tag:dawnpritchard.ca,2005:/blogs/latest-news?p=4Latest News2022-10-16T21:55:37-04:00Dawn Pritchardfalsetag:dawnpritchard.ca,2005:Post/70826362022-10-16T21:55:37-04:002023-11-10T12:32:42-05:00The Aristocats<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/122918/2bb162be4468138f3a007df7011fd20dc1ab2714/original/aristocats-poster-kaff-nov-5-2022.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>Dawn Pritchardtag:dawnpritchard.ca,2005:Post/70016292022-06-25T15:14:26-04:002022-09-29T09:24:40-04:00Back in the Saddle<p>Finally, we are able to be together again. Live music is back, and I am loving it. It's been a tough year for me. Music and friends have helped me to not only get through it, but to live it in a good way. I am so thankful that we can play music together again, with and in front of people</p>
<p>I've been writing on my own and with friends. During the last lockdown, my friends Brant and Brian sent me a guitar track that Brant had written, and Brian recorded. I wrote and recorded some lyrics, sent it back to them, and first thing you know, we had a song. After the lock down let up, and before the snow melted, we recorded a video: "Ready for Nothing". here is a link to it, in case you want to check it out: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Rx4VKpEQDg </p>
<p>In the meantime, I've been busy in the studio, finishing up an album that has been in the works for over two years. It is sounding great. I've been working the Dave Draves at Little Bullhorn. Like the first album, "All Tied Up", you will hear some cello on this one. </p>
<p>As for gigs, I've had a few and will have a few more. One big one is Musical Mondays at Fairbairn House in Wakefield, QC set for July 4. I'll be playing with Alden Roberge on drums, but you will see some new faces, namely Jill Rick on stand up bass, and Brant Lucuik on vocals and guitar. We have some beautiful three part harmonies happening. </p>
<p>I was fortunate to be able to play the Aylmer Guitar and Folk Festival with Jill, and we happen to be playing the Aylmer Farmer's Market tomorrow. Look out also for the CD release show for "Tall Tales" some time early fall. </p>
<p>Take care! ❤️</p>
<p>Dawn</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>Dawn Pritchardtag:dawnpritchard.ca,2005:Post/63854232020-07-14T18:05:00-04:002023-12-10T12:47:03-05:00Suspended animation<p>What crazy times we live in. I've been hibernating, as we have been asked to do. Still playing music - lots of writing for sure. Writing songs about living in this COVID time, being together, but alone. Songs about having nowhere to go, if I even wanted to go somewhere. Songs about my neighbourhood, both metaphorically and literally. Hmmm... songs that are just melodic and fun and not really about anything. Still, I feel a bit like I am in suspended animation. What am I waiting for though? I feel like I should have done more during this time, but then I feel like I needed the rest. Some good songs did come out of it, and a pretty decent garden. How about you?</p>Dawn Pritchardtag:dawnpritchard.ca,2005:Post/61978362020-01-30T22:37:53-05:002023-12-10T12:04:36-05:002020 update - well, hello there!<p>Oooooohhhh... too long since my last post. Lots going on, things are happening (geez, it's quite hard typing with my cat, Yady, in my lap....) Lots of new songs coming - finally. Part of this is thanks to IanTamblyn and his crew of Repeat Offenders. I've also tried singing Jazz, and guess what? I like it - and it likes me! Thank-you Nicole, Louise, Sonia, Diane and Fouinart for their great Jazz Vocal Camp in Cantly last autumn. I realized that jazz has been one of my musical influences right back to the jazz music they used to play on Sesame Street. It's still in me. </p>
<p>Upcoming gigs include March 8 at the Wakefield Community Centre for International Women's Day. This is always a great event wherein the men cook and bake goodies which are auctioned off to the highest bidder. Next, on March 19 is Live and Locale at Le Hibou in Wakefield with my hub Jamie Ferguson. There is no cover to this show and you can enjoy a great meal at the same time. I should have something special to announce for June - look out for it.</p>
<p>In the meantime, I will continue writing songs for the next album. I'll also be singing some backs for Jamie who is in the studio as we speak.</p>
<p>Thanks for your patience and take care. I'll see you soon!</p>Dawn Pritchardtag:dawnpritchard.ca,2005:Post/57549162019-05-14T22:06:57-04:002023-12-10T12:03:25-05:00Julien Dionne Comedy Hour Interview<p>A while back, Julien Dionne interviewed me for this Comedy Hour Podcast. What a great time we had! I can't believe that I haven't posted that interview until now! Julien is great - funny, engaging and gets you talking. Take a listen, who knows, maybe your name came up...</p>
<p>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w4nrOHBinlY </p>Dawn Pritchardtag:dawnpritchard.ca,2005:Post/56526202019-02-20T20:40:19-05:002022-04-21T15:44:01-04:00long time no see!<p>Dang, it's been a while! Hello!</p>
<p>Seems I've been busy and neglected both you and this website. And the bots are taking over! </p>
<p>Anyways, I've been working my day job and writing songs. Last fall Ian Tamblyn did a songwriting course for some Wakefielders and he worked us hard. And, we came out with some pretty good songs. Not sure when I will be recording them next, but I will play them live here and there. </p>
<p>Take care and I will write soon - I promise!</p>Dawn Pritchardtag:dawnpritchard.ca,2005:Post/46983212017-05-05T15:51:52-04:002022-05-19T07:05:26-04:00Happy Birthday Section 35!!