By Kerry Doole
Aysanabee - Somebody Else (Ishkode Records): The last year has indeed been a whirlwind for this fast-rising Indigenous singer/songwriter from the Sandy Lake First Nation, a remote fly-in community in the far reaches of Northwestern Ontario. After being selected for the prestigious Allan Slaight Juno Master Class in Oct. 2022, he released his debut album, Watin, to a great response. That was followed by a Juno nomination (for Contemporary Indigenous Group or Artist of the Year), a Polaris Long List placement for the album, and award wins at Summer Solstice, Jim Beam Indies, and the Canadian Live Music Awards.
Rather than rest on his laurels, Aysanbee has just released a brand new song, Somebody Else, one that justifies all the building buzz. In his own words, the song is “about the changing feeling between two lovers, about two people holding onto the memory of something that no longer exists. This song is for people who love hard until the bitter end.”
Rather than a plaintive lament, the tune proceeds at a brisk tempo, with Aysanabee's authoritative voice bolstered by full backing vocals. It is co-written and produced by Derek Hoffman (Arkells, The Darcys) and has real airplay potential.
His debut album, Watin, named after his grandfather, includes 10 tracks and nine interludes featuring the voice of his grandfather that combines music and journalism. A deluxe edition of the breakthrough album is now available.
Aysanabee plays at festivals and theatres across Canada over the summer, beginning with Stouffville's Music in the Park on June 23. Notable fests include the Winnipeg Folk Festival, Home County Music + Arts Festival in London, ON, Sudbury's River + Sky Festival, Calgary Folk Festival, Osheaga, and the Edmonton Folk Fest. Check his full schedule here.
Links
Publicity: Emily Smart, Tire Fire Press
Booking: Stefanie Purificati
