In this week’s episode, we chat to Toronto-based folk roots singer-songwriter Shawna Caspi.

We delve into the realities of touring in today’s music industry and how artists can build more sustainable touring practices. We also get into frugal touring tips, navigating rising travel costs, finding creative ways to save money on the road, and the importance of community, authenticity, and artist well-being while touring.

Catch Shawna Caspi on one of her upcoming tour dates and connect with her on Facebook and her website.

About Shawna Caspi
Shawna Caspi is a Toronto-based folk-roots singer-songwriter who can make a room full of people feel like they’re hanging out with an old friend in a plush corner booth. With her warm voice, clever and poetic lyrics, and intricate fingerstyle guitar accompaniment, she makes music that makes an authentic human connection, that conveys a sense of closeness, of being understood, of feeling less alone. Her latest album, Hurricane Coming, was nominated for a Canadian Folk Music Award and an Ontario Folk Music Award.

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Tune in to the latest episodes of Refolkus, featuring latest music releases from Folk Canada members and Refolkus guests, now broadcasting on CKCU FM 93.1 in Ottawa, CKUW 95.9 FM in Winnipeg and CFBX 92.5 FM in Kamloops.

Presented by Folk Canada

Hosted by Rosalyn Dennett

Produced by Kayla Nezon and Rosalyn Dennett

Mixed by Jordan Moore of The Pod Cabin

Theme music “Amsterdam” by King Cardiac

Artwork by Jaymie Karn

In this week’s episode, we chat to Ellorie McKnight, a climate researcher and indie folk artist.

We get into her journey as an artist and how she approaches songwriting as a way to explore both personal and collective experiences. We also dive into her climate work, and how it informs her artistry, using music as a way to invite reflection, connection, and engagement. It’s a thoughtful conversation about creating with intention and finding meaning through your work.

Check out Ellorie’s book recommendation, ‘Amplify’ by Adam Met about how to leverage your audience (as a musician) into climate action.

Catch Ellorie McKnight on one of her upcoming tour dates and connect with her on Instagram, her website and on Bandcamp.

About Ellorie McKnight

Ellorie McKnight (she/her) is a indie-folk singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and square dance entusiast living working and creating art on the territories of the Ta’an Kwach’an Council & Kwanlin Dun First Nation in Whitehorse, Yukon. Delicate vocals, dynamic melodies, and lyrics painting reflections of both the individual and collective human experience define her songwriting. Threads of her experiences as a climate researcher, deep feeler, and systems thinker are woven into her songs, inviting listeners to settle into emotion and contemplation about relationships, modernity, and what comes next. When she’s not singing, you can find her with her fiddle looking for the old-time jam.

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Tune in to the latest episodes of Refolkus, featuring latest music releases from Folk Canada members and Refolkus guests, now broadcasting on CKCU FM 93.1 in Ottawa, CKUW 95.9 FM in Winnipeg and CFBX 92.5 FM in Kamloops.

Presented by Folk Canada

Hosted by Rosalyn Dennett

Produced by Kayla Nezon and Rosalyn Dennett

Mixed by Jordan Moore of The Pod Cabin

Theme music “Amsterdam” by King Cardiac

Artwork by Jaymie Karn

In this week’s episode, we’re joined by Mimi O’Bonsawin for a conversation that moves between life on the road and the deeper connections that shape her work as an artist. We get into her relationship to land and gardening, and how that feeds into her creativity and helps her stay grounded while navigating a demanding touring schedule.

Mimi also shares what it’s like managing celiac disease on tour, opening up about the realities of food prep, travel, and trying to maintain your well-being in an environment that isn’t always built for it.

Catch Mimi O’Bonsawin on one of her upcoming tour dates and connect with her on Instagram, Facebook and on her website.

About Mimi O’Bonsawin

Mimi O’Bonsawin is a contemporary roots singer-songwriter born in Northeastern Ontario. She is French Canadian & W8banaki (Abénaki), a member of the Odanak First Nation. Through her rhythm and story-driven songs, Mimi’s music embraces the beauty of the land. The ethereal quality of her music whisks you away with uplifting melodies and introspective lyrics that weave pop sensibilities with acoustic instrumentation. Layers of percussion and unexpected harmonies make you feel the music rather than just hear it.

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Tune in to the latest episodes of Refolkus, featuring latest music releases from Folk Canada members and Refolkus guests, now broadcasting on CKCU FM 93.1 in Ottawa, CKUW 95.9 FM in Winnipeg and CFBX 92.5 FM in Kamloops.

Presented by Folk Canada

Hosted by Rosalyn Dennett

Produced by Kayla Nezon and Rosalyn Dennett

Mixed by Jordan Moore of The Pod Cabin

Theme music “Amsterdam” by King Cardiac

Artwork by Jaymie Karn