If you were friends with Hubert Lenoir's 14-year-old self, then you probably knew him as someone that wasn't really into music. That makes his Polaris Prize shortlisted album, Darlène, all the more interesting.

Lenoir has described his new record as a "post-modern opera." It's heavily influenced by jazz, glam, Prince and other things his younger self probably wouldn't relate to.

But Darlène isn't just an album — it's also inspired by an accompanying book, written by Lenoir's partner Noémie D. Leclerc. It centres on a fictional Quebecois girl named Darlène and a boy she meets from Vermont, who is intent on ending his life.

It may seem like a lot to unpack, but the way Lenoir sees it, the real inspiration for Darlène started with him and his partner: two Quebecois teens, coming of age and wanting to make good art.

Lenoir stopped by q earlier this week for a performance and chat with guest host Laurie Brown. He explains why his new album is as much about its fictional protagonist, as it is about his journey to personal emancipation.

— Produced by Tyrone Callender