Release Day Series Podcast Alex Huard

In episode 54 of the Release Day podcast, we have a special guest who is sure to captivate your attention from start to finish. Join me as I sit down with the incredibly talented singer, songwriter, mother, and lawyer - Desiree Dorion - for an engaging and thought-provoking conversation that covers everything from her music career to her passion for sustainability, giving us a glimpse into her busy and fulfilling life. 

Desiree takes us on a journey through her inspiration for songwriting, revealing how her work in child protection and her love for hiking influence her creative process. She shares her adventures in nature, from foraging for mushrooms and wild asparagus to teaching her kids about food sovereignty and the sacredness of taking a life through hunting.

As we dive into her latest album "That's How I Know" (February 24, 2023), she opens up about her experiences in the music industry, sharing not only the joy and exhilaration of being on TV to promote the album, but also the reality that comes with traveling and preparing for nationally broadcast interviews. It's a great moment where we capture her artistic development, that leads to some words of wisdom for all the developing artists out there. 

As the interview was recorded on June 22nd, 2023, we take some time to touch on the importance of Indigenous History Month and the need to celebrate Indigenous culture (every month), highlighting the positive impact that art and storytelling can have on challenging our perspectives. She also shares her role as a Downie Wenjack Ambassador and emphasizes the need for action and education in the journey towards reconciliation.

As we reach the end of our conversation, Desiree shares her excitement for her upcoming Americana album, which represents a shift in her music and allows her to explore new artistic territories. We discuss the risks and rewards of entering a new market and the importance of staying true to yourself as an artist.

It's a journey filled with music, inspiration, and powerful insights that will leave you feeling motivated and eager to embrace your own passions. Tune in now and join me as we dive deep into Desiree's fascinating world. Trust me, you won't want to miss it!
Alex

http://www.desireedorion.com/
https://downiewenjack.ca/

Video Version 

Hey there, fellow music lovers! In our latest podcast episode, we've got something fresh and exciting just for you. 🎧

In this heart-to-heart chat with singer/songwriter, composer, producer, filmmaker and MusicNL and East Coast Music Award(ECMA) winner Ian Foster, explore the fascinating stories behind his newest project, Close to the Bone (March 29, 2023). Discover how he's journeyed from rocking out with the Ian Foster Band to crafting a deeply introspective solo album, embracing change and pushing the boundaries of his sound. 💭🎤

Relish in the powerful connection music can forge when Ian shares the personal inspirations behind his music. And don't miss the incredible significance behind his track Voyager – the story that's bound to touch your soul. 🎸💫

Go beyond music when we dive into Ian's filmmaking journey and the challenges faced in the industry. Embrace the art of living in the moment, and let Ian remind you of the invaluable joy in creating the music you love, while breaking barriers in the process. 🎥🎵

And finally, we talk about Ian’s brief, but meaningful interaction with the legendary Gordon Lightfoot. 🌟

Don't miss out on this incredible episode packed with brilliant insights, compelling tales, and music’s unique ability to connect us all. 🙏🎧
https://ianfoster.ca/
https://downiewenjack.ca/
https://www.savetorontomusicvenues.com/

Canadian singer/songwriter Tara MacLean has been an internationally renowned and award winning recording and touring artist for over 25 years, and now she can add BESTSELLING author to her extensive list of accolades. Her debut memoir, Song of the Sparrow, released on March 14th via HarperCollins has been declared a national bestseller. The book is complimented with MacLean's brand new album Sparrow, released Friday, March 31st 2023 (via turtlemusik).

Song of the Sparrow is a daring, heartbreaking and provocative memoir of a life filled with music, told with the same raw, open and elegant poetry that Tara’s fans have come to expect.  From her early days in PEI through her teenage years in BC to her meteoric rise in music, Song of the Sparrow reveals Tara’s remarkable strength and shows that a song and a wide open heart are the best weapons for fighting monsters.

Recorded on March 24th, 2023. For those that may be affected by or find it a difficult subject, there is discussion of sexual abuse in our conversation.

Tara's Website
Buy the Book
Watch the Episode on YouTube

Mimi O’Bonsawin is a contemporary roots singer-songwriter from Northeastern Ontario. Through her rhythm and story-driven songs, Mimi embraces the beauty of the land, all the while yielding to her Franco-Ontarian and Abenaki roots.

Mimi and Alex discuss her 6th studio album "Willow" that was released on March 3rd, 2023. We discuss her approach to songwriting and what she teaches students of songwriting workshops, what the some of the songs mean to her, the production process with her husband - creating the album with wooden instruments inside their log cabin recording studio, and approaching the release of any of your music with authenticity.

It's a wonderful chat full of amazing tidbits - including the type of medicine that comes from the Willow tree. Thank you for listening.

Mimi's website
Video Version of the Interview
 

Canadian Country/Folk - Pop artist Jenny Mallard is a celebrated musician and storyteller who is known for her authentic lyrics and impactful storytelling.

I absolutely loved Jenny's debut album Into The Deep. She takes you on her journey through love and loss, while giving you glimpse into what it's like for her living with Bi-Polar disorder. Jenny's refreshing honesty in sharing her experiences created an incredibly real relationship as a listener, and her bubbly, authentic personality that you will discover in our conversation will turn you into an instant fan.

Jenny and I have a wonderful and honest conversation about the creation of her album, her writing process, funding her project, and collaborating with producer Clint Curtis (Justin Fancy, Jason Benoit) who also mixed, mastered and performed the instruments on the track, Jenny recorded her vocals from home. The single was completed at Sevenview Recording Studios in Springdale, NL.

Video Version
Jenny's Website

The first episode of 2023 brings you the last conversation I had in 2022 with this incredible Montreal based Rock N Roll Duo - The Flamingos Pink. Sacha and Julz are here to talk about their Sophomore album, Free Livin. 
The energy and excitement that comes through their riff-heavy music makes it hard to believe they are solely a two-piece thrill ride - and they have easily been one of my favorite musical discoveries since the release of their 2020 record - Outtacontroller.
We talk about how they got started making music together - Julz details the near parallel lives he and Sacha lived before starting the group, how they weathered the last 2 years in the music industry and fought for their independence, and what the title of the album - Free Livin' - means to them.

The Flamingos Pink