many musicians, the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the band’s momentum. Forced into a two-year hiatus, they sought creative ways to stay relevant. The answer came in the form of a bold move westward to Toronto, where they recorded a live album at the legendary El Mocambo.
Over two nights, they captured the raw energy of their live performance for the record Andre Pettipas and The Giants Live at the El Mocambo. Though performing live can be nerve-wracking—especially with the pressure of recording—Pettipas credits the professionalism of in-house engineer Doug McClement and sound technician Jamie Howieson for helping the band feel comfortable during the sessions.
This live album is a testament to the band’s commitment to delivering authentic rock experiences, no matter the obstacles they face. With their grit and determination, Andre Pettipas and The Giants are poised to continue their upward trajectory, representing the heart and soul of modern Canadian rock.