JUNO-nominated singer-songwriter, Desiree Dorion’s seventh studio album, remember your name explores a genre shift from Country into Roots/Americana. Dorion felt there is more artistic creativity in Roots/Americana and she wanted to step outside of her comfort zone and explore new creative corners.
“The Roots world feels really authentic for me. I love the creative freedom – musically and lyrically – I feel I can explore more within this genre. I felt ready to sit in the studio and give my input on the music and production – something I rarely did in the Country Pop world,” she shared.
remember your name offers a collection of songs that reflect Dorion’s artistic growth, evolution and dedication to delivering authentic songs. It follows a theme of relationships whether that be with someone else or yourself. Dorion started writing the album two or three years ago with “Greta” being the first song she wrote.
The first single off the album is “Ghost” – a breakup song about moments when you are excited, sad, angry and “Ghost” digs into the more angry feelings after a breakup.
“The title track “remember your name” is about digging into your own inner strength and remembering were you come from and leaning on that in difficult times,” Dorian explained.
Dorion discovered there are many professionals that are doing great work both in the live music scene and in session recordings and decided to do something about it.
“As I was reflecting on my career and work so far I realized I haven’t been putting my money where my mouth is and I actively sought out Indigenous contributors who could lend their talents to this record. It was really a cool exercise to literally put my money where my mouth is – paying Indigenous musicians a fair fee for their work and including Indigenous musicians from the bottom up of the recording process,” she said.
Dorion has contributed her expertise to a range of community focused initiatives. In collaboration with the Canadian Country Music Association, she hosted the Indigenous-focused Achimotak series and currently serves as an ambassador for the Downie Wenjack Foundation. She also does a lot of advocacy work in Indigenous music particularly as it relates to Indigenous women in music.
Be sure to listen to remember your name and catch Desiree Dorion at one of her upcoming shows!
September 27, 2024: The Watson Arts Centre – Dauphin, MB
September 30 to October 5 2024:– The National Arts Centre – Calgary, AB
October 6, 2024: The Royal George – Winnipeg, MB
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