It’s been a time of change for Bow Valley-born alt-pop artist Amelie Patterson, and not just the musical kind. After over a decade as a full-time artist, she picked up a 9-5 job. “I started working as a fundraiser for the Calgary Food Bank this year,” she says. “I thought it would pull me away from music but it’s really galvanized me creatively. I feel so lucky when I have the time to make music now.”
That joy translated into a summer filled with meaningful musical moments, including playing the Canmore Folk Fest in her home valley.
She’s also deep in the midst of a new album, entitled Change of Plans.
It’s still in the mixing phase (“so no release date just yet!”), but she’s already performing the songs live. She thinks it may be her most resonant album yet.
“It’s very much a meditation on the complicated time in your life that your 30s can be,” she says. “You don’t have the same resources or time, you’re caring for your parents and your family, and you have no choice but to lean in – to the fear, the change, the knowledge that you’ve earned. That’s where this music is coming from.”
She’s also leaning in to creativity with her singing. “I think this would be the first record I’ve made where I’m more confidently sitting in my voice. We’re using my voice not just for melody, but as texture, like an instrument in the soundscape.”
Her longtime music collaborator (and husband) Brayden Bell has been a big part of shaping the record, along with her usual musical crew: Barry Mason, Kyle Tenove, Benjamin Longman and Chris Dadge. “Brayden is like a Swiss Army Knife in the music scene so he plays tons of instruments on this record,” she says.
It’s always a journey, she says. “We usually start big, throwing every sound we can at a song, and then strip it back. Funnily enough, we often land close to the original demo.”
Up next: Jasper Music Folk Festival. The festival is back on cancelling last year after a wildfire devastated the town last summer.
“Jasper has been so kind to us. We have played Jasper Folk Fest before and I’m so looking forward to it.”
Patterson says she has so much appreciation for the people working to create events like the folk festival. And like CKUA!
“Community doesn’t just happen. People work so hard to make it. Festivals, radio, live music, art, it’s all magic and it’s worth protecting. Sometimes you just have to let the art in, let it hurt you a little, and then let it heal.”
Jasper Folk Music Festival takes place September 5 and 6. Patterson takes the stage at 6:15pm on September 6. To learn more about Patterson, check out her website. More information about the Jasper Folk Festival can be found here.
“Armageddon” by Amelie Patterson:
