With Kate Fyrk
Kate is the lead vocalist for the rockin’ six-piece Saskatoon blues band The Velvet Threads. Here are six songs she considers favourites. /Gregory Beatty
“Let’s Give Them Something to Talk About”
Bonnie Raitt | Luck of the Draw (1991)
I didn’t grow up knowing I could sing. I discovered my hidden talent belting out this song at age 14, so it will always be special to me. Fun fact: this is my “go-to” song when people ask me to sing a capella.
“Rock Me Right”
Susan Tedeschi | Just Won’t Burn (1998)
Susan Tedeschi is one boss lady, and this song shows how talented she really is. She’s been in the blues scene since I can remember and I’ve always looked up to her as an artist. This is one of those songs you have on your “singing playlist”, if you know what I mean.
“Long Way Down”
Lil and Ollie | Confessional (2018)
This is a new band I’ve recently found and come to enjoy thoroughly. It’s awesome to discover new artists grinding so hard, just starting to get noticed. I truly appreciate the hustle.
“Long Gone”
Josiah and the Bonnevilles | On Trial (2018)
There are a lot of good bangers on this album. “Long Gone” has one line that really hit me: “We were talking alone, over the shots from the thought guns in our heads.” I’ve never been a very good lyricist myself, so I like when I find artists who can really turn the cranks in your head with a line like that.
“My Mind”
Yebba | Online Single (2017)
Yebba’s vocal range is amazing. The passion behind her words and the emotion in her voice give me chills. When she sings the highs and lows of this song, it’s almost like she’s sobbing but without the tears — sobbing out the most beautiful heartache. I’ve always been attracted to artists who show raw emotion like that.
“Goddess”
Banks | Goddess (2014)
Banks shows the dark and eerie side of my musical personality. I’ve included it here to pay my respects to the album that got me through a low time in my life. If you’re feeling down and trying to climb that ladder back up into empowerment, you should check out this album.
