Get to know rising star Wyatt C. Louis

Wyatt C Louis is the real deal. The nêhiyaw (Plains Cree) singer-songwriter invites us to pay attention to deeply authentic and occasionally wistful moments that connect us to what truly matters. Louis is primarily a storyteller, using warm, endearing guitar and vocals to place you firmly in the midst of a memory. With inclusion on CBC's list of 8 Indigenous musicians to know in 2024 and a new album "Chandler" just released, they are rapidly gaining recognition in the Canadian music scene. Here, a few words from Louis.

ON THE WHY OF MUSIC:

Music is with you everywhere, when you’re making dinner at home, and when you’re traveling. I make music for myself and for my family. For it to be powerful for others as well, and be a part of the soundtrack to their lives …. it’s very special.

ON INCLUDING LANGUAGE AND CULTURE IN THEIR MUSIC:

I’m incorporating some Cree words in the music that I'm writing now. Music is one of the few avenues I can truly express myself in. Learning a new language by using the musical tools I’m familiar with has been really fun.

Certain songs evoke feelings and memories. They are time capsules, and a word can hold many meanings. ”Cahcahkâyow” means blackbird. My grandma always loved when I covered that song by the Beatles. I’ve been learning about what the word and the animal can represent, and how it varies throughout different cultures. I’m inspired by the people who keep language vital and authentic in their own way, and in their family’s way.

NOTES ON THE SONGS

Bobtail Road is deep-rooted for me and my family. It’s a place you’ll find in Maskwacîs, Alberta (Treaty Six Territory). My Dad, who is a huge inspiration, is living vicariously through the experiences and travels I‘m so grateful to be doing. And I love the fact that I get to bring these stories back to my family. “Bobtail Road” is about that longing - I’d move to a new city and would be missing home a lot.

“Chandler” breathes like the prairie winds. The sounds are the landscapes I’m used to. Matt Kelly played pedal steel, and brought a lot of warm colours and textures to the project. Most of it was recorded in Moh'kinstsis, and is heavily influenced by the folk music scene.

I’ve been known to colour outside the lines. Growing up, I never really knew where I fit. But I’m thankful to have so many different avenues that I can tap into, and get inspired by the artists that are making a name for themselves and shining in their own way.

ON CFMF

My team and I made this record on Treaty 7, and we’re thankful Calgary Folk invited us to perform this year. It’s an incredible lineup. I’m looking forward to rekindling, reconnecting, and having fun in the crowds.

I’m very fortunate that I can call music my full-time job. It’s what I always dreamt I’d be doing, and being on stage is like a second home. PERFORMANCE TIMES SATURDAY, JULY 27, 10:30 am – 11:10 am

Altitude Communications stage 2

SATURDAY, JULY 27, 12:55 pm – 2:05 pm

Horizon Heating stage 1

SUNDAY, JULY 28, 12:55 pm – 2:00 pm

Horizon Heating stage 1