In a series of short profiles, Capital Current introduces key persons of influence in the city to the community.
Who is he?
Colin Jacques is a guitarist with the Ottawa band We Were Sharks. He recently performed on the main stage at RBC Ottawa Bluesfest with mates Jason Mooney, Steve Creaturo, Matthew Sears, Will Plummer and Randy Frobel.
What’s his background?
Jacques came to Ottawa from Toronto to do a degree in communications and media studies at Carleton University. “I moved up here, and I just kind of never left,” Jacques said.
“I dislike large cities; I grew up near Toronto, and I still hate Toronto,” Jacques said. “I really like it here, and I’ve seen every city in North American, I swear to God, and this is the best one.”
His guitar journey began in the noise-rock band Daisy and the pop punk ensemble Neighbours but Jacques has spent the majority of his performing life with We Were Sharks after joining in 2016.
What is he known for in Ottawa?
Before playing at Bluesfest in July, Jacques, along with the rest of Sharks, performed at local venues such as The 27 Club and The Dominion Tavern.
For Jacques, the difference between the large, pulsating crowd at Bluesfest and the band’s smaller, devoted crowds, is “more of a conversation of energy.
“Smaller rooms let you feel that direct response from the crowd instantaneously. Larger stages require a bit more coaxing from the crowd.”
What do people say about him?
In a 2021 review, Odyssey writer Rob “Turnt-Abel” Oatley admired the Sharks’ most recent album, New Low.
“New Low was fun to listen to and will be on repeat until the band eventually puts out another studio album,” Oatley said. “Definitely give this album a listen if you haven’t already because it would be a shame if you missed out on the best pop-punk album of the year thus far.”
What’s something people don’t know about him?
While some of the Sharks love the rock star lifestyle, Jacques considers himself an introvert.
“I don’t drink; I don’t smoke weed or anything. I love cigarettes, and I’ll drink a lot of Pepsi. So I’m always the [designated driver] and I’m always taking care of the boys, making sure everyone gets to where they have to go,” he said.
“The younger guys have health problems, and the older guys are partyers, which is hilarious. I don’t get it, either: the oldest guy in the band doesn’t have a driver’s licence and I own a house. I don’t know what to tell you.”
