Aysanabee shares his journey from Sandy Lake First Nation to winning two Junos, exploring his musical influences, the impact of awards on his career, and the importance of authenticity and storytelling in his artistry. This insightful interview tells Aysanabee’s journey as an Indigenous artist, the influence of his grandfather, and the evolving landscape of music and identity. Discover how storytelling, resilience, and authenticity shape his career and creative process.
Aysanabee, Junos, Canadian music, storytelling, musical influences, artist development, Indigenous music, resilience, cultural identity, touring, songwriting, heritage
key topics
Aysanabee's background and early influences Impact of awards on career trajectory Authenticity and vocal style in performance Aysanabee's relationship with his grandfather and its influence on his music The challenges and rewards of touring as an Indigenous artist The significance of cultural identity and storytelling in his work Navigating stereotypes and expectations in the music industry
ep37 Aysanabee is a gift
released March 19, 2026
1:28:40
https://www.aysanabee.com/
https://www.instagram.com/_aysanabee_
https://www.youtube.com/c/Aysanabee
hosts: Glen Erickson, Alexi Erickson
AFE website: https://www.almostfamousenough.com
AFE instagram: https://www.instagram.com/almostfamousenough
AFE Spotify playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1o1PRD2X0i3Otmpn8vi2zP?si=1ece497360564480
Almost Famous Enough is a series of conversations centered around the music industry, pulling back the veil on what it really means to “make it”. Our podcast features guests who know the grind, who have lived the dream, or at the very least, chased the dream. Through these conversational biographies, truth and vulnerability provide more than a topical roadmap or compile some career advice; they can appeal to the dreamer in us all, with stories that can teach us, inspire us, and even reconcile us, and make us feel like we made a new friend along the way.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction
02:42 Meet Aysanabee
03:37 Folk Fest Formats
04:48 Juno Cup Hockey Story
09:43 Stage Fright And Banter
12:58 Off Grid Childhood Origins
19:08 Brother’s Music Influences
27:16 First Record Breakthrough
34:19 Juno Wins And Touring Reality
44:24 Grandfather Bond
45:40 Family Rock and Support
47:46 Recording the Stories
49:21 Healing Through the Album
50:59 Indigenous Artist Label
56:28 Racism and Progress
01:01:56 New Acoustic Release
01:05:03 Touring Costs and Love
01:14:53 Post-Fame with Alexi