<p>Last week was the 35th Anniversary of Canada's Charter of Rights and of section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982. Section 35 recognizes and affirms existing Aboriginal rights, that is, the rights of the Indian, Inuit and Metis peoples of Canada. Justice Canada hosted an event to celebrate this anniversary and I was invited to play some music there. It took place at the Library and Archives building in Ottawa. I played and sang in the background while people mingled and dined on beautiful bannock made by the fine people from Nikosi, an Aboriginal-Quebecois bistro in Wakefield. With maple butter and sage, garlic butter it was a treat. (Almost as good as my auntie Verna's.) The event proper opened with an Algonquin Elder. I followed by playing "Lament of the Caribou" with my looping pedal. The guest speaker, Marco Mendocino, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Justice, was a few minutes late. So, I was asked to play a few more songs, which I happily agreed to. Mr. Mendocino arrived and gave his presentation. Following, was the film, Angry Inuk. It tells of the European ban on importing seal products which has negatively affected the daily lives of the Inuit. The Inuit rely not only on seal meat for food, but from the economic benefits that selling seal products bring. Auju Peter, one of the Inuit activists in the film, was present to answer questions. When the film ended and Auju took the stage, there was not a dry eye in the auditorium. This is a powerful film and I urge you to take the time to view it. Some groups have portrayed the Inuit seal hunt negatively, but that is not the case. The seal hunt is traditional and sustainable. Here is a link to some information about the film and the Inuit seal hunt: https://www.nfb.ca/film/angry_inuk/ I wish to thank Mylene Tremblay for organizing this important event and for inviting me to come and play music. </p>
<p>Later that evening, I was the guest artist for the Mill Road Community Space open mic. I was impressed by the young musicians there. This is an open and inviting environment for musicians and listeners, whether young, or young at heart. Thanks Margot for inviting me. </p>
<p>I am always looking for new songwriting tips, so the next day, I attended a songwriting workshop hosted by North Easton. As always, North gave excellent advice and provided many cool examples even writing pop songs on the spot. I have a few songs brewing in my head that I plan to record with this new DAW that I got with my computer. Funny, I don't even know what DAW stands for. I only remember the acronym because it contains the first three letters of my name.: ) </p>
<p>Sometimes it is hard to make time to do music type work on the computer with other competing priorities. After setting a goal at North's "Strongwriting" workshop of setting up an electronic press kit, I actually created one. Well, Greg Stone came over and helped me create one. Thanks Greg! He is a local fellow who can play guitar like no one else. Actually he can play virtually any instrument, including drums. He is pretty handy on the computer too. Click on the Press Kit tab to check it out our work. </p>
<p>Finally, I have a few shows coming up. First one is this Saturday May 6 at the Kaffe 1870 in Wakefield, QC. I will be playing guitar and singing backup vocals with Jamie Ferguson and the Hills Gang. I always look forward to playing with Jamie. It gives me a good opportunity to bring out the black strat. The lovely and talented Rosanna Nicol is opening. Tickets are 10$. Next, I will be hosting the open stage at the Kaffe 1870 on May 31. No cover. Music will start at 9ish. All are welcome, whether to listen or to play. Then, Sunday June 11, I'll be at the Blacksheep Inn. It will be a special event, not only because my backup band the Prima Donalds will be joining me, but the show will be a double header with the Fluffy Little Cowboys out of PEI. The show starts at 4pm. Tickets are 10$ advance and 12$ at the door. </p>
<p>Have a great week and thanks for reading. </p>
<p>photo below by Anne Olivier<br>photo right by Dawn Pritchard<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/122918/09ccfe73ed1fa7cf58bef954132832b0063f252e/medium/auju-peter-photo.jpg?1494001938" class="size_m justify_right border_" /></p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/122918/490ad2e54c65b13554a74bb50179f046053f2cf5/medium/canada-150-photo.jpg?1494013701" class="size_m justify_left border_" /></p>Dawn Pritchardtag:dawnpritchard.ca,2005:Post/45767142017-02-04T15:59:51-05:002022-05-17T05:43:51-04:00Download of "Catch Me if You Can" available soon!Hi everyone,<br><br>I would like to let you know that "Catch Me if You Can" should be available for download in the next few days. It was delayed due to technical difficulties - mainly my ineptitude and impatience. Sometimes these technical electronic processes seem insurmountable to me. I am however, learning a lot about AIF files, WAV files and MP3s. The songs will be uploaded in WAV or AIF and be of high quality - not MP3s. I have the album partially uploaded onto my Bandcamp page: https://dawnpritchard.bandcamp.com and will have it up here on my own website site soon. Please check in soon to see if it is available. Of course, I do have physical copies of the CD and would be happy to mail you one. Please send me a note to arrange this. <br><br>Thanks again,<br>DawnDawn Pritchardtag:dawnpritchard.ca,2005:Post/45361262017-01-03T22:10:00-05:002022-04-14T22:10:39-04:00My StreetHi! Happy 2017!<br><br>Want to listen to a song? It is called "My Street". I wrote it after one of Jim Bryson's shows. I had always thought that my songs were somewhat depressing. Jim's are not. His shows are super fun, I love his songs and I feel happy whenever I hear his voice. I wanted to write something fun too and this is what turned out. Thanks Jim for inspiring me. Have a great year! 3:14Dawn Pritchardtag:dawnpritchard.ca,2005:Post/45064662016-12-11T21:27:26-05:002022-04-07T07:36:26-04:00AdriftThis song is called "Adrift". It came about a few years back when my husband, Jamie Ferguson, sent me some lyrics. Within about 20 minutes I had put those lyrics to music, put down a melody, along with three part harmonies. It was freaky, how it happened so quickly and came out so beautifully. That is what happens when lyrics are well structured and honest. Sadly, this type of thing has not happened since. <br><br>Also, as you know, "Catch Me if You Can" was released in November. I am so happy with how it turned out. Please take a listen to the songs, including this one. I think you might like them. If so, and if you would like to order a CD, I would be happy to either deliver one to you, or to mail it. I can get them to you in time for Christmas. Just send me an e-mail to p.bettinni@gmail.com and I will set you up. The CDs cost 15$ each with an extra 5$ for mailing. They might make a great gift for someone. In the next few weeks, I will set up a means to download the songs, either through Bandzoogle or through I-tunes. I will let you know as soon as this is done.