Sara Dufour has released Dolbeau-Mistassini, her fourth studio album and one of the most personal projects of her career.
The nine-track record became available on September 18, 2026, through Coyote Records. It takes its name from the Quebec singer-songwriter’s hometown and was created around an effort to bring her touring musicians and their families together for an extended period of music-making.
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Sara Dufour returns home to make the album
Rather than recording the album in a conventional studio, Dufour transformed the garage at her Dolbeau-Mistassini home into a recording space during the summer of 2025. Her living room served as the control room, while her band and their families stayed close by during the sessions.
The arrangement was designed to create more time together away from the road. According to the album’s release information, the group shared meals each evening while developing the songs, with spontaneous jams and live performances becoming central to the project.
Much of the album was recorded live, leaving some of the natural imperfections of the performances intact. The production team presents that approach as a deliberate contrast to increasingly polished and artificial forms of music-making.
Dany Placard, a longtime collaborator, co-wrote or co-composed nearly every song and co-produced the album. The record explores touring, memories of youth, time spent at home, love and Dufour’s reflections on the world around her.
What is on Dolbeau-Mistassini?
The album opens with “Intro” before moving into the title track, “Dolbeau-Mistassini.” The remaining songs are “Alright,” “Dans l’temps,” “Paraît,” “Y’a neigé,” “Quand,” “Mon coeur” and “La mémoire de l’eau.” The complete release runs for about 25 minutes.
The project keeps the folk-rock sound associated with Dufour while moving between upbeat songs and quieter, more reflective moments. “Dans l’temps,” “Alright” and “Quand” are identified as groove-driven tracks, while “Paraît,” “La mémoire de l’eau” and “Y’a neigé” offer a gentler side of the record.
The title song also functions as a statement about Dufour’s life on the road. Its lyrics draw on the places, shows and experiences that have shaped her career while returning to the importance of her home community.
A new chapter after a major run
Dolbeau-Mistassini follows Dufour’s 2023 album On va-tu prendre une marche?, which earned the Félix for Folk Album of the Year at the 2024 ADISQ Gala. Her official biography also notes that she has performed more than 500 shows in Quebec and Canada, with appearances in France and China.
Dufour’s recent profile has also expanded beyond music releases. In 2025, she won the third season of Zénith and later received the Gémeaux public award for Discovery of the Year, according to her official biography.
That broader public recognition gives the new album a different starting point from her earlier work. The release is rooted in the same regional identity and direct songwriting, but arrives after several years of touring, television exposure and growing attention across Quebec.
Tour dates begin in 2027
The album’s release is set to be followed by a series of Quebec concerts in 2027. The dates listed by Coyote Records include performances in Gatineau on March 4, Joliette on March 5 and Quebec City’s Grand Théâtre on March 6.
The announced itinerary continues through the spring, with stops in Saint-Hyacinthe, Trois-Rivières, Terrebonne, Drummondville, Chicoutimi, Sherbrooke, Waterloo, Saint-Jérôme, Brossard, Rivière-du-Loup, Saint-Casimir, L’Assomption, Saint-Eustache and Saint-Irénée.
The Quebec City performance is scheduled for March 6, 2027, at the Grand Théâtre de Québec. Additional dates and ticket information are available through the artist’s official channels.
Dufour also named ADISQ school-project ambassador
Just days before the album’s release, ADISQ announced that Dufour would serve as ambassador for a new school voting initiative connected to its “L’ADISQ à l’école” program.
The first “Vote des écoles” will give participating elementary and secondary students in Quebec an opportunity to choose a favourite song from a selection of artists nominated for the 2026 ADISQ Galas. The voting period is scheduled for October 13 to 29, 2026.
For Dufour, the role extends her connection with younger audiences while placing her latest release within a broader effort to introduce students to Quebec music.
With Dolbeau-Mistassini, Dufour has paired a hometown setting with a deliberately close-knit recording process. The result is a concise album that documents her current musical life while looking back at the people and places that helped shape it.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Sara Dufour’s new album released?
Dolbeau-Mistassini was released on September 18, 2026.
How many songs are on Dolbeau-Mistassini?
The album contains nine tracks, including the title song, “Alright,” “Dans l’temps” and “La mémoire de l’eau.”
Where was Sara Dufour’s new album recorded?
The album was recorded largely in a converted garage at Dufour’s home in Dolbeau-Mistassini, Quebec.
Who worked with Sara Dufour on the album?
Dany Placard co-wrote or co-composed nearly every song and co-produced the record.
When does Sara Dufour’s 2027 tour begin?
The announced tour begins March 4, 2027, in Gatineau, followed by dates in Joliette and Quebec City.
Fact-Checked: Key release, recording, tracklist, tour and ADISQ details were checked against Coyote Records, Sara Dufour’s official channels, Bandcamp and ADISQ information.
Disclaimer: Tour schedules and availability can change, so readers should confirm dates and ticket details with official venues or the artist’s channels.