Canadian folk-roots musician Etienne Siew is a master of his art, making bluesy folk songs with more than a hint of Americana and country in them. We had the opportunity to review his latest release, Chasing Dreams, and it made me want to find out more about this amazing musician! See how we got on below…

By Jane Howkins

You recently released a new single titled Chasing Dreams. What can you tell us about the record?

As the title track from my upcoming debut album, the single has been the perfect way to kick open the door to the album. It really encompasses the turmoil I felt before taking the leap into the unknown and launching my career as a full-time artist right before the pandemic hit. I want this song to empower people and I think the upbeat kick drum, the wailing guitar and poignant lyrics instill that sense of urgency to grab life by the horns. My producer David Ziehr wrote the lead electric guitar piece for the song and it really helps to drive it forward.

How has the reception to Chasing Dreams been so far, and where can it be purchased?

The reception for Chasing Dreams has been overwhelming. Aside from the many playlists and reviews that have picked it up internationally, the best part for me is the messages I have been getting from people, telling me they have it on their playlists when they are driving out to work, or getting excited videos and messages from friends who have heard it over the radio. I have always wanted to move people in some positive way, and it is an amazing thing to feel like I am accomplishing that goal and amplifying those messages to people through music.

Currently, audiences can stream the song for free on all platforms, but I will launch the entire album on June 20th. I am likely going to be selling my music through Bandcamp and through my website. The best thing would be for people to follow me on my website and social media and I will make an announcement if they want to support me monetarily with digital downloads. I am also working on having vinyl created for the first time, which will be for sale in person at my album launch! Here’s the link to my Bandcamp: etiennesiew.band…p.com/ and to my website: www.etiennesiew.com/

Do you have any singles planned for release soon?

Yes! I just released my second single Leviathan on May 31st. We have had a horrific time with wildfires destroying many parts of North America. It has been awful to talk to people who have lost so much, and seeing the aftermath people are left to piece together has brought me close to tears. Mountains, trees, homes, livestock, all reduced to ash, it just sort of stops you in your tracks. The song is about the fortitude in the communities who have held one another up as best they could in the wake of disaster, while awaiting our brave fire response teams. It’s an anthem, and I think it’s going to hit home for many. My producer, David Ziehr, was great to work with and he was so receptive to any suggestions I had in the studio. He created an amazing synth section that lifts the song up, and it was awesome working together to bring my vision to life.

Your debut album will be released in June. What can we expect from the record, and when is it due out?

The full album drops on June 20th and I really think the depth of the lyrics and the stories held within them are going to speak to people. The album’s production is incredibly well-executed, delivering these songs in the best way possible. By drawing attention to and celebrating our connection with our environment and with each other, the album inspires audiences to consider their own experiences in these themes. Each of the 12 songs represents universal lessons I have taken away from spending time in nature, working with people from all walks of life, and pursuing the exciting and challenging path of an independent artist. This project also represents the continued mindfulness and growth I continue to keep at the forefront of my mind, as I develop into the artist I want to be. There are songs on the album that I know will bring people to tears, will make people want to sing, or other songs that are going to make people sit back, close their eyes and soar to their favourite memory in the wilderness.

What is the writing and recording process like for you?

I wrote this body of work mostly in nature. Over the pandemic, my work as a live performer ground to a halt. I drove out to lakes and forests multiple times per week, with my guitar and a notepad in hand, for my mental health and to write my thoughts into music. I reflected on ‘chasing my dreams,’ as an artist, how I had worked incredibly hard on this career path and the many sacrifices I had made to continue pursuing what I loved. How I had worked many jobs, from landscaping to canoe guiding to coaching, to support myself as I took the leap to be a full-time musician.Sometimes, I will also wake up very early in the morning in my room, when I am still half asleep and write by candlelight. There is something really meditative about being up before the sun and pouring out your ideas.

Recording demos is the next piece of the puzzle, where I make a more definitive shape to the song from the rough phone recordings I have come up with. This can be quite fun to map out different layers of ideas, and try to tell myself that no idea is off the table, until I have tracked it and heard it, sometimes that works out great, other times not as much, but you never know unless you give yourself the creative space to make mistakes. When I get into the actual studio, I like to have the main frame work there and come with some well practiced ideas. I would say my voice is where I have the most freedom to take more creative risks and I like to brainstorm the different vocal harmonies in the studio with the producer. The great part about working with someone else is to bounce your ideas off of them, that producer has worked with so many other artists in different genres and they bring a wealth of knowledge and experience with them outside of your ideas, it can be really fun.

Your music has a country/Americana sound. What/who are you most influenced by? What have you been listening to recently?

I am a big storyteller and I love imagery, and I think country and folk music have some of the best stories. When it comes to the storytelling aspect of songwriting, Ray Lamontagne, along with Jim Croce and James Taylor, has been a major inspiration for me. I love the relatability of the songs they write. Vocally, I would say I draw inspiration from Dallas Green, who gave me more confidence in my falsetto while covering his music and I have been exploring my control in that end range through covering songs by David Gates from BREAD. The Sheepdogs, and Jay Buchanan from Rival Sons, continue to push me to be a better songwriter and singer as well. I really admire the way they both hold really delicate notes and can shake the room when they belt lyrics. Freddie Mercury will always be my all-time favourite vocalist and I love that he can sing rock and roll and beautiful ballads, so I really aspire to achieve something like that, in my own way. I would like to bring back meaningful storytelling as well. I really appreciate the 60s, where artists like Neil Young could captivate a room with nothing but their words and an instrument. As of right now, the artist I probably listen to the most is Chris Stapleton, he’s an incredible lyricist, musician and singer and I just love the music he creates.

You’re based in Canada. What is the local music scene like in your part of the world?

I live near Vancouver in British Columbia. As a folk/roots artist, I would say that the local music scene for emerging artists is quite supportive. There are many festivals and folk clubs and breweries you can apply to perform at. It is definitely competitive, but if you are hardworking and determined to put yourself out there, you will find a place for your music.

Do you have anything else exciting coming up over the next few months?

Aside from my album launch on June 20th, I am really excited to be selected to perform at the Mission Folk Festival this year between July 26 to July 28th in Mission, British Columbia. This has been an absolute dream come true for me, to be in the lineup. I earned the spot from my entry into the regional Fraser Valley Music Awards, which recognizes local artists throughout several cities over here in the Fraser Valley. I have heard nothing but positivity from people who have attended, so I am really excited to be invited to perform this year.

Do you have any tour dates lined up for the UK?

Currently, I don’t have any tour dates lined up for Europe, but I definitely would love to perform in England and I am always open to suggestions. My mom’s side is from Warrington, so I have just been trying to get some more songs written and have my ducks in a row so I can start thinking about where I may want to share my work beyond Canada. I performed in Germany last year and it was an amazing experience and so well received. It has just made me want to continue sharing my music beyond the local tours I have been doing.

Any last words for the fans?

Have a listen to my music and see if it speaks to you. If there is one thing I have learned about being an artist, it’s that no matter how difficult the work is and how many obstacles you have to face, when you show up for people and can see your words and music are lifting them up, all of that melts away for that moment. Keep chasing your dreams and thank you for supporting mine.