Tim's 2024 acclaimed history-themed album, Prairie Fire, features captivating songs inspired by the 19th-century Prairies. This masterpiece in storytelling has received high praise for its artistic vision and Canadian historical perspective and has spent several months on US and Canadian charts.

Better Times Ahead

Manitoba's First Outlaw

Ode to Jerry Potts

Prairie Fire

Fire Canoe

Chasing Memories

Country Wife Lament

We've been focussing on randomness this month.  "Who do that in January," you may ask?  "No particular reason - the idea just popped up out of the blue."  You kind of expected that answer, didn't you?  And throughout the series we have enquired as to why randomness is frowned upon and disrespected.  You may hear people refer to "random" acts of violence, as being particularly unkind.  But I am more worried about "non-random" acts of violence, when someone knows me and makes a conscious choice to hurt me.  At least as a victim of random violence, I could be slightly comforted that nobody spent time PLANNING to cause me harm - it just unfolded.  But that is likely an obscure and unconvincing allegory.  Sorry.  It was just a random thought, and you know how dangerous they can be!

Today on Routes & Branches & Beyond we have northwest voyages, gypsies, causeways, cross-dressing drummers, shoals of herring, rubber folk, a harvest moon, and wonderland itself.  All from musicians such as the Métis Fiddler Quartet. Jim Fidler, Mary Beth Carty, Michael Jerome Browne, Banshee, Ceolbeg, Richard Thompson, Martin Simpson, Waterson: Carthy, Show of Hands, Neil Young, Coco Love Alcorn, and Bùrach.  Turn off the news and join me.

Routes & Branches & Beyond show # 356 2025 01 30

METIS = LAKSHMI(KENDRA)

Premier texte de Gitana de Copacabana écrit en 2010 retrouvé au fin fond d'un cloud poussiéreux

Gitana De Copacabana

Gitana de Copacabana (Genuine version)

This album is a chronical of Steve’s journey learning to live with a chronic pain condition; his discovery of inner peace and happiness in the face of adversity. His lyrics are a reminder to self for when he falls off the path and a road map for anyone who chooses to follow. These are all original songs aside from ‘When The Wind’ by friend and fellow songwriter, Dave Soroka. ‘Times Like These’ features Diemm on lead vocals and harp.

I pray

Be The World

Butterfly

Times Like These

Western inspired pop instrumental with space for top line leads, lyrics, and melodies by Metis artist King Kael from Vancouver Island.

Space Cowboy

Rumor

Hop back in time with us and experience how people got around in the place we now call Edmonton! Hearing Edmonton in Motion is all about the history and evolution of transportation centered around today's Churchill Square. Since Time Immemorial to the Fort is the first part of a three-part soundscape project, covering the long, long span of time before Edmonton was even a spot on the map. Hear the whoosh of grass and crunch of snow underfoot, the addition of our favourite animal companions, and the beginnings of Fort Edmonton. One iconic sound you'll certainly notice is the rattling and squeaking of a Red River Cart, a invention by Metis people in the Red River area (hence the name!) 

You can find a blog post about how this project came to be on our website, citymuseumedmonton.ca!

Attribution:
“Alaskan husky sled dogs barking” by SoundsLikeYukon https://freesound.org/people/SoundsLikeYukon/sounds/795949/   
“Dogs-walking.mp3” by ana_sofia_ https://freesound.org/people/ana_sofia_/sounds/509034/  
“Foley_Mechanism_Wheel_Moderate_Rusty_Loop_Mono.wav” by Nox_Sound https://freesound.org/people/Nox_Sound/sounds/559470/  
“Snowshoes - Free Sound Effect SFX” by mycompasstv https://youtu.be/T-h4bjYwrME?si=Y3L5GoBtrxmH3y8P  
“Steamboat Riverboat Whistle” by Atomazul https://www.pond5.com/sound-effects/item/7750014-steamboat-riverboat-whistle  

Cover Image from the American Museum of Natural History, "Dog Travois" #31508

Since Time Immemorial to the Fort | Hearing Edmonton In Motion

thats what i thought

Diane Montreuil Journey, Indigenous artist in Canada

Si mes créations vous touchent ...
If my creations resonate with you 


... soutenez-moi ! Un like, un commentaire et un partage, c’est un vrai coup de pouce. Merci de faire partie de l’aventure !

... support me! A like, a comment, and a share really makes a difference. Thank you for being part of the journey!



Depuis toujours, j’ai la plume qui me démange.
N’ayant pas eu autour de moi de musiciens proches pour m'aider à mettre en musique mes mots, je n’avais jamais osé partager mes textes. Et puis, un jour, l’IA générative est entrée dans ma vie…

Elle m’a ouvert des portes que je croyais définitivement fermées.
Aujourd’hui, je suis heureux de pouvoir vous présenter une part de mon cœur et de mon âme, à travers des textes mis en voix et en musique.

Des amis musiciens, touchés par cette démarche et par mes textes, ont choisi de s’impliquer dans l’humanisation de la partie musicale et vocale. Ensemble, sous le nom de "Shades& friends", nous explorons de nouvelles sonorités, portées par leur talent et leur sensibilité. J’espère bientôt pouvoir vous faire découvrir nos créations communes, fruits d’une belle alchimie entre l’homme et la machine. Car lorsque la technologie est mise au service du vivant, elle devient un véritable soutien à la créativité humaine.