<br><br>Have a great evening, and thanks for listening.2:32Dawn Pritchardtag:dawnpritchard.ca,2005:Post/44529662016-11-04T20:54:41-04:002022-03-23T10:44:46-04:00Only Assholes Get the BluesWell, the CD release is tomorrow and I wanted to post one final song. It is called "Only Assholes Get the Blues". I wrote it for Patti Smith. Yes, the Patti Smith. And, I also wrote it for my niece - I remember her telling me about a book with a similar line in it. She is the most well read person that I have ever met. Sadly, I remember neither the line, nor the book, but I remember the sentiment. I do know that we all get the blues, and that we are not all assholes. But, this is a fun song. One of my favourites. I hope that you enjoy it. And, I hope that you come to the show tomorrow at the Black Sheep Inn. And, thank-you again, for reading and listening.3:11Dawn Pritchardtag:dawnpritchard.ca,2005:Post/44510042016-11-03T19:31:56-04:002023-12-10T13:57:03-05:00Lament of the CaribouOnly two more sleeps until the big show! Rehearsal last night sounded good and we are ready to play. Now, just some last minute items, including getting people to come out to the show. On that note, Mary Fahey of the LowDown newspaper wrote a great article about me and the new album and the show. I was absolutely thrilled to read it. This would be my first real bit of press. Thank-you Mary! And, tomorrow Anne-Marie of the the program Hop the Fence on CHUO radio plans to spin one of my tunes and remind people about the show at the Black Sheep Saturday. Thank-you Anne-Marie!<br><br>The next song for you to listen to is called "Lament of the Caribou". Like at least 4 other songs from this album, it came from one of Ian Tamblyn's songwriting classes. Thank-you, Ian! Ian's instructions were to write a song from a perspective outside of ourselves. I wrote my song from the perspective of a caribou. It is sad but beautiful.<br><br>I do hope that you consider coming to the show this Saturday (November 5) evening at the Black Sheep Inn in Wakefield, QC. It would mean a lot to me. <br><br>Finally, I would like to thank-you for reading this note and thank-you for listening for these past few weeks.<br> <br> 2:53Dawn Pritchardtag:dawnpritchard.ca,2005:Post/44441952016-10-31T15:25:00-04:002022-03-23T10:45:22-04:00Living RoomCountdown until the show - only 5 more days! We are squeezing in a few more rehearsals, that last of which happened in my living room. But, that's not what this song is about. In fact, this song isn't really about anything. I wrote it on Ian Tamblyn's instructions which were to write a song based on a 3 x 1 rhyme scheme and this is what came out. It is one of my favourites. Let me know what you think! And, thank-you very much for listening.2:04Dawn Pritchardtag:dawnpritchard.ca,2005:Post/44441912016-10-30T12:09:57-04:002022-04-28T05:23:51-04:00ChandailI live in the "Outaouais" in the province of Quebec. The official language of Quebec is French. But in Wakefield many people speak English. They can switch back and forth between French and English with ease - sometimes in the middle of a sentence. Coming from Saskatchewan, I knew a few words of French that I had learned in elementary school. "Bonjour. Je m'appele Dawn. Je suis une etudiante. Il fait froid." My Granny Pritchard spoke some Michif, a language which is a combination of French, Cree and English. We ate things like "boulettes" and "bangs" (fried bannock, which likely comes from les beines - deep fried donuts). So, there was always a bit of the French language inside me even though I didn't always know it. I have been a Quebecer now for over 8 years and have worked hard to learn to communicate in French. Part of this process was writing a bilingual song. Cette chanson s'appelle "Chandail". Bonne ecoute!4:41Dawn Pritchardtag:dawnpritchard.ca,2005:Post/44436522016-10-29T20:21:37-04:002022-03-23T10:46:32-04:00"Astrid"When I was a kid I rode my bike all over Saskatoon. Riding my bike made me feel alive and free. It was a time of innocence with no curfew. I could pretty much ride the whole day, wherever I wanted to without questions from my parents so long as I returned home by supper time. I'd ride across town to visit my Granny Pritchard and we'd sit outside near her sweat peas. Once she recollected buying a can of stolen coffee and confessing it to the priest. We had a good chuckle over that one. I'd continue on to visit my cousin Shirley who lived a few blocks away. On special occasions I'd ride over to visit Randy and Lorne and we would explore the banks of the Saskatchewan River finding cougar tracks and haunted houses. Most of the time though, I would ride to Donald and Laurie's house because they lived closest to me. Come dark, I'd make my way home riding under the streetlights singing "Dreams" by Fleetwood Mac out loud.<br><br>The song "Astrid" is about my childhood. I never knew anyone named Astrid as I was growing up, but about a year ago I had a dream about a celeste green bike with the name Astrid written on the top-tube. I dreamed I would write a song about this bike and that Astrid would be on the cover of this album. And I did, and it is, thanks to the artwork of David Irvine. Here is the song, "Astrid". I hope that you enjoy it.<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/122918/303e183c507c81070659f07ea16932c5aa9d992a/small/catch-me-if-you-can-album-cover.jpg?1477786824" class="size_s justify_center border_" />3:45Dawn Pritchardtag:dawnpritchard.ca,2005:Post/44411782016-10-27T22:02:18-04:002022-03-23T10:47:26-04:00Shell ShockedI wrote "Shell Shocked" a few years back while I was at the Folk Music Ontario Conference in Toronto. I was in my hotel room getting ready to do my homework which Ian Tamblyn had assigned - he handed out picture books and we were to write a song based on a picture in the book. I had missed the last class and so the book I received contained pictures depicting war. Not my first choice for sure. One picture caught my eye, however - it was of a man sitting at his desk at home who could not erase the images of the war that remained in his mind. I found out later that one of my high school classmates who I knew since grade 2 had suffered from PTSD. He took his own life about two years ago, leaving his family behind. I had played "Shell Shocked" live several times and prepared to recorded it at Little Bullhorn. When it came time to record the final vocal I couldn't stop thinking of this classmate and what he must have gone through, along with his wife and children. I felt these super strong emotions right at the microphone. The song was so hard to sing that day, but I did it and I sang it for my classmate. You served our country my friend. Thank-you. May you rest in peace.<br><br>Here is "Shell Shocked".