THUNDER BAY – Aysanabee, a singer-songwriter raised in Kaministiquia, closed off Marina Park’s Canada Day on the Waterfront on the main stage on Monday.
Aysanabee said it felt humbling to be performing back in Thunder Bay.
“I used to play a lot of venues around here. It’s how I learned to play in front of people.
“There were times when I used to play and it would just be the bartender, it would just be the bouncer, it would just be the sound guy. So, to come here and have this kind of reception is incredible,” he said.
Karen Kadolph, special events developer for the City of Thunder Bay, said they were excited to have Aysanabee perform.
“Having an Indigenous artist on the big stage is a really cool opportunity. The community all standing out there together in the field, watching the same artist and really enjoying his music – it's really cool to see something like that come together,” Kadolph said.
Aysanabee said there are a lot of mixed feelings about Canada Day.
“I have a lot of peers that chose not to perform today. But I still think it's very important for Indigenous people to come and have our voices heard because if we're not part of the conversation, I think that's a loss.
“People can celebrate the good things that were achieved, but also reflect on the not so good things. Today is a celebration but also a deep reflection,” he said.
Aysanabee said he’s always written songs to process hard things in his life.
“You know, it's interesting. I remember playing and my friend asked if I had any happy songs.
“I'm trying to draw from that too because I've had had a lot of things to be full of joy about but, when I'm happy, I'm out being happy. I'm seeing friends or I'm having dinner with loved ones.
“Trying to also share more stories about positive things as well is something I'm working on. Songwriting has always been a processing tool for me.”
Aysanabee’s inspiration comes from the music he listens to. He’s also inspired by the people he performs with.
“I'm inspired by the people I work with too. As far as influences, it depends on who I'm listening to that month.
“I keep myself surrounded by people who fill my cup and people who make me want to work harder,” Aysanabee said.