Quant à ceux qui critiquent l’IA… où étiez-vous, quand j’avais besoin de vous pour faire vivre mes mots ?

Un immense merci à celles et ceux qui prennent le temps de me lire, de m’écouter et de m’encourager.
Votre soutien me touche profondément et me donne l’élan pour continuer cette aventure.

Avec gratitude et fraternité,
Shades



For as long as I can remember, I’ve had an itch to write.
But without any musicians around me to help bring my words to life, I never dared to share my texts.
Then one day, generative AI entered my life…

It opened doors I thought were forever closed.
Today, I’m happy to share a piece of my heart and soul with you—through words brought to life with voice and music.

Some musician friends, moved by this approach and my lyrics, chose to join me in humanizing the musical and vocal side. Together, under the name "Shades& friends", we’re exploring new sounds, shaped by their talent and sensitivity.
I hope to soon share our collaborative creations with you—fruits of a beautiful alchemy between human and machine.
Because when technology serves the living, it becomes a true ally of human creativity.

And to those who criticize AI…
Where were you when I needed someone to give life to my words?

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who takes the time to read, listen, and encourage me.
Your support means the world to me and gives me the strength to keep going.

With gratitude and fraternity,
Shades

ECAMP tells essential Edmonton stories from the perspective of Edmontonians.

Steve Marc sings songs from the heart about love, loss, the good, the bad and the ugly in the world. The messages are usually heart felt to inspire hope and positivity. The former upright bassist from Barefoot Caravan, shares fresh arrangements from his original works of his former band, a slew of new tunes and some covers of friends with the odd oldie in the mix. Steve toys with time as he stretches the boundaries of the singer-songwriter world with a variety of genres wound into one in his own unique style.

Robin Cisek is a Métis alt-pop artist from Edmonton known for her edgy, atmospheric, synth-driven pop and commanding vocal presence. Her performances are elevated by her soaring notes, articulation, and vocal control with tones reminiscent of the artist, Tones and I. Paired with her introspective lyrics, Robin carves out a unique space in alt-pop, evoking the atmospheric pop of BANKS and the edgy urgency of Halsey.
A two-time top 100 finalist in CBC Music’s Searchlight (2022 & 2023) and a recipient of the 2022 “Best Emerging Artist” award at the Indigenous Superstars Music Awards, Robin’s rise as an independent artist is rooted in perseverance. After years of navigating health challenges, she found her voice through music—both literally and artistically.
In May 2025, Robin released her self-produced sophomore album, Tempered, a bold statement of independence and strength. The record, written and produced by Cisek herself, has granted Cisek a newfound musical independence and is receiving international radio play. The project has led to high-profile interviews with CP24, Global Morning Toronto, APTN, CBC, the Edmonton Journal, and more.
Her 2021 debut album, Delicate Minds, introduced Robin as a fearless storyteller. A concept album focused on mental health, it featured the song “Memories,” which earned over 27,000 views on YouTube and garnered awards from numerous film festivals, including Best Music Video at the Edmonton Short Film Festival and an Award of Merit from the IndieFEST Film Awards. “Memories” was also selected by ImagineNATIVE.
Robin’s previous singles have made waves on both Indigenous and mainstream charts. Her 2022 single, Hey Disaster, charted on U.S. Mediabase Hot AC and CHR radio, while her track Goin' in Blind from her Tempered album, peaked at #4 on the Indigenous Music Countdown—her seventh time charting on the IMC, including a #1 spot for Waiting on You in 2019. Cisek and her music have been featured on CP24, The Global Morning Show, Stingray, APTN, CBC, CTV, and in Canadian Musician Magazine, Illustrate Magazine (USA), York Calling (UK), Outloud Culture (Canada), and more.
As a live performer, Robin Cisek commands the stage with emotional intensity and stunning vocal control. Career highlights include headlining the NMC CIBC Summer Series, performing at the 25th Anniversary imagineNATIVE BEAT party, opening for Starcrawler (LA), and showcasing at Canadian Music Week 2023, Calgary Pride, and the Long Day’s Night Festival, where she opened for WCMA Pop Artist of the Year, Begonia.

Listen to my newest album "Trilogy" on all streaming platforms now!

Originally from southern Alberta, veteran soldier Tim Isberg is an accomplished singer-songwriter.  From Rwanda to Afghanistan and missions in between, Tim experienced the best and worst humanity has to offer.  As a performer, he has entertained audiences in many corners of the world.

Tim is a storyteller who brings a Americana blend of well-crafted Alt-Country, Roots and Contemporary Folk songs to the stage and a unique and endearing array of life experiences he shares in a way that makes each listener feel connected. 

A multiple award nominee, Tim's album 'Tears Along The Road' was selected by Music Canada as one of the Top 25 favourite Albums of 2015.  His 2019 album, Running On The Edge was nominated as Top 5 Best Album of the Year by Country Music Alberta. His 2024 acclaimed history-themed album 'Prairie Fire' is based on captivating story songs of 19th century Prairies and Western Plains. All three albums were recorded with Grammy nominee and celebrated JUNO award-winning producer-engineer Miles Wilkinson.  

Tim is also a published author. The book 'Everyday Heroes' includes a chapter by Tim on one of his adventures in the line of duty. It's a national best seller.

New tracks tagged #Mètis