<br><br> 3:32Dawn Pritchardtag:dawnpritchard.ca,2005:Post/44393392016-10-26T21:34:24-04:002016-10-26T21:34:24-04:00Toward the InsignificantIt seems like it was only a few months ago that we released "All Tied Up" at the Kaffe 1870. In fact, that was December 2013. Almost three years has passed and now we are less than two weeks away from releasing "Catch Me if You Can" at the Blacksheep Inn (November 5). Posters are up, CDs are received, and rehearsals are almost complete (you can never have too many!).<br><br>There are so many people that I would like to thank and many of those thank-yous are set out on the CD itself. They include David Irvine for the fantastic artwork; the musicians, John-Marc Desmarais, Alden Roberge, Philippe Charbonneau, Dave Draves who also produced, engineered, mixed and mastered the album, Jamie Ferguson, and Dave's cat, Horton, who meows on Catch Me if You Can. I also would like to thank Don Warkentin for getting the CDs manufactured quickly and efficiently.<br><br>While preparing for the CD release we had the opportunity to play at the Folk Music Ontario Conference Indigenous Artist showcase. In case you are wondering, I am Metis - born and raised as such. The "we" includes me, Dave Draves, Rhonda Arsenault, Alden Roberge and Pat Maher. We had 15 minutes to play and play we did! We fit 5 songs, albeit shortened versions, into that 15 minutes and we sounded pretty darn good, I must say.<br><br>But enough of that. I would like to introduce you to the album called "Catch Me if You Can". To do so, I will be posting one song from the album each day up until the CD release on November 5. The first song is called "Toward the Insignificant". I wrote it during one of Ian Tamblyn's songwriting classes at the Wakefield Community Centre. Ian handed each of us students a card with a phrase on it and on mine was written "Toward the Insignificant". The song is an observation about how the world is so big, and each of us, is so small. We might feel that the world revolves around us and that our problems are so big they consume us but, there are so many other people in the world with problems much bigger than our own. Have a listen to this song, and let me know what you think. Please share it as well, if you see fit. And, come back tomorrow to listen to the next song.<br><br>Thank-you and have a great evening.<br> 2:59Dawn Pritchardtag:dawnpritchard.ca,2005:Post/42377342016-06-19T09:48:12-04:002022-04-14T22:09:03-04:00Influences and Opportunities <span class="font_regular">As musicians, sometimes we are asked, "who are your musical influences?" When asked this question, I never readily had a response. Who did influence my music? <br><br>I had often thought about this in the context of songwriting. I like Regina Spektor's writing - her songs can be quirky, melodic, dramatic, silly, deeply emotional, sometimes troubling, with melodies and flow that are beautiful and unique. I like Lisa Loeb's writing - again quirky, sometimes fun, sometimes troubling. These two writers have certainly influenced me. But then I got to thinking about my guitar playing which is nothing like the musicianship of Regina or Lisa. Who influenced that?<br><br>I have been playing music since I was about 8 years old. I didn't take formal lessons, but goofed around on whatever was around. I learned this from my dad who in his earlier days would play together with his buddies, dad on the harmonica, Ernie Arneson on the beer box and uncle Johnny on guitar and vocals. The first instrument that I ever owned was a harmonica that my parents brought for me as a gift from the Army and Navy in Regina, SK that they went to after a Saskatchewan Roughriders game. I also played the organ - the kind with the numbers on the keys and the chords to the side. My parents liked when I played "On Top of Old Smokey".</span>
<p>I attended St. Michael's elementary school in Saskatoon, SK. In grade 7 and 8, our teacher Mr. Leonard Wawryk got us playing ukulele. He also played guitar for us and we sang to the Tommy Soundtrack. I recall him teaching me to play "Pinball Wizard". My mom used to recall that when I was in a bad mood I would play that ukulele really hard. (I still play guitar hard, but even when I am in a good mood - especially then!)<br><br>My first guitar was an old acoustic on which the strings were about a foot higher than the neck of the guitar. It was hard to play, but I played it because it was what I had.</p><span class="font_regular">Whenever I went to my grandma Robinson's house, I played there a left handed 12 string that belonged to my uncle Robbie. He didn't play it much, so my grandma and uncle Robbie let me keep the guitar. I had the strings switched around so that I could play it right handed and I played that for a while. <br><br>At the age of about 11 or 12, my friend Kim Fontaine got herself a bass guitar and I wanted an electric guitar. So, my uncle Johnny brought me around to the pawnshops in Saskatoon to find a guitar. I should note that uncle Johnny was the musician in the Pritchard family. He could play guitar and sing like Elvis. Heck, he was even as handsome as Elvis. We found an electric guitar. My mom and dad bought me an amp from Woolco for Christmas that year. I was pretty happy - I had a guitar and an amp. My parents were pretty happy too, since just a few months before I had plugged my electric guitar into the organ and blown it up. But, I digress...<br><br>I played guitar more and more. My uncle Johnny had spent a period of time at the Prince Albert Penitentiary and we kept in touch with each other while he was there. We wrote letters back and forth, but one day he phoned me. I ran and plugged my guitar into the amp and played him some music over the phone. Uncle Johnny thought that my playing was great and I was pleased. He may well have been humouring me, but that is what uncles are supposed to do. <br><br>My friends and I jammed in the house. There was much bashing about with drums, loud guitars and terrible singing. My parents never told me to turn that racket down (well hardly ever). My mom and auntie Johnnie came to my first gig ever at Albert School. My dad financed my Fender Stratocaster when I was on the road playing and could not afford the payments. When I told my dad that I was quitting high school to play music full time, he drove me to the next town for my first gig. This must have killed him, but he did it anyways. Thankfully that first gig was in Weyburn, SK where my mom lived at the time. They both came to see me play. My dad still comes to see me play and he and my brother came all the way to Wakefield, QC from Saskatoon for the release of my first CD. I was so happy to have them there, and I was so happy that I was still playing music all those years later. <br><br>So, musical influences in the context of guitar playing? I will write about that another day. Today, I would like to thank those people in my early years who created opportunities for me to play music. They are my late mom, Pat Pritchard; my dad, Don Pritchard; my late uncle Johnny Ritchards; my late grandma Marie Robinson; my late uncle Robbie Robinson; my friend, Kim Fontaine, </span><span class="font_regular"><span style="font-size: 12px;">and my grade 7 and 8 teacher, Mr. Wawryk. </span></span><span style="font-size: 12px;">Thank-you very much from the bottom of my heart.