First Nations Singer-Songwriter Kym Gouchie To Release Debut Album

Sarah Willard
June 13, 2014

Aboriginal singer/songwriter, Kym Gouchie, celebrates the release of her debut album, Mountain of Youth, at a CD release party, Saturday, June 28th, at Penticton's Orchard House Theatre. 

Gouchie first became a fixture in the local live music scene after joining, performing and touring with singer/songwriter Sandy Scofield's group, Iskwew, in 2006, thus beginning her musical profession. 

Grand Chief Stewart Phillip says, "I first heard Kym sing Patsy Cline's 'Crazy' acapella about 14 years ago and I've been deeply moved by her beautiful voice ever since. I can always count on a powerful rush of emotion every time she is on stage. Absolutely breathtaking! I always knew she would reach this significant milestone one day." 

A gifted story-teller, her well-crafted verse is steeped in personal and traditional history. With her Carrier grandmother, Gouchie was able to embark on researching her roots and was able to take time to write more songs in 2008 after receiving a Canada Council Grant. 

Through the recording process, her country/traditional/folk style evolved, donning an eclectic and danceable form. This new sound was forged by collaborating with her multi-cultural producer, well-known local musician/artist/teacher, Thurein Myint, the owner of the Summerland-based Ellis Avenue Analog Studio. 

“For a long time I was waiting for the right producer, the right musicians, and the right mix. Thurein was a huge influence. I wanted someone to take me to that next musical level,” explains Gouchie. 

“Kym is a very powerful singer/songwriter and tells great stories that are close to nature, her native roots, and the human heart. I'm glad we captured her voice directly onto tape. I'm very proud to have her album be the studio's first release,” acknowledges Myint. 

Mountain of Youth, a culmination of 13 years of researching, writing, gigging and touring, kick-started into high gear after a life-changing personal tragedy. “Grief and loss stirs you from the core and through it, songs started to fall out of me all at once,” explains Gouchie. Then while interviewing elders for the Truth & Reconciliation project as a film-maker, she listened to Syilx residential school survivors' heartbreaking, inspiring stories of overcoming abuse and injustice. In particular, one elder’s response to the Stephen Harper government apology, resonated “...the money meant nothing to me, you know what would mean something to me? If they tore down the church and built houses for the people.” Gouchie was struck, “ His words stayed with me and became the opening lyrics of For The People.” Through her music, Gouchie gives voice to others'. 

Gouchie gratefully acknowledges the assistance of the First People's Cultural Council's Aboriginal Development Award and local private investors.