François Lachance: Influences

This Québécois phenom's acoustic anthems take their cues from some of the biggest names in pop: On his breakout single, “J'suis là,” Lachance delivers a heartfelt serenade atop a drifting-tumbleweed shuffle, just like John Mayer did on “Stop This Train.” But it's not all sensitive singer/songwriters for this garçon. The rootsy rave-up “23 décembre” is powered by the sort of adrenalized melodies patented by pop-punk kingpins like Good Charlotte.