<br><br>Here is a photo of me playing my first electric guitar at Kim's house.</span><span class="font_regular"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/122918/2c724c94aec5edef92fbf23553de70575a5e6d23/original/scan-22.jpeg?1466343889" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></span>Dawn Pritchardtag:dawnpritchard.ca,2005:Post/41552332016-04-26T22:30:44-04:002022-05-19T09:28:34-04:00Jeepers CreepersJeepers creepers, it has been a long time since my last blog post. During that time I have been busy recording not only my own album, but I have also been recording back up vocals for Jamie Ferguson. I can now officially say that I am a studio musician!<br><br><span class="font_regular">As for my album, it is sounding great. The ambient sound will still be present as in the last album, but it will be a bit edgier this go round with drums and bass. Originally my producer Dave and I thought the album would have more of a band combo sound with guitar, bass, drums and Rhodes. But, as things progressed, we found that sometimes, things sounded a bit too "Rhodesy", so we hooked up the Prophet 600 adding some synth, then the Nord, running it through a stereo preamp then distorting it. Yesterday we added infinite reverb to "le Chandail". Yikes! Typical Dave noted out loud that "there's just one more part I want to add as he says its too much". This is exactly why I love working with him. The song, about a sweater, conjures up so much imagery and Dave is able to bring that imagery to life.<br><br>I also played piano on two songs, which is a big change for me. I have been a guitar player forever so playing piano was a bit of a challenge. I could hear in my head what I wanted, but executing it took practice. I am pleased with the results and with the songs.<br><br>Recording is almost complete. We are looking at an album release date of early November at the Blacksheep Inn in Wakefield. I will keep you posted.<br><br>Here is a shot of me recording back up vocals at James Stephens for Jamie's upcoming album. </span><br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/122918/e6bef572acdf43c48a39eefce28cef3cfab24591/original/image.jpg?1461724114" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Dawn Pritchardtag:dawnpritchard.ca,2005:Post/40396262016-02-12T21:59:01-05:002016-02-13T11:02:24-05:00Waking Bowie and Beyond...Can you believe that it is already February? Musically, a lot of fun things have been happening, not the least of which was "Waking Bowie" at the Kaffe 1870. A group of Wakefield musicians got together and honoured David Bowie. I was so fortunate to be able to participate as it was one of the most amazing gigs I have ever played at - it was electric and we all knew it. The group of us, Alise Marlane, Pat Maher, Simon Neufeld., Luther Wright, Paul Hampsey, Brant Lucuik, Anna Melita Muhl, Brian Dubbledam, Doug McArthur, Phil Jenkins, Sheena Turcotte, Tom Werbo, Jack Pelletier, Mark Michaud - did I miss anyone? each had "Changes", "Rock n Roll Suicide", "Heroes", "All the Young Dudes", "Suffragette City" , "Rebel Rebel" and more going through our heads for the next week. I got to bring out the black Stratocaster for the first time in years. Luther suggested that we take the show on the road - and maybe we will. <br><br>But, for the immediate present, there are other fun things happening. Tomorrow is "Your Broken Valentine" again at the Kaffe 1870. I will be playing a few broken love songs with JF, along with some other great Wakefield musicians. There is no cover, but it is a fundraiser for the Wakefield Community Emergency Fund.<br><br>And, for the first time, next Wednesday night, I am hosting the open stage at the Kaffe 1870. It is a great open stage and all are welcome. I remember the first time I ever played there, which was the first time I had played in front of people for years, my knees shaking and likely my voice too. Louise Rompre who hosted the evening, welcomed me as did the crowd. And, now I get to host! (Thanks Luther!) I hope that you can come out and either listen or play. <br><br>See you soon.Dawn Pritchardtag:dawnpritchard.ca,2005:Post/38338702015-08-26T22:26:39-04:002017-01-14T15:43:19-05:00Gigging at the BlacksheepWow! I will be gigging at the Blacksheep Sunday September 20. I am very excited. Dave Irvine has done up another great poster for the show. I hope to see you there. <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/122918/c44ffca87b40c24fdde94f15c10ab4784e116f92/original/image.jpg?1440642230" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Dawn Pritchardtag:dawnpritchard.ca,2005:Post/37610412015-06-30T19:50:40-04:002017-01-14T15:43:19-05:00Here's what's happenin'Hello everyone.<br><br>I am on holidays from my day job and just got back from the lac. Before heading north, I spent the first few days of my holiday at LIttle Bullhorn productions getting bed tracks all ready for some next steps. We also recorded a few more vocals, and experimented with some sounds. I always know that when Dave Draves says "I have an idea", that something off the wall and musically wonderful is coming up. Well, wait til you hear what we did with "Shell Shocked". Here is a photo of Dave putting down some tambourine. <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/122918/e46e57285a15685fa75b1458ed2f8b195c8d1b4a/original/image.jpg?1435708221" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Dawn Pritchardtag:dawnpritchard.ca,2005:Post/36351952015-03-31T20:38:19-04:002017-01-14T15:43:19-05:00Back in the Saddle<span class="font_regular">Lots of news these days. And, it is all so exciting. First, I received the posters for the gig at Kaffe 1870. Dave Irvine did them up and they look fantastic. Check it out! It looks even better printed and in real life! Next, I am back recording at Little Bullhorn Productions. Dave Draves is producing again, and it promises to be a great record. Hmmm, what else?... I entered my song, "Twisted" into the CBC Searchlight contest. I will post the link in my next post. And, finally, I am heading off to Mallorca,Spain for a cycling holiday. I will be heading there with my partner in crime, JF and we plan to bring a guitar along. After a few days in England, we will be meeting with a gang in Cala d'Or and heading out on our bikes and caffe cortados. Once I get back, it will be gig time. Dave Draves will be on keyboards, Alden Roberge on drums and Pat Maher in bass. The gig is April 25 at the Kaffe 1870. I hope you can make it.