Marc-Olivier Côté hails from Saint-Tite in Mauricie. His grandmothers introduced him to the organ and piano, but it was accordionist Gaston Nolet who introduced him to the three-row accordion, which quickly became his instrument of choice.

Marc-Olivier draws inspiration from some of the most celebrated names in Québécois traditional accordion music, including Marcel Caron, Yvon Martel, Guy Loyer, Réjean Simard, and Michel Béchard.

As a young musician, his journey has been shaped by performances of Québécois traditional music across Québec, a few radio and community television appearances, as well as visits to senior residences.