Started in 2017, the Indigenous Artist Spotlight series was created to foster greater awareness and understanding of the strength and diversity of Indigenous artist in Canada.
This month, we spoke with Sara Kae, a singer-songwriter born and raised in Thunder Bay and a member of Lake Helen First Nation. Sara recently took part in the CBC x SOCAN Reverie residency, just relocated to Toronto, and is spending her summer playing shows across Ontario.
Sara's Links: Website • Instagram
Support from Thunder Bay
I was born and raised in Thunder Bay, but I am a registered member of Lake Helen First Nation, which is about an hour from the city. My mother's side of the family grew up in Treaty #3 territory, so I view the entire region as home. I spent time camping, fishing, and being outside. This is where a lot of my inspiration comes from, in my lyricism and the feelings within my music. I want to embody the warmth that comes from being grounded while on the land. My home community is the reason I have the confidence to enter the rooms that I enter. I feel that I am able to use my voice because of the support I have from home.
Filling the Role Needed of Me
I have always felt my career bleeding into personal life. One inspires the other. This gives me purpose for the work I am called to show up for. I always aim to be the best version of myself and the best role model for not only my younger siblings, but any other person who may enjoy the music I create, especially the youth.
Music has always been a driving force for me. I have always felt at peace when I'm creating and sharing music. It has allowed me to express the intricacies of life and all that comes along with it. I'd describe it as authentic, intimate, and lived-in.
I hope people take a sense of home with them. I want them to feel heard and seen. I want to make new friends by the end of the show!
I recently took part in the CBC x SOCAN Reverie residency, an experience that solidified the sound I've been cultivating these past couple of years. It gave me the confidence and opportunity I needed to bring the visions I had to life. It allowed me to envision myself taking up the spaces I didn't always feel I could. I could actually see myself as an artist.
In Canada we have such an inspiring number of talented musicians who are unapologetically telling their stories. I am grateful to be able to call many of them colleagues and friends. I look up to each and every one of them because it takes a lot to dedicate yourself to your art. I hope to continue to share stages with them and grow into the industry in an authentic way that allows me to have longevity as an artist.
Like An Old Friend
I played my first full band show at Horseshoe Tavern. It was my first bigger show in Toronto after moving from Thunder Bay this year. I was honoured to see familiar faces and people who became new fans of the music. I had the audience sing back a part of my newest song. It felt magical to connect with the audience in that way. I felt we created such a safe space together.
I want people in the audience to feel like they just spent time with an old friend. I want them to experience laughter and love while confronting topics surrounding self-worth, or the lack thereof, that we all can feel at times, the feeling of loss and heartbreak, and the tougher times in life. I want people to feel warmth from the inside out after coming to a show.
On the Road This Summer
I am excited for all the shows I have planned this summer! I am playing a show in Mono, Ontario, at Mono Centre Brewing Co.; Rib Fest in Richmond Hill; and TD Union Station in July. I am headed to the Trout Forest Music Festival in August, with some unannounced shows happening in September! I am really excited to also be visiting Thunder Bay and the surrounding area a bunch this summer. I love doing shows within my home region. It's also a good excuse to see my family more often. ∎