Amanda Rheaume to play Toronto’s Indigenous Arts Festival
Juno-nominated Métis artist Amanda Rheaume brings powerful storytelling and heartfelt songwriting to the stage, blending music and advocacy in every performance. As a co-founder of Ishkōdé Records and a passionate voice for Indigenous representation, Amanda continues to inspire through both her art and her activism.
Catch her live at Toronto’s Indigenous Arts Festival at Fort York on June 20th and 21st, alongside an all-star lineup including Snotty Nose Rez Kids, Shub, Twin Flames, and more.
First off, care to introduce yourself to our readers?
My name is Amanda Rheaume. I am a Citizen of the Métis Nation of Ontario; my Métis relatives and ancestors are from Red River (last name Bannatyne). I have Anishinaabe relatives and ancestors from Lac Seul, Northwestern Ontario (last name Bannatyne). I have mixed settler ancestry as well. I was born on unceded Algonquin Anishinaabek territory (Ottawa) and that’s where I grew up. My Grampa Gene Rheaume moved his family there for his work in politics. I am an Aunt, a daughter, a sister. I currently live in Tkaronto.
Tell us a bit about your recent release.
My latest album, The Truth We Hold, is a collection of songs of Métis people, places, and stories across centuries. A Métis songbook for future generations, the new album maps events, place names, and family history with a careful, loving hand, drawing untold and unacknowledged experiences into the light. To me, the album is a living archive, preserving the story and the true details of events in song. The people, places, and stories of this new album criss-cross the country, building a new type of map where many rivers meet. The album was produced by Colin Linden and has 13 songs – 3 fiddle tunes and 10 contemporary songs dedicated to people and communities from across the homelands.
How do you typically go about the songwriting process? Do you have a specific method or creative routine that you follow?
My songwriting and creative process change depending on the project. For this most recent album, I spent a few months traveling to Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Northern Ontario and visiting with different community members. I also met and visited with community members on Zoom. From there, I had a long list of stories and experiences that I wanted to write songs about, and I reached out to some of my close artist friends to write these songs with me. I love co-writing, and I felt a deep responsibility to turn these stories and truths into the best songs possible.
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?
I am going to be playing some awesome festivals this summer, including the Indigenous Arts Festival and Na-Me-Res Pow Wow at Fork York on June 21st! I am also playing the Brockville Tall Ships festival, Sunfest, and more. In August, I will get to travel to Osaka, Japan to perform atthe World EXPO!
Looking back on your musical career, is there a particular moment or accomplishment that you consider a turning point or a highlight?
This moment actually just happened. On April 27th, I had the opportunity to travel back to Ile-a-la Crosse, Saskatchewan, to meet Robert Merasty, the man that the song #44 is about, and bring him a copy of the record, some gifts, and perform live for him. Playing the songs on this album on the land that they are about is the most fulfilling career highlight I could ever imagine.
A close second is that I played a sold-out show in the Azrieli Studio at the National Arts Centre in my Hometown. This was so exciting for me!
Last but not least, it’s time to pay it forward. What upcoming band or artist would you recommend your fans check out?
I have two! Thea May and Siibii all the way.