</span><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/122918/3bfab0e9e8c07be4559ffc1f3b77be29783a3c60/original/dawn-pritchard-kaffe-1870.jpg?1427848280" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Dawn Pritchardtag:dawnpritchard.ca,2005:Post/35214082015-02-10T22:10:17-05:002022-05-21T07:04:21-04:00Video for 6 Feet of SnowThis past weekend, just outside Wakefield in a small village called Alcove, we shot the video for 6 feet of snow. Dave Irvine was the photographer and will produce the video. We had a lot of fun although it was a lot of work crawling through the snow and climbing up on top of the little house. No one was injured during the shooting, although I ended up doing a lot of shovelling and we both got a good workout. Look for the video. It should be ready within a week or two. Please share it as well as I am hoping to get a gazillion hits. Thank you.Dawn Pritchardtag:dawnpritchard.ca,2005:Post/34720332015-01-17T13:37:08-05:002015-01-17T13:37:08-05:00Thank-you and what's next<span class="font_regular">This is a little late, but I would like to thank-you all for your support this past year. Without you buying CDs, booking house concerts, coming to gigs, getting the word out and just giving me a thumbs up now and then, what would be the reason to continue? I am so glad that I have you and that sometimes you are just as excited as I am to hear the next new song. Thank-you so much.<br><br>Next week I head back into the studio with Dave Draves. We are working on a second album and I am curious to see how it will turn out. In December we recorded "48 Foot Shadow" which is a song that I wrote for Jamie F to sing, but that I ended up recording. (JF can record it on his next album.) Dave and I thought to just demo it for now, but somehow there was a bit of magic in the air that day, so we build a whole song - quirky, but really cool. <br><br>Tonight I am donating a house concert to a cycling fundraiser silent auction. I had told myself that I would not donate any more house concerts, but one of the organizers, Chris Reid convinced me to donate one, as did my good friend Sheri Jay. So, I will at least donate this one as the money goes to supporting one of my favourite sports.</span><br><br>As for gigging, mark your calendars for March 13. I have tentatively booked that date at the Kaffe 1870, but my regular bass player is booked that weekend. So, I have to either rebook or wangle someone else. In any event, please put this date into your calendars. It's not often that I get to play with a full band and I am pretty excited.<br><br>That is all for now. See you soonDawn Pritchardtag:dawnpritchard.ca,2005:Post/32949452014-11-17T11:09:12-05:002022-01-21T08:48:54-05:00Updates and Honesty<span class="font_large">Good morning my friends. I have changed the look of my website. A few weeks ago, I attended the Ontario Folk Conference. Dave Cool from Bandzoogle was there and he gave my website a good critique. Dave suggested that I update the look, which I have done. He also suggested that I stop my songs from automatically playing. Apparently, musicians love when the songs automatically play, but others do not. I have done that as well. Let me know what you think of the new look. And, thanks Dave.<br><br>Also from the Folk Conference, I learned from Shawna Caspi that I should have a twitter account. So, I started one, and I now have 17 followers. :) I am in the process of attaching a widget to my website, so you can check out my twitter posts if you wish to.<br><br>My son suggested that I start to blog more. I thought to myself, that certainly, I should be updating my website more often so that visitors like you have something new to read. But, I thought to myself, what could I possibly blog about, that would interest people enough to take notice of me, and particularly, my music. Nevertheless, I decided I would write something. At this precise point in time, however, I don't know what this blog post will say. It will be honest though.<br><br>I am beginning to record a new album. I am very excited about this, as I love working in the studio, and I love working with Dave Draves of Little Bullhorn Productions www.littlebullhorn.com . I think the new set of songs are strong, and perhaps reflect my personality more, as opposed to the last album, which reflected, at least to some degree, a point of life I was going through. But, I thought to myself, what good is a new album if people don't hear it? I have one gig lined up right now. I want more. I want to play for people so that they hear my music and so that when the next album comes out they will be excited to hear it. What I don't want is to record a great album and have boxes of the new one, as well as the old one, sitting in my basement collecting dust.<br><br>My partner in crime, JF and I have decided to play two new open stages per month to get our music out there. A few weeks back we played the Neat Cafe in Burnstown www.neatfood.com I had never seen so many artists at an open stage. And, the room itself was totally set up for listening to music. We will go back there for sure. This week is the open stage at the Kaffe 1870 in Wakefield, which is always a good place to play. I plan to be there this week to play a few new songs. One brand new one, which I wrote for JF to sing, is called "48 Foot Shadow". It is sort of about the struggles of the past year, but how that doesn't really matter. It is all about perspectives and how a person might feel sooooo small, when you look at it, that person is really 48 feet tall. It is probably one of the coolest songs that I have written. I should add that sometimes the best songs are those that are written quickly. This one took an hour, including the time we took to measure the shadow. <br><br>I also wanted to make note that with all of this social media business these days, I find that it takes a lot of time to maintain various site, and it cuts into time that I use to actually create and play music. I suppose that is the business of music though. And, as I said earlier, I want to promote my music. I want people to hear it. I want gigs. I want to make a great album. So, I will keep blogging and twittering away. More importantly I would like to hear from you.