Musician from James Bay Coast uses lockdown to produce 'best music to date'
The pandemic has been especially difficult for musicians, so a singer/songwriter from the northern Ontario community of Attawapiskat built his own recording studio to continue making music while his community was in lockdown.
Now, Adrian Sutherland just released a new single and is gearing up to release a full album this fall.
While it can be challenging to be a musician in the far north — let alone during a pandemic — Sutherland said the period of stress and isolation gave him the chance to reflect. And he said it's led to some of his best music to date.
"I've been able to turn to my music, especially to my culture and family. I think that's been my saving light all throughout the year," he said.
His latest single, Right Here, recorded in his do-it-yourself studio talks about a bad dream involving losing a loved one.
"People that you care about and love, and vice versa, that care about you and want to see you get through some tough times," Sutherland said.
He co-wrote and produced the song with a musician in Toronto who has worked with him on several songs.
For Tim Vesely, great music can emerge regardless of distance and life circumstances -- and he said that's what drew him to Sutherland.
"It's all about coming from the heart and that's what I get from Adrian and his writing," Vesely said. "The voice always blows me away... You don't expect this angelic, beautiful voice coming out of this big, strong guy, hunting dad from Attawapiskat."
That heart and powerful vocals have been getting national and international recognition -- with two of his music videos being showcased in London, England. His earlier single, Politician Man, received several awards and his song Respect the Gift was featured on Hockey Night in Canada.
"Still living here and launching my music career from here and all the challenges that has ... It does feel good to get that recognition," Sutherland said.
A father of four and grandfather to four more, Sutherland hopes his upcoming album will sway listeners with themes of family and rebirth -- and his blend of rock, blues, country, and folk.
The yet-to-be-named album is set for a mid-September release.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
B.C. tenants evicted for landlord's use after refusing large rent increase to take over neighbouring suite
Ashley Dickey and her mother rented part of the same Coquitlam duplex in three different decades under three different landlords.
Mountain guide dies after falling into a crevasse in Banff National Park
A man who fell into a crevasse while leading a backcountry ski group deep in the Canadian Rockies has died.
Expert warns of food consumption habits amid rising prices
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
MPP Sarah Jama asked to leave Ontario legislature for wearing keffiyeh
MPP Sarah Jama was asked to leave the Legislative Assembly of Ontario by House Speaker Ted Arnott on Thursday for wearing a keffiyeh, a garment which has been banned at Queen’s Park.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Ex-tabloid publisher testifies he scooped up possibly damaging tales to shield his old friend Trump
As Donald Trump was running for president in 2016, his old friend at the National Enquirer was scooping up potentially damaging stories about the candidate and paying out tens of thousands of dollars to keep them from the public eye.
Here's why provinces aren't following Saskatchewan's lead on the carbon tax home heating fight
After Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the federal government would still send Canada Carbon Rebate cheques to Saskatchewan residents, despite Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe's decision to stop collecting the carbon tax on natural gas or home heating, questions were raised about whether other provinces would follow suit. CTV News reached out across the country and here's what we found out.
Montreal actress calls Weinstein ruling 'discouraging' but not surprising
A Montreal actress, who has previously detailed incidents she had with disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, says a New York Court of Appeals decision overturning his 2020 rape conviction is 'discouraging' but not surprising.
Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels and Drake Maye make it four NFL drafts with quarterbacks going 1-3
Caleb Williams is heading to the Windy City, aiming to become the franchise quarterback Chicago has sought for decades.