Edmonton-Raised, Montreal-Based Reggae Artist AURESIA Dazzles With Sultry “Beautiful (Like the Sun We Rise)”
There are songs that are equally enjoyable whether you’re on the beach on a warm sunny day, taking a long walk on the beach as the sun sets or the moon rises, or when you want to dim the lights and have more romantic encounters. Montreal-based reggae singer Auresia, has managed to tap into those vibes with her soulful, smooth, and ultra-soothing single “Beautiful (Like the Sun We Rise).” Auresia says the song offers hope in an age where romance becomes sadly the exception and not the rule.
“There are too many songs about toxic love; we need to uplift healthy, meaningful relationships,” Auresia says, adding she’s witnessed and experienced “unachored relations” herself. “This song deals with an emotionally mature, spiritual, and grounded man living through his wisdom, provisions, and protection. And then that can be reciprocated with care, love, and devotion. Creating this song was a journey of resilience, inspired by the strength and beauty we all have within. As I sing these lyrics, I’m reminded of every moment we rise, shining brighter after the storms we’ve faced, and to lift each other up.”
“Beautiful (Like the Sun We Rise)” is a brilliant collage of influences and styles ranging from reggae and dancehall to afro-beat, bringing to mind icons like Rihanna and Sade while also recalling the work of Nelly Furtado, Sade, and Shakira. It’s a perfect musical foundation rooted in a beat that is steady but not overpowering as Auresia steers the song to its delightful closing. Add in subtle guitar work and almost hushed, windswept backing vocals, and you have a well-crafted, finely executed, timeless nugget.
Auresia says the single’s origins began in the town of Saint-Sauveur, Quebec, where a demo was made together with Producer Daniel Barbe. From there, Venezuelan-Colombian producer David Osuna, who was mesmerized by her vocals, offered to produce it while Auresia toured Colombia. Touring through Latin America also inspired a portion of Spanish rap to flesh out the already strong single. Although a short window of time with Osuna didn’t result in the song’s completion, Auresia left a “toxic relationship” of her own, which was a catalyst to return to “Beautiful (Like the Sun We Rise).”
“Beautiful (Like the Sun We Rise)” was written, composed and co-produced by Auresia. Helping out with production were Johnney Bass and David Osuna, who also recorded and engineered the single. The song was mixed by Johnney Bass and Jai Sea (who also mastered the song).
“I am so grateful to have collaborated with such a talented team that just came together and through this past summer,” Auresia says.
Auresia provides vocals and acoustic guitar on “Beautiful (Like the Sun We Rise)” and is accompanied by David Osuna on acoustic guitars, pianist David Lines and EL who worked the beat. The majority of the beat was created by Johnney Bass who also played electric guitar, bass, and keyboards on the track.
“Beautiful (Like the Sun We Rise)” is the latest release from Auresia, an Edmonton-raised musician of Ukrainian descent who started performing at the age of three. In addition to being nominated for Favorite World Artist at the 2010 Independent Music Awards as well as four Canadian Reggae Music Award nominations, she’s collaborated with songwriters and producers such as Omar Martinez (“Pray” by Justin Bieber) and David Beatty (Nelly Furtado). She’s released several singles and four albums over her career, including her 2008 self-titled debut, 2013’s Risin’!, 2016’s Raíces, and 2020’s Korinnya.
Auresia has played throughout North America, Europe, South America, and Jamaica while headlining festivals in Colombia, Cuba, and Canadian festivals such as British Columbia’s Cortes Arts Fest, New Brunswick’s Acadian Festival, Montreal’s Fringe-Pop Fes,t and international reggae festivals in Ottawa and Montreal. She has also shared the stage with Shaggy, Kymani Marley, Yellowman, and Clinton Fearon, among many others.
Now with a hot new single in “Beautiful (Like the Sun We Rise),” look for Auresia and her song to be a sonic ray of sunlight while making an indelible mark in reggae music circles everywhere.
Beautiful (Like the Sun We Rise)” feels so hopeful and uplifting. What was the moment or feeling that first sparked the idea for this song?
The spark for Beautiful came from this warm, glowing feeling deep inside- a knowing that divine, beautiful love was near. That hopefulness inspired the song’s energy. I was jamming with friends, including producer Daniel Barbe, in the Laurentians north of Montreal when the idea first surfaced. At that moment, the chorus just poured out- it felt effortless, like it was waiting to be born. That night left a mark on my soul, and I knew this song was something special.
You worked with some incredibly talented people on this track. What was it like collaborating with producers like Daniel Barbe, David Osuna, and Johnney Bass?
Each collaboration brought something magical to the track. Daniel Barbe first offered to produce the song, but at the time, I was still refining the verses and getting ready to leave for a tour in South America. Together, we had a lot of fun shaping the initial framework.
When I was in Colombia, I played the track for producer David Osuna, and he instantly connected with it. His excitement fueled my own, and he brought so much passion and energy to the production. While we couldn’t finish the song before I left, that collaboration added an inspired touch that stayed with the track.
Back in Montreal, Johnney Bass worked his magic. He polished everything, adding layers of dreamy guitars, drums, and a vibrant arrangement that gave the song its danceable, upbeat vibe. I also collaborated with other incredible creatives—EL, Hanzo, Dave V., and Dave Lines—each adding their own unique flair. It was truly a labor of love, and every hand that touched it made it shine brighter.
Your time touring Latin America added such a unique flavor to this song. What stands out most about those experiences, and how did they shape the song’s energy and Spanish rap section?
Latin America holds such a warm, vibrant energy—it’s impossible not to be inspired by it. The culture and love I felt there brought Beautiful to life in ways I didn’t expect. Performing at the New Year’s Eve Reggae Festival on Isla Fuerte in Colombia was unforgettable. The joy and connection from that experience stayed with me and fueled the song’s completion.
When I shared the track with David Osuna in Colombia, his enthusiasm to help me finish it was like a creative spark. The rap section was something I’d started writing, but friends I met along the way helped me fine-tune it into a more poetic flow. The Spanish lyrics add another layer to the song- a reflection of the beautiful blend of cultures and the inspiration I found in Latin America.
Coming from a Ukrainian background and growing up in Edmonton, how did you first fall in love with reggae?
Good question! It’s definitely unique, right? Growing up, I loved the reggae classics- Bob Marley, Peter Tosh- but I didn’t start writing reggae until my late teens. It all changed during a road trip on the West Coast of the USA. My friends and I stumbled upon a three-day reggae festival in Northern California- Reggae on the River- and decided to go on a whim.
That festival was life-changing. Seeing live reggae for the first time- the energy, the vibes—completely captured my heart and soul. I danced so much that my shoes were literally worn out, and I felt this incredible, natural high for weeks after.
What struck me the most was how transformational reggae could be. Music, especially reggae, is such a powerful modality- it has the ability to uplift and touch people in ways that go straight to the soul. I loved how reggae made me feel, and it awakened something in me.
I realized that sharing this feeling through my own singing and songwriting was part of my purpose. Reggae gave me this incredible gift, and now I feel called to use my voice and music to spread positivity and light- even in the face of the challenges we all face. Life isn’t easy, but music has the power to help us get through.