The second round of the Reverie Indigenous Music Residency commenced on July 2, following the initial edition last autumn. This four-week program, co-sponsored by CBC and the SOCAN Foundation, brought First Nations and Métis musicians to Toronto to create music, gain industry insights, and advance their careers.
The four participants received mentorship and access to top-notch resources at CBC Toronto and Massey Hall. This year’s group consisted of Sara Kae from Red Rock Indian Band/Lake Helen First Nation, Raymond Sewell from Pabineau First Nation, Jessa Sky from Métis Cree from Treaty 8 Territory, and Big Tones based in Saskatoon with connections to Treaty 4 Territory/Pasqua First Nation/George Gordon First Nation. Their music genres span from pop to alternative to hip-hop.
The residency began with a smudging ceremony and featured mentorship round tables, songwriting sessions, and studio workshops throughout the four weeks. Each musician had dedicated studio time to craft a new song, which they presented at a showcase at Allied Music Centre on July 30.
Here’s a brief overview of this year’s group of artists:
Sara Kae infuses pop and country elements into her heartfelt and personal songs. She started her musical journey at age 12, touring northern Ontario with her father. Kae has achieved milestones like graduating with the Founder Award from Metalworks Institute, performing with the Thunder Bay Orchestra, collaborating with Susan Aglukark’s Arctic Rose Foundation, and opening for Juno winner Aysanabee. At the residency, Kae penned a new song called “Do You Think of Me?” and performed it alongside her previously released tracks “The Moon” and “I’m Doing It Again.”
Raymond Sewell, a poet, English professor at Saint Mary’s University, and recording artist, blends pop, rock, and contemporary sounds. Before Reverie, Sewell completed a residency at the National Music Centre in Calgary, where he produced his latest album, “The Lone Soul Doctor.” He performed his new song “The Balcony” at the showcase, in addition to “Leaving Arizona” and a Mi’kma’ki song titled “Pa Pa Pi Jis.”
Jessa Sky, a pop artist, weaves themes of healing and resilience into her music. Recognized with the CBC Searchlight competition honorary Indigenous Artist Award in 2024 for her song “Anxiety,” Sky released her debut album, “Sky’s the Limit,” and EP “Look at Me Now, Vol.1” in 2024. During the residency, she collaborated with producer Junia-T to create the song “Timelapse” and performed it alongside her single “Grievin'” at the showcase.
Big Tones, also known as Anthony Pasqua, is a hip-hop artist with a classic touch. Releasing his debut album, “Existence,” in 2024, Pasqua uses music as a therapeutic outlet to address generational trauma. At the residency, he wrote two new songs, “Lonely” featuring Sara Kae and “Shine,” a tribute to ancestral guidance. Pasqua has a history of live performances, including a showcase at the International Indigenous Music Summit in Toronto.
This year’s Reverie Indigenous Music Residency provided a platform for these talented musicians to hone their craft, collaborate, and share their unique stories and sounds with the world.
