JUNO Nominated Indigenous Folk Duo, Burnstick, Announce Cinematic New Single, “Closer” Ahead of Sophomore Album
Built on emotion-stirring storytelling and unmistakable vocal harmonies accompanied by a century-old instrument, Burnstick, a JUNO-nominated husband and wife Folk duo, are intent on creating affecting music that inspires listeners to feel. The Manitoba-based duo features Nadia and Jason Burnstick, esteemed independent artists who united over a decade ago to create deeply moving, cinematic Folk music using their trademark vocal pairing, and Jason’s mastery of the lap slide Weissenborn guitar.
The pair released their JUNO-nominated debut album, Kîyânaw, in 2019, from which their song, “Some Kind of Hell” took home the Canadian Folk Music Award for Single of the Year, while also receiving nominations from the Western Canadian Music Awards, and Summer Solstice Indigenous Music Awards in 2020 and 2021. Also composing scores for film and television, Nadia and Jason Burnstick has written for the celebrated Canadian TV Drama “Little Bird”, the 2023 “INDSPIRE Awards”, with Jason also scoring “The Legacy of The Residential School System 2020” for Parks Canada among numerous others. Burnstick’s music has been featured on SiriusXM, CBC, CTV Morning Live, and NCI FM.
As they gear up to release their sophomore album in the summer of 2024, Burnstick has released “Closer”, a hauntingly emotional new single inspired by their son, about the lengths anyone would go to for the ones they love.
Recorded between Winnipeg’s No Fun Club studio and Kîyânaw studio, “Closer” was written and produced by Jason and Nadia Burnstick, with Daniel Roy performing drums and percussion, and bass performed by Bruce Jacobs. Jason Burnstick’s multi-instrumentalist skills rounded out the track, with the artist playing his signature Weissenborn lap slide guitar, acoustic guitars, and percussion.
First off care to introduce yourself to our readers?
We are a Folk Duo based out of Manitoba. Nadia (francophone Métis) & Jason (Plains Cree), singer-songwriters, multi-instrumentalists, film composers, and most importantly, Mama & Dad.
Tell us a bit about your recent release.
“Closer” is our newest single – about the lengths we would go to to protect our loved ones. The song was born out of the seemingly infinite love we have for our son. The Weissenborn lap slide, drums, and harmonies create a beautiful soundscape that builds all the way to the end of the song. It’s definitely a single we’re really proud of.
How do you typically go about the songwriting process? Do you have a specific method or creative routine that you follow?
We each write very differently one from the other, so the songwriting process for Burnstick is both very fun and also so difficult at the same time. Jason mostly starts with a groove or a guitar riff that inspires him, while Nadia will start with a vocal melody or a lyric. When we come together to build the song, we really push each other musically and lyrically, really challenging each other.
Looking ahead, what are your plans for supporting this new release? Are there any upcoming tours, music videos, or additional content that fans can look forward to in connection with this project?
A performance video of “Closer” will be released soon via Manitoba Music’s Talking Stick Series, which we’re really happy to be a part of this year. Our album, Made of Sin, will be launched in May, and we’ll be doing a HomeRoutes tour in BC at that time to promote the album, as well as playing at festivals throughout the summer.
Looking back on your musical career, is there a particular moment or accomplishment that you consider a turning point or a highlight?
We’d have to say our Juno nomination, or maybe our first date?
Last but not least, it’s time to pay it forward, what upcoming band or artist would you recommend your fans check out?
You gotta check out Jade Turner, and also Caley Watts. They’re both amazing!
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