<br><br>Thanks for listening to this little update. Here is a photo from a gig that took place at Bonnechere Caves. See you soon.</span> <br> <hr><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/122918/662c9b021bffe1820ce340a8b97eb787d1aa99f1/large/bonnecheregig.jpg?1416238374" class="size_l justify_right border_medium" alt="" />Dawn Pritchardtag:dawnpritchard.ca,2005:Post/32375332014-10-17T13:47:04-04:002021-01-10T12:23:53-05:00Ontario Folk ConferenceLots of fun and lots to learn at the Ontario Folk Conference in Toronto. First order of business is playing for some high school students in Toronto and chatting with them about songwriting. Next, lots of panels, (including Bandzoogle - how do you like my website? :D) and late night tonight and tomorrow (or rather, early early this morning), I will be showcasing in the Chicks Rock room 353 at 1:40am, and tomorrow, the World of Music room 339 at 11:50pm. Come on out!Dawn Pritchardtag:dawnpritchard.ca,2005:Post/31816402014-09-10T22:07:54-04:002022-03-06T03:17:13-05:00Back to the StudioTime flies. Summer is virtually over, and the songs keep coming. Therefore, it is now time to get working on my second album. Woohoo! This Friday I head to Little Bullhorn Productions to begin recording again with Dave Draves. I am so excited! I think these new songs have a different feel than the last ones, but then again, this has been a different time of life. I will keep you all posted! <br><br>ps. I have already sold one of the new albums, even though it is not even recorded! Thanks Dave S.!Dawn Pritchardtag:dawnpritchard.ca,2005:Post/30694812014-07-10T20:35:51-04:002021-02-13T06:21:03-05:00"Checked Out" VideoIt's here, it's here, it's here!! I am so happy. My first music video is complete thanks to Jonathan Edwards of Corvidae Studio Photos. Click on the video tab and you can find the video for "Checked Out" there. I hope that you like it.Dawn Pritchardtag:dawnpritchard.ca,2005:Post/30024022014-06-09T08:30:23-04:002014-06-17T19:45:31-04:00Open Stage this WednesdayIt has been a while since I played at the Open Stage at the Kaffe 1870 in Wakefield. John McAlpine is hosting this Wednesday and I plan to show up and play a few songs. Drop by if you are in the area.Dawn Pritchardtag:dawnpritchard.ca,2005:Post/29189902014-05-04T11:10:48-04:002014-05-04T11:10:48-04:00Saskatoon here I come!Next week we are heading out to Saskatoon to visit family and friends. As usual, we are driving, but this time there will be 4 of us, 3 of whom can drive! Yay! I will be playing while in Saskatoon at d'Lish by Tish on May 16 at 7:30 pm. I was looking for a venue to play at and my friends Bruce G and Kim F suggested d'Lish by Tish, and Tish was happy to accommodate me. Thanks Bruce, Kim and especially, Tish! <br><br>I am very excited about playing in my home town. I played a house concert there last year, graciously hosted by my friends Norma and Bill. Since then I released my first CD, wrote more and better songs, and grown as an artist. I was a bit nervous playing in Saskatoon last year, but this year I am simply excited. I am excited to play in front of old friends and new ones.<br><br>I really hope that you can make it to the show! See you on May 16th in Saskatoon.Dawn Pritchardtag:dawnpritchard.ca,2005:Post/26964742014-03-05T21:24:34-05:002022-04-14T22:09:51-04:00CBC Searchlight ContestHello folks. I was thinking about entering the CBC Searchlight contest. I would enter one of my songs, and the people would hopefully vote for me. My question is, which song should I enter? I can only enter one! I was thinking "My Day" and Malcolm thinks "Twisted" would be good, and someone else suggested "Taylor Baby". I just don't know. What do you think? Could I ask you to please check out the CBC link which is on this webpage (hmm..... maybe "Checked Out" would be a good choice!) and then post below your choice of song. I would appreciate it so much. Thank-you.Dawn Pritchardtag:dawnpritchard.ca,2005:Post/26177932014-02-20T18:56:32-05:002020-06-13T03:40:39-04:00Many cool things!This past week, many cool things happened to me. The latest was that Eugene Meehan, Q.C. chose this very website as the website of the week for his SupremeAdvocacy newsletter. I was quite honoured and thrilled. You see, Eugene is quite esteemed amongst Canadian lawyers (and perhaps beyond). The newsletter is sent to lawyers across the country and consequently, the hits to my website more than doubled! I hope that some of those people do take a listen to the music and that they enjoy it. Thank-you Eugene!<br><br>The second cool thing that happened, happened two nights ago. I was at the Chelsea Pub with my friend Sarah, when someone called me over and asked if I was Dawn Pritchard. When I responded "yes", she said she was a friend of a friend and had been listening to my CD and enjoying it. I was very happy about that.<br><br>The third thing that happened was that an old musician friend from Saskatoon ordered my CD. He took a listen to the songs on this site and was impressed by the guitar sound. I told him that I play a Taylor 816CE and he plays a Taylor too. Great guitars - they sound so good, they almost play themselves! Anyways, I am always so happy when my musician friends purchase my music. Well, I am happy when anyone does!<br><br>Finally, this may have been in my last post, but my CD is finally on i-tunes. You may need to search my name in i-tunes for now, but I will set up a link in case you wish to order direct. <br><br>Off to rehearsal now. Have a great week!Dawn Pritchardtag:dawnpritchard.ca,2005:Post/24664632014-01-25T15:41:50-05:002022-05-08T07:56:27-04:00Lament of the Caribou and Ottawa Cycling FundraiserWell, last Thursday night, I was back in the studio - Little Bullhorn Productions, in Ottawa, ON. I went in to demo a song called "Lament of the Caribou". I wrote this song a few months back at a songwriting class taught by Ian Tamblyn. Ian had us write something from a perspective outside of ourselves. I chose that of a caribou. The lyrics speak to how the landscape has changed for the caribou, and how large projects have caused their numbers to decrease. We had 4 hours to demo this song and the end result was better than I ever dreamed. Dave Draves is a genius! The various guitars sound are hypnotic sounding. One of them sounds almost like a harpsichord. The drum and bass sound like what I imagine a caribou herd migrating to sound like. I must have listened to the song 80 times so far. I will likely post the song on here in the next few months. In the meantime, I encourage you to listen to my current CD - I still have lots of those to sell. You can purchase one through CDBaby on this site, or by contacting me. You can also purchase an on-line version.