For over a decade, Alexis Normand has forged a path of authenticity with her down-to-earth sound and demeanour. With Mementos, her new and most personal bilingual album to date, the singer-songwriter sheds an honest and vulnerable light on herself. Today, the Saskatoon artist shares “Roots and Wings,” the final single from the forthcoming album. The song is an homage to the people and places that helped shape her into the incredible artist she is today and complimented with a sentimental new video (co-directed with Matt Smith) that echoes the spirit of the new album.
“I’m so pleased to have co-directed this video with my friend Matt Smith,” says Alexis. “I wanted this video to illustrate the relationship between past-present-and future, so many of the mementos in the video are from my childhood: the tea set, stuffies, my dad’s old sports equipment, photo album, etc.”
Following the September tour, Alexis will head to Breakout West in Kelowna as a showcasing artist and then will be joined by Mimi O’Bonsawin for her Toronto show on October 19th.
Drawing inspiration from the infinite horizons of her Saskatchewan home, Alexis explores the dualities of a francophone identity on anglophone soil with a velvety voice and a candid approach to the contemporary folk sounds that suit her so perfectly. The result is a collection of delicate songs, each exploring an important moment of her life; overcoming a challenge, a defining moment in time, and a deep understanding of the inherent contradiction that is her life.
Mementos, her first solo album since Rosie & the Riveters disbanded, features nine original songs and four scored field recordings, produced by James Bunton (Donovan Woods, Vivek Shraya, Celeigh Cardinal), including previously released singles “Tous les matins,” “The Night Before je t’aime,” “Le doigt dessus,” and “Hidden Valley.”
“I’m beyond proud of Mementosl! A big part of this is thanks to James Bunton and his producing style,” says Alexis.
James’ finely-tuned approach to repertoire translates to studio production – he gives the listener more to listen for on each pass.
The two recruited the A-team of folk musicians in Toronto to play on the recording, including Joshua Van Tassel (drums, percussion), Mark McIntyre (bass), Robbie Grunwald (keys, piano, vibraphone), Christine Bougie (acoustic and electric guitars, lap steel), Drew Jurecka (violin, viola), and James Bunton (percussion, ornamentations).
“A whole lot of discernment went into this project,” says Alexis. “So much heart too. Finding my voice in the process has been the greatest reward!”
Fall Mementos 2023 Tour
Thursday, September 21 – Winnipeg, MB @ West End Cultural Centre – TICKETS*
Friday, September 22 – Laurier, MB @ La Grange – TICKETS*
Friday, October 13 – Saturday, October 14 – Kelowna, BC @ Breakout West – INFO
Thursday, October 19 – Toronto, ON @ Hugh’s Room – TICKETS^
Friday, November 17 – Saint-Étienne, France @ le Festival les oreilles en pointe – TICKETS
* co-bill w/ Burnstick
^ co-bill w/ Mimi O’Bonsawin