<br><br>Also, tonight I am playing at a fundraiser for the Steven's women's and men's cycling teams as well as for the velodrome project. I have offered up a house concert to their silent auction.<br><br>Keep in touch, and see you soon!<br> Dawn Pritchardtag:dawnpritchard.ca,2005:Post/24077922014-01-15T21:40:12-05:002014-01-30T19:53:04-05:00CD Release Party and 2014Well, it's been a long time since I wrote! I meant to write the day after the CD Release Party, and somehow this was delayed til now. I am a bit embarrassed about that, so embarrassed that I put it off and off til now. But better later than never. <br><br>The CD Release Party at the Kaffe 1870 inWakefield was a huge success!! Dave Draves and Pat Maher played with me. It sounded great and I had such a good time. The place sold out, and the doorman thought that ticket sales were close to a record for a Friday night.<br><br>I was so happy to see so many friends and family there. Friends of mine were present - ski friends, running friends, cycling friends, work friends and music friends; friends of my son, Malcolm were present; and my dad and brother came to the show from Saskatoon, and they were thrilled. Friends of Jamie Ferguson who opened up for me, were present. Thanks Jamie for opening. You sounded great. And, thank-you everyone for coming. It meant so much to me.<br><br>I have to say, there is nothing on earth like playing live with a band. Nothing. And, Dave and Pat are real pros - excellent musicians. I love playing with them. I am hoping for more gigs (and house concerts of course) in larger venues so that I can play again with Dave and Pat.<br><br>Thank-you everyone for your support in 2013. Thanks for buying CDs, hosting house concerts, and coming to my CD release party and generally cheering.<br><br>I look forward to 2014. I finally, finally, got my music onto CD Baby so that you can download it. It will also be on i-tunes in a matter of days. CD Baby will be sending me some download cards that I will be bringing to shows for those people who no longer play physical CDs.<br><br>Happy 2014. I hope to see you soon, and to play some music for you.Dawn Pritchardtag:dawnpritchard.ca,2005:Post/21667672013-12-05T08:01:09-05:002022-01-01T08:05:03-05:00One more day...I am so excited for the show tomorrow! I feel like a kid waiting for Santa on the night before Christmas. <br><br>Dave, Pat and I had our last rehearsal last night. It has all come together, and I am pretty happy about how we sound . Those two worked hard to learn the longs: Pat had to learn them from scratch, and Dave had to condense all of the ambient sounds we did on the recording into something we could do live. I think we succeeded.<br><br>Tom Werbo of the Lowdown wrote a great note in our local paper. Thanks Tom! <br><br>Mark M. of the Kaffe 1870 is getting ready to do sound.<br><br>Jamie Ferguson is practicing for his opening set.<br><br>And, last Friday, Anne-Marie Brugger of CHUO 89.1 fm hosted me on her show "Hop the Fence". She played "Not Even Flowers" and "Nadia's Song" and we had a great chat. You can check out past episodes here: http://www.hopthefence.ca/past-episodes.html<br><br>I really appreciate all the support that people are offering. What a great community!<br><br>Thank-you, and see you tomorrow!<br> Dawn Pritchardtag:dawnpritchard.ca,2005:Post/21321002013-11-29T08:09:01-05:002021-05-20T04:51:16-04:00Hop the Fence on CHUO fm today 5:30Anne-Marie Brugger, host of Hop the Fence of CHUO fm has asked me to be on her show to chat about the new CD "All Tied Up". Hop the Fence features "great Canadian indepenedent bands". Needless to say, I am both excited and a wee bit nervous. The show airs from 5 til 6 today, and I go on at 5:30. Anne-Marie's husband Marcel faciliated this, and I am pretty thankful for this great opportunity. (The cycling world is small and great!)<br><br>Tune in to Hop the Fence today!Dawn Pritchardtag:dawnpritchard.ca,2005:Post/21121122013-11-25T18:27:58-05:002013-11-25T19:37:00-05:00Newsletter, apology and Hampsey's House PartyWell, I finally drafted a newsletter. I sent it out to the people who had signed their names to my house concert book and added a few friends. However, I neglected to mention the fine musicians who played on the album. They are Andree Prefontaine on cello, Jill Zmud on vocals, John McAlpine on harmonica, David Draves on keyboards, guitars and bass, and Malcolm Pritchard who is the voice on voices. <br><br>I also thanked people who have hosted me at their house concerts and for some reason, I missed thanking Robbie O who has supported my music all along. Thanks Robbie O, and please accept my apologies for failing to mention you at the outset.<br><br>Finally, our songwriting group played at Hampsey's House Party last night. Once again, thank-you Paul Hampsey, Ian Tamblyn for organizing us and teaching us to write better songs, and the Kaffe 1870 in Wakefield. As for me, I played 3 news songs: Lament of the Caribou, Living Room, and Shell Shocked. People seemed to like Shell Shocked quite a bit, even though it is about war. Some people were hoping it was on the album that will be released on December 6, but it is much too new. I plan to record it on the next album though.<br><br>Thanks everyone.Dawn Pritchardtag:dawnpritchard.ca,2005:Post/21059512013-11-24T17:58:10-05:002021-01-18T11:04:48-05:00Hampsey's house partyIan Tamblyn, our illustrious songwriting instructor has arranged for our songwriting class to play at Hampsey's House Party at the Kaffe 1870 tonight. So, for those of you inclinded to miss the Grey Cup, come on down! Hampsey's House Party, Kaffe 1870, Wakefield, QC 7-9 tonight.Dawn Pritchardtag:dawnpritchard.ca,2005:Post/21034742013-11-23T22:22:53-05:002013-11-23T23:07:47-05:00They are here!!!The CD's arrived on Thursday! I am so excited. If you would like to order a copy of "All Tied Up", please send me an e-mail transfer for $15.00Dawn Pritchard